Ravished

  With an effort Gideon pulled his thoughts back to the business at hand. “There is not much to tell. I set a trap using a Bow Street Runner. We caught the men who were hiding the goods.”

  “How did you know what was going on?”

  Gideon smiled wryly. “Harriet discovered the cave full of stolen items while collecting fossils. She summoned me back to Upper Biddleton and instructed me to deal with the matter as quickly as possible, as she wanted to continue to explore the cave. If you have not already guessed, I can tell you that Harriet has a tyrannical streak.”

  “I see. So you caught the thieves. And acquired Harriet in the process.”

  “Yes.” Gideon turned the glass of port between his palms, watching the ruby highlights. “There is just one thing that still bothers me. I believe there was a fourth man. One we did not catch.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “First, when I interviewed the thieves later they all claimed to have gotten their instructions from a mysterious man whose face they never saw. I’m inclined to believe them.”

  “Why?”

  “The items we found in the cavern were all of excellent quality. Extremely fine workmanship, and not traceable to any of the better houses in Upper Biddleton. None of the three men we captured seemed the sort to have a discerning eye, if you take my meaning. They were the sort who would have simply smashed a window of a likely looking house and grabbed whatever looked valuable.”

  “I understand,” Hardcastle said slowly.

  “Furthermore, when the Runner returned some of the stolen items to their owners in London, he learned that no one had been aware of having been the victim of burglars until someone happened to notice an item had gone missing.”

  Hardcastle was startled. “No one noticed the burglaries at the time?”

  Gideon shook his head slowly. “The thing is there were no smashed windows or broken locks to alert the owners. Think of how large Hardcastle House or Blackthorne Hall is. Even the townhouse you used to keep in London is huge. If someone had not broken a door or window to get inside, would you know you had been robbed until you missed an object?”

  “Well, no. I suppose not. But what about the staff?”

  “It was frequently a member of the staff who first noticed the missing item, according to Dobbs, the man I hired from Bow Street.”

  The earl looked at him with intent curiosity. “So what conclusions do you draw?”

  “That there was someone who was able to investigate the houses before the burglaries and ascertain what valuables were present and where they were located,” Gideon said. “And then that same someone arranged for the objects to be taken in a neat, efficient manner that did not require any smashing of windows and locks.”

  “And you believe this person may still be abroad?”

  “I know we did not catch him.” Gideon finished his port. “There is one very interesting thing we know about him, in addition to the fact that he has a discerning eye and entré into the best houses.”

  “He is familiar with the caves around Upper Biddleton,” Hardcastle concluded.

  “Yes. He knows them very well.”

  “There could not be too many people who fit all the facts,” Hardcastle said.

  “On the contrary.” Gideon smiled grimly. “Any number of men have hunted fossils in the caves of Upper Biddleton over the years. A fair proportion of them are gentlemen who are received in Society. Consider yourself, sir.”

  “Myself?”

  “You fit the profile perfectly. A gentleman with a discerning eye who is comfortable in the best drawing rooms and who is also an expert on the caves of Upper Biddleton.”

  The earl was stunned. Then his eyes lit with fury. “How dare you imply such a thing about your own father?”

  Gideon got to his feet at once. He inclined his head in a cool bow. “I beg your pardon, sir. I did not mean to imply anything. Of course I do not suspect you of thievery. Your honor is above reproach.”

  “I should bloody well think so.”

  “Furthermore, as the manager of your estates, I am very well acquainted with the extent of your wealth. You have no need to resort to robbery. So I am not putting you on my list of suspicious persons.”

  “Good God,” Hardcastle stormed. “Of all the disrespectful, disgraceful things to say. To even imply I could be a suspicious person is beyond the pale, sir.”

  Gideon went to the door. “It is an interesting feeling, is it not?”

  “What is?” the earl snapped.

  “Finding out that someone whose respect you think you have might just possibly doubt your honor and knowing that you could never prove your innocence to him?”

