“I hope I find you well, Miss Aveton.”

Elizabeth looked startled. “Great heavens, Dan, what is this? This is our own dear Judith. Had you forgot?”

“I have forgotten nothing.” He laid no stress upon his words, but Judith understood. The wound had gone too deep. She had killed his love through no fault of her own. She would not be given an opportunity to explain, and perhaps it was better not to try.

The Passionate Friends
Meg Alexander

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MEG ALEXANDER

After living in southern Spain for many years, Meg Alexander now lives in Kent, although, having been born in Lancashire, she feels that her roots are in the north of England. Meg’s career has encompassed a wide variety of roles, from professional cook to assistant director of a conference center. She has always been a voracious reader and loves to write. Other loves include history, cats, gardening, cooking and travel. She has a son and two grandchildren.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter One

1802

Elizabeth Wentworth gasped in dismay. “Judith, you can’t mean it! Do you tell us that you have agreed to marry Truscott? I won’t believe you!”

A slight cough from the third member of the trio of ladies seated in the salon of the house in Mount Street checked a further outburst for the moment.

Elizabeth looked at her sister-in-law in a mute appeal for support, but Lady Wentworth refused to catch her eye.

In the twelve years since her marriage, Prudence had mellowed, learning to control her temper. Hasty words could never be recalled, however much one might regret them later.

Now, heavily pregnant with her fourth child, she struggled to sit upright on the sofa, smiling at their visitor as she did so.

“When did this happen, Judith? How you have surprised us! We had no idea…” Her voice was gentle, and the look she gave her friend was full of affection.

The effort to soften the impropriety of Elizabeth’s reaction to Judith’s news did not succeed. The younger girl jumped to her feet, and began to pace the room.

“Why did you accept him?” she cried. “Oh, Judith, he won’t make you happy. Why, the man is a charlatan, a mountebank! I know that he is all the rage at present, with his fashionable sermons, but he doesn’t believe a word of them. For all his talk of hellfire and damnation, he likes nothing better than to mix with the very society which he affects to despise.”

“Elizabeth, you go too far!” Prudence said sternly. “Pray allow Judith to speak at least one word. You might also pay her the compliment of believing that she knows her own mind.”

Elizabeth looked mutinous, but she held her tongue as she flung herself into a chair.

“Pru, don’t scold,” Judith said quietly. “I knew that this must come as a shock to both of you. After all, the Reverend Truscott has never given me reason to believe that he had noticed me…that is, until these last few weeks.”

Elizabeth tensed, and seemed about to speak, but a glance from Prudence silenced her. Each knew what the other was thinking. It was less than a month since Judith had learned of her handsome inheritance from her mother’s brother. Nothing had been expected from the elderly recluse, but he had surprised the Polite World by leaving his vast wealth to his only niece.

“I was surprised myself,” Judith continued in her gentle way. She gave her listeners a faint smile. “I am no beauty, as you know, and I don’t shine in society. I find it hard to chat to people I don’t know, and as for being witty…?” She pulled a wry face at the thought of her own shortcomings.

“Dearest Judith, you underestimate yourself,” Elizabeth exclaimed with warmth. “Confess it! You have a wicked sense of humour. Why, on occasion have we not been helpless, all three of us, when you have been telling us your tales?”

“That’s because I know you well, and I feel easy in your company. Your family has been so good to me…I still miss the Dowager Duchess dreadfully.”

“And she was fond of you.” Elizabeth returned to the attack. “What would she have said, I wonder, had she known of your decision?”

“She always wished me to marry,” Judith said mildly. “She was so happy for both her sons when they chose you and Prudence. She longed for the same joy for me.”

“That was different!” Elizabeth said firmly. “Judith, will you tell us that you have a tendre for this man?”

Judith coloured. “Perhaps not everyone can hope to be as fortunate as you were yourselves…to find the one person in the world for whom you’d give your life.”

“Then wait!” Elizabeth cried in an agony of mind. “You are still young. There must be a dozen men more suitable than Truscott. Few could be less so. You haven’t given yourself a chance.”

“I’m twenty-five, and I’ve had several Seasons. How many men have offered for me? No, don’t bother to reply. You know that I didn’t take, as the saying goes.”

