CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Can I not convince you to choose the lemon with a cream sarcenet overdress, Miss Braithwaite?”
“No thank you, Madam Dupont. I like the mustard, it suits me perfectly, and please add a trim of gray around the neck and cuffs. Plus I think a large collar of the same trim would be lovely, don't you?”
The seamstress made a choking sound but nodded.
Lilly wanted something really ugly to deter Lord Danderfield. She had tried to put the man off, but since that day she had gone to Dr. Engle’s House of Ghoulish Horrors with the Sinclair family and Toby, he had been most persistent. Yesterday he had called to take tea, and asked that she go driving with him today. Lilly had quickly refused, stating she already had an engagement.
He was a loathsome pig, and she would never marry him, even if she was forced to flee. She would rather live in Temple Street than be subjected to that man's advances.
His questions were personal and invasive. He wanted to know her every movement, and had told her that when they were wed, he would be curtailing all activities except those he approved of.
“Can I not interest you in something in a lighter fabric, Miss Braithwaite? Perhaps a—”
“I have quite made up my mind, Madam Dupont. Please have the dress made and delivered to my brother's house.”
Leaving the shop, she purchased a pair of gray gloves and a silly bonnet that she would have Bee add several unflattering things to.
She had thought a great deal about Lord Sinclair—Devon, as he insisted she call him. The man had infiltrated her head and made her smile at random moments. Lilly did not smile randomly, well not genuinely she didn't. She giggled foolishly in public, and in private she had not had much call to smile.
The most terrifying part of Dr. Engle’s House of Ghoulish Horrors, upon reflection, was realizing just how much she had enjoyed it, had enjoyed being with the Sinclair family and allowing Devon Sinclair to hold her hand and lead her through those horrid dark rooms.
Toby had told her in his no-nonsense manner that they were all right, those Sinclairs. High praise indeed from a boy who rarely had a kind word to say to anyone.
Seeing the Sinclairs together as a family, watching them laugh and tease each other, hug and touch each other, had been something special to be part of, and Lilly was not so cynical that the experience had not moved her in many ways. If she were honest with herself, she'd been jealous of the bond they so obviously shared. She had lost count of how many times Devon Sinclair had touched a sibling with a stroke of his big hand on their heads or the brush of his lips on a cheek, and every gesture had made Lilly's toes tingle because she had wanted to be the recipient.
She was not herself, Lilly realized. So much was unsettling her. First there was this business with Lord Sinclair, and how she appeared to be letting him in to aspects of her life that she let no one in to. Actually, he had forced his way in, but still, had she fought harder, that would not have happened, surely. There was also the concern about Nicholas's insistence she marry Lord Danderfield, and of course, the issue of the missing children.
“Pardon me, Miss Braithwaite, but an urgent message has arrived for you.”
A young boy handed her a note. Opening her reticule, she handed him some coins before looking at the missive. The handwriting on the front was not familiar. The content made her heart sink.
Come quick to Lady Jane Street, a boy is hurt. Toby's name was printed at the bottom. Lilly looked at the paper then folded it carefully, and slipped it into her reticule. Something was not right, because firstly, Toby could not write, and secondly, how did he know where to find her, when only Bee was aware of her destination?
She couldn't afford to ignore the message if a child was in danger, yet what if it were dangerous for her, or a trap of some sort? She would have Bee and Wilson with her, so she should be quite safe Lilly reasoned.
She hurried to her carriage with Bee on her heels.
“Jane Street, Wilson,” Lilly said before she climbed inside.
“Is it a child, miss?”
“Yes, Bee. It says we are to go to Jane Street, as there is a child in trouble, and it was signed by Toby.”
“Toby can't write though, miss.”
“I know, but why would anyone else send me a note if there were not a very real danger?” Lilly said. “No, I must take a look. I will think of little else otherwise.”
The day was a gray one, but as yet no rain had fallen. When the carriage halted, Lilly stepped down into Jane Street.
“We will not be long, Barnabos,” Lilly told the driver as Wilson joined her and Bee on the street.
“'Tis not the best street in London, Miss Braithwaite,” Wilson said as they began walking down it.
“No indeed,” Lilly agreed. Looking around, she saw rickety old buildings that she was sure housed small children who wanted shelter for the night. London was full of such places. “I don't believe I've been here before, Wilson.”
