How to Best a Marquess (Raven Club), page 17
As for Hugh, he’d been busy in the boxing room. Ellie had heard of visits from several champions, and she knew there had been additional boxing matches. When she walked by the room, she could hear excited shouts and jeering. From the cacophony, it sounded like the number of spectators had tripled. Hugh had been careful to keep his own ledgers regarding the profitability of the fights, so she had no idea how much money had been added to the club’s coffers.
Despite everything that had occurred between them, she was still curious and wondered if her profits rivaled or exceeded Hugh’s. For someone who’d handled the ledgers for some time, it was frustrating not to know.
Things had changed between the two of them as well. The wariness was no longer present, but neither had their awareness of each other ebbed.
Hugh hadn’t mentioned their evening together or his proposal, but he didn’t attempt to hide his desire. On more than one occasion, he’d brushed against her, and she’d experienced a frisson in her veins. She’d glanced up at him through lowered lashes, and he’d looked innocent enough, but she’d suspected the contact was no accident. He knew how she felt. The night they had spent together in his home was fresh in her mind.
He didn’t pressure her for an answer to his proposal. He must have sensed her confusion and had said he’d understood that she needed time.
But she knew he wouldn’t give her too long.
Rather than be pleased he was keeping his promise, she’d felt a wave of disappointment. It wasn’t fair. She was conflicted, and he appeared calm and composed. She needed to immerse herself in the figures on her desk, the tiny rows of numbers that could numb unwanted feelings or distract from the constant whirl of her thoughts.
It was early afternoon by the time she was finished entering last night’s profits to the ledgers. She stood, her low back aching from staring down at the books for so long. She went to the window overlooking the casino floor and spotted Hugh leaving the boxing room.
Her heart stuttered at the sight of him. He was dressed simply in waistcoat and trousers. As she stared into his compelling green gaze—the color even more intense against the starkness of his white shirt—she was reminded of her sleepless nights, tossing and turning in bed, thinking of his touch, his embrace, his heated kiss.
She could not deny the truth any longer.
She was in love with him.
The thought jolted her, and her chest felt as if it would burst. She was not one to lie to herself. Had she ever stopped loving him?
How could she not when he made her laugh, when he risked his life protecting her from criminals and took a bullet in the shoulder, when he did not turn Violet Lasher’s carriage around but joined them on their journey to save Lady Willoughby?
There was a strong passion within her when it came to this man, and he had the power to unleash it at his whim. What on earth was she to do? There was more at stake than her desire, her heart, so much more when it came to the Raven Club. Could she trust him?
Yes…yes, she could. He’d shown her he had changed. She had as well.
Her heart danced with joy. She’d marry him. She felt as if a weight was lifted from her chest, that she knew she was making the right decision. Rather than face her brother about their competition for the club, Hugh could ask for her hand, and they could both walk away as winners.
Ellie pushed away from the window and headed for the door. Just as she reached for the handle, a knock sounded.
She opened the door to find one of the club’s servants. Swallowing her frustration at the slight delay, she nodded at the man. “Yes.”
He handed her a piece of foolscap. “This was just delivered for you, my lady. The messenger said it was urgent.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the missive, and shut the door. Her heat pounded as she recognized the script and broke the seal.
Meet me immediately in the back of the club.
Violet
Ellie’s heart pounded. Violet had never asked to see her outside the club before. Something must have happened. Something bad. Was it Lady Willoughby? Had the baron found her?
The thought made her stomach sink. She needed to see Violet and find out.
She hurried down the stairs, scanning the casino floor for Hugh, but he was nowhere in sight. He must have already departed.
Hugh would want to know. He’d asked her to tell him everything. He didn’t like that she associated with Violet and believed the courtesan made her act dangerously. In hindsight, he was right, but it was a risk she had always been willing to take.
But she wouldn’t be purposely deceiving him. She had yet to accept his proposal.
Making up her mind, Ellie rushed past the gaming tables, threw open the back door, and stepped into the alley.
Ellie did not see Violet’s black carriage. A stray cat knocked over a crate and made her jump. “Violet,” she whispered.
No answer.
“Violet!” she said a bit louder this time.
“Over here!” a feminine voice answered.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hugh hadn’t planned on eavesdropping. He’d forgotten his hat and had returned to the club to fetch it when he spotted Ellie scamper down the stairs from her office, hurry through the casino floor, then slip out the back door.
If he weren’t hidden behind a stack of crates listening to Ellie speak with Violet Lasher, he would never believe it. From his position, he could see and hear the two women through a gap between the wooden slats of the crates.
“I had no choice but to summon you straightaway,” Violet said.
“Is it the baron? Has he found Samantha?” Ellie asked, her voice strained.
“Not yet. But he’s hired a private investigator, a man who came from St. Giles. My sources say he’s shrewd and cunning and has an uncanny ability to unearth information. Servants talk to him, whereas they won’t talk to a constable.”
“Are you worried?”
“I won’t lie. There is a good chance he may discern that the Raven Club had a part in Lady Willoughby’s disappearance, specifically that you had a hand in it.”
