A few hours later, not long before dawn, Donnelly had to force himself to pull Sophia’s nightgown over her luscious body and leave her bed. He grumbled as he donned his shirt over his breeches, knotted his cravat and buttoned his jacket, all while she smiled with her head on her pillow and her golden locks in complete disarray. “Do we have an understanding?” he asked her from the side table where he’d secured a piece of paper from the top drawer and dipped her quill into the ink bottle.

“What understanding would that be?” Such a sultry smile as she pushed her elbow into the mattress and settled her head in her upturned palm.

“That Bourbon and I will be doing our damnedest to hunt down the thief and killer, and that once justice has been served, then I can return to claim you as my wife.”

“Good.” He scrawled across the paper, the comfort of writing to her as he did each morning instilling some calm in him before he had to leave her.

 

My dearest Sophia,

Last night you came apart in my arms and being the cad I am, I wish only to return to you each night henceforth, so I might pleasure you again in every possible way there is to pleasure a woman. Clearly, I can no longer refrain from taking liberties with you, not when you bewitch me at every turn. That said, you must not answer my call again should I toss acorns at your window. I beg this of you, otherwise I shall be placing your life in danger when that is something I have no intention of ever doing. Give me the time I need to track down the killer. That is all I’m asking.

Yours with complete devotion,

James.

 

“What are you writing?” Her questioning words were slightly slurred, her need for sleep clear to hear. Not surprising. He hadn’t allowed her any rest since he’d arrived.

“A letter, which you must read, then I shall take it with me.” Such a discriminating note couldn’t remain where one of her household might stumble upon it. No, when he arrived home, he would add it to his locked box of letters.

Returning to her side, he handed her the missive and stood waiting with his hands clasped behind his back and hopefully a stern expression on his face.

“All right. I shall read it.” A plump of her pillows as she rested her back against them. With the parchment in hand, she read, a frown slowly taking away her smile. Carefully, she folded the paper in three and handed it back to him, her frown remaining in place. “All I’ve read is completely understandable.”

“Thank you. Agreeing to my request is incredibly important.” He slotted the letter into his inner jacket pocket.

“James, I said understandable, not that I’m in full agreement. Every day you are left wondering who killed your father and brother, if perhaps you’re their next target, but you shouldn’t cease living your life. I can’t possibly turn you away should you toss acorns at my window.”

“I will never allow any harm to come to you.”

“There are so many men, women, and children dying due to this dratted war. For goodness’ sake, women wed and can perish in childbirth. Does that mean those women should never lie with their husbands? If one doesn’t look where one walks, they might step into the path of a carriage. Does that mean we should never leave our homes?” She shuffled onto her knees, her nightgown pulling against her front then she rose up onto her feet and eyed him nose to nose. “Life isn’t set in stone, so one must take happiness where one can get it. You bring me happiness. I will take that at every possible opportunity.”

“It is also the right of any man to ensure the protection of his family.”

“I’m not yet your family.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “Before my papa passed away, he told me that one should always fight for what is right in our world and to never give up on those we cherish. I finally understand exactly what he meant. Even though you don’t wish for my aid in your current battle, I must offer it all the same. Everything within me demands it.”

“I have buried my father and brother, well before they should have ever gone to their graves. I won’t bury you as well.” He palmed her nape and drew her mouth to his. He kissed her, with all the desire and fury swelling deep within him. “I want to make you my wife, Sophia, and I will, but I need more time. That’s all I’m asking for. Remain where you’ll be safe until I claim you fully, with all that I am.”

“My heart ceases to beat when you kiss me.” She clung to him. “I can’t lose you.”

“I can’t lose you either.”

“I don’t like that you’re leaving.” She caught her breath and pressed a hand to his heart, her fingers firm over his chest.

“I must leave. Daylight looms.” He firmed his resolve and stepped away from her. He opened the door, his heart squeezing tight. The last thing he wanted to do was leave her, only he had no other choice.

“Wait, James. Let me check that all remains clear.” She snuck off her bed, eased past him and peeked into the darkened hallway, then with a nod, gripped his hand and escorted him downstairs the same way they’d traversed up.

