Page 15 of The Villain’s Vixen (Wanton Wastrels)

CHAPTER 15

W hen Lexie returned to the townhouse, she was grateful that her aunt had yet to return. As she instructed her maid to pack her things, that she was going to be staying at the duke’s estate until their marriage, she was quite sure the girl’s mouth couldn’t have dragged the floor any further. However, she quickly removed her trunks and began to take care of packing.

While she was doing that, Lexie penned a quick missive to her father to apprise him of the change. She hesitated, wondering whether or not she should tell him of her aunt’s steadfastness in selecting the earl for her hand, but since she didn’t want to cause additional strife within the family, she decided to leave her frustrations unsaid and noted that since her quest for a husband had been solved, she was content to enjoy some time in the country getting to know her future mother-in-law.

By the time her aunt returned, Lexie was sitting in the parlor and trying not to fidget.

She heard her aunt’s irate tone in the foyer as she inquired about Lexie’s whereabouts and stood as the older woman entered. “Alexandra, what is this I’ve heard about—” She stopped when she spied the personal traveling valise at her feet. “What is this? And why is the duke’s coach parked out front?”

Lexie could find no other way to tell her, so she replied bluntly, “I’m going to the Cuthbert estate. The duke mentioned how lovely the chapel was on the grounds, so I decided it would be ideal for our wedding. I shall remain there until our vows are spoken.”

It took a moment for her news to sink into the other woman’s consciousness, but when it did, her face turned a mottled shade of red. “Absolutely not! I forbid it!”

She had known this wouldn’t be easy. Withholding a sigh, she gathered her bag and moved forward. “I appreciate your kind hospitality, Aunt Bonnie, but the choice has already been made. I do hope that you won’t be angry at me for too long and will attend our nuptials. I know you have never cared for the duke, but trust me when I say Dominic is not the villain everyone portrays him to be. In two days, the banns will be read.”

“I knew his influence was strong, but I had no idea you had fallen to such an extent!” she said in aghast. “I shall have to write your father at once and explain the situation in grave detail?—”

“I believe father already gave his opinion on the matter,” Lexie interjected smoothly. She bent down and offered a slight kiss to her aunt’s cheek. “I’m sorry you’re disappointed, but I have to follow my heart.”

Taking a deep breath, she hastened her steps until she was ensconced in the coach. She heard her aunt calling after her, but she rapped her knuckles on the roof and the carriage rocked into motion. She dared to peek out the window coverings to see her aunt holding a hand over her bosom, as if she was in danger of having an apoplexy.

Lexie let the curtain fall. She couldn’t falter or she would be made to suffer greatly for this show of rebellion. No matter how much guilt wanted to suffocate her, she had to stay strong. The vision of Lord Lindley was enough for her to clench her fists at her sides as the wheels kept turning. Nevertheless, she had never imagined things might have gotten so bad at her aunt’s house that she should be forced to flee like some sort of criminal who hadn’t done anything more than fall in love.

Immediately, Lexie held a hand to her stomach as the butterflies went wild.

Was it love that she felt for the duke?

She had certainly never felt such a strong emotion as the one that rose within her when he was near. But was it purely passion that she was confusing for something more?

Her mind whirling, she reminded herself that her first instincts were generally accurate and she hadn’t hesitated to think she loved him. So it must be true.

She leaned her head back against the velvet squabs and appreciated the well sprung coach as it carried her farther from London and closer to her future. It had once looked exceptionally bleak and forlorn, but as she imagined the life she would share with Dominic, any doubts or sour outlook she might have held before started to melt away. A smile broke out on her face when she imagined filling the nursery with their children. And when she thought of the excitement to be had in sharing his bed, her cheeks warmed with eager anticipation.

In this moment, it was looking to be a very bright future, indeed.

Dominic slammed the door of Avalon’s office at the Crown & Sceptre and grabbed the first thing his hand touched then hurled it against the wall.

Naturally, it was a nearly full bottle of fine French brandy.