“That’s because you are so quiet. You don’t give anyone a chance to know you. Dearest, we all love you. At one time we had hoped that you and Dan—”

“Elizabeth, that is quite enough!” At the mention of her adopted son, Prudence felt it wise to put an end to Elizabeth’s incautious remarks.

Six years ago she too had hoped that Judith and Dan might make a match of it. She’d welcomed the growing friendship between the two young people, so different from her own fiery relationship with Sebastian, or Elizabeth and Perry’s stormy wooing.

Judith and Dan would sit for hours, exchanging few words but evidently content in each other’s company, as Dan drew his designs for improvements to the warships of the British Fleet, and Judith put her thoughts on paper.

Only with friends could she be persuaded to read her words aloud, but they were worth waiting for. Her pithy little vignettes describing the foibles of the world about her reduced her tiny audience to tears of laughter.

Now, at the mention of Dan’s name, Judith started and turned her head. Naked emotion showed for an instant on her face, but it was quickly banished.

“How is Dan?” she asked in an even voice. Not for a second must she betray the wrenching agony of that final interview six years ago. These loving friends must never know how bitterly she regretted her decision to refuse the man she loved. They loved him too, and they would not forgive her.

“He’s home at last,” Elizabeth said with satisfaction. “He’s changed, of course—quite the elegant man about town now that he is grown so tall and broad—but beneath it all he is still the same old Dan.”

Judith felt a twinge of panic. She must not see him, especially now when she had steeled herself to wed the Reverend Truscott. That would be a refinement of torture. She rose to take her leave.

“Do stay!” Elizabeth begged. “The men will be home quite soon. Perry and Sebastian will be sorry to miss you, and you haven’t seen Dan for years—”

“Judith may have other appointments,” Prudence broke in swiftly. She was well aware of what had happened all those years ago. Had she not spent months listening to an inconsolable Dan? How she’d struggled to provide him with diversions, but nothing had served to comfort him. In the end it was Sebastian who had suggested a solution. Dan had been accepted as a chartmaker on a trip to the Antipodes. To part with the boy she’d first known as a terrified nine-year-old foundling had been a wrench, but Dan had welcomed the suggestion, and therefore she’d agreed to it.

Judith would not be swayed. She drew on her gloves with what she hoped was not unseemly haste. Then she looked down at the anxious faces of her friends.

“My dears, you must not worry about me,” she said quietly. “I am persuaded that this is for the best. I shall have my own home, and hopefully a family. That must count for something…” Her smile wavered only a very little.

Judith’s expression cut Elizabeth to the heart. She flung her arms about her friends.

“Promise me one thing,” she cried. “Don’t set your wedding date just yet! Give yourself time to consider…”

“I have considered,” Judith replied. “We are to wed in four weeks’ time…”

“Oh, no—!” Whatever Elizabeth had been about to add to this unfortunate remark was stilled as the door to the salon opened, and three gentlemen entered the room.

It was obvious at once that two of them were brothers. The family resemblance between Sebastian, Lord Wentworth, and the younger figure of Peregrine was strong. Both men were well above the middle height, and powerfully built, though Peregrine topped his brother by an inch or two. They had the same dark eyes, strong features, and a decided air of authority. Perhaps it was something in the clean lines of the jaw, or a certain firmness in the mobile lips which did not invite argument.

Now both men were smiling as they led their companion towards Judith.

“Here is an old friend come to greet you,” Peregrine announced cheerfully. “He is grown so large that I shall not wonder if you do not recognise him.”

Judith was forced to proffer a trembling hand, but she could not meet Dan’s eyes. Then the familiar head, topped with a mass of red-gold curls, bent to salute her fingertips. Dan stopped just short of pressing his lips against her skin. The gesture was all that courtesy demanded, but the touch of his hand was enough to set her senses reeling.

She drew her own away as if she had been stung, but Dan did not appear to notice.

“I hope I find you well, Miss Aveton,” he said with cool formality.

Elizabeth looked startled. “Great heavens, Dan, what is this? You are grown mighty high in the instep since you lived among the aborigines. This is our own dear Judith. Have you forgot?”

