Cam nodded. “I’ll check the usual establishments myself. Should I find anything, I’ll send word here.” He turned swiftly, shouting commands to Peabody to bring several young boys from the stables and scullery to serve as messengers.
“Thank you.” Nick braced himself for the worst. Would Augie try to marry her here or wait until they were aboard ship? If Corbett touched Jem, Nick would tear the man apart with his bare hands.
Colin poured a whisky and pushed it into Nick’s hand. “How many of the ships sitting at the wharf are yours, and how many are bound to New York or Bermuda? There can only be a handful that are due to leave this time of year.” He motioned to the glass of whisky. “Drink up, man. We'll find her.”
Nick downed the glass in two swallows, allowing the warmth of the whisky to fill him before speaking. “There are only three and two of them are mine. I doubt Corbett and his mother have any idea that I own a fleet of ships, let alone that they’ve likely booked passage on one.”
“Won’t they be surprised, then?” Colin nodded grimly, gripping a cheroot, between his teeth and putting a match to it. “I’ll have the carriage brought round.” Colin reached into the inside of his coat and pulled out a wicked looking knife and shot Rowan a look. “You’ve a weapon, Malden?”
Rowan’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the knife. “No.” He nodded towards the blade. “You carry that around with you?”
“I’m Irish. Or at least partially. We’re a suspicious lot.” He shrugged and pushed the knife back inside the pocket of his coat. “Besides, London is a dangerous place.”
Nick drew a large knife and two pistols from his desk drawer. He slid the knife into his boot and held one pistol out to Rowan. “You’re coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course.” Rowan took the pistol, his face hard. “I expect you will tell me the particulars regarding treason and kidnapping on our way to the wharf.”
Nick nodded and strode through the open study door, Colin and Rowan on his heels. “I’ll tell you everything, once Jem is safe.”
26
Jemma kicked out with her foot as hard as she could, satisfied to hear a grunt of pain as she caught Lady Corbett in the shin. The chair moved forward with the force of her efforts.She killed my father. She killed my mother.The words thundered in her head. Jemma kicked out again, unmindful of her own safety, not caring about anything but injuring the vile woman who stood before her.
“You little bitch.” Lady Corbett's hands went around Jemma's neck, her thumbs digging into the tender flesh. “I’m glad I killed William. He would have been nothing without me.Itold George about the bloody packet.Me.I knew the value of that document and the small fortune its contents would bring.” She sprayed Jemma with bits of spittle as she spoke. “I thought William meant forusto be together and I could leave George, but instead he set up that Irish chambermaid as the lady of Sea Cliff. Your father grew rich while George squandered our share, and I could donothing. Then I saw another way to finally have what was due me—Sea Cliff, and you ruined it!” She tightened her fingers.
Jemma couldn't breathe. She kicked and twisted, trying to break Lady Corbett’s hold, but to no avail. Spots danced before her eyes as she gasped for air.
“Mother.” The door flew open.
Jemma struggled to turn her head and speak as Augie appeared before her. His clothes were rumpled and his cravat was loose, the ends fluttering about his neck. The dark hair of his head stood up in spikes as if he'd been raking his hands through it. “What do you think you’re doing?” His eyes held a hunted look.
Shocked at her son’s sudden entrance, Lady Corbett's grip loosened. “Augustus. Where have you been?”
Coughing, she gulped in the fetid air as Lady Corbett’s hands fell from her neck. “Augie,” she implored. “Please untie me. Please help me.”
Augie snorted, his eyes filled with distaste as he looked down at her. “Surely, you jest. Why would I help you? You are the cause of all my ills.”
Lady Corbett danced around her son. “Where is the minister?” A beatific smile crossed her features as she leaned to look behind Augie. “I can’t wait for all of Bermuda to see you married. Once we have Sea Cliff, perhaps produce a child just in case someone tries to challenge our claim, you can throw her from the rocks.” Her face fell as she realized Augie was alone. “But where is he? Did you instruct him to meet us onboard? That’s very clever of you, dear one. He can serve as a witness once we reach Bermuda.”
Jemma tried to kick out again with her heel and missed.
“A child? Marry?” Augie’s lips quirked into a sad smile. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mother, but there’s been a change in plans.” His lips curled into a cruel sneer. “I fear your scheme has little chance for success. I stopped at White's for a drink after finding a minister willing to perform the ceremony, and the place was rife with gossip over the Devil of Dunbar's incredible lust.” He gestured at Jemma. “Forher.Thetonis incredulous. You led me to believe that the duke was only marrying her out of a misguided sense of duty. I decided to stay for one more hand of cards when who should appear but the Marquess of Cambourne, the duke’s closest friend. Do you know who he was looking for Mother? Me. I am fortunate that he didn’t see me as I ran for the door.”
Lady Corbett’s mouth gaped open like a fish. “Darling—” she tried to stroke Augie’s arm.
Augie shrugged off his mother. “I've no desire to perish at the hands of the Devil of Dunbar. You see, I've heard the things he's done. He'll come for her. If I were to be stupid enough to marry her, he would widow her in a thrice.”
“But—” Lady Corbett sputtered. “We have a plan. She is your betrothed.”
“Betrothed?” His fingers fluttered to Jemma. “Why would I want that man’s leavings when there are other ways I can take my pound of flesh? Ways in which it is far less likely I'll be killed.”
“No.” Lady Corbett shook her head as if trying to dislodge something. “No, that isnotwhat we discussed.” She sidled over to Augie and ran a plump finger down his cheek adoringly. “My dear boy, this is the only way. You know that. We leave on the evening tide.”
Augie swatted his mother's caress away. “Nothing would make me marry thattrollop.”
Jemma winced at the vehemence in his tone.
He truly hates me.He probably always has.
