Lady Phillipa's Peril: Regency Romance Suspense Series ( Book 3) (Lords of Sussex 4) (18 page)

‘He deserves to die,’ Damien snarled. ‘Stay back – stay back.’ Upon which he punched Demetrius to the floor. Standing over him, with fists clenched, he growled, ‘Now get your sorry carcass out of here. If it were not for the dowager and the twins, I’d kill you – you swine.’

Panting, Demetrius staggered back, but then stooped, swiftly drawing a dagger from his boot.

Phillipa held her breath. He meant to maim or kill. With a roar, Damien leapt forward kicking the arm holding the weapon. The dagger spun through the room. Grimacing, Demetrius ran for it.  Damien in turn whipped out a lethal looking stiletto from his own boot and went after him. Grabbing the fallen dagger, Demetrius turned to face him, an evil smile on his face.   Now both men circled each other, feinting and stabbing the air between them, waiting for a chance to deliver the deathly blow.

Phillipa cried out, ‘Don’t – don’t. Think of your mama Demetrius, think of the twins. You cannot do this to them. You will be hanged – hanged.’

‘Hah, I think not.’ Demetrius scowled. ‘There are many places where I can disappear.’ As he made a lunge towards Damien, the door swung open.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Hector stood in the door way, a pistol in his good arm. By his side, stood a portly stranger of medium height, with beetled black brows, and small glittering eyes in a florid face, dressed in a modest frockcoat, In his hand he held a pistol pointed at Demetrius.

Both men stopped circling, looking at Hector and his stone faced companion. ‘Get the hell out of here Demetrius, before I shoot you.’

Wide eyed, Phillipa‘s breath froze, as she saw Demetrius smirk, holding his brother’s eyes. ‘So you would shoot your own brother over him?’

‘Tis a blackguard I would shoot. How dare you lay a hand upon my fiancée?’

‘Your fiancée – Pah, Think you I do not know of your machinations? These panel walls are thin brother. I have a mind to reveal all to our mother.’

‘Get you gone now, before I shoot you – you bastard.  Pack your things and leave this house.’ Hector advanced, limping towards him, ‘Try me not brother for I would surely shoot you dead. Tis you who shot me, and I have proof.’

‘You talk nonsense – why should I do that?’

‘For the title of course, the estates, the plantations, the mines. Don’t think I am not aware of your avarice.’

‘You bluff, there is no proof.’

‘Hah, I have a witness to your devilry who stands by my side. Let me introduce Mr. Titmouse, detective constable from Bow Street. I employed him to ensure we had taken the proper security against the threat of burglars. We cannot be too careful with all the expensive wedding gifts. But more importantly, I also instructed him to guard Philippa and myself. He took that note to her, ‘Marry at your peril’ very seriously indeed. He warned me of his suspicions, but I did not take due precaution. Fool that I am, I just could not believe you would murder me brother.’

‘You are mistaken and he is a fool – just look at him – egad he looks like a half-witted gammon.’ Demetrius spluttered.  ‘Deuce, d’you think I would harm you or my sweet sister-in-law? Then think again. You insult me.’

‘I was sure it was an enemy, a throwback to some card game,’ Hector said bitterly, ignoring his protests, But no,  he informed me it was you, as I lay wounded. He saw you cock your gun and aim in my direction. The only reason I am alive is because he managed to shoot at your feet so you missed me. Is that not so Titmouse?’

‘Aye it is milord. I did ‘ave a notion to shoot his feet not at ‘em, but the good Lord would have seen that as an evil act, so my conscience won the day. I then made off afore I blew me cover – wretch that he is.’

‘Tis only my wounds prevented me from dealing with you,’ Hector growled. ‘You are the scum of the earth to try to murder a brother, to ravish an innocent woman.’

‘Pray now, why would I be party to murder?’

‘Come, it is patently clear, from the first night of our marriage Phillipa could begin increasing. All your chances of succeeding to the seat would be gone, even if you killed me she was still in your way.’

‘So why did you not expose me?’

