Darkest Death, page 2
part #2 of Darkest Series
Well, for now, until he’d put his next plan into place, he would just have to remember how he killed Lord and Lady York.
That always put a smile on his face.
Chapter One
Lord Archer
London, February 13, 1840…
Lord Archie stood with strength, partly to hide his reaction to being summarily summoned, and partly because that was who he’d become. The secret spy agency, left over from the war, was a prestigious agency which assisted the crown, one his father still had his finger in, and Lord Archer always felt he had a lot to prove. The ornate portraits on the wall, though imposing, barely skimmed the top three of imposing things in the room.
He held his hat in his hand and turned it in a nervous gesture for a moment before stopping himself. Being within the beige walls with the British flag hung predominantly behind the large, polished oak desk, he felt as if he was brought before the principal at a boarding school after having been caught in the girls’ dorm. His boss—the number one imposing thing in the room—silently stared at him, giving him that unnerving look he was so famous for within the agency. The deep blue of his eyes held shadows of memories, not all of them good. The cut of his clothing, the perfect twist of the cravat, the large pinky ring, all screamed intimidation.
And even with all that, it was the eyes which some said scared them into spilling their deepest, darkest secrets.
He resisted the urge to spill out everything he’d done since a young lad, and instead remarked, “You sent a messenger?”
“I find I am at a loss as to who to assign the next mission.”
Lord Archie raised his brows in surprise. It was unlike his boss to show indecision in front of any of them, even those of the highest rank, military or social. Was it a test?
“Well, my lord,” he began cautiously. “I am sure you will find the right person.” He resisted the urge to volunteer for the mission. Seemed like a poor showing to offer to do something just to impress the boss when he possessed no clue as to the nature of the assignment.
His boss poured a glass of Claret, then handed it to Archie, who stood waiting without fidgeting or speaking, using the skills taught him by his mentor and others in the field. Was this a test of sorts, he wondered again. This whole meeting felt off. He kept his features smooth and neutral, though.
“It is almost Valentine’s Day, young Lord Archer. Do you not have a special lady friend to impress? I hear that Valentine’s is all the rage with you young people now.”
Again, Lord Archie found his brows shooting to his hairline. So much for a neutral expression. “Young people, sir?” he questioned, trying to tamp down the surge of excitement at the idea of Lady Sarah’s face when she opened her card. He wished he could be there with the others. Lady Lillian had been a good friend to them growing up, particularly for his sister. Maybe he would join Hermione tomorrow to bring her home, make sure she was safe. He nearly grinned. Of course, his sister was the best excuse to maybe see Lady Sarah without the whole ton watching him to see whom he may choose for a bride.
Lord Archer had years to choose. He was only twenty-five. He tried not to think about Lady Sarah’s perky little face underneath those fashionable hats she adored, and failed. He would have to make an offer soon, or she would be taken. As she had obtained the age of twenty, he was fortunate indeed that she had not already succumbed to a lord’s whim and ran off with another while he dithered about.
His conscience pricked him. Would it be best to allow that without speaking of his feelings, declaring his intention? After all, could he really give her the life she wanted while being a spy? Even though England was not officially at war, they fought on many fronts, had many enemies. Then again, he could present his case and see her reaction.
His boss interrupted his thoughts, speaking again. “I had quite planned to assign you, Lord Archer,” he said in that mild-mannered tone he used which fooled no one under his command. All who fell under his eagle eye in training learned quickly to be wary of that tone. “I will give you a partner. Lord John Downing. I presume you have heard of him?”
Lord Archer hid his excitement, understanding he still had a long ways to go to be a good agent. Lord Downing was a legend among those in the agency. He helped bring Napoleon down at a young age, as well as intercepting incipient attacks from other countries and preventing all out wars, all while maintaining the façade that he possessed no other concerns than that of a lord keeping his wife and daughters in the best money can buy—and he had not even married as of yet! The man was a true legend.
“I would be honored, my lord,” Lord Archer said, “to work with Lord Downing.” For truth, he was. What a truly superb opportunity for him. Some never worked with the legend, and here, the chance lay thrown at his feet. “When shall I meet with him?”
The intense look of disdain and reproach speared him. “Lord Downing will be informing you of the when and where. He will also be telling you our plan of attack. Do not ruin this chance, Lord Archer. It is important to the crown.” He set the claret down on the desk and stood up, coming around to the front and casually leaning against the desk without losing an iota of class and command. “And be ready to go to Edinburgh immediately.”
“What?” His heart sped up. He’d see Lady Sarah. Perhaps he would catch her after all.
“You heard me. You will be traveling soon. Have your valet prepare your valise. No excuses, Lord Archer. Now, be gone.” His boss stood and walked back around and sat down, reaching for his quill and dipped it in ink.
The scratching sound of pen to paper filled the room while Lord Archer stood there in stunned silence. Edinburgh. Lady Sarah headed to Edinburgh with Lady Lillian. Was Sarah in danger? Or a happy coincidence that he would get to stay where she was for the next week or two?
