Lord Phillip's Folly Read online

  Duke nodded and flew off.

  The windows were closed and the drapes were drawn. She settled into a chair by the fire, the vision of blue eyes and a strong chin were better dreamt of awake. I’m in a safe place, I’ll be fine. She’d abandoned everything for safety. But in doing so she courted scandal. There was no way to save face after this. Even under the auspices of the Viscount and his wife, there was little cachet to be had as a runaway daughter of a baron. Even if she could gain her fortune, she’d expose her location. How would she live? Where would she go? Wearily she sought her bed and drifted into an uneasy sleep.

  She ran away from one nightmare straight into unknown darkness with few options.

  ~*~

  Duke flew to the top of the tree and settled in to sleep. The noise of the city made that hard. The gas lamps encroached on the darkness he was accustomed to in the country. His mistress was well. He spied the man who brought his mistress here, return. Duke bobbed his head. He’d do. Lizzy went with him willingly. She was safe and the terror he’d seen in her the past few days was momentarily gone. He could rest and wait to find out what would happen next. She wasn’t clear of all danger yet. Evil lurked in the darkness and he would do anything to protect her.

  ~*~

  Weariness weighed Phillip down as he stepped back into the Remington home. He strode into the parlour where Marcus awaited with Josie.

  “You’ve returned.” Josie sat down next to Marcus, snuggling against him. “I only just got Elizabeth to relax enough to go to bed.”

  Phillip picked up the glass he’d abandoned earlier. He took a sip and savored the heat as it burned its way down his throat. “Well?”

  “She needs our help. This is an evil enemy we’ve engaged by assisting her. It scares me.”

  “That bad?” Marcus gave her a squeeze.

  “Truly, worse than I could imagine.”

  “How is she? Did she tell you anything?” Phillip sat and stretched his legs out in front of him.

  “Along with the marks on her wrists, there are scars on her back. I suspect there are deeper wounds she’s not had the courage to share.”

  Marcus hugged Josie tight and kissed her hair.

  Phillip experienced a twinge of jealousy at the love the two shared. He shook it off. He did not need a wife. He doubted he would ever find someone as perfect for him as Josie was for Marcus. He held great affection for them both.

  Josie spoke again. “This woman has been tortured. Unspeakably abused, and has sole control of her fortune, an inheritance from an aunt. For some reason, her father is insisting she marry Lord Wolton as soon as possible, and she believes this man will destroy her. I sense in my spirit that she speaks the truth. She needs protection. Regardless, I doubt this evil will go away.” She paused. “Lord Follett and Lord Wolton should be investigated. This poor woman is a pawn in a bigger game. Perhaps we could call on Nigel Neville to assist us.”

  “Are you serious, Josie?” asked Marcus.

  She nodded.

  “When I returned to the ball, I discovered Lord Wolton had a Special License and if he finds her he will tie her to himself as quickly as possible. What I have heard of him in the past is not favorable.” Phillip sipped his drink. The warmth only provided temporary relief from the unease within.

  “I’ll reach out to Neville to make discreet inquiries,” offered Marcus.

  “Do you think her father might call for Bow Street to investigate?” she asked.

  “I doubt it, however, it is not safe to keep her in town. What do you suggest, Josie?” Marcus inquired.

  “I need to make a trip to Rose Hill. Give it about that I am increasing. The season was too much for me and I returned to the country. We can take Elizabeth with us, dressing her up as a maid so she is not discovered en route in case someone is searching for her.”

  Phillip blinked several times. “Is it true? My good man, are you soon to be a father?”

  Marcus beamed. “So my bride informs me.”

  Josie blushed.

  “Congratulations, to both of you.” Phillip digested the news. A child. An heir. Of course, he didn’t feel any need or urge in that direction. In spite of that, a deep sense of loss sliced through him. Life went on and circumstances changed. But his relationship with Marcus would once again alter. He shook off the melancholy that suddenly cloaked him.

  “Back to our subject, getting Miss Follett out of the city might be wise. We can keep her safe while we set inquiries in motion,” Josie said as she rose to her feet motioning for her husband to stay seated.