“It's not a place I'm overly familiar with, Miss Braithwaite. Perhaps you should wait in the carriage with Bee, and I'll find the child.”
As the last word left her footman's mouth, Lilly felt icy fear grip her body. “We need to leave here; something is not right.”
They came from the buildings. Five men; Lilly and her servants had no chance of escape. She struggled as a man grabbed her, and watched in horror as Bee was thrown to the ground and Wilson knocked over the head with a piece of wood, his body crumpling at her feet. Desperate, she fought, but they were too strong. She was lifted, her hands and feet bound, and then a sack was lowered over her head and she was suddenly in her worst nightmare. Alone in the dark.
Dev had walked around the ballroom several times and had still not found Lilly. Bracing himself against a wall, he resorted to his other vision to find her. Color was suddenly all around him, but he forced himself to focus, breathing in and out slowly. He could do this, subject himself to this, for her. Where the hell was she?
He'd been uneasy all day, as if he were coming down with something, or something monumental were about to happen to him or his family. But as the minutes ticked away, Dev had a feeling it was to do with Lilly.
She was nowhere in sight and after an hour of checking rooms, the feelings began to intensify. She hadn't arrived at all, because he had asked the servant who announced the guests, and yet he knew she’d been planning to attend, because she had told Essex of her intentions.
“That scowl is scaring the ladies. What has your hackles up this evening, brother?”
Changing his vision, he looked at Cam.
“Have you seen Lilly?”
“No.”
“Something's not right.”
“Why do you say that?” Cam straightened from his habitual slouch, eyes intent as he looked at Dev. The Sinclairs understood each other, and their heightened senses fired if one of them sensed danger.
“I don't know, something just feels off,” Dev said, shrugging as if he could shake the unease from his body. “I have looked everywhere and in both visions, and still I cannot see her.
“You used your other sight here, with all this color? Are you all right? Why the hell did you not find me first?”
“I am fine, don't fuss. I have the same feeling I had when Eden was kidnapped, Cam.”
“And you are sure it relates to Lilly?”
“I am.”
“Is there any chance she simply chose not to attend this evening?”
“Yes, there is that chance. Yet it's my belief she has met with foul play, but I have no idea why I believe that.”
Cam didn't question him further. Dev's tone told him that his concern was very real, and if the Sinclairs knew one thing about each other, it was to respect their intuition.
“Her brother is here, in the card room.”
“I'll go,” Dev said, knowing how much Cam hated going into such a place now. It had once beckoned to him, and he still felt the lure upon occasion, so he stayed away.
“And I shall check once more to see if she actually arrived here tonight, and then left.”
Dev nodded and then headed for the card room. His clothes felt uncomfortable, as if lined by hair, and his throat tight.
Lilly, where the hell are you?
Nicholas Braithwaite was sitting at a table with four men when Dev walked in. He looked up and smiled as Dev approached. The smile was insolent and instantly set his teeth on edge.
“Lord Sinclair, have you come to play, seeing as your brother cannot be trusted to?”
As far as taunts went it was said more in the tone of jest, yet all present knew the intent behind Braithwaite's words was to insult. Nicholas had never forgiven Dev for removing Cam from his influence before the man had broken his brother completely.
“I would like to speak with you alone, Braithwaite. I shall need only a few minutes of your time.”
“I say, Sinclair, we are in the middle of a hand here, can't it wait?” one of the men said.
“No,” Dev held Nicholas's eyes. “It can't.”
“You'll have to wait, Sinclair. As you can see I'm on a winning streak, and unlike your brother, I won't be dragged from the table like an errant schoolboy.”
Braithwaite was nervous; Dev could see it in his body. His eyes were flitting from Dev to the cards in his hand. They had shared no more than a handful of words since the business that night with Cam, and possibly that was because where he went, Nicholas Braithwaite made sure he did not.
“Braithwaite, I will not ask politely next time,” Dev said, not raising his voice, but there must have been something in his tone because everyone at the table grew still. He didn't usually make scenes, but for Lilly he would make an exception.
He needed information about her, and to get that he had to start with those closest to her.
“Gentlemen, it seems I must leave you briefly. I shall return in due course, after my brief conversation with Lord Sinclair.”
