Seduced at Midnight

Chapter 19

Julianne stared at the duke, his words tolling through her mind like a death knell. Did she look as horrified as she felt? She could only thank God she was already seated, because his statement left her shaking.

"I… I beg your pardon?"

"I'll be announcing our engagement at my party this evening."

Nausea and panic warred within her. "But…why? My parents have everything planned to make the official announcement at their party next week."

"My plans have changed, and I'm needed back in Cornwall sooner than I'd anticipated. We shall make the official announcement tonight. I already have the special license; therefore, the wedding will take place in two days. We'll leave for Cornwall immediately after the ceremony."

Two days… Dear God. She squeezed her eyes shut. She felt dizzy. As if she weren't inhabiting her own body. As if this nightmare were happening to someone else, and she was just watching it from far away.

He lifted her limp hand where it lay lifeless in her lap and pressed a kiss to the back of her fingers. She opened her eyes and found him watching her. Through those cold eyes she'd have to look into for the rest of her life. He was a good-looking man. So why didn't she find him in the least bit attractive? His eyes were actually quite the perfect shade of blue. So why did they appear so chilly to her?

"I know this comes as a surprise." He offered her a smile. "But not an unpleasant one, I hope."

She had to press her lips together to contain the hideous laugh that threatened to escape. Unpleasant? That was the most lukewarm word she could imagine to describe this entire revolting debacle. She could scream and rail and refuse, but in the end she'd lose. And really, what difference did it make if she married him in two days or two weeks or even two hours? Gideon didn't want her for any period of time. Since her marriage to the duke was inevitable, it was better to just get it over with as quickly as possible.

"I know we don't know each other very well, Julianne," he said quietly, "but that will change. I'm sure you'll love Cornwall. As for the rushed wedding, I'm afraid it can't be helped."

"In two days," she agreed, feeling as if a noose had just been put around her neck. "Have you told my parents?"

"I told your father at the club before coming here. If you'll ring for the servant to summon her, I'll speak to your mother now."

"Of course." Somehow she managed to rise and pull the bell cord. Her gaze fell upon the slightly ajar door leading to the sitting room. Gideon. He'd heard everything. As soon as she left this room, he'd appear. And she couldn't face him. Couldn't face anyone. She needed some time alone.

When Winslow appeared a moment later, she said, "Will you please tell Mother the duke wishes to speak with her? And that I've gone to my room to rest. To be refreshed for tonight's party."

"Yes, Lady Julianne."

After Winslow withdrew, Julianne, still engulfed in a numb fog, turned to the man who would be her husband in two days and offered him a curtsy. "If you'll excuse me, Your Grace…"

He offered her a formal bow. "Of course, my dear. You must get your rest. You've a big evening ahead of you." He smiled. "We both have."

Unable to do more than nod, Julianne quit the room. Not wanting to risk seeing her mother or Gideon, she gathered up her skirts and broke into a run, heading away from the foyer and taking the servants' stairs. By the time she reached the top, her breath was hitching, and sobs she couldn't contain were clogging her throat.

It was over. All her hopes. All her dreams. Her time had run out.

The only word that kept pounding through her mind as she hurried down the corridor toward her bedchamber was escape. Escape. But it was a futile, useless word. There was nowhere to go. Except to Cornwall. As the Duchess of Eastling.

Another sob broke from her throat. Lifting her skirts higher, she dashed the last few feet to her bedchamber. As soon as she closed the door behind her and locked it, she leaned against the oak panel and buried her face in her hands. Tears leaked between her fingers, matching the pain pouring from her heart.

If only she could run away. But she knew if she did, she'd be found. And anyone who might assist her would then face her father's retribution. Which she knew would be swift. And ugly.

She sank to the floor, wrapped her arms around her bent legs, and rested her forehead on her knees. No sooner had she done so than a knock sounded on the door, and the knob rattled.

"Julianne…please open the door." Gideon's low, quiet voice drenched her eyes with a fresh supply of tears.

"I… need to be alone. Just for a little while."

"I heard what happened. I know you're upset. Open the door. Please."

She shook her head, then realized he couldn't see her. "Just a few minutes to myself."