  Marcus agreed. “I’ll inform Barkley we are departing in the morning. The rest of our things may be packed up and sent later.”

  Josie leaned forward to plant a kiss on her husband’s cheek. “Thank you, Marcus.” She turned to leave. “I am fatigued. Phillip, will you be joining us at Rose Hill? Your room is always kept ready for you.”

  “I’ll discover what I can in town first. Marcus, will you travel with them?”

  “Yes, I’ll accompany the ladies. I find I dislike being separated from Josie for any length of time. I’ll send a note off to Mr. Neville to attend me at Rose Hill.”

  “I may need to stay in town for a day or two, play the dutiful son, and squire my sister to a few events. I’ll listen to any gossip that comes up over Miss Follet’s disappearance. After that, I will join you in the country.”

  “Excellent plan,” said Marcus as he rose.

  “Good night, Phillip. I’m proud of you for helping Miss Follett.” Josie came forward to give him a hug.

  “I felt compelled to act.”

  Josie wiggled her eyebrows and grinned. “That sounds promising.” She left the room.

  Phillip turned. “What did she mean by that?”

  Marcus only shrugged. “No clue. Women are a delightful mystery. I pray someday you find one of your own to puzzle and enchant you.”

  Phillip shook his head. “Please don’t pray for that.” He rose and set his glass on the table.

  Marcus walked him to the front door. “I will pray as I see fit, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” He patted his friend on the back.

  Phillip put his hat on. “I suppose not. I’ll visit you at Rose Hill.”

  The door closed behind him as Phillip skipped down the stairs and hailed a hackney to take him to his rented rooms. Normally he’d be playing cards and drinking but his future held some obligations that required a sharp mind and rest was essential. As he rode, the image of green eyes and soft red hair haunted him. Well, if he had to rescue someone at least she was pretty.

  3

  Elizabeth stretched. A moment of disorientation as she gazed around the beautiful room soon reminded her of the events of the night before. It wasn’t all a nightmare. It wouldn’t be long before her father found her and any hope would be extinguished.

  A knock came to the door.

  “Yes?” Lizzy called.

  “It’s Josie. May I enter?”

  “Certainly.” Elizabeth rose as the door opened and Josie slipped in.

  “You may sit. I won’t be long. This morning we’ll dress you as a maid, do something to cover that glorious hair, and spirit you away to our estate in the country. Phillip will stay in town for a few days to listen to the scuttlebutt. I detest that kind of thing but in this instance, it could prove useful.”

  “We’re leaving London? This morning?”

  “It seemed the best option for keeping you safe and I’m delighted that I shall have company when the time comes for Lord Remington to return to Parliament.”

  “I didn’t mean to keep you from your entertainments.”

  “’Tis no bother. I’m increasing and find the endless round of social calls and balls to be tiring. I’d rather be home and comfortable. Country girl at heart, I guess.”

  “I will be bringing a companion with me.”

  “A companion?” Josie frowned as her brows scrunched.

  “I have a pet crow named Duke. He’ll fly or
sit on top of the carriage. He won’t be a bother.”

  “Unusual. I don’t think Lord Remington would want him in the house.”

  “Oh, no. He loves the outdoors and finds his own food. He’s no trouble.”

  “That should be fine. We leave in an hour.” Josie rose and left the room.

  Lizzy needed to make sure Duke followed her. She went to the window, drew back the drapes and opened it. Giving a low whistle, she stood and waited. Soon a black figure emerged, landed on the sill, and looked about with curiosity.

  “Duke, I’ve found shelter.”

  Duke glanced up at her and tilted his head, waiting.

  “We depart in a carriage very soon, but I’ll be dressed as a servant. I will whistle so you will know when I leave. I understand it is a full day’s journey to Rose Hill.”