He allowed it, needing these last few moments with her.

At the side entrance near the kitchens, he slipped on his greatcoat and stuffed his hat on his head. No more could he delay. The skies were lightening, dawn so terribly close.

“I need you to send word to me that you’ve arrived home safely.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his chest. “I will continue to worry otherwise.”

“Of course.” He didn’t wish to leave her worrying about him unnecessarily. Gently, he tipped her face to his, caught her mouth and kissed her until he’d hopefully muddled her thoughts. He’d certainly muddled his own.

Giving his head a shake, he stepped back and after soaking in the sight of her one last time, ducked through the nippy drizzle, the fog still as thick as it had been on his journey here last night. He unknotted his stallion’s reins, mounted his steed and thrust his knees into his horse’s flanks. Spurring his horse onward, he rode home swiftly and arrived as the dawn sun breached the horizon.

One leg swung over, he dismounted and thumped to the gravelly ground before handing his reins to his stable hand who raced forward.

“My lord!” Sawyer galloped in and bounded from his saddle, soot smeared across his chin and hands.

“What’s happened?” His footman would never have left his post at the docks, not until he’d sent a man to take his place, not unless an emergency had arisen.

“The Fortune Maria has returned from her latest voyage, without Captain Lewiston on board.” Half bent over, his hands clasped to his knees, he dragged in a staggered breath from his fast ride. “The ship’s first mate informed me that the captain made port farther along the river twenty-four hours ago. He wished to visit his brother, Geoffrey Lewiston, who owns the Boar Head Tavern, although the captain promised he wouldn’t be long. Unfortunately, he never returned and the first mate sent Paddy, the cabin boy, to seek out the captain. The lad disappeared and since the Fortune Maria had no permission to maintain the mooring at the eastern docks, the officer continued on along the Thames. Mr. Taylor is now overseeing the removal of the ship’s cargo into your warehouses.”

Mr. Taylor would ensure a smooth transition of the cargo. That he had no doubt about. Hmm, only what to do about Captain Lewiston? Lewiston had visited his brother, Geoffrey, from time to time in the past, but he was never gone for long, and for the cabin boy to go missing too? Something was afoot, and he needed to get to the bottom of it.

He scrubbed a hand along his bristly jaw as he nodded at Sawyer. “I want you to update Rignor with this new development and have him take your place at the warehouse docks. Someone must remain there at all times, alert to any happenings. Meanwhile, you and I shall be riding to the tavern. We will find Lewiston and secure an answer.” To his groomsman, he called out, “Parker! Saddle two fresh horses. Sawyer and I shall be riding out shortly.”

“Right away, my lord.” Parker disappeared into the stables.

Donnelly charged across the front lawn, Woodman awaiting him at the front door, his butler having not missed his conversation or the directives he’d issued to Sawyer. Good. He wouldn’t need to repeat himself.

Inside, he strode then stormed up the stairs and entered his study, Woodman directly behind him. He removed his greatcoat and hat and tossed them to his man as he sat at his desk. “How is Lady Maria?” he asked, needing to check on his sister’s welfare.

“Still abed, my lord. There have been no disturbances during the night.”

“Ensure that remains the case. For now, pack me a satchel with clothing, along with items which will allow me to blend in with the locals at the Boar Head Tavern. I’ll also take a tray in my chamber once I’m done here. I have letters to write, which can’t wait.”

Keeping his word to Sophia, he penned a quick note to let her know of his return and subsequent change of plans for the day. Then once done, he penned a second letter to her brother. He had to ensure Winterly knew of his feelings for Sophia, that he would claim her for himself, as soon as he possibly could.

 

Lord Winterly,

We have known each other for some time and I consider you a friend and firm confidant. As such, you should know that I will always be completely loyal in my affections toward your sister. Lady Sophia is a ray of sunshine which I desperately need in my life.

I have barely survived these past few months being parted from her, so once my investigations into my father and brother’s deaths are complete and justice is served, I shall be paying a call on you for your sister’s hand in marriage.