‘I hoped that you would desist from such treacherous attempts. I had to think of mama, of the family. We would be ruined in the eyes of the
ton
. So I had you watched. I did not realize you were scurrilous enough to build a secret entrance to her room. You bastard.’

Hector slumped into a chair, the pistol still pointed at Demetrius, ‘Go, before I change my mind. You are dead to me now, if by some unhappy instance I should see you on the street, I will pass you by. You no longer exist in my world.’

As Demetrius retreated, he said coldly. ‘I will leave a note for mama that I received orders and left immediately for Brussels.

Hector narrowed his eyes, ‘Sadly, we are in the same regiment, you will avoid me at all costs, for you are the one now in peril of your life.’

Sneering, Demetrius made a low bow and departed, slamming the door behind him. 

Damien went immediately to Phillipa, ‘My love, I am so sorry. We had no idea the scoundrel made a secret panel.  Never fear, I will have one of the footmen come and nail it up.’

Turning to Hector, he said, ‘Come on, we have to get you back to bed. How on earth did you find the strength? I was quite generous with the laudanum.’

‘You know us soldiers, why I’ve had wounds before, had them stitched up and gone back into battle.’

‘Yes, but these were deep Hector.’

With the policeman and Damien assisting Hector, they left. Phillipa slipped out of bed and threw on her nightrail and robe before following them into Hector’s room.

Hector was so brave; tears stung her eyes, to think that he came through such pain to rescue her.

She stood to one side as Damien eased him into bed, ‘I just want to check these wounds. I don’t want the stitches pulling apart.  You need at least another day of complete rest.’

‘Did you tell Damien of your suspicions?’ Phillipa asked, ‘Is that why he—’

‘Only last night m’dear. Your safety was paramount. So I asked Damien to keep watch when Mr. Titmouse had some shut eye.’

‘But why didn’t you tell me?’

‘No need to alarm you m’dear. Just taking measures to ensure he didn’t get at either of us. Mr Titmouse kept watch throughout the day; indeed he was patrolling outside the kitchen as Damien operated, fearing Demetrius would make a second attempt. He was then upstairs in my dressing room should I need him.  Damien took over at midnight. We have an able witness in him, if I ever have to report Demetrius. I pray that will never happen. We cannot have the good name of the family dragged through the courts damn it.’

‘Oh Hector, you should have told me, I could have supported you.’

‘Be that as it may, couldn’t have you fretting, too much for that pretty head of yours m’dear. I was in control of the situation.’

Phillipa smiled wryly, ever the Corinthian. She said nothing, what was the use? The man would never change. 

Hector clutched at Damien’s arm, ‘Have you informed mama of our plans?’

‘Hmm, well in a macabre sort of way your shooting has provided the perfect excuse, in fact it has made it easier for us all.’ Damien muttered, carefully unwinding the bandage from his patient’s arm.

‘In what way?’

‘Well, you would be in no fit state to walk down at the aisle or stand up for the ceremony. It was your mama who actually took the lead and suggested we call off the wedding.’

‘Oh I see – ouch.’ He winced as Damien pulled the bandage off the congealed stitches. ‘So have you apprised her of our change of heart?’

‘Ah – no.’ Damien glanced over to Phillipa, ‘you tell him m’dear. I have to focus on the work here.’

Phillipa brought up a chair to the side of the bed. ‘First, Amaryllis told us of your engagement. I am so happy for you Hector. It seems we have all found our true love.’

‘Err – yes, we suit you know. She is a good horsewoman, likes the hunting and shooting, is a competent archer too,’ he enthused, albeit between flinches as Damien bandaged his arm with fresh dressings.  ‘And I might add she is clever hand at Faro.’

‘Aw come on Hector, tis a game of complete chance.’

‘Ah no there is some skill, you know.’ Phillipa smiled, Amaryllis was indeed more suited to him than herself, he could never share with her passion for the more solitary pursuits of etching and painting.

‘So Hector, getting back to it, we decided to say nothing to the dowager. That way, we can all journey to Brussels, and upon our return inform the dowager of our change of plans.’