Ellie bit her lower lip.
Violet regarded her. “Is that a problem?”
“I…I just don’t know. It’s a dangerous proposition. We’ve never dealt with a hired investigator before. Perhaps we should go about this differently this time. Hire our own bow street runner.”
Violet looked horrified. “A bow street runner? They will do nothing and may return Samantha Willoughby back home. She will be far worse off.”
Ellie let out a breath. “You’re right, of course. This time, when Baron Willoughby returns to the club, I will be prepared.”
“And what of other women who come to me in the future?”
“I will continue to do whatever I can for them.”
Hugh had heard enough. He couldn’t believe it. Ellie would attempt to deal with Baron Willoughby and his hired investigator on her own. She couldn’t handle the baron last time, and now, the man would be even more desperate and dangerous. To make matters worse, Ellie still intended to work with Violet Lasher. Hadn’t she learned from the past? Didn’t she realize that she needed his help?
No, she’d never trust him enough. She hadn’t accepted his proposal, and finally, he understood. She’d never intended to accept.
This was what she wanted. Not him.
His thoughts were jagged and painful. He should have known. He’d lost his chance to be with her years ago, and nothing could change her mind.
His jaw clenched tight. He might never have Ellie, but he could still keep her safe.
…
Hugh ascended the Earl of Castleton’s front steps with resolve. It was the morning of the decision, and yet, he never thought he would have to make this visit. Not for this purpose. He couldn’t stop thinking about Ellie’s secret back alley visit with Violet Lasher. Both women were serious, and nothing would stop them. There was also a strong likelihood that Baron Willoughby would learn of Ellie’s involvement in the disappearance of his wife. He had no doubt that if Ellie continued with her reckless plans, things would end badly.
She could be maimed, crippled…killed.
Her actions had consequences, dammit. She had ignored his proposal, but she couldn’t continue on her path. He refused to let her.
He lifted the brass knocker and pounded on the door. Moments later, the earl’s butler stood in the doorway.
“The Marquess of Deveril to see Castleton,” Hugh said.
“The earl is expecting you later this afternoon, my lord.”
Hugh tamped down on his frustration. “Please tell him something important has arisen, and I require to have a private word with him now.”
…
The morning of the decision, Ellie sat on the outside patio and sipped a glass of lemonade instead of going to the Raven. Less than a week ago, she’d planned to study the ledgers and mentally prepare the most compelling argument for her brother and Grace. She would have left nothing to chance.
How swiftly things had changed.
It was a lovely morning, and swans and ducks swam in the man-made lake. A pleasant spring breeze cooled her cheeks. She would accept Hugh’s proposal today. Her brother and Grace needn’t announce a winner of the club. It didn’t matter who won. Together, they would own the Raven Club. Her heart leaped with anticipation. Now that she’d made a decision, she wanted to tell Hugh as soon as possible. She’d tell him about her back alley meeting with Violet. She’d accept Hugh’s conditions, all of them, along with his offer. She rose and paced the patio in anticipation.
Ellie had never excelled at patience.
Perhaps she would visit her sister-in-law and bring her a glass of lemonade. She opened the French doors and entered the house. Just as she passed her brother’s study, she halted at the sound of two male voices.
Ian’s and Hugh’s.
Her pulse raced at the sound of his voice, and her interest was immediately piqued. It was early, and as far as she was aware, Hugh was not expected for three more hours. Why was he already here, in Ian’s study?
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Castleton,” Hugh said.
“Lady Castleton and I plan to make our decision later today,” Ian said.
“I know. That’s why my visit cannot wait,” Hugh said.
“What’s troubling you?”
“Your sister.”
“Ah, you think Ellie will win,” Ian said.
“No. It’s not about the club. Not exactly. It has to do with the Raven Club, but not our competition.”
Ellie froze, her mind muddled. Doubts crept into her head, and she stood immobile as blood began to pound in her temples. Why on earth was Hugh here talking to her brother about their competition? He’d said himself, if they’d married, it wouldn’t matter.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Ian said.
“You must not choose Ellie to win the club,” Hugh said.
Ian chuckled. “Then you do fear we will find her the most successful?”
“No. Ellie must not win for her own safety,” Hugh said.
“I understand your concerns regarding her reputation. I felt the same, but my wife put my mind at ease. Brooks will manage the casino floor, and Ellie, should she win, shall continue to provide instruction from the seclusion of my office. I understand she will have to visit below from time to time, but those interactions will be limited,” Ian said.
“You misunderstand. It’s not about her reputation anymore, but her safety. Your sister has been conducting dangerous clandestine activities.”
Ellie stifled a gasp as dread pooled in her stomach. How dare he! She began to tremble in shock and anger. Hugh had promised not to whisper a word to her brother. Was he to betray her once again?
Torn by conflicting emotions, she bit her fist to keep quiet.
“What activities?” Ian’s voice took on a hard edge that Ellie rarely heard.
“I cannot specifically say. I promised her that I would not. But you must take my word. Your sister is risking her safety.”
“You cannot seriously stand before me and tell me that my sibling is putting herself at risk, but not specify how she is doing so,” Ian said, his voice strained.
