Beguiled (19 page)

“We must,” Merry said.

“Of course we must,” Violet said. “We cannot allow Ally to be in any danger whatsoever.”

“No, no, of course not,” Merry said.

“He's a
highwayman,
” Edith wailed.

“He rescued Ally,” Violet said. “That is all that matters. Therefore, we will not turn you in, young man!”

“The point is,” Mark said, “you need to pack a few things. And then I will ride with you as far as Lord Farrow's lodge.”

“Lord Farrow's lodge?” Violet said.

“You don't have to stay there forever. But the lodge is close, and it is safe.”

Violet stared at him long and hard. She wagged a finger at him. “You must change your evil ways, young man.”

“Lord Farrow might well demand your arrest!” Ally said.

“I will leave you before he sees me,” Mark assured her.

“Come, come, don't dawdle, sisters,” Violet said. “Ally, have you anything packed?”

“Not yet.”

“Then we all must move. Hurry along,” Violet ordered.

Ally arched a brow and stared at him with a stern frown. He shrugged. There was nothing else he could have done. He would never allow them to travel through the forest alone. Not with Ally, certainly not that night. And now…never.

“You don't even have a dog,” he muttered as Violet walked past him.

She lifted her chin. “We've had watchdogs in the past,” she snapped. “But when one loses a fine companion, it is not easily replaced.”

With that, she walked past him, into the house. Shrugging, Ally followed, still lending a hand to Edith, who seemed about to pass out again after she merely looked his way.

The sisters were efficient. It didn't take them even thirty minutes to pack up what belongings they needed for the night. He loaded the rockaway coach for them, then mounted his horse. Violet again took the reins, and Ally sat with Edith.

The lantern set above the driver's perch cast light before them as they traveled. Their horse plodded slowly but surely through the night. Of course, what might have been a quick ride seemed endless.

They encountered no one.

When at last they approached his father's lodge, they could see light burning from within. Bertram, his father's burly factotum, emerged from the house at the sound of their approach. Jeeter followed, and his father came behind Jeeter.

“I must leave you now,” Mark murmured, and, spurring his horse, he turned to ride back down the drive, knowing his father would allow no harm to come to any of them.

Ally explained the night's events to Lord Farrow, who immediately asked Jeeter and Bertrum to help with their belongings, then led them inside. “What happened to the intruder? How did you scare him off?” Lord Farrow demanded.

“Oh, dear, you cannot imagine,” Merry began, but Ally nudged her warningly and spoke over her.

“A…friend happened by,” she said. Could Lord Farrow possibly know about his son's double life?

The highwayman had ridden away the second he knew they had been seen approaching the lodge.

“A friend,” she repeated. “He escorted us this far and saw we were safe, but he had…pressing business and could not wait.”

“We do apologize for intruding,” Violet said.

But Lord Farrow was far too gracious to allow for any apologies.

“My dears, Miss Grayson is to be my daughter-in-law. You are like my sisters. You are more than welcome here. I am merely concerned about what has happened and how to keep it from happening again.” He frowned. “The wedding must be held as soon as arrangements can be made.”

“What?” Ally gasped, then caught herself as she realized the truth of her feelings.

She was going to marry him. Because she was falling in love with him, already was in love with him, even if she felt unable to be wholly honest with him. But then, how dare he lie to her so?

Yet he had managed to be there tonight in the nick of time. Yes, she had fought the intruder, but would she have won?

Fear began to seep into her soul. Had she been marked for murder? Why? Did someone else suspect that she was A. Anonymous?

“The wedding must take place very soon,” Lord Farrow said quietly, looking at her with steady eyes.

“We must have time to plan,” she insisted.

“Safety must come before the niceties,” Lord Farrow said. “But that can all be discussed tomorrow. We've guest rooms down the hall, quite spacious. In fact, you can each have your own room—”

“No, no, please. We are best together tonight,” Ally said.

“All in one bed?” Lord Farrow asked. “You needn't be so crushed.”