‘Sounds good. But, duckie, will Amaryllis be allowed to accompany me unmarried?’

‘Yes that has been sorted; her mama is ecstatic and is sworn to secrecy. Because in her eyes it is such an exalted marriage, she will not utter a word to anyone and will feign surprise of our news upon our return.’

‘Hmm that is all well and good, but I have a mind to get the ship’s captain to marry us. In fact Damien, how about you? We could have a double ceremony.’

‘Sounds good, Hector, I already have a licence.’

‘As do I – there is nothing stopping us.’

Damien turned to Phillipa, ‘How say you?’

Phillipa’s heart beat rapidly, ‘La – tis a shock Damien. Maybe we should. I know now my papa will not even countenance a marriage like that.  But we can bring him round with a ceremony and banquet on our return. Also we have to persuade the dowager to allow the twins to journey with us.  My papa is unhappy about the situation even now, but as I have my majority, he cannot stop me from accompanying you.’

‘Ah, so as Shakespeare would say, ‘All’s well that ends well.’

Damien smiled, as he stepped back from the bed. ‘But there is still a war to be fought. God knows what the future holds.’

Phillipa wilted as she looked at him. ‘Don’t say that my lord, you cast negative emotions abroad.’

‘Hmm, I suppose you are right.’ He said no more, realizing Phillipa had little knowledge of the atrocities of war, the rampaging carnage and death.

‘So Hector, do you think you can make the journey?’

Hector winced, as he tried to struggle up in the bed, ‘For goodness sake Damien as I said, this is nothing to what can happen on the battlefield; men fight again, after being wounded.'

‘Don’t try to get up; Hector, you’ll pull at the stitches. Come on good fellow, lie down.’

Moaning Hector complied, allowing Damien to straighten the pillows and settle him down once more.  ‘I shall bank the carriage seat up with a single down mattress, just to take off the effects of the jolting of the carriage wheels. Now enough, I want you to take a few drops of laudanum to enable you to have a good nights’ rest; the body heals itself in sleep.’

Hector harrumphed, as he did not take kindly to laudanum.  However, upon Damien’s command, he meekly quaffed it down.

Leaving the room softly, Phillipa said, ‘Damien, why didn’t you tell  about Titmouse?’

‘I had to abide by Hector’s wishes my love, t’was no time to argue; he was sick, and I didn’t want him falling into the fever. However, be assured, I think you are more than up to any stress my love without swooning at my feet.’

She grinned, giving him a little push.  ‘My knight in tarnished armour.’

‘Tarnished?’

‘Of course, you scheme to get your way.’

‘I think you will find so did most of the Knights of the Round Table. However, they schemed for the good and the worthy. Now as it is I shall sleep in Hector’s dressing room with the door open to your room. That way, I can ensure you are both safe.’

‘But say he returns as you sleep?’

‘You forget I am soldier and will wake in the instant. Now go and rest. I will not venture into your bedroom again this night; the temptation to ravish you is too much my love. So I will bid you goodnight here.’ He took her in his arms, tilting her chin with his finger and lifting her face to his. Her body tingled to the touch of his hands, thrilled to his tongue entering her mouth, rolling around hers. Moaning, she arched her body to his. Grasping her slim waist, he pulled her tight against him.  Groaning, he kissed her deeply, and then wrenched himself away.

‘Mon Dieu, you are magnificent. Now go – go my love before I follow you.’

Laughing, she waved and said, ‘We must gather our strength for tomorrow, we have to persuade the dowager to allow the twins to come with us. We did promise.’

Giving her bottom a little pat, he pushed her into the room. ‘Go – you siren – go before I lose control and ravish you.’

