Darkest Death, page 12
part #2 of Darkest Series
Lord Archie ran his hands briskly up and down her arms. She looked askance at him, even though it felt good. “What are you doing?” she asked in confusion.
“You are shivering. Between the cold and the shock, your body is shivering.”
With her eyes closed, she took stock of her body. She still shook. How embarrassing. “Maybe…maybe I’m not as cut out for this as my parents thought.”
“My darling,” he said and kissed her on the forehead. “This is your first time seeing someone shot and another dead, is it not?”
“Ye-yes.” Great, now her teeth were chattering.
“Then stop hating yourself. Even soldiers often have this reaction when they are first sent to the front lines.”
“He’s right, my lady,” Ian interrupted. “We need to get both you and Brett in the carriage immediately. I need something for his wounds to slow the bleeding.”
Lord Archie pulled out a handkerchief. “Will this work?”
“Yes. It will. Can you help me get him into the carriage? Looks like I’ll be your driver.” The brave, wry smile tugged at her and the guilt beating her up. She gave him a ghost of a smile, the best she could manage, and stepped out of the way as they put him up. She followed shortly, and Lord Archie sat next to her. A minute later, the carriage jerked and moved down the road, leaving Andrea’s body behind them.
Chapter Thirteen
Lord Archer
Deep, seething anger pulsed through him, worry running alongside like wind blowing rain around. Trapped him in an endless cycle which chewed through him. He could barely speak. Brett sweat rivers across from him, wincing with every bump on a pothole while Lady Sarah shivered uncontrollably next to him.
“I-I-I am s-s-sorr-ry,” she chattered, trying to speak. “I c-can-not stop-p.”
“Shhh, my darling. No apology necessary. I’m the one who should apologize. I am the one who sucked you into this mess.”
“N-no. D-d-d-do-o-not s-say that.” Her face clenched so tight, he felt it through his coat.
“Stop trying to hide it. It will make it worse. You have every reason to be in shock, and it’s not exactly the south of France in Summer out there.” He held her closer as the guilt wrapped itself up in the storm brewing within him. Lord Downing would come to find out his honor was wrapped up largely in his own code, and his code said he now owed his former mentor something more than a simple take down.
She cuddled into him, giving him a port to hold onto while it all raged within him, one he had not realized he needed all this time. With a glance over at Brett, he decided to take a risk of upsetting her and pulled her onto his lap.
“What are you doing,” she gasped out, the shivering wracking her so hard, it nearly shook him.
“I am holding you on my lap and giving you and I both the comfort and love that we need. Unless you are embarrassed or upset, of course.” He waited with bated breath for her decision.
“Oh Lord Archie, I am ever so glad.” Her chin quivered, and he heard the telltale wobble of tears in her voice.
He pulled her in close to him, tucking her hair under his chin, and caught himself rocking back and forth with her in an instinctive move to calm her. It seemed to be working so he kept it up. He wished he could do more for Brett.
He supposed that his conscience should be pricking him for leaving Andrea’s body there on the road, but he nearly instructed Ian to run over it. She’d hurt this innocent young man and nearly killed him and Lady Sarah. He’d been slow to pull his pistol, hoping he could talk her down, but she wanted to kill him. He saw the glint of satisfaction in her eyes right before she pulled that trigger. Both times.
He wracked his brain for anything he might have done to her personally, but he barely remembered seeing her at the agency. They didn’t meet up much, only as needed. It helped keep people’s identities safe when under cover. The historical files allowed them to see how things worked in the past, to learn both the good and the bad. But current files accessible by everyone were handwritten copies with code names used in place of the real ones. Only three people had access to the room which housed the originals.
He would have to ask for access to any files where he and she may have inadvertently crossed in a case and look into her family. These thoughts kept his mind busy while he tried to keep Lady Sarah from her shakes.