What a damned shame. But more than that, he was filled with anger toward the man who threatened everything worth meaning in his life. There had been no further movement from the man who had tried to kill him and it appeared he had covered his tracks quite well. The Blue Boys and Amos had questioned nearly everyone in Whitechapel already, and even with Avalon’s fierce influence, causing most of the pub owners to quake in their boots when he walked in the front door, either someone had been paid rather handsomely to retain their silence, or the villain had just… vanished.

Somehow, Dominic doubted the latter was the case. He’d known a few illusionists in his time, and the magic was all smoke and mirrors. Granted, a lot of it was very well accomplished, which proved that this was not an amateur criminal they were dealing with. For the first time in his life, Avalon was dealing with someone on the same level. If they were on the same side, as Mr. Porter had been, then no harm done. He would have embraced a powerful ally. Unfortunately, this was not the case. This man was intent on seeing his demise, and Dominic was furious that he couldn’t figure out why.

“I see we won’t be sharing a bottle together this evening.”

Dominic turned at Amos’s dry tone. The dark-skinned man was leaning against the frame, his visible blue eye narrowed in apparent displeasure. Dominic snorted. “It would appear not,” he snapped. He shoved a hand through his hair. “I have not faced an adversary like this before. I shouldn’t allow the influence this man has to bother me to the point I lose my temper to such an extent, but it is not just my life he is posing a threat to any longer.”

“He will expose himself sooner rather than later,” Amos said matter-of-factly. “They always do.”

Dominic’s mouth thinned. “I daresay I always believed I was in better control of my destiny, but this man has proven otherwise.”

Amos crossed his arms. “I don’t understand what you are doing back here. If you are hoping to transfer power to me and start a new life with Miss Givenwald, you should focus your efforts in that direction.”

“I plan to do that,” Dominic returned evenly. “But I cannot rest until this criminal that would see me dead is disposed of properly. I will not be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my days and wondering if I will receive a demand for blackmail the moment my guard is lifted.” Feeling a burst of restless energy, Dominic started to pace the floor. “I just don’t know what I’m missing. Generally, Avalon would have this mess taken care of within a day’s time. The fact that it is taking so much longer does not bode well for my last hurrah as the Blue Boys leader.”

“You still have not uncovered anything at your residence in London?”

“No. The Runners I hired to watch everything claim that all is quiet and there has been nothing untoward since the incident that night.” He frowned. “What keeps unsettling me is the Earl of Lindley. There is something that doesn’t sit right about him and his refusal to accept defeat of Miss Givenwald’s hand to me. But again, as yet, there has been no alarming report.”

“Perhaps we should do some investigation of the earl on our own.”

Dominic’s brow rose slightly. “I’m intrigued. What do you have in mind?”

“You mentioned that he appeared to have a favorite gaming hell he liked to frequent. Perhaps we need to become devoted patrons of the establishment. If Lindley isn’t who you are looking for, then perhaps he is aware of who is.”

Mulling this possibility over for a bit, Dominic nodded. “I agree.” He started to head for the door and then paused and glanced at Amos. “How do you imagine you will blend in to the rest of the assemblage? That eyepatch will be easily recognizable.”

“Not if I wear a hat and keep it pulled down low.” He offered a wink. “You are not the only one who is familiar with being covert. There are many times when the color of my skin does not endear me to others, but with the right number of shadows, I am capable of moving about wherever I wish.”

A grin stretched over Dominic’s face, and he clapped Amos on the shoulder. “I see why Mr. Porter trusted you like no other. Your fortitude is what has always made you such a valuable asset to me.” He started for the door. “Let’s win some blunt, shall we?”

Avalon strode into the gaming establishment, Amos following a short time later with the subservient demeanor of a lower-class man looking to improve his current circumstances.

Dominic took a seat at the faro table while Amos lurked about the edges of the room as though uncertain where he wanted to throw the small amount of coin that he couldn’t afford to lose. Dominic had to admit that he played the part of the miserable wretch quite well, and while Dominic retained the air of intimidation befitting his reputation in the East End, they had yet to encounter Lord Lindley.