  Gideon did not wait for a response. He walked out of the dining room and closed the door behind him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  HARRIET GAZED OUT over the railing of the theater box and studied the brightly lit scene. The rows of boxes across from the one she was sharing with her aunts and Felicity were filled with brilliantly garbed people, all vying for attention. Each box was a mini stage in itself, a platform on which the theatergoers displayed themselves, their current lovers, and their jewels.

  Down below in the pits a boisterous, rowdy crowd, which had nearly drowned out the performers shortly before the intermission, put on their own show. The fops and dandies preened, told loud, uncouth jokes, slapped each other on the back, and generally created a cheerful disturbance that was as entertaining as what happened on stage.

  Harriet had been interested in the spectacle at first, but she had soon grown bored. She would have much preferred to have been at home studying fossil teeth. But this was only her second night back in London as the Viscountess St. Justin and Gideon had insisted she allow her family to take her to the theater.

  Harriet had not understood why he had wanted her to attend the performance until the steady stream of visitors to Adelaide’s box had enlightened her. Gideon was putting his bride on display.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Felicity asked during a brief break in visitors. She was radiant in a pale pink muslin gown trimmed with flounces and ribbons. “I vow the theater is packed tonight.”

  “Yes, it is. It is also rather warm.” Harriet used her fan vigorously and stopped abruptly when Felicity shook her head in mock despair.

  Harriet sighed. She knew she had not gotten the hang of using the fan coyly or seductively, as it was intended to be used. At least no one could complain of her gown. It was a very attractive one of turquoise muslin trimmed with white flounces and ribbon. Felicity had selected it.

  The curtain parted at the entrance to the box and two handsome young men in immaculate evening dress entered.

  “The Adonis Twins have arrived,” Harriet murmured to Felicity.

  “So I see.” Felicity smiled, thoroughly enjoying her role as a diamond of the first water.

  The two young men Harriet had nicknamed the Adonis Twins were not related at all, but they were of the same height and coloring, favored the same tailor, and paid attention to the same women. They were currently worshiping at Felicity’s feet.

  The Twins politely greeted Adelaide and Effie, and then they turned eagerly to Felicity.

  Felicity promptly dazzled them both with a smile. “Good evening, gentlemen. How nice to see you both here tonight. You are acquainted with my sister, the new Viscountess St. Justin?”

  “A pleasure to see you back in Town, madam,” the first Adonis said with a graceful bow. His eyes were filled with brief speculation.

  “A pleasure. Congratulations on your recent marriage.” The second Adonis imitated the other’s courtly bow and then both men turned their attention back to Felicity.

  At the rear of the box Adelaide and Effie chatted with an aging dowager dressed in black. Harriet overheard the woman remark to Effie that the entire family must be greatly relieved the marriage had actually taken place.

  “We are, of course, delighted with the alliance,” Effie said serenely, and then
added, lying through her teeth, “We were disappointed, naturally, that the young people could not wait for a formal wedding. But love must have its way, eh?”

  “Someone had his way, all right,” the dowager muttered. “And if you ask me, it was St. Justin.”

  Well aware that she was the subject of several curious glances from the other boxes, Harriet leaned over the railing to watch a fight that had broken out down below in the pits. She was unaware of the latest visitor to the box until she heard a familiar masculine voice greeting Adelaide and Effie.

  “Oh, good evening, Mr. Morland,” Effie said brightly. “So nice to see you tonight.”

  “I have come to pay my respects to the new Viscountess St. Justin,” Bryce said.

  “But of course,” Effie said.

  Harriet turned around in her seat and saw Bryce standing over her. His golden hair gleamed in the lights and his smile was laced with charm. She recalled Gideon’s warning. He is not the angel he appears to be.

  “Good evening, Mr. Morland.” Harriet smiled politely.

  “Madam.” Bryce seated himself on the velvet-covered chair beside her. He lowered his voice as he gazed into her eyes. “You are looking very lovely tonight.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “I learned only this morning that you were back in Town,” Bryce said. “And that you were married.”

