Trevor swung toward her and grasped her gloved hands. “You remember having a cousin?”
She nodded. “I can picture them right now, like it was yesterday.” Excitement hammered in her chest and she tightened her fingers with his. “Trevor, I can vision my parents. Papa was dressed in the same fashion as you, and my mother was adorned in a lovely lavender day dress. My cousin was about to enter Eton.”
A rush of air escaped his mouth mere moments before he brought her hands to his lips and kissed. “This is a wonderful discovery, Louisa.”
“I think so. The more I remember my past, the more I think my parents were indeed of Quality.”
“I’m sure they were, my dear.”
Trevor climbed down then helped Louisa and the twins. She held on to the twins’ hands as they made their way toward the building. Groups of people littered the street and on the stairs. Louisa glanced from one to the other, taking in as many faces as she could, hoping to find some recognition. Instead, everyonelooked like a stranger. Were her parents and cousin still alive? Then again, she doubted they were since she had to resort to thieving just to eat. Still, she prayed there was some extended family out there whom she could find.
The closer she came to the building, a strange—almost eerie—feeling rushed over her like a dark cloud of doom. Someone watched her, she couldfeelit, but there were too many people for her to see which one could be keeping an eye on her. Perhaps her mind played tricks on her or her memory. Had something bad happened a long time ago when she was here last?
Putting aside the uncomfortable feelings, she followed Trevor inside the building.
*
My, my… whatdo we have here?
A malicious grin tugged on Macgregor’s mouth as he watched Louisa scurry inside, holding on to two little children. If David hadn’t told Macgregor about the little twit living with Lord Kenbridge, Richard wouldn’t have taken a second glance when he saw the lord climbing out of his landau. And Richard certainly wouldn’t have studied the nursemaid closely to see if this was his long-lost pupil, either.
Richard chuckled low as he filled his pipe. He slid the end into his mouth, lit it, and inhaled the tobacco. Louisa no longer looked like the little ragamuffin he’d taken under his wing all those years ago, but instead like a real lady—even wearing nice clothes. He didn’t know if the woman had been compromised, and to find out, he’d have to study her and the duke a little closer. Richard wouldn’t waste his time thinking of another way for the girl to make him money until he knew for certain.
Taking slow steps, he stayed behind a group of noblemen and their wives as they strolled toward the amphitheatre. Merchantstried to sway him into purchasing their wares, but Richard flipped his hand in the air, silently dismissing them. This evening, his mind would be on one thing. He wouldn’t rest until he understood what Louisa was doing.
Once inside, he scanned the seats, looking for her. It took him a few minutes with as many people who were in his way, but he finally caught sight of her sitting prim and proper next to the duke and his children. Richard hurried toward them, but kept far enough away so she wouldn’t see him. He found a seat that would be perfect while spying. If she kept her gaze on the stage—which he supposed she would, due to the entertainment—she would never know he was here. Watching. Waiting for the right moment to pounce like a tiger on its prey.
The show began, and Louisa’s eyes danced nearly as much as the children who sat by her. Richard snickered. Although she had a woman’s body, right now she appeared much younger by the way she laughed and clapped. But of course she’d react this way. Her childhood had been snatched away when Featherspoon kidnapped her then sold her.
Richard had never seen her look so happy, but it didn’t matter. He needed her back. Now. The children he had working for him didn’t bring in as much as Louisa had. Yet, as he watched her with the duke and his children as if they were the most important people in England, Richard understood that getting her back into his fold would be more difficult than he’d planned. She was now a grown woman and had tasted her independence if only for a short time. Naturally, she’d fight him, but he must not allow her to win.
Forcing her was an option, but the little tart was a handful when upset… and upset she would be when he finally brought her back to his house. Things would be different after that. She would not have any ambition to steal for him, even if he threatened to turn her into an older gent’s mistress. No, Richardhad to think of another means of convincing Louisa to do his bidding. But what?
A cheer rose through the crowd, startling Richard. He glanced at the stage just in time to see the lion tamer pull his head from the lion’s mouth—unharmed. Richard switched his attention back to Louisa and the duke’s children who were now jumping in their seats, clapping. Louisa hugged each one, her eyes glistening with tenderness. When she looked at the duke, a different expression lit her face. Indeed, the girl was in love. Richard shrugged. Regardless, that would end shortly if he had anything to do with it. And of course, he would haveeverythingto do with it when she came back.
Suddenly, an idea jolted through him, almost knocking him from his seat. He hitched a breath as his mind swirled quickly to formulate a plan. Now he knew how to make Miss Hamilton bend to his will. Blackmail. Obviously, she loved those children and the duke. If she wanted to spare their lives, she would obey Richard and jump when he snapped his fingers.
Ease spread through him, relaxing his worry. He would have her in his grasp very soon.
Louisa leaned over and chatted with the duke for a few moments before the gent dropped some coins in her hand. She stood and sauntered toward the back of the building by the merchants.
Excitement grew inside Richard as he quickly followed, pushing people aside so he wouldn’t lose her. Finally, he closed in behind her. He shoved a few people out of his way who tossed scowls at him.
Louisa purchased a bag of roasted nuts, and then turned to leave. Richard blocked her path.
“Please forgive me—” she said before her eyes lifted to his.
“Good evenin’, my dear Louisa Hamilton. What a pleasure it is to see ye after all this time.” He grinned. “Did ye miss me?”
Her eyes widened, and her face paled. The bag of peanuts fell to the ground.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Anumbing coolnessspread through Louisa as if she stood up to her neck in frigid waters. It was disconcerting to feel this way when she knew she wasn’t even close to a pond, but in a crowded building where people closed in all around her. All sounds disappeared and all she could hear was the man’s voice in front of her. His dark, beady eyes pierced right through to her soul, and havoc trembled in her head. Her mind spun out of control, and she feared if she closed her eyes she would fall to the ground in an unconscious heap.
Loud voices from her past nagged at her, pulling her deeper into the recesses of her memory. She knew this man. Knew how he treated his friends—and especially the children who worked for him. Knew his forms of punishments if he didn’t approve of what the children brought in from their daily working routines.
Richard Macgregor!