Nonetheless, whatever the reason, he could not be happier at the chance to be with the woman he loved and work with a legend. And tomorrow was Valentine’s Day. He’d already sent his card on the same train as his sister, paying for a personal favor. Maybe he could intercept it at the hotel and hand deliver her the card he’d specially made instead.
As he left to do as ordered, his face split in a large grin. For a moment, he allowed himself the freedom to imagine seeing her again, outside the confines of a ball or soiree, a chance to be themselves. He would offer for her this season, give her the choice if she wanted his life, before some other lord turned her head with pretty talk and promises. Somehow, he would find a way.
Chapter Two
Lady Sarah
February 14th, 1840
Lady Sarah awoke to Lillian shaking her awake. “Sarah, time to disembark.”
Sarah sat up sleepily. “Are we in Edinburgh already?”
“No, but you must arise now in order to be prepared. You are not at your best in the morning.”
Lady Sarah gave Duke of Canterbury’s mother a wide smile. They had waited a long time to get Lillian out from under her father's household, and Sarah was happy to be a part of that.
The two of them helped each other and left the compartment to check on the others. Sarah couldn’t help the huge smile on her face. Lillian was getting married—to a duke no less—and away from her family and the bedlam therein.
“Hermione. You look radiant. Your Grace,” she added, greeting the Dowager Duchess of Canterbury and fellow conspirator. The three of them pretended not to see Lillian and Clarence’s affectionate greeting to each other before they all disembarked.
Sarah was happy for her friend Lillian, but also a bit envious. How many years had she seen Lord Archie from afar? How many years had she loved him, admired him, and he dismissed her as if a child? She understood that he had a duty to his family to live by, but she would not back down. She was more than qualified. Plus, some girls were engaged by the time they were sixteen, so was it too much to expect him to notice her?
She smoothed down the front of her bright yellow skirts, trying to hide her thoughts. Today was not the day for it. Today was a day of happiness, and she would endeavor to do the best job possible and make it a memorable day for Lady Lillian. She decided to concentrate on what she did best.
Fashion.
She loved clothes. Hermione was happy to discuss such fripperies with her, but Lady Lillian, always loathe to speak of them, only shopped because her mother made her. If it wasn’t for Sarah, her friend would’ve walked around in less than stylish clothing, probably appearing as an older lady rather than a young debutante, for Lillian’s mother mainly cared about the quality of the cut and did not care whether Lillian looked her age are not.
Sarah let out a deep sigh as she checked over Hermione. The ever-growing belly was much more noticeable. However, Sarah had applied her expansive skills to her wardrobe, so she still looked in vogue. Sarah did not understand the tendency to stay home while en tiente, nor the worse tendency to dress frumpily. Hermione placed a hand on her belly as she was wont to do more and more, and Lady Sarah’s heart broke for her friend. One day, they would rain down their vengeance on the man who did the unspeakable to Hermione, but for now, she settled for trying to help her best and downplay her condition as long as possible, so she would not hide out any longer and be more depressed.
The conductor called their station. Lady Sarah instructed her servants to grab her luggage and hat boxes and take them to the hotel. To use a carriage if necessary for all the wedding attire and have it charged to her room. All while disembarking with Lillian and the dowager duchess helping Hermione down from the train as inconspicuously as possible. Then she had an idea and asked for a runner to take a message to her hotel so she could start plans for the day following Lillian’s wedding.
She wanted to surprise her friends, and she had the money to do it, so why not? She could have their seats saved and a special brunch ordered. What’s the point of having money if you couldn’t indulge your friend on her wedding day…or the day after? Besides, after the recent months between Hermione’s near ruin by that scallywag marquess and Lady Lillian’s near death by that imposter, Lady Amber, they needed some pampering and fun.
Giggling to herself at the plans she’d put in motion, she put forth great effort into small talk with everyone. Poor Lillian. She seemed so nervous for one marrying her love. Then again, after everything that had happened, Lady Lillian had held up rather well. A beat of anger pulsed through her before she shoved it down. The Earl of Lamberth had much to answer for. Lillian probably would never have been in that situation if the earl had kept control of his son, or at least had him disciplined. But that had to be put away for today. Sarah smiled at her two friends, pleased with her plans, and went back to the wedding talk until they arrived at the hotel.
As they alighted from the carriage, Lady Sarah noticed a man stepping back to the doorway and wondered about him for a moment before dismissing him from her thoughts. Sarah laughed at something Hermione said as they entered the hotel.
Speaking of, her pregnant friend would need a lot of help preparing, and she planned to supervise all of the maid’s work for this special day and make Hermione be fashionable despite her condition, even if she had to drag Hermione screaming to the wedding. Figuratively, of course. She’d never be caught in such an unseemly debacle in public.
Lillian’s duke explained the room situation to them, and Sarah bit her tongue to keep from teasing her friend when she turned a deep red. Sarah kept to the room arrangements for the night. After Lillian was married, she’d have a room to herself. A pang of sadness hit her as she thought of how much her grandmama would have loved to have been there. She would have gladly shared her room if needed. It had just been too rushed, and Grandmama had not come to town for the season yet.