He was silent for several seconds. "Will you at least go into the blue bedchamber?"

She lifted her head and realized that out of habit she'd entered her own bedchamber, the one Gideon was using. "The windows are locked. No one can get in through the balcony."

Another silence, then, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes. You can leave me alone for a little while."

She heard him sigh. Imagined him raking his hands through his hair. "All right. For a little while. Caesar will be right outside the door while I arrange for some tea to be brought up for you."

"Thank you," she murmured.

"And then you will need to open the door."

She heard his muffled footfalls against the carpet as he walked away, then silence. After several moments her silent sobs tapered off, and her shaking ceased, leaving behind exhaustion and a sense of calm finality. Everything was settled. No more wishes. No more dreams. She knew what she had to do.

She rose to her feet and crossed the room with slow, deliberate steps. From the corner of her eye she noticed Gideon's hairbrush and comb on her dresser, but rather than detouring to run her fingers over them, she continued toward her destination.

She knew what she had to do.

Gideon handed a hastily scribbled sealed note to Winslow. "How quickly can that be delivered? It is of the utmost importance."

Winslow glanced at the direction written on the note. "Within the quarter hour."

"Can the messenger wait for a reply?"

"Yes, Mr. Mayne."

Gideon nodded his thanks then headed toward the kitchen to arrange for tea for Julianne. Julianne… who right this minute he knew was crying, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Bloody hell, it was enough to make a man go mad. If she didn't open the door when he went back upstairs, he might have to consider breaching the lock. To ascertain for himself that she was all right.

He waited while Mrs. Linquist put the tea tray together. When she finished, he insisted on taking it up himself. As he entered the foyer, Winslow handed him a note. "Your reply, Mr. Mayne."

Gideon read the brief message, and a sense of relief washed through him. "Thank you, Winslow."

He continued on to Julianne's bedchamber. Caesar sat like a sentinel outside the door and gave a quiet woof as Gideon approached. He knocked on the door and said, "Your tea has arrived. May I come in?"

When he received no answer, he knocked louder. "Julianne? Can you hear me?"

Silence. A sick feeling tightened his stomach. He quickly set down the tea tray and turned the knob. Still locked. "Julianne. Answer me." He could hear the edge of fear in the sharply spoken words.

He rattled the knob again. "Julianne, can you hear me?"

When he received no reply, he took several steps back then ran forward, putting all his weight into ramming the door with his shoulder. The panel gave way with a splintering crack, and Gideon dashed into the room.

His frantic gaze swept the chamber, jerking to a halt at the sight of Julianne on the floor in front of the fire. He reached her side in three strides and crouched down beside her. She sat with one arm wrapped around her upraised knees. With her free hand she fed a piece of paper into the hungry flames. Silent tears dripped down her face, and she softly hummed a tune he recognized as "Dreams of You."

He was so damn relieved to find her unharmed that for several seconds he couldn't even speak. He reached out an unsteady hand and lightly touched her shoulder. Julianne?"

She slowly turned her head toward him. The emptiness in her eyes made his heart hurt. "I knew you'd come for me," she whispered.

He nodded to give himself a few seconds to collect himself. His gaze shifted, and he stilled at the sight of the open box beside her. Her Box of Wishes and Dreams. At least half the contents was gone. He looked at the dancing flames consuming the paper she'd fed them, and his heart felt as if it were bleeding. "Julianne… sweetheart, what are you doing?"

"They're gone."

"What are gone?"

Her bottom lip trembled, and a tear slid down her pale cheek. "Wishes and dreams. All gone."

Bloody hell. This was killing him. She was killing him. Feeling utterly helpless, he brushed back a loose curl from her cheek. Then he reached out and slowly closed the box. Picked it up and returned it to the wardrobe.

He returned to her, crouching beside her, not certain what to say or do. He slipped his handkerchief from his pocket and pressed the linen square into her cold hand. Footsteps sounded in the corridor. He looked over his shoulder at Lady Langston, who was walking across the room, her eyes troubled. Turning back to Julianne, he said, "Lady Langston is here to see you."

Julianne blinked then frowned. "She is? Sarah is here?"

