Engaging the Enemy Read online

  Mercy patted her hand, but inside, she quaked. Blythe would be difficult about Leopold being here, and about him being alone with Edwin without her supervision. “Perhaps we could go together. Shall we?”

  Mercy stood, and since Blythe did too, Anna had no choice but to follow them. When they reached the hall, Mercy could hear her son laughing at the top of his lungs. Blythe’s frown grew and her step quickened, dragging Mercy along with her.

  Her sister didn’t bother to knock on the door. She simply barged right into the playroom without knocking.

  But if she hadn’t, Mercy would never have seen the look on her son’s face as he played with Leopold. The pair was across the room, Leopold lying flat on his back. But Edwin was perched atop his raised feet, arms spread wide as if he were flying. He was having a grand time with his new playmate and Mercy’s heart did little somersaults at the sight.

  They looked to be having so much more fun than she was. They were becoming fast friends.

  “Put the duke down now,” Blythe shouted.

  At her request, Leopold placed Edwin on his feet carefully, and then rolled to his feet, tugging hard on his coat and waistcoat before turning to face them.

  Edwin raced forward. “Aunty Bly, Aunty Bly. Did you see me? I was flying.”

  Blythe bent over him and checked his arms, face and hands. “I saw you. But that is too dangerous for you, Edwin. You must remember you are a duke.”

  Edwin ignored her and crashed into Mercy. “I flew, Mama.”

  Mercy brushed her fingers over his flushed cheeks. “Did you thank Mr. Randall for the pleasure?”

  Edwin’s face fell. He turned slowly and then flew back across the room into Leopold’s legs. “Thank you.” It was like watching a whirlwind. Edwin was giddy with joy.

  Leopold bent to whisper in Edwin’s ear and her son ran off to play with his toys.

  Anna, ignored by Edwin so far, swept past Mercy toward Leopold. “Now I see why my friend was in no great hurry for us to become acquainted.” She boldly held out her hand. “Lady Barnet.”

  Leopold’s gaze flickered to Mercy then at the hand held out to him. He caught it briefly. “Leopold Randall, at your service.”

  When Anna eyed him appreciatively, Mercy ground her teeth. That was quite enough of that sort of thing. Mercy knew that look. It was the same one that crossed Anna’s face when she saw something she wanted to have. She wanted Leopold. Her Leopold. The hot sting of jealousy burned through her breast. She caught her sister’s arm and drew her forward. “You remember my sister, Mr. Randall, don’t you?”

  Leopold stepped away from Anna. “Of course. A pleasure to see you, Lady Venables. Her Grace has missed your company.”

  Blythe nodded, but she didn’t speak to him. However, she watched him just as carefully as Anna did. Her gaze wary. Poor Leopold looked decidedly uncomfortable. Mercy quashed her pity. He’d duped her into liking him. He was nothing better than a cad, a philanderer, and a scoundrel.

  Thank heavens this situation was so tense that he wasn’t smiling. Because if he did smile, or laugh, Anna and Blythe might notice he and Edwin had matching dimples. She’d been a fool not to have noticed the likeness from the start. Her son was undoubtedly of Leopold’s making. Dear God, she was so foolish to have invited him to stay with them. What would Blythe think of her?

  “Well, then. I’ll leave you ladies to spoil the lad.” Leopold stopped beside her shoulder. “He’s been asking after you. I’ve just sent the maid to the kitchen in search of a treat for him.”

  A quick smile eluded Mercy’s control as she watched her son at play. “I’ll see you at dinner, Mr. Randall. Enjoy your afternoon.”

  “Of course, Your Grace.”

  The tone he used, so reminiscent of their first meeting, made Mercy’s heart skip a beat. She might be angry with him for his deceit, but she didn’t want too great a distance to spring up between them. She thrust her hand out as he passed and brushed her fingers across the back of his hand. The touch sent a short spark of lightning along her nerves. Mercy held herself rigidly in place as the desire to follow him, and fling herself into his arms, grew. She couldn’t do that while Anna and Blythe were here. But she had to sort through her suspicions before she embraced him again.

  The door shut with a soft click.