  Harriet inclined her head. Most people at least offered a token wish of congratulations. “Yes.”

  “The rumors surrounding your sudden departure from Town a few days ago were most alarming.”

  “Were they?” Harriet shrugged. “I was not alarmed by any of the events. I cannot imagine why anyone else was.”

  “Some of us feared for your safety,” Bryce said softly.

  “Nonsense. I was never for one moment in any danger. I cannot imagine where anyone got such a notion.”

  Bryce smiled sadly. “Those of us who were concerned for you felt we had reason to fear when we learned that St. Justin had followed you and your friends.”

  “Well, now you know that there was nothing at all to be concerned about,” Harriet said firmly.

  “You are a very brave lady, madam.” Bryce bowed his head in tribute. “You have my utmost admiration.”

  Harriet glared at him. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “Never mind. It is not important. And the deed is done.” Bryce nodded his head at the crowd. “Do the stares and comments bother you? You are the latest curiosity on the social scene, Lady St. Justin. The bride of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall.”

  Harriet drew back in anger. “I have asked you most specifically not to call my husband by that terrible name. Please leave this box, Mr. Morland.”

  “I did not mean to offend, madam. I am merely repeating what the whole world is saying. Would you kill the messenger who brings the bad news?”

  “Yes, if it becomes necessary to do so in order to stop him from repeating such news.” She waved her fan at him in dismissal. “Now, do take your leave, sir. I am in no mood for such nonsense.”

  “As you wish.” Bryce rose to his feet and grasped her hand before she realized his intention. He bowed over her fingers. “Allow me to tell you once more that you have my greatest admiration.”

  “Really, Mr. Morland, that is quite enough.”

  He lowered his voice so that only she could hear. “Your bravery is becoming a legend in the ton. It is not every woman who could face the prospect of sharing the marriage bed with a monster like St. Justin.”

  Harriet snatched her hand out of his grasp just as the velvet curtains parted once more. Gideon stepped into the box. His eyes went instantly to Bryce.

  “St. Justin.” Bryce gave him a laconic smile. “I was just congratulating your new bride.”

  “Were you, indeed?” Gideon turned his back on Bryce to greet Effie, Adelaide, and Felicity. Then he looked at Harriet, his eyes searching her expression coolly.

  Harriet summoned up a quick smile, anxious not to give Gideon any reason to be provoked with Bryce. The business with Applegate had been a near thing. It had not been easy convincing Gideon to call off the challenge.

  “There you are, my lord,” Harriet said easily. “I was wondering if you would put in an appearance tonight.”

  Gideon walked over to Harriet, brushing past Bryce as if the other man were an unseen ghost. He bent over Harriet’s hand and kissed her fingers. “I told you I would meet up with you here,” he reminded her softly.

  “Yes, of course you did.” Harriet was flustered. She could sense the hostility between the two men and she did not want any trouble. “Do sit down, sir. The second act is about to begin.” She nodded aloofly at Bryce, who was watching Gideon with brooding eyes. “Good night, Mr. Morland. Thank you for stopping by to congratulate me.”

  “Good night, madam.” Bryce disappeared through the velvet curtains.

  “Was he disturbing you in any way?” Gideon asked quietly as he sat down beside Harriet.

  “Heavens, no.” Harriet unfurled her fan and quickly began fanning herself. “He was merely being polite.” She caught her sister’s eye. Felicity gave her an inquiring glance, silently asking if everything was all right. Harriet tried to convey, equally silently, that everything was under control.

  “I am pleased to hear it.” Gideon lounged arrogantly in the chair beside Harriet, his proprietary attitude toward her plain for everyone else in the theater to see. “Are you enjoying the performance?”

  “Not particularly,” Harriet said. “One cannot hear much of it, for one thing. The crowd is very loud tonight. Some of the people down below started pelting the stage with orange peelings just before the intermission.”