As the minutes ticked past, Dominic was about to fold, regardless that he’d had a hand sure to win the growing pot before him, when he overheard a particularly interesting conversation nearby that caused his ears to perk up and the fine hairs on the back of his neck to rise on end. “Poor Alfie. Blasted fool was pulled from th’ Thames this morning. I ’eard ’e was almost unrecognizable.”

“It was only a matter o’ time before ’e succumbed to th’ drink an’ fell into th’ bloody river,” his companion muttered.

“That’s no’ what ’appened. I ’eard ’e was stabbed and then tossed into th’ water like yesterday’s refuse.”

“Harrumph. That doesn’t surprise me. ’E always kept terrible company, like tha’ toff whot was always paying ’im. ’E should ’ave been more careful.”

The rest of the conversation faded, but Dominic had heard enough. He tossed down his cards and headed for the front door with purpose. He got into the hired hack and waited for a few moments until Amos joined him. The only explanation he offered was, “We’re going to the morgue.”

Lexie awoke as the coach lurched slightly. She blinked away the sudden confusion and glanced out the window where dusk was starting to take form. Dominic had told her that his estate was a day’s ride from London, so there would be no need to stay the night at an inn, for which she was grateful. She wasn’t eager to stay by herself with no further protection, not even her maid, who had stayed behind at her aunt’s house. Jane would surely not have been allowed to join her, but again, Dominic assured her that there was no need for concern, that all her needs would be met when she arrived at Greenlawn.

She wondered how they had adopted such a simple name for a powerful ducal estate. It sounded pleasant enough, but not nearly as intimidating as she might have imagined it could be. Dominic’s family was cousin to George IV, as well as all the monarchs who had come before the current king.

Nevertheless, she was filled with apprehension about the imposing structure she would soon see, because it was imperative that she make a good impression on, not just the servants, but Dominic’s mother. She didn’t want to make a misstep that could jeopardize her connection to the duke.

Glancing out the window, she was thankful to see that any further autumn rain had decided to hold off. English roads could be questionable at best, but when they were filled with rivulets of water, the journey could be rather difficult.

However, as the carriage started to slow, she had to wonder at the reason for the delay. Perhaps a broken wheel or loose harness around one of the horses might have impeded their journey. She waited patiently as they rolled to a stop, thinking that the driver would soon apprise her of the issue. But when the door opened and it was another’s intense expression that she saw, her mouth gaped open in surprise. “Lord Lindley. What on earth are you doing here?”

“Saving you from a grave error,” he noted, and then proceeded to climb inside with her.

By this point, Lexie had to admit that his insistence was starting to get ridiculous. It was frustrating enough that he couldn’t seem to accept her at her word, but when he had to chase her down when she had made it perfectly clear whom she had chosen, her patience was wearing thin. She no longer decided that she could be the biddable lady that her aunt expected of her.

Pointing toward the door, she ordered firmly. “You need to leave, sir. I daresay I will not say it again, but you must desist with your suit. It is futile, and I will not endure it any longer.”

He reached out to grasp her hands. “Miss Givenwald, you must allow me to beg your reconsideration. I love?—”

She withdrew her palms. “I am seriously given to wonder about the state of your mental health at this point, as well as that of my aunt, for I have no doubt she rushed to you with the express purpose of bringing me back home. But I shall not be browbeat in this manner. I will marry the duke regardless of what either of you say to the contrary. Do I make myself understood?"

He stilled and sat back calmly. His expression became a mask of indifference, although he spoke with perfect clarity. “I explained to her that there are other suitable ladies who would be overjoyed to accept my suit, but she will not listen.”

Lexie shook her head, truly perplexed now. “I cannot understand why you do not stand up to my aunt, but I know she can be quite tenacious. But trust me when I say you are free to choose another. I will certainly speak to her on your behalf, although since most of my arguments have fallen on deaf ears, I have to wonder if it will do either of us any good.”