  “Well, no wonder you will not come up to Town.” Anna fanned herself with her hand. “What a lover he’d make.”

  Mercy did not like the sound of Anna’s speculation. Although she wanted to stay mad with Leopold, she didn’t want to share him either, which meant that she’d already forgiven him for not revealing his knowledge of their past association.

  Wearily, Mercy turned for a chair and sat. She was very much attached to the dratted man, and it had only taken three nights in his arms, including their first night when she didn’t know him at all. If she spent more time with him, would she ever let him go?

  “You’re not seriously suggesting that Mercy should pursue him,” Blythe asked, shock evident in her tone. “He’s an upstart.”

  Anna laughed. “Lady Venables, you are simply too naïve. A man with a presence such as that is perfect for a diverting, temporary dalliance. A grateful man is always the most willing to give a woman pleasure.”

  Mercy’s heart revolted at her friend’s words. How could she say such things about Leopold or about any man? She’d have to stop this conversation or they might not remain friends. She cleared her throat. “You are speaking of my family, my son’s family, Anna. I would appreciate it if you kept such thoughts to yourself.”

  Blythe gasped.

  Anna smiled. “Of course, Your Grace. Forgive me for speaking out of turn. But you must admit, he truly is delicious to look at. If only he was a man you could trust, eh?”

  Mercy licked her lips, suddenly afraid of Anna’s quick apology. Had she guessed by her quick defense of him that she and Leopold were already lovers, and that Mercy had no intention of turning him away should the opportunity arise? She smoothed her skirts, suddenly self-conscious. “I think I shall have luncheon brought forward. Are you both hungry?”

  “Not me,” Anna replied quickly. “If you will excuse me I have another call to make today.”

  “Of course, Anna.” Mercy rose and kissed her friends cheeks. “Thank you for your visit. Do come again another day.”

  “I’ll make a point of it, you can be certain of that.” Anna swept out and then it was just Mercy and Blythe alone, with Edwin playing quietly at their feet.

  Blythe leaned forward. “Tell me you had no choice but to have him stay here?”

  Mercy shook her head. “That wasn’t how his invitation came about, Blythe, but I do need him here. There’s been another letter since I saw you last. I’ve confided in Leopold and he believes trouble is coming for Edwin. I must protect him and Leopold is willing to help me do that.”

  Blythe scowled.

  Mercy clasped her sister’s hands and squeezed. She wanted peace between Blythe and Leopold more than anything. “You saw them together. Leopold is no danger to my son. There have been many instances where he could have harmed the boy and he’s done nothing more than play a harmless game with him. Now that Leopold is aware of the threat, he has promised to do everything he can to protect Edwin. He is part of Edwin’s family, after all.”

  “That may be so but who will protect you from him.”

  “Oh, Blythe, you worry too much. I don’t require protection, only Edwin does. I cannot do this alone anymore. You have no idea how often I have lain awake at night fretting over it all. Constantine scoffed at the first letters and will not come. I need a man I can trust. Leopold remains at Romsey Abbey.”

  Blythe rocked back a little. “Sister, I can see a disaster coming. You know your own character. You will become besotted with him within a week and then what will you do?”

  Too late for that warning. Too late by five years. It had only taken one night for Mercy to crave Leopold Randall. Five years to know who he really is. She would have
to hide how she felt from Blythe better. She would have to make sure no one ever suspected Edwin was not her husband’s true offspring. She would have to keep the secret of his conception forever locked away, even if it broke her heart to do so.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Leopold pushed off the low stone wall as Allen’s two sons disappeared into the stables on an errand. The Romsey stables, a mammoth domed building of brick and glass, were quiet at this time of day. Only Allen labored at chores in the yard, rubbing down a gelding that had recently been exercised. His cousin worked with single-minded intensity, barely glancing up when Leopold joined him.

  He had thought to wait until Allen was done with the task, but he seemed in no hurry to engage in conversation. The old duke had done that in his day, too. Pretending not to see someone and then making them wait or interrupt him so he had good reason to be annoyed. Just how much like the old duke was Allen? Although he searched his memory, Leopold couldn’t remember what Allen had been like as a younger man.