"Right here," Lady Langston said, coming forward. She lowered herself to the hearth rug on Julianne's other side, managing the feat so gracefully one could easily forget she was expecting. She took Julianne's hand and held it between both of hers.

Julianne's eyes flooded with tears. "How is it that you happen to be here just when I need you the most?"

Lady Langston smiled and took the handkerchief to dab at Julianne's tears. "Mr. Mayne sent me a note relaying that you needed a friend. So here I am."

Gideon could tell she hadn't delayed a moment in getting here. Her hair was disheveled, and her hands bore telltale charcoal stains. She'd obviously been sketching.

Julianne gave a huge sniffle. "That was very nice of him."

Lady Langston smiled at him over Julianne's head. "I believe he is a very nice man. And clearly very worried about you. As am I. Mr. Mayne carried up a lovely tea tray. Why don't you and I have a cup and talk?"

Julianne nodded. "All right." She turned to Gideon. "Thank you. For giving me my time alone. And for bringing Sarah to me."

Bloody hell, it was all he could do not to drag her into his arms. Hold her tight. Kiss away every tear. As it was, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out and brushing at the moisture beneath her eyes. He wanted to scold her for frightening him, but he didn't have the heart. He wanted to tell her he loved her and that the thought of her marrying Eastling was as much an anathema to him as it was to her. But since he couldn't say that, he merely said, "You're welcome." And then he stopped touching her. While he still had the strength to do so.

He rose and made his way to the corridor, where he picked up the tea tray. When he returned, Lady Langston was standing. "Set it right there on the hearth rug, if you please, Mr. Mayne," she said. "We'll enjoy our tea there, like an indoor picnic." After he did so, she clasped his hand between both of hers. "Thank you for sending for me."

"I'm glad you were able to come." He glanced down at Julianne, then raked his free hand through his hair. "I knew she needed someone."

"You're very perceptive. And I can see, very concerned. But please don't be. I'll take good care of her."

He nodded. "Caesar will remain outside the door."

She released his hand and pushed up her glasses. "What's left of the door. You broke it down?"

"When she didn't answer…" His voice trailed off, and he shrugged.

"How is your shoulder?"

"Fine. Much better than the door. While you're enjoying your tea, I'll see about arranging repairs."

Lady Langston nodded, and after one last look at Julianne, Gideon quit the room and headed toward the stairs. As soon as he turned the corner and was out of sight of Julianne's chamber, he stopped. Leaned against the wall. Dropped his head back and closed his eyes. Drew in a shaky breath.

For a horrible few seconds when she didn't answer him, he'd thought he'd lost her-that when he broke through that door he wouldn't find her alive. That another woman he loved was gone. His heart had seemed to stutter then halt, and every cell in his body had screamed an agonizing No!

Thank God that worry had proven fruitless. But it had given him a taste of the agony to come. Because she'd be married in two days. Gone in two days. Lost to him forever in two days, as surely as if she had died. And that agony he'd experienced for those few horrible seconds was what he would live with every day.

In just two days.

After dragging in a few more breaths, he pushed off the wall and continued toward the stairs, determination coursing through him. He had to discover the murderer's identity before then. If he didn't, there was every chance the danger would follow Julianne to Cornwall, where he wouldn't be able to protect her. And the thought of that was even more torturous than that of her belonging to someone else.

He'd almost reached the foyer when the brass knocker sounded. He paused on the stairway while Winslow opened the door. The sight of Henry standing on the flagstones had Gideon hurrying down the remaining steps.

"Mr. Locke is here for me," he told Winslow. He tensed at Henry's troubled expression. Clearly his friend had news for him… news that wasn't good. Bloody hell, was it concerning Jack Mayne? "Is the library available for us?"

"Yes, Mr. Mayne. Follow me, please."

Gideon headed down the corridor, cursing the ridiculous formality of the butler's escort. It wasn't as if he didn't know where the damn library was located. The instant Winslow departed, closing the door behind him, Gideon said to Henry, "You have news."

"I'm afraid so."

Henry's tone filled Gideon with dread. Dread that he was about to hear his father's name. He braced himself for the blow.

"There's been another murder and robbery, Gid."