Upon waking, Phillipa gazed around the shafts of sunlight picking up the satin finish of the walls, the blue background fairly sparkled. Such beauty, she wished her mind and conscience were as clear.  Why should they cloud their lives with lies? What was she thinking of? If there was such a thing as a soul, then the dowager would know their deceit, for the soul was all knowing. She may not have the bare truth, but she would surely feel some discomfort, to which she could not put a name. Surely, she had the right to the truth. Of course when it was a question of ruining the family reputation and its place in the ton, then some screening was inevitable. The shallow rules of the ton were to do with pride, envy, rank and money. That was why women were subjected to such tyranny. Yes, tyranny was the right word; they were often forced to live a life of misery for the sake of pride, rank and money. True worth did not really signify in the strivings for power. Calling for her maid, she did her toilette, after which Mary helped her into a morning dress of pale blue muslin with lace at the bosom and the cuffs of the long sleeves.

On dressing her hair, Mary murmured, ‘You are so quiet milady on such a beautiful day, what ails you?’

‘I am musing over an issue that can only be solved with the truth and truth can often be more difficult than excuses or lies. Yet once acknowledged life can be much sweeter than the continual anxiety of subterfuge.’

Used to her mistress’s reflections, Mary smiled. ‘Sometimes you lose me milady but I do agree truth is not an easy path. I am sure you will know what’s best.’ Deftly she pinned up the last two braids, placing them in a swirl on the back of her head, whilst  on the crown she pinned  in a false piece of falling curls and ringlets. Quietly, she curtseyed. ‘Will that be all milady?’

‘Yes – yes, leave me now Mary, and wish me luck in my endeavours.

Smiling prettily, the maid bobbed again, and left the room in a bustle of skirts.

Rising Phillipa drew up a gauze tucker, placing it around the top of her dress. Yes, she knew now what she should do.

She walked through Hector’s dressing room to the bedroom  to find Damien, sitting in a high-backed  Chippendale browsing through a news sheet. Looking up, he said, ‘Ah, did you sleep well?’

Kissing him lightly on the cheek she said, ‘I did awake a couple of times, but after searching the dark corners, I forced myself to go back to sleep. However, you look well rested.’ She went over to Hector, and took his hand, ‘You appear a little more robust. I am so relieved, as tis not like you to have such a pallor.’

Hector greeted her with a big smile. ‘Well what a lovely sight. Come kiss me, ‘

She pecked him on the forehead. ‘My, you are looking more robust today. Thank goodness. I did fear for you yesterday; t’was not like you to be so pale of complexion. Now, I have something I wish to discuss privately.’

‘You had better be quick about it, as mama will be with us shortly.’

‘Very well; now I know we agreed to say nothing to the dowager, but I do not think it could sit well with my conscience. I feel I must exculpate myself in her eyes.’

Damien frowned putting down the newspaper. ‘Why, what have you done?’

‘It is not what I have done, but what I am about to do. I think it is only fair to your mama Hector that we tell her the truth.’

‘Poppycock.’ Hector frowned.  ‘I am not about to make a gammon of myself.’

‘How is telling the truth, making a gammon of yourself?’

‘Pon rep’, Pippa, better to cut a wheedle than leave us with nowhere to go. It was your bloody idea.’ 

‘I know, and I am ashamed of it. However, I am not about to ingratiate myself by lying. I think we should have more respect for your mother.’

‘Hmm, you’re doing it much too brown yer know.’

‘It is not overdoing it Hector; I believe we should be truthful. I do not think I could embark on our voyage without her knowing the truth. After all, her reputation and the family’s are no longer in danger.  I would rather experience her wrath than lie outright, when it is not necessary.’

Damien paced the room. ‘So you agree lies are sometimes necessary? Far rather cut a Banbury tale than face her ire. She may not allow the twins to go with us.’

‘I do not agree Damien, rather aversion is a better word. Alright, I know I sometimes do tell a lie, or rather do not admit to the truth, but I do try hard not to.  I always feel so guilty about it. Now Hector dearest, I do not wish to argue with you, but I do not intend to lie to her.’

Damien’s face tensed up. ‘Why all the soul searching?’

‘There is no need for a lie anymore.’

Rising he paced the floor, bunching his hands behind his back, whilst Hector snorted in the bed. ‘Why are these bloody women so contrary eh? I’ll have you know—’

His words were cut short, as they heard a light tap on the door.