  He crossed the yard and approached Allen as he changed sides. The gelding fidgeted a bit, but Allen soothed the beast with firm strokes and soft words. “The building is still grand, isn’t it?” Allen said without preamble.

  Leopold looked up at the fanciful turrets that no one could enter and grimaced at the extravagance. “The old duke did love to house his horses in luxury.”

  Allen straightened, patting the horse. “Not that they care or notice. Like this fellow here, all he wants is a rub, food and water, and to gallop as often as he can. The stables need a bit of work done around the back. I hear you’re the man to go to if something needs fixing.”

  “I am for the moment. The duchess will be hiring a new steward soon, but I will make a note of your concerns and see they are attended to.”

  “The walls could do with a lick of paint and a couple of panes of glass cracked last winter.”

  Leopold nodded. That wasn’t too bad in the scheme of things. Some of the other outbuildings were in a sorrier state. “I’ll see that it’s taken care of.”

  “Much obliged. The horses don’t care for the draft.” Allen glanced at him sideways. “But that’s not why you’re here. What brings you to me, Mr. Randall?”

  “Trouble.”

  Allen shrugged. “Nothing unusual there for a Randall.”

  “No,” Leopold said quietly. “We were an unruly bunch in the past. However, in this instance, I have good reason to be concerned.”

  “Concerns your boy then?”

  Leopold ground his teeth and then forced his jaw to work again. “It concerns the duke, yes.”

  Allen chuckled. “Don’t get on the high ropes with me. You sounded just like your father when he was in a snit. Anyone with eyes and a good memory can tell that boy wasn’t of the fifth Duke of Romsey’s making. He’s not a sickly child, is he? He looks like you.”

  Damnation! Was the resemblance that obvious?

  Allen looked around, spotted his eldest child waiting in the stable’s shadows, and then led the horse toward him. Once the beast had been passed over, and the youth had disappeared, Allen came back.

  Leopold crossed his arms over his chest, determined to ignore the comment about Edwin’s parentage. “Do you know what’s been going on around here?”

  Allen smacked his hands over his trousers. “Not much. Wilcox is watching everyone like a hawk which does seem out of the ordinary. Usually, he’s not such a stick in the mud. And he’s become secretive when he comes out of the abbey. I don’t know where he’s going, but he looks like he’s swallowed a turnip whole.”

  “He’s had good reason for the secrecy.”

  “Such as?” Allen asked.

  Tell the truth or leave him in the dark? If Allen was not involved, he could be useful. If he was involved, Leopold would be tipping his hat that he was aware of the danger posed to Edwin. Leopold did not want to believe that Allen could be a danger. “The duke has an enemy.”

  Allen snorted. “He’s too young to have one yet. That takes years of scheming to arrange.” He turned away, heading back toward the stables as if the matter was of no importance.

  Leopold followed. “There have been letters sent to the abbey threatening him harm.”

  Allen slowed his steps. “Anyone can write nasty letters. What makes you think they are serious in their intent?”

  “At first, I didn’t. I thought they were love letters to the duchess.”

  “That must have got your hackles up. I’ve seen how you follow her about. She is lively, too kind by half for the likes of my sainted late brother. The only thing good about the marriage is that we have a bright spot of merriment most days when she’s haring about.”

  Now that was interesting. If Allen was the one threatening Mercy and Edwin, he’d have had ample time to have done the deed already. And, by his own words, Allen had confessed to holding a soft spot for Mercy. “There have also been intruders in the abbey, or perhaps it’s a servant doing work other than what the duchess pays them for.”

  Allen’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What kind of work, exactly?”

  “It’s a grim business. Wilcox is finding and disposing of slaughtered animals. They have been left in the duchess’ bedchamber and in other parts of the abbey, I’m told.”

  “Dear God! Why the hell wasn’t I informed about this? Father would be spinning in his grave at the idea of strangers making free with his possessions. You know how he was about the abbey.”

  Leopold let out a sigh of relief. Allen wasn’t involved. Not with that attitude. “Yes, I remember. But why would you be told specifically? It is my understanding that the duchess does not even know who you are.”