It took Gideon several seconds to absorb the news, and he was ashamed of the relief he felt that Henry's visit didn't have to do with Jack Mayne. "Who?" he asked. "When, where, and how?"

"Vivian Springly, Viscountess Hart. According to the magistrate, she died only within the last few hours from a blow to the head. She was discovered in her private sitting room by a maid. Nothing appears to have been disturbed in the house, except her entire cache of jewelry-which she kept in her private sitting room-was gone."

"Who was home at the time? Was anyone admitted to the house?"

"There was no one at home except the viscountess. The entire staff had the afternoon free."

Gideon frowned. "Was that usual?"

"Happened once a week for the past month, according to the maid."

"Most likely she had a lover," Gideon said. "Any idea who?"

Henry shook his head. "Maid said her mistress was very secretive about it."

"Where was her husband?"

"Dead. Viscount Hart died three years ago after being thrown from his mount."

"Why was the maid at the house when she'd been given the afternoon free?"

"Said she'd come back because she'd forgotten her money."

"Or because she wanted to catch a glimpse of the secret lover."

"Most likely," Henry agreed. "Instead, she caught a glimpse of the dead viscountess through the open sitting room door."

"Anyone besides the magistrate there?"

"Simon Atwater," Henry said.

Gideon nodded at the name of his fellow Bow Street Runner. Atwater was a good man, thorough and intelligent.

"One thing I think you'll find interesting," Henry said. "The viscountess has a connection to one of the names on the list you gave me."

Gideon's interest quickened. "What sort of connection?"

"She is-was-Lord Penniwick's sister."

And that, Gideon decided, was very interesting indeed.

After thanking his friend for the information and getting Henry's promise to keep him informed of any new developments, Gideon escorted his friend back to the foyer and bade him good-bye. He then turned to Winslow. "I need to speak to Lord Gatesbourne as soon as he arrives home."

"His lordship returned just moments ago, Mr. Mayne. I'll see if he's available."

Winslow headed down the corridor, and Gideon paced the foyer, his mind racing. He was convinced these were not haphazard crimes committed upon random victims. Something connected them. Something that would lead him to identify the killer. Perhaps this latest crime would provide the clue he was looking for.

Winslow returned a moment later. "His lordship will see you now." He escorted Gideon to the earl's private study where he was greeted by Julianne's father's frosty gaze.

"Well?" the earl asked. "Dare I hope this interruption means you've some good news?"

"No. Another murder and robbery has been committed." He quickly related the story Henry had told him, concluding with, "There has to be some connection between these crimes."

"Of course there is," the earl said. "They've all been perpetrated upon wealthy members of society. Their jewels stolen, the owners killed so as not to be able to identify the thief."

Gideon shook his head. "No, I mean something more. I don't believe these are random crimes. There must be something that links these particular victims…" Pieces of the puzzle shifted in his mind, clicking into place in a pattern he hadn't seen before. Bloody hell, why hadn't he thought of this earlier? He fixed his gaze on the earl's. "Something that you are somehow connected to."

"Me?" the earl repeated coldly.

"Yes. All of the victims have been women. Lady Julianne's life was threatened. I think-"

"That all those women are somehow connected?" the earl broke in. He shook his head. "Impossible. While Julianne might have been acquainted with the ladies who were killed, I assure you she had nothing whatsoever to do with Mrs. Greeley."

"Lord Jasper's mistress." Gideon nodded. "I agree. But I'm not thinking the connection is between the victims, but rather the victim's families." He nodded toward the earl's pen set. "May I have a piece of vellum and use your pen?"

The earl nodded his consent, withdrawing the vellum from a drawer and sliding it across the shiny mahogany surface to Gideon. Gideon carefully wrote the victims' names then listed their immediate family members. Lastly he added Julianne's name as an intended victim, with the earl and countess as her family members. When he finished, he handed the list to the earl.

"Please add any family members to the list I'm not aware of. Do you see any connection between the family members, anything at all, no matter how remote it might seem?"

The earl studied the list at length, while Gideon watched him. For several minutes his expression remained completely impassive. Then a frown bunched between his brows.

"You've discovered something?" Gideon asked, leaning forward.