“I have forgotten nothing.” He laid no stress upon his words, but Judith understood. The wound had gone too deep. She would not be given an opportunity to explain, and perhaps it was better not to try. They must go their separate ways, though the thought of her own future filled her with despair.

Later she could not remember how she got herself out of the room and into her carriage. She had some vague recollections of promising another visit, but her head was spinning. It was all she could do to take her leave with an exchange of mechanical civilities, struggling for self-control until she could be alone.

As the door closed behind her, Peregrine looked at his wife.

“Well, my love, had you not best tell us all about it? I know that look of old. Something has happened to distress you—”

“Judith is going to be wed,” Elizabeth said flatly.

Sebastian smiled at her. “That, surely, is a matter for congratulation, is it not?”

“No, it isn’t!” Elizabeth cried. “Oh, Perry, you won’t believe it! She is to marry that awful creature, the Reverend Truscott.”

“My darling, I hope that you did not tell her of your views. It must have been her own decision, and hardly your concern.”

“It is my concern. Judith is my friend. I can’t bear to see her throw herself away on that…that snake!”

“These are strong words, Elizabeth.” Sebastian’s smile had vanished. “The man is a well-known preacher. Why have you taken him in such dislike?”

Elizabeth glanced at her husband, and knew that she must speak with caution. Perry’s temper was as hasty as her own. She must not mention the leering looks with which the preacher always greeted her, the silky murmurings in her ear with offers to counsel her alone, or the fact that the Reverend Truscott always held her hand for much longer than courtesy demanded.

“I don’t quite know,” she murmured. “I find him sinister. There is something of the night about him.”

“It must be your imagination, dearest.” Perry took Elizabeth’s hand. “I suspect that you have no wish to lose your friend to anyone.”

Sebastian looked at Prudence. “You are very quiet, my love. Have you no opinions on this matter?”

Prudence was struggling with her own emotions. She knew Dan’s heart almost as well as she knew her own.

Dan had stiffened for just a moment at Elizabeth’s news, but when she forced herself to glance at him his expression was carefully neutral.

“Judith’s announcement came as a shock to us,” she said lightly. “We had no idea, you see, that Mr Truscott thought of Judith, or she of him. He gave no indication of any special attachment to her.”

“Until she became an heiress,” Elizabeth cried fiercely. “Can you be in any doubt of the reason for this sudden offer?”

“My darling, that is unfair,” Perry protested at once. “We all love Judith for her special qualities. I wonder only that she had not wed before.”

It was at this point that Dan excused himself, with a muttered explanation of a forgotten engagement. He had grown so pale that the freckles stood out sharply against his fair skin, and there was a strange, lost look in his blue eyes.

“Everyone is behaving so strangely today,” Elizabeth complained. “What ails Dan? Have I said something to upset him?”

“Perhaps he doesn’t care to listen to gossip,” Prudence soothed. “He is still out of things as yet. He doesn’t know the people of whom we speak.”

“He knows Judith. I should have thought that he’d like to know about the man whom she is to wed. Oh, Prudence, now that he is back, do you think that she will change her mind?”

“I doubt it. She seemed quite determined.”

“Then something must have happened to persuade her. I’d lay odds that her frightful stepmother is behind all this. That woman should have been drowned at birth!”

Prudence felt unable to argue. She was well aware that it was Mrs Aveton’s violet opposition to Dan’s suit which had caused so much unhappiness between the two young lovers all those years ago. The woman had conducted a campaign of hate, telling all her acquaintances that Dan was naught but a penniless foundling, sprung from who knew what vile slum in the industrial north of England.

Her venomous tongue had done its work. Dan had been cut dead by certain members of the ton on more than one occasion. His friendships fell away, and Prudence had been surprised to find that he was no longer included in the invitations which reached her daily.

She had made it her business to find out why, and when she had discovered the truth she confronted Mrs Aveton. It had been an unpleasant interview, with protestations of innocence on the lady’s part, and Prudence in such a towering rage that Mrs Aveton was forced to retract her slanderous remarks.

By then the damage was done, and Judith could bear it no longer. Though it broke her heart to do so, she had sent Dan away, vowing as she did so that no other man for whom she felt the least affection would be subjected to such inhuman treatment.