  “That bloody Wilcox does, however. Did the little turnip think that I might be responsible?” Allen’s hands curled into fists. “I’ll kill him for keeping me in the dark.”

  When Allen made to shoot past Leopold on his way to a side entrance to the abbey, Leopold caught his arm and held him in place. “Wilcox said nothing about you, about any of it, actually, until I pressed for more information. I don’t even know if the duchess would have confessed to it at all if I had not read that first letter.”

  Allen shook off his grip. “There have been more than enough secrets here to last a dozen lifetimes. Family should not hurt one another. Your side was the only part that was kind.”

  “So, we are in agreement then. The young duke and duchess must be protected at all costs.”

  Allen adjusted his sleeve and a small blade slid into the palm of his hand. “We have an accord. Wilcox is coming.”

  Leopold turned. “Put the knife away, cousin. We might just need to keep Wilcox a while yet.”

  Wilcox gestured wildly. “Come. Come.”

  He fled back toward the abbey. Leopold glanced at Allen, and then they both followed Wilcox at a run. The butler stopped at the side door, waited for them to catch up, and then led them both upstairs. At Mercy’s bedchamber door, Leopold’s heart raced. What the devil had happened now?

  Without a word, Leopold stepped into the room first. And then wished he hadn’t.

  “Bugger me!” Allen exclaimed.

  Leopold wished he could feel as surprised. Another small creature lay slain in the room, its blood splashed in a wide arc over Mercy’s bed. The dead staring eyes sent a chill through him.

  “You have to get them away from here,” Allen said suddenly. “Somewhere safe. Maybe take her to the London Townhouse and engage more staff to watch over them.”

  Wilcox sighed. “That has already been suggested many a time but she simply won’t leave. She is adamant that she will not be run off no matter what.”

  Now he was seeing this scene, one similar to those described to him before, it surprised Leopold that Mercy hadn’t already fled the estate for the safety of friends or family. But she stayed here, practically alone. Ignoring this monster and caring for her son. Not for the first time did Leopold wonder why she hadn’t done the expected thing and run away from the coming trouble.r />
  Allen inspected the creature and then stood back. “Whoever did this is good with a knife. I take back my earlier kind words. The duchess is a fool.”

  “Watch your mouth, cousin.”

  “What would you do if I don’t? Shoot me.” A bitter laugh broke from Allen’s mouth. “I’ve been threatened with that before, by my own brother no less, and you don’t have the bollocks to do the deed.”

  Leopold raked his hands through his hair. “There is always a first time.” He paced the room. “Lady Barnet and the duchess’ sister were both here today. It could be someone attending them.”

  “It could be either lady as well,” Allen said quickly.

  “Nonsense,” Wilcox scoffed. “Lady Barnet and Lady Venables may not like each other but they both love the duchess. They would never wish to hurt her.”

  “Are you defending that sanctimonious harridan? Didn’t I hear Lady Venables tried to get you dismissed last month?”

  “I may have deserved that.” Wilcox smiled nervously at Leopold. “She does not care for me speaking my mind to the duchess, even when Her Grace seeks out my opinion. I should have waited until Lady Venables had moved out of earshot before speaking up.”

  Blythe did seem the kind to cling to proper decorum. Mercy’s consideration of a servant’s suggestion would likely set her teeth on edge. “I believe I understand your dilemma. What was the discussion about, by the way?”

  “It was to do with the duke. Her Grace asked my opinion on providing him with a pet for company. Lady Venables believed him to be too young, but she says that about almost everything involving the duke.”

  A trifling matter, and not one that a servant should be dismissed over, certainly. “It is interesting that this latest development occurred on a day when Lady Venables was here.”

  Wilcox nodded. “She was here the day of the last one, too. Lady Barnet had been here earlier in the day, but had already departed before the discovery was made.”

  Leopold shook his head. He had a lead, two leads, but in both cases the path to finding the culprit was unclear. Perhaps the first thing he should do is get to know Mercy’s sister a little better. She was already here in the abbey and according to the note he’d received from Mercy, he was invited, and expected, to dine with them tonight. The next time Lady Barnet visited, he’d find out what made her tick, too.