"Perhaps." He circled some names. When he finished he handed the list to Gideon. "This is a group of investors who joined together about a year and a half ago for a business venture."

Gideon perused the names while Gatesbourne continued, "Besides me, you'll see Lord Daltry-"

"Whose wife died the day after his party," Gideon broke in. He continued down the list. "Lord Jasper, whose mistress, Mrs. Greeley, was killed. Lord Ratherstone's wife died, and the latest victim, Viscountess Hart, is Penniwick's sister." Gideon's instincts tingled with grim excitement when he noted the Duke of Eastling's name. "The duke's wife also died, a little over a year ago," he murmured.

The earl seemed startled then nodded. "That is correct. I'd quite forgotten, although she committed suicide."

"Tell me, is anyone on this list related to Lords Beechmore or Haverly?"

The earl nodded. "Ratherstone is Beechmore's uncle. Jasper is Haverly's father."

Gideon felt as if bells clanged in his head. His gut told him he'd found the link. "It cannot have escaped your notice that each of your daughter's suitors is either on this list or, in Beechmore's and Haverly's case, closely related to someone on it."

"Which proves what?" the earl asked.

"Nothing-yet. Except I find it very curious. And coincidental. And I don't believe in coincidences. Tell me, does Lord Walston have any close female relations?"

"A sister and a mother. One of them, or perhaps both of them, is traveling. In Italy, I believe. There are aunts and cousins, of course."

Gideon ran his finger over the final three names. "Count Chalon, Mr. Tate, and Mr. Standish. Who are they?"

"Friends of Eastling's."

"You are acquainted with them?"

"No. They all reside in Cornwall. Eastling's known them for years."

"Wealthy, are they?"

"Extremely. Which is why they were allowed to invest."

"Tell me about this investment," Gideon said.

"It had to do with the development of a fleet of fast ships guaranteed to cut travel time significantly. We were all keen to invest."

"How did you hear of it?"

"At my club. Actually, we were all there, except the Cornish fellows."

"Who spoke of it first?"

The earl considered then answered, "Penniwick approached me about it. At that time, Walston, Eastling, and Jasper were already involved. It seemed an excellent opportunity, and I invested."

"What was the outcome?"

"Unfortunately, the whole thing went belly up."

"So you all lost money."

"Yes."

"How much?"

"Ten thousand pounds."

Gideon stared. "Altogether, or each of you?"

"Each of us." He shot Gideon a cold stare. "Investing is a rich man's game, Mayne. None of us put in more than we could afford to lose, and we all understood the risks going in. Sometimes these things go your way, and sometimes they don't."

Gideon could only inwardly shake his head. He couldn't imagine ever possessing such an enormous sum. Nor, if he did, doing anything to jeopardize it.

"So what is your theory?" the earl asked. "That someone is targeting us?" He nodded toward the list Gideon held.

"It is certainly a good place to start. I'm going to see what I can find out about the men who live in Cornwall. See if there have been any crimes committed against their families. Did any of the other investors know them?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Only Eastling, who vouched for them."

Gideon nodded. "I'm going to warn Lord Walston to be on guard. You should also consider that your wife might be in danger."

The earl's brows rose. "Julianne was this madman's target last time."

"Yes, and he failed." Thank God. "He might switch his attention to your wife."

"Who would do this?" the earl demanded. "And why?"

"I'm not certain yet. But I intend to find out."

Before it was too late. But he felt hope now as he hadn't before. Because he not only believed that women connected to the men on the list were being targeted, he strongly suspected one of the men on the list might be the murderer, targeting the others. Given the amount of money involved, it was certainly possible. But why not simply steal the jewels? Why kill the women? What sort of twisted mind was preying on the innocent?

Four of the men were already victims. Walston and Gatesbourne were the only two who hadn't been robbed or suffered the murder of a close female. Perhaps Count Chalon, Mr. Tate, and Mr. Standish fell into that group as well, but that would take some time to ascertain-something he'd assign to Henry right away. The duke's wife had died, but not recently, and supposedly by suicide. Nor had the duke been robbed.

Gideon's gut told him one of those men was guilty. Now all he had to do was figure out which one.

Before the bastard had the chance to strike again.