  Adelaide chuckled. “Harriet is still under the impression one actually goes to the theater to see and hear the performance, St. Justin. We have told her that is the least important reason for attending.”

  Gideon’s mouth curved faintly. He gazed out at the crowd with obvious satisfaction. “Quite right.”

  Harriet stirred uneasily in her chair. She had had quite enough of being put on display as the bride of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall.

  Late that night, when her maid had finally left her bedchamber and she was alone at last, Harriet decided the time had come to confront Gideon.

  She went to the door that connected her bedchamber to Gideon’s and put her ear against the panel. She was just in time to hear Gideon’s valet take his leave. Harriet opened the door and went straight into the other room.

  “I would like to speak to you, my lord,” she announced.

  Gideon, wearing a black dressing gown, was pouring himself a glass of brandy. He glanced up, one brow lifting slightly. “Of course, my dear. I was just about to come to your bedchamber. But as you are here, you may as well join me in a glass of brandy.”

  “No, thank you. I do not care for any.”

  “I detect a certain edge in your tone.” Gideon took a swallow of his brandy and regarded her closely. “Are you annoyed with me for some reason, Harriet?”

  “Yes, I am. Gideon, I did not want to go to the theater tonight. I went because you insisted on it.”

  “I thought you would enjoy being with your family and reassuring them that you are safely wed. They need no longer worry about whether or not you will be ravished and abandoned by me. You are now the Viscountess St. Justin and nothing can alter that.”

  “That was not why you insisted I go, and you know it. Gideon, my sister thinks you are putting me on display as if I were a rare species of pet. Is that true? Because if it is, I do not like it. I have had enough.”

  “You are a very rare creature, my dear.” His eyes gleamed. “Very rare, indeed.”

  “That is quite untrue, my lord. I am a perfectly ordinary female who now happens to be your wife. Gideon, I do not want to be an exhibition any longer. Have you not proven whatever it is you feel you must prove to Society?”

  “Whatever your sister says, I did not send you to the theater tonight
in order to exhibit you, Harriet.”

  “Are you quite certain of that, my lord?” she asked softly.

  “Bloody hell. Of course I am certain. What a ridiculous question. I thought you would enjoy being with your family and I thought you would enjoy the theater. That is all there was to it.”

  “Very well,” Harriet said, “the next time you suggest I go someplace I do not particularly wish to go, I will feel quite free to refuse.”

  He gave her an annoyed look. “Harriet, you are a married woman now. You will do as you are bid.”

  “Ah-hah. Then you intend to order me to go to places I do not wish to go?”

  “Harriet—”

  “If you do start giving me such orders, then I must conclude that you have some other motive than pleasing me in mind,” Harriet said. “Thus far the only motive I can come up with is your desire to exhibit me.”

  “I am not exhibiting you.” Gideon downed the brandy with an irritated expression.

  “Then let us go back to Upper Biddleton,” Harriet said quickly. “Neither of us is particularly fond of Town life. Let us go home.”

  “Are you so eager to get back to your fossils, then?”

  “Naturally I am eager to get back to them. You know how concerned I am about someone else finding the other bones that go with my tooth. And as you are not enjoying Society any more than I am, I see no reason why we should not go back to Upper Biddleton.”

  “You and your bloody damn fossils,” he growled. “Is that all you can think about?”

  Harriet suddenly realized that he was no longer merely annoyed. Gideon was growing angry. “You know better than that, my lord.”

  “Is that so? Tell me, my dear, where do I rank in relation to your fossils? Other husbands have to worry about competition from men such as Morland. My fate is to find myself competing with a bunch of old bones and teeth.”

  “Gideon, this is turning into an idiotic argument. I do not understand you tonight, my lord.”

  Gideon swore softly. “I am not certain I understand myself tonight. I am not in the best of moods, Harriet. Perhaps you had better go to bed.”

  Harriet went toward him. She put her hand on his arm and looked up into his hard face. “What is wrong, Gideon?”