“That’s precisely what I am saying.”
“I don’t know whether to challenge you to a fight in the club’s ring or admire you.”
“Neither. Just be sure you and Lady Castleton do not choose Ellie as the winner of the competition,” Hugh said. “There is more… I asked your sister to marry me.”
“Indeed? You did not seek to ask for my permission first?”
“Circumstances were unexpected. But you should know she has failed to give her consent, and I fear she will refuse. That’s why I’m here.”
“I see.”
Ellie sagged against the wall as she felt the nauseating sinking of despair. Not only had she not learned from the past, she’d let down her guard and had fallen in love with the marquess. She’d believed him, had trusted him to not tell Ian about her activities regarding Lady Willoughby. She should have known. Deep down, Hugh Vere had not changed at all from the youth she’d known long ago. Terrible regrets assailed her.
Lies. All lies.
He wanted the Raven Club, and in his backward way of thinking, he wanted to protect her. He would use any means to accomplish his goals. When she hadn’t immediately accepted his offer of marriage, he’d gone to her brother.
Just like the past, by controlling her, he thought he could decide what was best for her.
She felt a sickening sorrow along with a sharp pang of anger.
She wouldn’t stand for it. She wouldn’t act the victim, like she had five years ago. No man would dictate her future—especially not Hugh.
Pushing away from the wall, she threw open the door.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Hugh’s lips parted in surprise as the door flew open. Ellie’s sudden appearance was completely unexpected, and for a brief second, he’d wondered if the earl knew she’d been close by. But one glance at Castleton confirmed her brother was just as shocked to see his sister in the doorway.
“Ellie,” Hugh said simply.
She stomped forward, her fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes were fierce with blue fire. “You bastard!” she hissed. “You wanted the Raven all along, didn’t you? Everything you said to me was a lie. A lie!”
Hugh stepped toward her, his eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”
“Imagine my surprise when I passed Ian’s study and heard you speaking with my brother. I heard everything.”
He shook his head regretfully. It was as he’d feared. Not only had she been close by, she’d eavesdropped. “I’m sorry you overheard our conversation. But you must know how I feel about it. I only have your—”
“My best interests at heart,” she finished. “I know. If I hear that from you one more time, I swear I will find a pistol and shoot you.”
“Ellie!” Ian strode toward her, his expression hard and unforgiving. “I had my suspicions, but now I fear they are true.”
“You cannot believe him,” Ellie countered.
“I can and I do,” Ian said. “I ran into Lord Willoughby at White’s yesterday. Let’s just say he had a few choice words. I’ve never liked the man, had always disliked the amount of alcohol he consumed and the way he spoke to his young wife, but he surprised me when he told me Lady Willoughby has gone missing.”
Trepidation crossed Ellie’s features. “Ian, I can explain if you’d just—”
“I did not think anything of it at the time,” he continued, “except to offer my sympathies. But I now realize there is much more to the story. You sent Lady Willoughby to the country, didn’t you?”
She paled even more. “I…I—”
At her distress, Hugh wanted to go to her side. He forced himself to be still and allow her brother to speak.
Ian glowered at her. “You lied to me, Ellie.”
Her lips parted as she faced her brother. “I had no choice. I never meant to lie to you.”
Ian’s jaw hardened like granite. “I must think of the future of the Raven Club. The anonymity of the club is its biggest asset. If patrons believe they are at risk or the place is not safe, then the Raven will be no different from the dozens of gambling hells throughout London. You put the club at risk, Ellie. As a result, I have decided to sell the place to Lord Deveril.”
Hugh had wanted this, dammit. Yet a sharp pain like the tip of a dagger sliced through him—regret and guilt.
“No!” Ellie cried out. Her cheeks paled as she stared at her brother. “You can’t do this. I’m your family, your sister!”
Ian walked behind his desk. “There is only one way you can stay involved. I understand the marquess has offered to marry you.”
She raised her chin in defiance as she turned to glare at Hugh. “I will never marry him now!”
Hugh took a step closer. “What do you mean by now, Ellie? Were you going to say yes?”
Fury sparked in her eyes. “I was, but no longer. I can never marry a man who would betray me so terribly, a man I can’t trust.”
Hugh felt as if he received a punch to the gut. Was she telling the truth? It was difficult enough that she would not get the Raven Club, but had she intended to accept?
Ian pressed his palms on the surface of his desk and leaned forward. His dark eyes narrowed as he stared at his sibling. “If you refuse his offer, then your future remains in my hands.”
Hugh knew where this was headed. He knew and he didn’t like it. This wasn’t what he wanted. Even though he’d been the one to warn the earl about his sister’s activities, he never wanted to punish her, only to protect her.
Ellie sucked in a breath as she met her brother’s eyes. “What do you intend?”
“You leave me no choice,” Ian said. “The next lady who will be sent packing to the country will be you.”
…
Ellie left her brother’s study in a daze. Anguish seared her heart. She’d lost everything. The club. Her plans to work with Violet to help the beaten, desperate women. Her dream of independence.