  She set her hand out sideways below Duke’s chest and he stepped up from the sill. Bringing him up to her face she leaned forward to kiss his beak. Duke made a purring sound which caused her to giggle. “You most certainly are a silly crow, and I am grateful you are with me for this journey. I won’t feel so alone with these people who are strangers.” She reached up with her other hand to pet the crow and crooned softly to him. He leaned happily into her hand. She gained comfort and strength from the presence of her special pet.

  Eventually, Duke took off to a tree near the house to await departure.

  Lizzy closed the window and with a little wave to Duke, drew the drapes.

  ~*~

  Phillip slept through the night but was startled to awareness of all that happened the previous evening. He rose, allowed his valet to help him prepare for the day, and ate a light breakfast. He glanced out the window as he sipped his coffee. The weather was favorable for travel. He shook his head in wonder at how quickly things had changed in the past twelve hours. He was now embroiled in the affairs of a young woman he had helped run away from a disastrous marriage. Setting down his empty cup, he grabbed his hat to leave only to be stopped by a messenger who arrived moments before. He accepted the packet from Fenway and sat back down to read the letter.

  Phillip,

  We’re departing now and I’ve hired Bow Street to look into Wolton and Follett. Keep an ear open here in town. We anticipate your visit to Rose Hill as soon as you are able to join us.

  I do not regret taking leave at this point in the season. Josie prefers the country and to be honest, right now I do as well.

  M.R.

  He sensed the unspoken pride Marcus had over becoming a father by Christmas. Phillip was happy for them. He sat the letter down and glanced around his apartments. He rented rooms in town to save the money of setting up a more permanent establishment with all the expenses and staff such a property would require. As a single man, his needs were fairly minimal and his valet was more than willing to make do with their limited environs. Someday, when he stepped into the parson’s mousetrap, he’d consider purchasing a home in town. But not yet. For the nonce, he would save his money.

  He stood up with a start. Did he just think when? There was no need to marry. Ever. He was content with his life as a bachelor and entertained no qualms about seeking his pleasure where he may when the need arose. A wife was unnecessary for his overall happiness. He did not need to secure the family line as his brother already accomplished that feat. He cherished his freedom. Marriage was fine for Marcus, but not for him. No, right now he only needed to meet his own desires and whims without the burden of trying to satisfy a wife.

  Other than the Remington’s, there were very few marriages in the beau monde that inspired any desire to take such a risk with his happiness. He could think of nothing that might tempt him to wrap that particular noose around his neck.

  The image of Elizabeth’s face rose in his mind. He had a job to do this morning and for that he was grateful. The idle life of a young man in town began to pall years ago. He picked up his hat and left his rooms to saunter down the street towards White’s. He would listen for any word of Lord Follett or Lord Wolton’s actions, and the disappearance of a certain young woman whose green eyes and soft red hair were hard to dismiss from his thoughts.

  ~*~

  White’s was a gentlemen’s club of distinction. No women were allowed to enter the hallowed portal. Membership was only to the crème de la crème in society and men couldn’t join without being vouched for by another of the elite.

  Phillip entered the club and handed off his hat before sauntering into the main room. He settled down in a comfortable chair and picked up the morning’s paper. The scandal sheets echoed whispers he’d overheard the previous evening. Any chance of keeping Beth out of the papers and her situation hushed up was moot. Beth? Since when did he start thinking of her as Beth? He grinned at his own foolishness and continued to read while listening to the talk of others around him.

  Lord Theodore Harrow entered, hailed Phillip from across the room, and came to sit with him. “Good morrow, Phillip, I received a little note from Marcus stating you might be needing an extra pair of ears, but he neglected to give me any details. Is there trouble afoot?”

  Phillip set down his paper and considered his friend. Slightly older by a few years, Lord Harrow almost seemed like a Papa Bear in their group. Affable, serious, and compassionate, he still had a good left hook in a fight when necessary. If there was a man he would want in his corner for his ability to think through a problem, this man was it. Phillip looked at him. “What have the gossipmongers been saying regarding my sister’s come out ball?”