Dan had fought her decision with everything in his power, but she would not be swayed. His honour and his good name were at stake.

She placed no reliance on Mrs Aveton’s promise not to return to the attack. Her stepmother’s machinations might become more subtle, but they would not cease.

Now, as Judith was borne back to the house which she shared with her two half sisters and their mother, she regretted the impulse which had taken her to Mount Street that day. Prudence and Elizabeth had been shocked by the news of her betrothal. That much was clear. How could she explain the reasons which had led to her decision?

The news of her inheritance had caused uproar within the Aveton family, though the money was to be held in trust for her unless she married. True, she might use the income from it as she wished, but she might not touch the capital.

Mrs Aveton had spared no pains to discover if it was possible to break the terms of the old man’s will. When Judith’s lawyers explained that this could not be done, the girl had been subjected to a series of merciless attacks. They had continued until Judith began to fear for her own sanity.

There was nothing she could do. A woman of her age might not set up her own establishment, even had she the means to do so. The constant quarrelling caused her to retreat even further into her shell. Until today she believed that she’d succeeded in crushing her emotions to the point where nothing mattered any more.

Yet it wasn’t entirely out of desperation that she’d accepted the Reverend Truscott’s offer for her hand. She’d been moved by his kindly interest in her, and the way he took her part against her stepmother.

Mrs Aveton had seemed a little afraid of him. Certainly the preacher’s tall cadaverous figure was imposing. Dressed always in funereal black, when he thundered forth his exhortations from the pulpit the deep-set eyes held all the fire of a fanatic.

Yet, to Judith’s surprise, Mrs Aveton had welcomed his suit. Perhaps she welcomed the opportunity to be rid of a girl who was a constant irritation to her.

Judith walked across the hall, intending to seek the sanctuary of her own room. Her thoughts were in turmoil. The sight of Dan had brought the agony of her loss flooding back again. She had deceived herself into thinking that she had succeeded in forgetting him. Her present pain was as raw as it had been six years ago.

A footman stopped her before she reached the staircase.

“Madam has asked to see you, miss, as soon as you returned.”

With lagging steps, Judith entered the salon, to find Mrs Aveton at her writing desk.

“There you are at last.” There was no note of welcome in her stepmother’s voice. “Selfish as always! Had you no thought of helping me to write these invitations?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Had you mentioned it, I would have stayed behind.” Judith glanced at the pile of cards. “So many? I thought we had agreed upon a quiet wedding.”

“Nonsense! The Reverend Truscott is a man of note. His marriage cannot be seen as some hole-and-corner affair. It is to take place in his own church, and he tells me that you are to be married by the bishop.”

“He called today?”

“He did, and he was not best pleased to miss you. One might have thought that you would wait for him. What an oddity you are, to be sure! You take no interest in arrangements for the reception, the food, the musicians, or even in your trousseau.”

“I shall need very little,” Judith told her quietly. “Ma’am, who is to pay for all this? I would not put you to so much expense.”

An unbecoming flush stained Mrs Aveton’s cheeks. “The expense must fall upon the bride and her family, naturally. When you are wed, your husband will control your fortune. The creditors will wait until then.”

“I see.” Judith realised that she herself was to pay. “Shall I finish the invitations for you?”

“You may continue. Dear me, there is so much to do. My girls, at least, are pleased with their new gowns.”

Judith was silent, glancing down at the list of names upon the bureau. An exclamation escaped her lips.

“Well, what is it now?” her stepmother cried impatiently.

“The Wentworths, ma’am? Lady Wentworth is with child. She won’t be able to accept.”

“I know that well enough. It need not prevent us sending her an invitation. I detest the woman, and that uppish sister-in-law of hers, but we must not be lacking in our attentions to Lord Wentworth and his family. I have included the Earl and Countess of Brandon, of course. My dear Amelia will be certain to attend.” With this pronouncement she swept from the room.

As Judith walked upstairs she permitted herself a wry smile, knowing full well that Amelia, Countess of Brandon, would be furious to hear herself described in such familiar terms. Mrs Aveton was her toady, tolerated only for her well-known propensity for gossip.