She’d done wonderfully during the emergency for someone new. Her parents were right about her, but what a way to be introduced to the life. The thing he would have to teach her is that it was okay to break down after the danger was past, to allow the emotions to flow through her and not hold them back. He’d seen too many soldiers and naval officers who’d come back from battles and skirmishes totally broken because they’d held it in until they’d cracked like an eggshell.
The older generation people in the agency had warned them of it, said it had happened too often during the on and off wars with Napoleon. Though that was on a level rarely seen in the agency, it had taught them how to help their people. Lord Archer had excelled at getting people to talk out their missions, the good and the bad. It not only helped with the reports, but the burnout rate had decreased significantly over the last decade since the agency had implemented this policy. He’d been helping the last couple of years.
But where were all those vaunted skills when he wanted to help the one he loved? He swallowed hard again, kissed her on the forehead, and then spoke to Brett.
“Brett, how are you doing?”
Brett roused himself from his pain stupor. “I will make it. It hurts, but the bleeding has slowed from what I can see, or this carriage would be a right bloody mess.”
“Right you are. Can you tell me anything about the woman who attacked us? She said she had cousins around here. We stayed in her cottage.”
Brett frowned. “She is nae from around here. I saw her here last week, though. What cottage?”
“About a ten minute walk from where we found you and Ian.”
“There are only a couple of cottages around that far away. One is old man Hayward’s. He is a harmless old fart but grumpy on cold mornings. His knuckles are thick as walnuts, though. I imagine it is from pain that he acts that way.”
“And the other?”
“That there would be Widow Campbell. The duke uses her for spinning the wool. Just between you and me, her eyesight is nae what it used to be, and her work has declined, but he still pays her the same. There be a rumor we have all made sure did nae get back to the widow that he has it re-spun by a new crafter who is being trained. He wanted her to have a little independence since her husband had served him and the old duke well for most o’ his life.”
“With all these wonderful things the Duke of Canterbury does for his people and the surrounding area, how did he get such an awful reputation as the Dark Duke?” Lady Sarah asked. Her voice still sounded strained, but her shivering had slowed down, to his relief.
Brett laughed, a little hoarsely as he grabbed his side. “Baffled us at first, but then one o’ the others who have worked in London for him reminded us that he is tough in business, and, he protects his own. He has stood up to even noblemen and noblewomen who treated his people wrongly. It is just who he is.”
“He really is a wonderful man. I am so glad for Lady Lillian.”
Lord Archer felt a twinge of jealousy at the soft tones she used, then tossed it out. Of course she was glad for her best friend. Truth be told, so was he. He wanted nothing but the best for both of his sister’s best friends. They deserved it. They were like shining rays of truth and light in a dark world. He buried his face in her hair once again, taking in her scent.
The carriage slowed, and Lord Archer tensed. No one moved, as if they held a collective breath. Then Ian opened the carriage door. “I am going to pick up a few things from the pub people. They’re nae open yet, but they live right here. It’ll tide Brett over until we get him to a doctor in Edinburgh, hopefully keep it from getting infected. And, it’ll help with the pain some, I’m sure.”
He looked at Lady Sarah on his lap, and Lord Archer pulled her in tighter. “It shall help her, too,” he added quietly. “At least, that is what they recommend for anyone in shock. Then he grinned. “That, and tea. I know we are in a bit of a hurry, but I’m going to finagle us some food, too, and send someone down after Andrea and explain that we are headed to Edinburgh.”
Lord Archer nodded. All those moves were smart. He’d intended to do it once back in Edinburgh, though this was better on time. Still, he didn’t know who he could trust. He felt better about it now that Brett said Andrea was a stranger to them.
Lady Sarah sat up. “Can we get out and walk, please? I need fresh air and to work some of my tension off.”
Her imploring eyes sent need right to his cock. He wanted to find a room and show her a great way to relieve some of the tension. Instead, he cleared his throat and said, “Good idea.” He looked over at Brett. “You going to be okay?”
“Sure. Her ladyship still looks peaked. Take care of her, sir. They don’t make them like her. No lady has ever put herself in danger to save the likes of me before that I ever saw. I will be naming my first daughter after her.”