Dev watched the man rise and move to his side.
“You can bloody well walk me back to the ballroom; that is the only time I will allow you, Sinclair. I had a winning hand, damn you!”
“I think not,” Dev said, taking his arm and pushing him toward the doors that led to a hall. He marched Braithwaite down it until he found an empty room.
“Unhand me at once!”
Ignoring him, Dev shoved the man through the doorway and slammed the door shut behind him. He had to give Braithwaite some credit; he did not move away from him, instead standing his ground.
“Be quick. I have little time for the likes of you, Sinclair. Poor country boy who lives off his uncle's coattails.”
Dev ignored the taunt and let the silence stretch until he was sure Nicholas's nerves were taut, and then he spoke.
“Where is your sister?”
Surprise flashed across the man's face.
“What has my sister's location got to do with you, country boy?”
There were only so many insults a man could take, especially when worry was riding him hard. It was just a small tap to the face, but it made Braithwaite's head snap back and when he righted himself his upper lip had begun to swell.
“Try that again,” Dev growled.
“How dare you strike me! Why, I'll have you thrown out!”
“Not keen on challenging me yourself, Nicholas, like most men would do?” Dev said, putting an emphasis on the word men. “Of course, you like to get a man when he is down, don't you, Braithwaite? Make sure your victims are already weakened before you strike. How terribly brave you are.”
Dev was usually a peaceful man, yet he had to admit to enjoying taunting Lilly’s brother, partly because of Cambridge, but more importantly, Lilly.
He now cared for her, and after talking with James again, they believed this man had not treated her as she deserved.
Handsome and rich, Nicholas Braithwaite appeared to have it all. Everything that should have made him so much more than he had become. But what got to Dev the most was the fact that this was Lilly's big brother, and it seemed he had failed in that role. To him, that was an unpardonable sin.
“Where... is... your... sister?”
Braithwaite didn't speak quickly enough for Dev, so he took a step closer to him once more.
“Sh-she didn't come home today!”
“Home from where?”
“Shopping.”
The fist in Dev's stomach clenched tighter.
“And where have you looked for her?”
Nicholas dropped his eyes.
“I asked you a question, Braithwaite. Where have you looked for her?”
“Her servants did not return either, so it's my belief she has run away. I am simply waiting to hear word to that effect. I will then see she is brought back to London.”
Dev clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
“Why would she run away?”
“This is none of your business, Sinclair.”
“Answer the question or I will beat the answer from you.”
“I-I have consented to a match between her and Lord Danderfield. My sister is taking some time to understand that I have her best interests at heart.”
“You would place your sister in the hands of such a man?”
Nicholas Braithwaite stumbled backward as Dev roared at him.
“What the hell has she done to deserve such a fate? Damn you, she is your sister, for God's sake!”
“Sh-she needs to marry.”
“Why?” Dev stood over the man, deliberately intimidating him.
“That is none of your business.”
Looking at the guilt in Nicholas Braithwaite's eyes, Dev began to understand his motives. “It's money you want, isn't it? You're selling your sister to save yourself.”
“No, it is time she wed.”
“You're lying. I know this because like your sister, you drop your eyes. I'll tell you something else, Braithwaite. Sisters are something to be treasured. They are the softer part of us. The part that knows when you need to be hugged. The part that can make you laugh and cry. Quite simply, without my sisters I would be nothing.”
“W-we are not like that.”
“Like what? Loving? You weak-kneed fool. She is your little sister; she should have to look no further for support than you.”
He wouldn't look at Dev.
“If any harm has come to her, Braithwaite, my advice to you is to leave town, because if I ever see you again, you will know fear.”
“She is t-testing me,” he rasped.
Disgusted, Dev left to find his brother before he beat the man senseless. Had she run away? Would she simply leave her house in Temple Street? Was that where she had run too?
Cam was where he had left him.
“Braithwaite said she did not return home from shopping today, and neither did her maid or footman. He believes she has run away to show him she will not marry Lord Danderfield.”
“Good God, he does not mean to wed her to that revolting man, surely?”
Dev gave a curt nod. “It's my belief he is doing so because he has used up all his money and is now in debt.”
“He wants Danderfield's money.”
“James said Lilly's grandmother left her money, and thought the majority may come to her when she reaches a certain age if she does not wed. Perhaps this money is what he is after, rather than the settlement from Danderfield.”