Judith sighed. She liked the Earl of Brandon. As head of the Wentworth family and a highly placed member of the Government she knew him only slightly, but he had always treated her with courtesy and kindness. His wife was a cross which he bore with fortitude.

She removed her coat and bonnet and then returned to the salon. There she sat dreaming for some time, the pile of invitations forgotten. Her life might have been so different had she and Dan been allowed to wed. Now it was all too late.

“Great heavens, Judith! You have not got on at all.”

The door opened to admit the Reverend Charles Truscott, with Mrs Aveton by his side.

“Now, ma’am, you shall not scold my little bride. If I forgive her, I am sure that you may do so too.” The preacher rested a benevolent hand upon Judith’s hair, as if in blessing.

It was all she could do not to jerk her head away. She rose to her feet and turned to face him, but she could not summon up a smile.

“So grave, my love? Well, it is to be expected. Marriage is a serious step, but given to us by the Lord especially for the procreation of children. Better to marry than to burn, as the saying goes.”

Judith had the odd impression that he was almost licking his lips. Revulsion overwhelmed her. How could she let him touch her? Her flesh crawled at the thought. For an instant she was tempted to cry out that it had all been a mistake, that she had changed her mind and no longer wished to wed him, but he and Mrs Aveton had moved away. Now they were deep in conversation by the window. She could not hear what they were saying.

“The arrangement stands?” Mrs Aveton asked in a low voice.

“I gave you my word, dear lady. When the money is in my hands, you will receive your share.” The preacher glanced across at his bride-to-be. “I shall earn mine, I think. Your stepdaughter is the oddest creature. Half the time I have no idea what she is thinking.”

“That need not concern you, sir. Give her enough children, and you will keep her occupied, but you must bear down hard upon her radical notions. She likes to read, and she even writes a little, I believe.”

“Both most unsuitable occupations for a woman, but she will be taught to forget that nonsense.”

The Reverend Truscott glanced at his betrothed. There was much else that he would teach her. Judith was no beauty. The brown hair, grave grey eyes, and delicate colouring were not to his taste at all, but her figure was spectacular. Tall and slender, he guessed that his hands would span her waist, but the swelling hips and splendid bosom promised untold pleasures.

His eyes kindled at the thought, but the prospect of controlling her inheritance gave him even greater joy. He banished his lascivious expression and looked down at the list of guests upon the bureau, noticing at once that there were no ticks against the names of the Wentworth family.

“My dear child, you must not forget to invite your friends,” he chided. “I know how much you think of them, and I must learn to know them better.”

“I could well do without the ladies of the family,” Mrs Aveton snapped. “Lady Wentworth is mighty free with her opinions, and as for the Honourable Mrs Peregrine Wentworth…? Words fail me!”

“A little…er…sprightly, perhaps? The privilege of rank, dear lady. After all, we must speak with charity of our fellow-creatures. And, you are friendly with the Countess of Brandon, are you not?”

“She thinks no better of them than I do myself…”

Judith made an unsuccessful attempt to hide her amusement. The animosity was mutual.

“There now, we have made our dear Judith smile at last! Believe me, my love, your friends will always be welcome at our home.”

Judith gave him a grateful look. Perhaps he would be kind. It was fortunate that she could not read his mind. The Reverend Truscott knew an enemy when he met one, and Prudence, Lady Wentworth, had left him in no doubt of her own opinion.

He’d seen her look of disgust as he moved about among his congregation, fawning on the women, and flattering the men. She had surprised him once, when he’d cornered one of his young parishioners beside the vestry. He’d gone too far on that occasion, and the girl was looking distressed.

Her ladyship had not addressed him, but her dagger-glance was enough to persuade him to hurry away, leaving the girl to rearrange her bodice as best she could.

Mrs Peregrine was quite another matter. She was a beauty, that one, and he’d sensed the fire beneath the Madonna-like appearance. She hated and despised him. That much was clear. He could not mistake the expression in her huge, dark eyes, but her dislike only served to whet his appetite. He’d conquered such women before, with his talk of love and salvation. It would be a pleasure to add her to his list of victims.

Looking up, he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror, and felt his usual sense of satisfaction. His looks were the only thing for which he had to thank his actress mother and his unknown father.