His focus turned distant. “She is set on the match and no one else will do.”

She started to feel the prickles of unease crawl up her spine. She couldn’t say why that was, as Lord Lindley was perfectly amenable. He hadn’t raised his voice or begged her to run away with him and elope. In truth, he seemed resigned to his fate, but the reason for his devotion to her aunt’s wishes was something she could not fathom. It was as if he was beholden to her in some manner, and the only way to placate her was to do whatever she wished.

“Can you tell me what my aunt has done to earn such dedication from you? There must be a reason, as I cannot believe that you truly love me when I have not done anything to garner the same emotions.”

His gaze lifted to her and he sighed, his shoulders slumping, as if he had failed some monumental task. “I owe her everything.”

She waited for him to say more, but when he didn’t, she softened her tone and said, “You can tell me. I will not judge you for whatever wrong you might have done in the past. We all have our own personal transgressions to atone for in some way or another. If my aunt has assisted you in that regard, then I can certainly see how you would feel this overwhelming loyalty toward her. But it is misplaced. There is nothing that anyone might have to do if it causes this much devastation and chaos. I was forced to leave London because she was driving this issue into the ground and I couldn’t bear it any longer. Do not let her browbeat you into doing something you do not want to do.”

“It’s too late for that,” he murmured.

Suddenly, the door was wrenched open and Lexie faced the barrel of a pistol held by a masked figure. She looked at the earl in outrage. “What is the meaning of this?” she demanded, as the assailant grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her out of the carriage.

Outside, she saw the driver and the Runner, who had joined them on the journey, held at gunpoint by two other riders.

Panicked, she pulled on her arm, but the captor’s grip was strong and unrelenting. “Release me!”

She was hoping that a firm tone would work to gain her freedom, but it didn’t faze the man. She looked over her shoulder at the earl, but he was careful to keep his focus fixed on the ground. As she was dragged toward the assailant’s horse, Lexie realized that if he tossed her over the saddle, her fate was sealed.

Praying that her actions would work, Lexie lifted her foot and brought it down hard on the man’s boot. She was afraid it wouldn’t be enough to distract him, but the slight grunt was enough for his hold to loosen enough where she could bring up her knee and jam it into his groin. He doubled over, and she didn’t waste her chance to grab the pistol that had fallen out of his grasp.

She spun around and aimed the barrel at the earl. “Leave us!”

He blinked in obvious astonishment—and then gunshots began to ring out.

“Run!” The Runner shouted at her over the sudden barrage of bullets zinging around them as a battle ensued from the rest of the men.

As Lord Lindley rushed toward her, she didn’t think twice as she pulled the trigger.

She didn’t wait for the smoke to clear as she tossed down the weapon and ran in the opposite direction. She lifted her skirts and rushed off into a section of nearby trees, hoping that she would soon be able to disappear.

She ran through the brambles that clawed at her skirts, and although there was still a bit of daylight left to guide her way, she knew it would be best if night fell. That way, it would make it harder for someone to follow her tracks .

At one point, she thought she could hear the sounds of pursuit behind her, but then her heavy breathing drowned out any further sounds. Her stays were suffocating, and she wondered if she might pass out from her exertions, but she couldn’t stop. Not yet. Not until she could be assured that she was free of danger.

Seeing signs of a village just beyond a clearing, Lexie dared to dart out into the open. She was alert for the sounds of hoofbeats, should her captors decide to make an unwanted appearance.

Her heart was nearly hammering out of her chest as she rushed to the first cottage that she came across and pounded urgently on the front door. Desperation clawed at her, but she refused to give in. Tears sprang to her eyes as the door was opened and she was greeted by a woman with a tidy bun and wearing an apron.

“What in God’s name?—?”

“Please. Help… me.” Lexie gasped, before she collapsed to the floor. The last thought she had as gentle hands reached out for her shoulders was that it was very possible that she had killed a man tonight.