“Brett!” she exclaimed. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.”
Lord Archer gave Brett a significant look of thanks. Lady Sarah’s cheeks had pinkened up a little bit from the pasty gray which had been her coloring since Brett was shot, and she had a real smile for him. He would make sure Brett’s mother had everything they needed, even labor while Brett lay recovering.
Half hour later, they were back in the carriage. Ian finished up pouring alcohol on Brett’s wound, who hissed in pain. “Ian, lad, if ye were nae my brother…”
“Your bark was always worse than your bite, brother,” Ian said gently. “Ye are just a gentle giant. Now, hush, and let me take care o’ you.”
They were soon on their way again, with a basket of cold foods from the day before, a bottle of mead and wine, and even a decanter of water, along with napkins and glasses. The anger storm within him began to die down to a low tempest at this proof of kindness. It would not go away until Lord Downing was brought to justice though.
They soon made it to Edinburgh and checked into the hotel they’d originally planned to be at, including a room for Brett and Ian. A doctor had already been sent for.
“Viscount!” the concierge exclaimed. “And is this the missing Countess of York?” He took one look at her disheveled appearance and snapped his fingers. He ordered people about with the precision of a general on the battle field. In short order, they had their own rooms, fresh food ordered, and a doctor showed up.
“You have been a true wonder,” Lady Sarah said. “However, I will not be resting until the doctor has arrived. Lord Archer, please escort me to Brett’s room. We must make sure he is okay.”
“The doctor will be here shortly, Countess. I assure you, we are the best.”
“Good.”
The poor concierge looked as if he wasn’t sure if she was upset at him or not, so Lord Archer assured him. “We are both pleased at your competence. Please add a tip to our rooms,” he added as Lady Sarah grabbed his elbow and practically drug him away.
“I will not rest until I am sure Brett and Ian are comfortable.”
He smiled—after checking to make sure she wasn’t watching. “Of course my dear.”
He placated her even though he wanted to make sure Lord Downing wasn’t in residence again. He thought not as Lord Downing would need to establish an alibi as far away as possible. His guess would be he returned to home office, and perhaps started insinuating problems with both him and Andrea, hedging his bets. It was what he’d do if he were a murdering, traitorous oaf hiding behind his titles.
The doctor arrived at Brett’s room at the same time as they did. “You arrived quickly,” he noted, a little suspicious.
The doctor’s wispy white hair bobbed. “Just so. The hotel pays me to be on call for their guests. It’s a small stipend, but it has been better than retiring, let me tell you. I was here for someone suffering from a megrim. The messenger caught me alighting from my carriage.” His ruddy face held laugh lines around the eyes and mouth, his blue eyes twinkled kindly. “Now that you are hopefully satisfied I am who I am, shall we check on your friend?”
Lord Archer raised a brow but nodded. This doc was not your regular high society doctor. “Of course. He was shot by a highway woman disguising herself as a driver of the Duke of Canterbury’s carriage,” he provided. Best to stick with the truth as best as possible.
He saw Lady Sarah’s head turn, and her eyes bored into him. He studiously kept his gaze on the doctor. “Well, then, is the bullet still in my patient,” he asked as they knocked on the door. Ian opened shortly after.
“I will let Ian speak. He is the brother of the patient. Ian, this is the doctor for the hotel.”
Ian stepped aside and allowed them in. The doctor repeated his question.
Lord Archer kept Lady Sarah away from the bed, though she was not happy with it. She did not say so aloud, but she darted severe glances his way. Ian and the doctor talked quietly while they poked and prodded the wound. At one point, Brett’s groan had Lady Sarah burying her face in his shoulder. He held her tight. The doctor applied some bandages over the wound, with Ian helping to lift Brett to wrap it around.
Finally, the doctor finished. Gave some meds to Ian to give to Brett when he woke up. “Ian,” he said and clasped the boy’s shoulder. “You come apprentice with me after your schooling, boy. Your instincts are sound. I have never seen a wound in such good shape after so many hours.”
