Chapter Twenty-Three
Five days later, Hawk tucked the blanket around Lizzie before taking the seat across from her in his coach. He’d picked the most comfortable carriage he owned for this trip to London and padded the seat with pillows. Lizzie was not completely recovered from her gunshot wound, but he didn’t want to wait any longer to go into hiding in London.
While he and Lizzie remained at Hawkins Manor, all three women’s lives were in danger. “I will have the driver make stops every couple hours. If, however, you are in too much pain, we will stop for the day at an inn.”
“Suppose someone is following us?”
“I have four outriders with us, as well as my tiger and driver. All of them are armed, as am I. I also have a man on horseback who will trail behind us for about a mile to make sure we are not followed.” He kissed her forehead. “Now try to rest. If you sleep, the trip will go much faster. Are you sure you don’t want your laudanum?”
“No. If it becomes too painful I will ask for it.”
The coach rolled forward, and Lizzie winced at the movement, but once they went into a smooth cadence, she relaxed. Thank God for his well-sprung coach, the numerous pillows, and the roads between Hawkins Manor and London that were better than a lot of roads, since they were so well traveled. If the trip became unbearable for Lizzie, he would hold her in his arms. They had to get to London, and he could not stand to watch her suffer.
He opened the book he’d brought with him to pass the time, but instead of reading, his thoughts drifted to what lay ahead. Once they were safely ensconced in Cam’s townhouse they needed to move quickly to obtain whatever information Lizzie unknowingly possessed. This had to end before one of these attacks resulted in her death.
That thought terrified him so much he broke into a sweat. He didn’t want to examine his feelings any closer, but one thing was sure. He did not want to lose her.
For the time being, Hawk had good cause not to trust anyone in the Home Office. He could not shake the feeling that if he brought her in for questioning, he would never see her alive again.
After they obtained the name of the person who had worked with Loverly, it might be necessary for them to go directly to the prime minster, depending on who the culprit was.
Three hours later, the coach came to a stop in front of The Thistle and Down Inn. Lizzie had slept most of the trip, for which he’d been grateful. She rested on her side, her hands folded under her cheek. Her face was at ease, all the tension of the past week wiped away. The lack of motion must have awakened her since her eyelids fluttered open and she smiled at him.
His heart stuttered, and he laughed at himself for what he’d been trying to deny. He wanted to protect this woman not just because she’d been placed into his care. But because he loved her.
The thought rattled him. He’d tried his best to convince himself all he felt for her was a sense of respect, protectiveness, and affection. Fool, him.
“Is everything all right?” The lines of tension were back in her lovely face as she struggled to sit up.
Hawk moved across the space and helped her settle against the squab. “Yes. Everything is fine, sweetheart. We have stopped for luncheon. Are you hungry?”
Lizzie covered her mouth, attempting to hide a yawn. “Not particularly, but I could use a nice cup of tea.”
The driver opened the door. “I checked the area, my lord. No one is about.”
“Thank you, John.” Hawk stepped from the carriage and turned to assist Lizzie. She blinked at the bright sunlight and stumbled a bit. He was tempted to sweep her into his arms and carry her into the inn, but that would bring unwanted attention to their group. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her waist as they made their way inside.
Just then the outrider following a mile behind them entered the yard. Hawk turned to him with a questioning glance.
“All clear, my lord.”
Hawk nodded. “Good. Have something to eat. We will be ready to travel again in about an hour.”
The man tugged on his cap and trotted his horse over to the ostler who was changing the carriage horses.
Several locals were enjoying an ale in the common room. The innkeeper hurried up to them, wiping his hands on the massive apron covering his body. “Good day to you, my lord. The private dining room is right this way.” He waved toward a door in the rear.
“My wife will need assistance. Will you please send your wife in?”
The innkeeper bowed. “Of course, my lord.”
Hawk walked Lizzie over to a comfortable-looking chair and after helping her out of her pelisse, sat her down. “Why would I need the innkeeper’s wife?”
“She will be of assistance if you need to relieve yourself.”
A slight blush rose on her face. “Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you.”
“I actually prefer to do it myself, since I don’t want you to go anywhere without me.”
Lizzie sucked in a breath. “That is not possible. You certainly can’t accompany me everywhere!”
“You are in danger. Even though it appears no one is following us, I can’t take any chances with your safety. Embarrassment is a small price to pay for your life.”
The door opened, and the innkeeper’s wife entered. “My lord, my lady. I am Mrs. Dubbs. I am having tea prepared for you. I assume you would like luncheon, as well?”
“Yes, please.” Hawk stood and helped Lizzie up. “My wife has suffered an injury and will need your assistance.”
The woman bustled across the room. “Of course.” She nodded and took Lizzie’s arm. “You may leave us, my lord. I will see to your wife’s needs.”
Hawk hesitated, but then realized he would be right outside in the common room, and a quick glance around assured him there were no windows or another door beside the common room for anyone to enter while he was gone. “As you wish. I will be right outside.”
He slumped in one of the chairs and waved at the innkeeper to bring him an ale. He would feel so much better once they were at Cam’s house. Even with all the armed outriders, it remained dangerous for Lizzie to be on the road.