Yours in trust,

Donnelly.

 

He folded both letters separately, sealed each with his ring, blew on the hot wax and scrawled Sophia’s name on her missive and Winterly’s on the other. He handed both letters to Woodman who had returned and quietly remained at attention on the other side of his desk. “Have a footman deliver these letters to Lady Sophia Trentbury and the Earl of Winterly at Winterly’s townhouse, not straight away, but in a few hours when their household would have awakened.”

“I shall instruct the footman, my lord. Your tray also awaits you in your chamber, and your satchel has been given to Parker to add to your saddlebags. I have secured clothing which will allow you to blend in with ease along the eastern docks, and which is now laid out on your bed.”

“Good. See to those letters then aid me in my chamber.”

Woodman clipped his polished heels together and disappeared with the letters in hand.

Donnelly strode down the hallway and entered his room, logs crackling in his fireplace and his shaving utensils laid out. Shaving each morning always allowed him a few minutes to sit and reflect before the new day began.

“Take a seat, my lord.” Woodman closed the door behind him, crossed to the side table and poured a finger of liquid from the decanter into a crystal glass, then handed it to him.

“Thank you.” He eased into the blue patterned wingchair. Woodman had served his father before him, was loyal, dedicated, and had an uncanny ability to know exactly what he needed before he even did. He tipped the brandy back. “Walter, have you ever loved a woman?”

“Yes, although a long time ago.” His man dipped the shaving brush into the basin of water and foamed the bar of soap. “Unfortunately, she passed away before we had the chance to wed.”

“What was her name? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Miss Meghan Miller.” With a heartfelt smile, Woodman laid a cloth at his neck then dabbed the foam across his jaw and chin. “I think about her often, how different my life would have been if we’d had the chance to speak vows as we’d intended on doing. My Meghan had the sweetest smile and the most loyal disposition. I loved her from the moment we first met.” Woodman gently scraped his blade from his ear to his chin. “Although she could also be stubborn, particularly when her mind was set, but her stubbornness only made me love and cherish her more.”

“She sounds like someone else I know.”

“If we are speaking of Lady Sophia, then yes. She shows the same stubborn streak as my Meghan did.” Another draw of the blade, along his chin and down his neck.

“You said she passed away. How did that happen?”

“While walking to the village, she was accosted by a thief and took a brutal blow to her head. She managed to stumble home and give her father a description of the assailant, although the next morning she wouldn’t awaken from her night’s rest. She remained unconscious for the next three days before finally breathing her last.” Woodman’s voice filled with sadness, his eyes watering. “The pain I experienced that day will always remain strong. We all stood at her bedside, her parents, brothers and sisters, and myself. That day I vowed to always honor Meghan’s memory.”

“You have done so by sharing your story with me. I’m so sorry you lost her.”

“We have all suffered loss, although the only way to move forward is to remember those who have passed on, and not by their death, but by how they lived their lives.” Woodman swiped under his nose then dabbed the remaining suds with a cloth and washed the utensils in the basin. “You honor your father and brother’s memory by seeking to uncover their killer. They would be proud of you for doing so.”

“I shall see justice served, however I can.” Which meant readying himself to ride out for the eastern docks and discover what had happened to Captain Lewiston. He removed his boots, shucked his clothes then pulled on

Dressed, he arched a brow at Woodman as his man walked in a slow circle around him. “Will I pass as a dockworker?”

“You shall, my lord, provided you mind how you speak.”

“A good point. I’ll take care.” He opened the top drawer of his oak dresser, removed his pistol and pocketed it.

A nod of approval from his man who gestured to his untouched breakfast tray.

“I wish I had an appetite.” Still, he needed the strength and nourishment the food would provide, so he wolfed down the bacon and eggs then taking the stairs two at a time, bounded through the foyer, his current mission set.

He had to find Captain Lewiston and the cabin boy, and he needed to find them without losing his own life. He’d never leave Sophia or his sister behind, not as his father and brother had left them.