Ian grinned from ear to ear. “Of course, sir! Thank you!”
“I will be paying anything the hotel does not cover,” Lord Archer told him. “Have the concierge charge it to my room.”
The doctor left, and Lord Archer released Lady Sarah to go to Brett. She hurried over and sat on the side of the bed, and took the man’s hand in hers. “Brett, you saved the life of the man I’ve loved since I was sixteen. I am forever in your debt. You have any trouble, any at all, and you just send for the Countess of York. You have that?”
Brett nodded, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Aye, your ladyship. Thank you.”
She stood up and smoothed her gown, her cloak falling back as she did so. “He is precious to me, and now, so are you and your brother.”
Though his anger had tempered with the help of these fine Scottish men, it still seethed under the surface. He needed to get home to London, to secretly check in with the home office. And he wanted to check on Hermione. He trusted she was safe with Canterbury, but he’d feel better if he saw her in person. But he didn’t want to rush Lady Sarah.
Finally, they turned to leave, but there was a knock on the door. He opened it and a flurry of skirts and hair threw themselves on him. “Archie!” Hermione said and cried. Lady Lillian snagged Lady Sarah into a bear hug as well. The Duke of Canterbury stood off to the side, watching with a half-smile on his face. “I have to say, Viscount, I am pleased to see you in one piece. I have been alternately threatened and begged and bribed. To whit, I was supposed to use my influence to force the entirety of the armed forces to be out looking for you, organizing the largest search party ever seen in mankind’s history, and at the same time, hold down the fort in case you made it here.”
Hermione stepped back and blushed. “Was I really that bad?”
“Yes,” he said fervently.
“I believe it. One time, our dog stayed out. Refused to come when called. She’d ordered every servant, inside and out, to do a full search until he was found.”
Hermione hmphed and went to Lady Sarah and gave her a hug, too. “Here, Hermione, I want you to meet Brett and Ian, quite literally our saviors. Brett and Ian, this is the Honorable Hermione and the Duke and Duchess of Canterbury.”
“Thank you,” Hermione exclaimed and rushed over to hug him. “He is my brother, and though a bit thick, I still love him.”
Brett attempted to stand up, but the Duke moved to the side of his bed and pushed him back down gently. “Thank you for helping my friends.”
“Your Grace,” they both said, gulping.
“Is there anything we can do for you?”
“Our mother…”
“Consider her needs taken care of. Lord Archer, know where to find her?”
They both nodded as if in complete awe, and Lord Archer saw a side to him which intrigued him. “Then we will go,” he said. “You rest and get well. Your rooms will be taken care of.”
Finally, they all left Brett’s room and moved to Duke of Canterbury’s suite of rooms which was bigger than the cottage they’d stayed in the night before. They caught up on information, the others staying quiet, except for a couple of clarifying questions.
“So the rude housekeeper was a spy. A murderer. What do we do?”
“Stick to the plan. I will add some additions to it personally, which I will take care of with the agency.”
“Archie, did you really appoint our countess as one of your helpers?” She clapped her hands in delight.
“Yes, Hermione. I am not the ogre you believed of me,” he said with a laugh.
“That’s exciting. I’m so happy for you, Lady Sarah. You were always meant for more than being a lord’s wife.”
Lord Archer preened a bit as he saw Lady Sarah pinken at the mention of wife. “Well, since you brought it up,” he said. “I have news. Lady Sarah has agreed to be my wife.”
After all the regular questions were asked and answered, he spoke again back to matters at hand. “We have to get back to London as soon as possible. Lord Downing needs to be stopped.”
He told them further details, including a theory about Andrea.
“You two need to go away and hide until Lord Downing is stopped,” Hermione said with more emotions than sense.
“Dear sister, that is not how I am.”
“But he tried to kill you! I want a piece of him.”
“As do I, Hermione, but it shall not help for me to stay out of his way. He needs to brought to justice, and I’ll be damned if I allow anyone else to do it.”