…
Lizzie finished using the chamber pot with the help from the innkeeper’s wife, then she returned to the chair. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, my lady. I will send your husband in now. Your food should be ready very soon.”
Your husband.
How long could they continue to pass themselves off as married before someone from the ton learned of their chicanery? But it appeared Hawk’s plan was for them to marry as soon as they arrived at Lord Campbell’s house. Of course, once they married, he might end up a widower, if they could not get this straightened out.
She shuddered at the thought.
The door to the private dining room opened, and Lizzie stiffened. She’d become so jumpy of late. She relaxed as Hawk strolled through. He smiled, and her heart thumped. He sat in the chair next to her. “Everything is going well. My outrider saw no one following us.”
“That is a relief. How long will this trip take?”
“We should arrive in London the day after next. I don’t want to put in too many hours on the road because of your injury.” He patted her hand. “It will be fine. I don’t want you to worry. That’s my job.”
Lizzie huffed. It might be his job, but it was her life.
Mrs. Dubbs entered with a tray of food. “Here you are, my lord, my lady. I just took the bread out of the oven, so it’s nice and warm.” She placed a large bowl of some type of stew on the table, along with a dish of pickles, stewed parsnips, cheese, and the promised warm bread.
“This looks wonderful,” Lizzie said, taking a deep sniff of the food. “I didn’t think I was hungry, but your food has whetted my appetite.”
The innkeeper’s wife flushed bright red and dipped. “Thank you, my lady. ’Tis so kind of you to say that.”
Lizzie turned to her food. The stew was delicious and hearty, the bread everything the scent of it promised. “Tell me about Lord Campbell.”
Hawk wiped his mouth with the napkin and placed it by his side. “He is a confirmed bachelor, and I think he will not be snagged for a long time.”
“Isn’t he part of the group that tracked down my father after he escaped from prison?” As much as it pained her to hear of that horrific night, she needed to learn more about the men who were present when her father died.
“Yes. He, Bedford, me, and Templeton were all there.” He reached out and patted her hand. “It’s probably best if we don’t speak of it.”
Lizzie shook her head. “No. I really need to put this all behind me, and I don’t think I will until I know exactly what happened.” His prior explanation of the happenings that night had not satisfied her. Hawk had been holding back, most likely not wanting to upset her sensibilities. But now she was ready to hear more.
He drew in a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Once your father escaped from prison, he traveled to Bedford’s estate. We never did find out why he did that. But once Bedford and his wife returned to London, your father kidnapped Her Grace.”
She closed her eyes for a moment. “Was she injured?”
“No. We arranged to meet him, with Her Grace, and exchange her for money and the freedom to board a ship sailing to America. We all went to the dock where the meeting was to take place. It was during the exchange that we recaptured him.”
She had no doubt he was still leaving out facts, but she would have to be content with the few more details he had provided. “And he was killed.”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “I’d like to hear more about Lord Campbell.”
The relief was evident in Hawk’s demeanor. “As I said, he has managed to dodge the marriage-minded mamas and their daughters for a while now. He claims he will not marry for years.”
“And he is a marquess.”
“Yes. His estate is near the Scotland border, but he spends very little time there since he is quite active in Parliament. He has sponsored several bills to assist veterans and their families.”
“That is quite noble of him. He must be a very nice person. Especially if he is willing to take in a strange woman who is in danger.”
Hawk laughed. “Cam loves the dangerous part of life. I thought after Boney was defeated he would stay in his majesty’s service, but since his father passed while we were fighting Napoleon, it was his duty to return home and take care of estate matters. Bedford was the only one who remained.”
“Yet, you are still in service to the Crown.”
“Not officially. I have been called upon a few times to make some discreet inquiries about people the Home Office is interested in speaking with.”
“Like me.”
“Yes. Like you.” He stood and drew her up. “Time to go, sweeting. The sooner we are settled in London, the sooner we can clear this all up.”
…
Early evening two days later, the carriage drew up in front of Lord Hawkins’s townhouse. The plan was for them to enter his townhouse and then change their clothing into something resembling servants’ attire.
Once it grew dark, they would leave through the back door and secure a hackney to ride to Lord Campbell’s house, where they would use the servants’ entrance. Lord Campbell had written to Hawk that his staff was aware of their arrival, and he certainly paid them well enough to keep their mouths closed about their incognito guests.
In the meantime, Lord Campbell had put it out that he was suffering from the ague and would not be accepting invitations. From what Hawk had told her, Lord Campbell was eager to assist them in any way he could.
Lizzie and Hawk made their way up the steps. “Good evening, my lord, my lady. Welcome home, my lord.” The butler reminded her of all front door butlers. They must all attend the same school. Staunchly staid and formal.
“Thank you, Martin. It is good to be home. Although we aren’t staying.”
“My lord?”
“A satchel should have arrived for me a day or two ago from Lord Campbell.”
“Yes, sir. It is in your bedchamber.”
“Thank you. We would like a light supper, please, and then we will depart. Once we are settled, I will let you know what is planned.”
“Very well, my lord.”
Hawk turned to Lizzie. “Are you ready to play the part of a maid?”
Lizzie grinned. “Why not? I was a governess for two years. How much more difficult could it be to dust a few candelabras?”