Cam whistled. “Whatever the situation is, we need to find her. I wonder if she is at Temple Street, Dev?”
“Pardon me, my lord.”
A smartly dressed servant stood at Dev's elbow. He looked uncomfortable and his face was flushed.
“Yes?”
“A Mr. Davey has appeared at the servants’ entrance asking to speak with you, Lord Sinclair. I would normally have turned him away, but he said it was a life or death matter, and you would not be pleased if I were to do so. He has a young boy with him, and both seem extremely agitated. He said they would not leave until I mentioned the name Miss Braithwaite to you.”
“Take me to him at once, please,” Dev said as the knot in his stomach grew larger. With Cam on his heels, he headed out of the ballroom and down a long hallway, then a set of narrow stairs and through a door at the bottom. Mr. Davey stood with Toby at his side in a small entranceway. Both their faces were lined with worry.
“Lord Sinclair!” Toby called to him as he approached.
“My lord.” Mr. Davey bowed.
“Thank you, I know them.” Dev handed out several notes he had pulled from his pocket to the two servants who appeared to be standing guard. “I would be grateful for a moment alone with them, if you please.”
The staff left to go about their duties, leaving the Sinclair brothers with Mr. Davey and Toby.
“Tell me what has happened, Mr. Davey?”
“I have grave concerns for my mistress.”
Dev nodded for him to continue.
“Bee, Miss Braithwaite's maid, and her footman, Wilson, were brought to Temple Street by Miss Braithwaite's driver, as Temple Street was nearby and he knew they needed help immediately.”
Dev tried to stay calm, when inside, his stomach was twisting into knots.
“He found them lying on the ground. Mr. Wilson had been knocked over the head, and Bee also hurt. Of Miss Braithwaite there was no sign. Bee managed to tell us that her mistress received a note while out shopping. It said children were in trouble in Jane Street. She went to investigate, and she, Bee, and Wilson were set upon by men.”
“Bee said the note came from me, but I can't write, and Lilly knew this, but went anyway,” Toby added, his face pale and drawn with worry.
Dev bit back the anger at Lilly's reckless behavior, nodding for the boy to continue.
“I went out and looked for her everywhere, and put the word out for any information, but I ain't heard nothing back yet,” Toby said. “I think it’s got something to do with the missing children. Lilly's been interfering, and those that are taking them must be aware of that.”
“But to take a woman of noble birth is a risk.” Cam entered the conversation.
“Not if the man who is taking the boys is of noble birth,” Dev said slowly.
“Care to enlighten me as to what the hell is going on?”
Dev turned to see James appear.
“Your sisters had an uneasy feeling all was not well with you, and sent me to find you at once. I asked a footman where Lord Sinclair and his reprobate brother had gone to, and he led me here.”
Dev's chest was burning.
“Your cousin is missing, James, and you need to go to the Watch House and alert them, then collect every servant from your house and my uncle’s. We need to start searching at once.”
“Lilly?” James frowned, his eyes going from Dev to Toby. “How do you know she is missing?”
“She has not arrived,” Cam said, “and Dev is uneasy.”
“Has her brother, Lord Braithwaite, been notified?” James questioned. He did not doubt Dev’s intuition.
Toby and Mr. Davey looked blank.
“I have just spoken with him and he has no idea where she is,” Dev said.
“But how can that be?” James looked confused. “She is his sister for Christ’s sake!”
“Come there is more, but we need to start looking, because the feeling inside me says she is in danger,” Dev urged everyone from the room, Toby and Mr. Davey included. “We will gather everyone and leave at once.” They soon found themselves in the front entrance. Wide-eyed, the man and boy stayed close as they took in the elegant surroundings and stares from the guests they passed.
Essie and Eden were called, and soon they were all awaiting carriages while Cam recounted the story once more for his sisters.
“We need to start looking,” Eden said to each of her siblings. “All of us, and using our senses.”
“Agreed,” Cam and Essie said. James and Dev remained silent, both working through and discarding plans.
“Braithwaite, if you don't want me to darken your eyes, I suggest you turn and walk smartly in the opposite direction,” Dev snarled as the man appeared before them. To his surprise, he kept advancing.