For now, Lady Sarah helped arrange things and talked long into their rest period. Having already set their wake up time with the staff, Sarah didn’t worry about oversleeping, but she did keep her mind working on all the logistics. Lady Lillian only had thoughts of being married, but Sarah planned to make sure that her friend looked her best.
Promptly at ten, the hotel worker knocked and came in with the traditional Scottish full breakfast. Sarah teased her friend at her lack of appetite, with Hermione adding in her own bits. Then Lillian moved to her trunk and started to open it. Before Sarah could stop her, the dowager duchess called out, “No, dear. We have a surprise for you. Come, child.”
They all moved to the dowager’s room. Sarah held Hermione back in the doorway, leaning on each other to watch and give Lillian some privacy as soon as she noticed the beautiful pink gown spread out on the bed. Such a perfect concoction for Lillian.
Silk roses and beads adorned the bodice which dipped in at the waist. The skirt had too many beads for anyone to count. Silk embroidered roses in white and pink worked along the bottom with the silk ribbon roses at each end, and an extraordinary amount of white seed beads covered it. A veil with the silk embroidery across the bottom and beads on the clip lay next to it.
Lillian traced the exquisite handy work with a trembling hand as if she couldn’t believe it was for her. Such beauty and detail. Sarah made a mental note to ask his lordship the name of the modiste.
“How?” Lillian asked.
“Clarence hired an army of the finest seamstresses. They charged him a bundle for it, too, not that he cared or paid attention. He did not want you to be cheated out of your wedding dress. It was delivered right after he left to acquire you from your father’s home. He hasn’t seen it.”
“He did this? For me?”
Sarah’s heart filled with happiness for her friend. About time she had someone care about her the way she deserved.
The Dowager Duchess smiled gently, stroking the fabric a moment before speaking. “I’ve never seen him this way for anyone else, if an old mother’s advice counts for anything. Women have thrown themselves at him for ages, and he barely afforded them a glance. For last season and this, he barely tolerated the antics of any woman vying for his attention. I suspect, that’s when he first saw you.”
Her soon to be duchess friend nodded. “It is also my understanding. I’m afraid I’d only ever heard rumors and never personally knew the man himself they were on about. I stuck to my friends, and as I had no desire to wed, I paid barely a modicum of attention to such things unless my friends held an interest for someone.”
Sarah nearly laughed at the rueful smile her friend wore. Sarah had tried to tell Lillian about The Dark Duke many times. However, Lady Lillian didn’t pay much stock to the gossip hounds.
“I paid more attention to the men paying attention to Hermione and Lady Sarah than me.”
And if truer words have ever been spoken, I haven’t heard them. Lillian could name every man who danced with Sarah and Hermione and held a strong opinion about if said gentleman was worthy of her friends, but when Sarah would mention this duke or that earl was interested in her, Lillian would invariably be confused and lost, or if she did recognize them, say, “But they like you.” But Sarah kept the words to herself, just shaking her head.
The duchess patted Lillian’s hand. “Come. It will take us a while to prepare you. I wish Janice could have made it in time to help. She will meet with us on our estates. Jacob has apparently been offered a job with my son as well.”
Lillian laughed. “That is the best news. I am so glad Janice will be joining us.”
Sarah and Hermione moved over and joined them. Stuck without maids for the day, the four of them did their hair together and helped each other into their dresses, doing Lillian’s last.
Sarah loved her own dress, but Lady Lillian’s really was a sight to behold on her. A soft blush caressed her cheeks. Her eyes sparkled, and her hair, left down and long, gleamed from the brushing Sarah had insisted on. Even on her wedding, Lillian probably would have kept her hair in a low bun and been done with it. Sarah would not hear of it. Her friend would look her best. The veil lay over Lillian’s hair, the comb sparkling. For once, Sarah would not change anything about Lillian’s attire. Even her kid shoes matched perfectly.
“You’re beautiful,” Sarah and Hermione said at the same time, and Lillian laughed.
“I feel beautiful. Maybe for the first time in my life.”
The three girls hugged each other. Sarah swallowed back her tears. She’d honestly thought she’d be married first, but somehow, this felt right.
Lillian’s voice softened. “Thank you. All of you. You’ve all made this day possible. Without your friendship, I may have turned out like my brother.”
“No, I think not, Lady Lillian. Your heart is pure,” the dowager interjected. “You may have been more bitter and less forgiving than you’d like, but your spirit and your strength would have protected you. Your brother, sorry to say, was weak minded and easily led. And, his spirit held to a darkness which you do not have.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“It is nothing short of the truth. Now, it is time to go to the chapel.”
The wedding was lovely as expected, causing her to dream and plan for her own wedding in more detail. Her dress would be ice blue. In fact, she was having one made to try the color, see if she liked it. It would be the event of the season. But then Lillian said something to her and Hermione, breaking her musings.
“I’m sorry. I have the best husband. I wanted that for the two of you.”
The two ladies laughed with her. “I am never getting married,” Hermione said fiercely. “I appreciate what you have done to protect my reputation, but it has taught me much. I shall enjoy my freedom as a ‘widow’ and live with my father, then my brother.”