“I'll sleep with Edith, and Merry and Violet can be together. I think we all feel we need some loving company tonight,” Ally said.

He smiled at her. She felt a rush of affection for the man. Maybe it was because she knew he honestly liked her.

How comforting to think of having him for her father-in-law.

On the other hand, how disturbing to think of having a husband.

“I will ride first watch,” Bertram said.

Lord Farrow nodded. “Set the lads and ladies loose, as well.”

“The lads and ladies?” Violet asked.

“Wolfhounds,” Lord Farrow said. “Marvelous creatures. Large as tigers, loyal to the core, and exceptional guard dogs.”

“Oh, yes, we had a wonderful wolfhound once, remember, Ally?” Merry asked.

“Yes, but I was young.”

“Perhaps we should have such a dog again,” Violet murmured.

“I'll see to it,” Lord Farrow told her. “And now, to bed. It's quite lucky I was here tonight. Angus would have definitely seen to you in the village, but there is space here, and we are almost family. Is there anything you would like? Tea?”

“A shot of whiskey,” Edith said.

They all stared at her in stunned silence for a minute.

Lord Farrow shrugged and grinned. “A shot of whiskey it is. And, if you think you can possibly remain awake a bit longer, I'll have Sir Angus Cunningham out here as quickly as possible. He is the sheriff, and he must know what has happened immediately.”

“I suppose we must speak with the sheriff, yes,” Violet said.

“Indeed,” Merry agreed, and she looked at Edith. “So you must go slowly with that whiskey.”

 

M
ARK AWOKE TO THE SOUND
of a snort and the feel of a soft, wet muzzle against his cheek. He opened his eyes, looked up and groaned. Galloway, one of his finest Arab-mix steeds, was standing above him, curious and eager to wake him.

He sat up, pulling straw from his hair, yet dryly thinking he had slept rather well for bedding down in the stable.

Then, before he could rise, he heard the soft sound of paws. A second later, the hounds were on him, letting out a bark and a whimper here and there, and all but laving him to death with poking noses and kisses.

“Excuse me,” he protested, using the back of the largest, Malcolm, to rise at last. He patted the four heads of the giant animals madly wagging their tails, and when Cara would have risen on her hind legs—and even at his height, she stood an inch above him—he commanded, “Down! Ah, good girl,” he praised her when she obeyed. Then he looked around. “Father, where are you? I'm sure you're finding this quite amusing.”

In hunting attire—tan jodhpurs, jacket and high black boots—Lord Farrow appeared. “Ah, you
are
here. I thought I might find you nearby.”

Mark dusted straw from himself. “What else could I have done?” he asked ruefully.

Joseph grew grave. “Nothing. This was quite disturbing news. It's possible some lost fool decided the sisters' cottage might make a decent refuge, but you don't believe that, do you?”

Mark shook his head. “I want Ally staying here. And the aunts must stay, as well.”

“The aunts will refuse. You know that. I had Sir Angus out last night. He went to search the cottage. He has sent men to secure the windows with braces, so even if someone shatters the glass, they will not be able to get in. I will send a pair of the hounds with them. And you might find out if a few of your friends are available to take night watch.”

“Yes, we can share hours,” Mark murmured.

“May I make a suggestion?”

“Please.”

“The wedding has been intended for many years. Unless you have decided it is not something you can agree to—and, in truth, you are not beholden to keep my word—I strenuously suggest your marriage take place this Saturday.”

“That allows little time for planning. I had thought you and the Stirlings wished for a magnificent affair.”

“Which is not necessary,” Joseph said, waving a hand in the air.

“No, not in my mind. Miss Grayson, however, might object.”

“Well, we shall see. Are you intending to come in?” Joseph asked.

Mark shook his head. “Bertram will allow me his stable room to bathe and dress. I must make a trip into the city.”

“Are you getting any closer to the truth?” his father asked.