“What has you all out here so soon after you have arrived?”
“Go away, Nicholas, because what Dev leaves I will finish!” James said, glaring at his cousin.
“If you have information about my sister, I wish to hear it.”
“Why would you think we have information about her when you told me you thought she had run away?” Dev said. “Actually, what you said was you think she has run away because you have decided to wed her to Lord Danderfield. And the reason for that is that you need the money to clear your gambling debts.” Dev felt no shame in telling everyone assembled what Lilly's brother was capable of.
“What!” James stepped toward his cousin.
“Do you have knowledge about my sister?” Nicholas Braithwaite stood his ground. “If I was wrong in my belief she has run away, I wish to know it, and help find her.”
“Pardon?” Dev was sure he'd heard the words wrong.
“I want to help find her.”
For seconds no one spoke. Nicholas Braithwaite had lost the cynical look he usually wore, Dev realized, and in fact appeared uncertain, his eyes darting back and forth from Dev to James, who both, he was sure, looked as malleable as stone.
“Perhaps you should have thought of that sooner, Braithwaite,” Cam said, placing a restraining arm on Dev's arm. “Don't create a scene out here, brother. There are far too many flapping ears and wagging tongues about.”
“Of course you do, my lord,” Eden said, taking a firm hold on her husband's arm in case he had the urge to finish what Dev had started. “And we would be grateful for any help.”
“No, we wouldn't,” James and Dev growled.
“Do you have news about Lilliana or not?” Braithwaite said again. “I have a right to know as her brother.”
“Rights,” Dev snarled. “Don't you dare speak to me of rights, when you were about to force her into marriage!”
“We believe she has met with foul play, as her servants were found by your sister’s driver, bruised and beaten,” James said quickly, cutting Dev off as he opened his mouth to continue abusing Lilly's brother. “Of Lilliana there was no sign.”
“Dear God. I-I had no idea, I truly believed—”
“Fear not, Lord Braithwaite, we shall find your sister,” Eden said.
“Your brother said some things to me that shamed me, Duchess. For the first time in many years I saw myself as I truly am.”
“I would have thought you incapable of that emotion, given that I have firsthand knowledge of your depravity, Braithwaite, not to mention your obvious disrespect of your sister and her welfare,” Dev said.
“I am a long way from forgiveness, Nicholas, but as I too have guilt where Lilly is concerned, and my treatment of her, I will allow you to help us,” James said. “You will go to the Watch House with Mr. Davey and then return him to Temple Street, and you may go home or to my house and await news.”
“But where do you all go?”
“I'm afraid that is as yet undetermined. However, when I have news of your sister, I will send word to my house. Tell Buttles I sent you.”
“But—”
“Braithwaite, so help me God, I will throw you into your carriage if you do not go willingly. Your cousin has thrown you an olive branch. Personally, I would rather beat you with it, but I will respect him in this,” Dev said. “But if you do not do as he states and alert the Watch, then never show your face before me again.”
“I will ensure it is done, Lord Sinclair,” Mr. Davey said, his face grim.
“I will do it.” Nicholas gave a short bow before he left with Mr. Davey on his heels.
“Is there any way I can get you to go home, wife, and take your sister with you?” James said, looking at Eden and Essie.
“No, we need to be together to find Lilly. Our senses are stronger that way.”
“I could have married anyone, but I chose you,” James muttered as he grabbed Eden and planted a loud kiss on her lips, uncaring of the outraged gasps behind him as two of society’s matrons tittered in horror at such a display in public.
“Outside now,” Dev said to his family, aware of the spectacle they were making.
They quickly left the house and assembled on the street outside.
“Toby.” Dev placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. “We need you to take us to anyone who may have information. I will pay handsomely, but do not know where to go.”
The boy nodded. “I can do that, but it's not a place for ladies—or gentlemen for that matter.”
“Just as well none of those are present then,” Cam said.
“Toby is right,” Dev said to his sisters. “I'm not sure you should come, as this will be unpleasant and dangerous. As your brother, I want to keep you safe—”
“Stow it, Dev, we are coming,” Eden said, grabbing her husband's hand.
“We tried.” The Duke sighed.
“Lead on, Toby,” Dev said, taking Essie's hand, and seconds later they were moving.
Hold on, Lilly, I'm coming.