  With a bit of flair, Theo moved his hand in a grand gesture and began to speak. “It was the event of the season. Your sister is a pearl beyond compare and is probably drowning in floral tributes as we speak.” Theodore paused and rubbed his chin with his left hand. His voice lowered. “Hmmm, my valet did say something this morning. What was it? Yes. Something about a young woman disappearing at the ball.” His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned in toward Phillip. “The Honorable Elizabeth Follett, was it? I remember dancing with her earlier in the evening. She’s a delightful young woman and not difficult to look at,” Theodore winked at Phillip, “if you know what I mean. Her red hair gives a man something to dream about.”

  “I’m sure it does, Theo. I’ve met Miss Follett and she is undeniably an attractive young woman. What is being said regarding her disappearance?”

  Lord Harrow shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. She’s disappeared without a trace and her father is fit to be tied. Apparently, she was to marry Lord Wolton, although forgive me for saying it, I cannot figure out why she’d choose such a despicable man for a husband. She is newly out, beautiful, and would likely suffer offers galore from men more suited to her in age and temperament.”

  Phillip was taken aback by his friend’s vehement opposition to anyone. The man must be truly as bad as he said for Theo to speak ill of Wolton. “But he is a wealthy marquess whereas her father is only a mere baron.”

  “True. Yet if she is not under her father’s guardianship in terms of her fortune, why would she make such an otherwise obvious misalliance?”

  “How do you even know that? Has there been a public disclosure of her inheritance, provided she has one?” Phillip asked.

  “A pertinent question. I’m only repeating what little I know.”

  “I wonder what is going on between Lord Follett and Lord Wolton? It behooves us to keep listening carefully as we go about town.”

  “I can do that, but what of the young lady herself? Where could she have gone? I hope she is not wandering our city, as there is only one place I imagine her ending up. It is not befitting her station to be reduced to those kinds of circumstances when she is independently wealthy.”

  “I sincerely doubt she has entered a brothel to hide, Theodore. Miss Follett struck me as an intelligent woman, quite able to figure out a way to escape her difficulties without ruining herself.”

  “If she doesn’t appear soon, her reputation will be in tatters and she will lose any hope of
obtaining a decent match. I would go so far as to say her season is probably over, unless she has found another beau to marry or has escaped to the Continent with a chaperone. Otherwise, her chances of returning to town with her reputation intact are nil.”

  Phillip frowned.

  Theodore sat back and watched his friend. “What, by any chance, has this to do with you anyway? Did you have an interest in that quarter and now regret your missed opportunity?”

  “What?” Phillip gaped. “I am not in the market for a wife regardless of my mother’s fondest dreams. Miss Follett disappeared at my parents’ home and I’m concerned. She seemed like a sweet young lady and it bothers me that any woman would feel led to act in such an extreme way.”

  “Perhaps she didn’t run away. Is there a possibility she was kidnapped? Maybe she is being held for ransom? Or what if she had a beau her father was unaware of? Could she have found a way to run off to Scotland to marry across the border?”

  “No, and no. You’re out there, Theodore.”

  “Really?” The older man’s eyes squinted. He smiled and leaned forward, whispering to Phillip. “You know where she is, don’t you?”

  Phillip avoided meeting his friend’s gaze and Theo sat back nodding in satisfaction. “Well, sounds like a mystery. I’m glad she’s safe. What do you need from me?”

  “Keep our ears open for word of Follett or Wolton. Something seems fishy about them.”

  “At your service.” Lord Harrow rose to leave. “How long are you staying on town?”

  “Only a day or two more, to appease Mother.”

  “Then off to Rose Hill?”

  Phillip nodded in resignation at how easily his friend figured things out. “Yes. I’m expected at Rose Hill.”

  Theodore smiled. “Caught at last, huh, Phillip? Well, couldn’t happen to a better man, if I say so myself.” He walked away, whistling a jaunty tune as he gathered his hat at the door and stepped out into the sunshine.

  Phillip would have blustered a defense but his brain seemed muddled and slow of a sudden. He inwardly shook himself. He hadn’t been out drinking the night before, so why was he off balance? Theo’s words shouldn’t be shaking him. He needed to solve the puzzle. Once that was done he could return to his estate and books.