“I'm not close to the truth, but I have been able to eliminate some possibilities. I am certain some who are under suspicion are not involved. So…”

“I understand. But if you intend to see your way through to this wedding by Saturday, I suggest you spend some time with Ally.”

“Indeed. It's just that this morning, I must pore over some of the records Ian has obtained.”

“As you see fit.”

“Father?”

“Yes?”

“Lionel Wittburg was in a sad state yesterday.”

“Ah. So that was why Detective Douglas was at the church?”

“Yes.”

“How is Lord Wittburg now?”

“Much better, I believe.”

“Good.”

“But he said something curious. I will go through with the wedding, Father, as you long ago promised I would. But if I am to do so, you must tell me the truth.”

“The truth? I made a vow to Lord Stirling.”

“Father, that isn't the only reason. You must tell exactly why it is so important that Ally Grayson is married to
me.
”

Joseph stood very still. “There are secrets some men have taken to their graves, son,” he said softly after a moment.

“But there are men alive who still know those secrets. Lionel Wittburg knows something.”

“What did the old fool say?”

“Nothing. But I am asking
you.
Father. I need the truth.”

Joseph fell silent. “We will talk later,” he said at last. “When you are not called to duty in the city.”

He turned and strode back toward the house. Mark watched his father go. At least it seemed Joseph meant to talk to him at last. He was suddenly very sorry it was necessary for him to head back to the city.

 

“O
H
,
DEAR
,
WE CAN
'
T JUST
stay here endlessly,” Violet said.

“I'm sure we'll be safe at the cottage,” Edith said.

They were seated around the breakfast table. Ally was amazed by the beauty of this place, which was considered a mere hunting lodge. There was a grand salon, the breakfast room—with windows that overlooked the rear lawn and the forest—the enormous kitchen, a formal dining room, a large parlor, a library and the plentiful bedrooms. In Lord Farrow's father's and grandfather's day—and even before, he had said—the Earls of Warren had come here often with large parties of friends to hunt, so the size had been necessary. The current Lord Farrow loved to come here because of the peace and beauty of the countryside, but sadly, he admitted, his business kept him in London most of the time.

“If you must return to the cottage, I will send a pair of the dogs,” Lord Farrow said. “But, Ally, I'm afraid you must remain here as my guest.”

“But if we have the dogs—”

“I don't believe your aunts are really in any danger. I believe you are,” he told her.

“You must stay here, then,” Violet said firmly.

“I can't have you going off alone,” Ally said firmly.

Lord Farrow cleared his throat. “We have decided the wedding will take place this Saturday,” he said.

Ally gasped. “So soon?”

“It seems prudent,” Lord Farrow said.

“I—I—” Ally stuttered.

“Yes, it must be this Saturday. Oh, Ally, that will be wonderful. You will never need to fear anything again,” Merry said brightly.

“I'm not afraid right now. I'm angry, and I'm worried about you three being alone,” she said firmly.

“Ally,” Violet said, and winced. “I'm sorry to say this, but…I believe we will be fine by ourselves, especially with the beautiful hounds Lord Farrow so graciously intends to lend us. It is more than likely you have become the target of some insanely jealous person. You will be safest here, while we will be safe in our little domain.”

“But—”

“Ally, for now, please?” Edith asked softly.

She lifted her hands. There was an inkling of truth in what they were saying. She no longer believed it was because she was engaged to Mark Farrow that she was suddenly a target. It had occurred to her that she might have been followed to the post office in London.

Perhaps someone—someone deadly—knew that she was A. Anonymous.

“Please, don't look so stricken, dear,” Edith begged.

“You'll be with us all day on Friday. We'll be fitting your wedding gown for the last alterations. Oh, you will be so beautiful,” Merry promised.

Ally tried to smile, but inside she felt a small sense of heartbreak. She loved them so dearly. She had loved growing up in the woods. She suddenly realized that not only was she supposed to marry a man who was all but a stranger to her, but she would be leaving behind her childhood, all she had loved so much for so long.

“I have a wonderful library,” Lord Farrow told her.