Was he growing too gaunt? He thought not. His tall, spare figure and the dark head with the deep-set eyes and narrow jaw had just a touch of the fanatic. It was no bad thing. A certain air of the vulpine had served him well in his chosen profession. Who could resist him when he thundered forth his message from the pulpit?

He sensed that Judith was watching him.

“Forgive me, my dear,” he said easily. “I should not have come to you looking as I do. My duties with parishioners have kept me out all day. You must think me sadly dishevelled, but I could not resist the temptation to call upon you.”

“Judith thinks nothing of the kind,” Mrs Aveton interposed. “It is good of you to call again, when this foolish girl was not here to greet you earlier in the day.”

“Perhaps she believes that absence makes the heart grow fonder,” the preacher chuckled. With many protestations of devotion he took his leave of them.

“You had best get on with the invitations, Judith. There is little time to spare before your marriage, and I suppose we must do something about your trousseau. Tomorrow we had best go into Bond Street.”

Judith nodded her agreement.

However, on the following day, her stepmother lost all patience with her lack of interest in the garments offered for her inspection.

“Do pay attention!” she cried sharply. “Nothing will make you into a beauty, but you owe it to your husband to appear respectable.”

“Miss has a perfect figure,” the modiste encouraged. “She would look well in any of these wedding gowns.”

“Hold your tongue!” Mrs Aveton glared at her. Her own daughters were both short and dumpy. “I will decide upon a suitable garment.” She settled upon a dull lavender which did nothing for Judith’s colouring.

“This will do! And now I have the headache, thanks to your stupidity. The rest of your things you may choose for yourself whenever you wish. I have no time to accompany you again.”

Judith said nothing, though she felt relieved. The excuse to complete her shopping alone would get her out of the house, and away from the constant carping and criticism. She must take her maid, of course, but the girl was her only friend within the household, and she understood her quiet mistress well.

This fact had not escaped Mrs Averton’s notice. She had already spoken to the Reverend Truscott on the subject.

On the following day she confronted Judith.

“You are grown too familiar with that girl,” she said. “You had best make it clear that she should be looking for another position after you are married. Your husband will not care to find you being friendly with a servant.”

“I had hoped to take her with me. She is the daughter of my father’s housekeeper, and I’ve known her all my life.”

“Your father has been dead these many years. I should have dismissed her long ago.”

A lump came into Judith’s throat, but she did not argue further. Her husband-to-be might view the girl more kindly.

Mrs Aveton glanced through the window. “It may be coming on to rain,” she said. “I shall need the carriage myself this morning. You may walk to Bond Street. There is plenty of shelter on the way.”

Judith didn’t care if it poured. She could use a shower as an excuse to stay out for as long as possible. She left the house as quickly as possible, and walked along the street with Bessie beside her.

“Miss Judith, it’s spitting already. You’ll get drenched. Must you go out today?”

“I think so, Bessie. Have you got the list?”

“It’s in my pocket, miss, but it’s coming on heavier than ever. Won’t you step into this doorway?”

The wind was already sweeping the rain into their faces, and both girls ran for shelter. Half-blinded by the shower, Judith did not notice the hackney carriage until it stopped beside them. Then a strong hand gripped her elbow.

“Get in!” Dan said. “I want to talk to you.”

Chapter Two

Judith was too startled to do other than obey him. It was only when she was seated in a corner of the carriage that she realised the folly of her action.

She glanced up, a protest ready on her lips, but Dan was smiling at Bessie.

“I hope I see you well,” he said kindly. “It’s Bessie, isn’t it? Do you remember me?”

“You haven’t changed, Mr Dan. I’d know you anywhere.”

He grinned at that. “Once seen, never forgotten? It’s my carroty top that gives me away.”

“Dan, please! I’m sorry, but we have so much to do this morning. I am to go to Bond Street. Bessie has a list…” Judith felt that she was babbling inanities. What did her shopping matter?

“Then Bessie can do your shopping for you. Your credit is good, I take it? She may order your things to be delivered…”

“No, she can’t! I mean, that would not do at all. I am to choose…at least…” Her voice tailed away.

“Bessie, will you do this for us? I must speak to your mistress.”

“No, you must not! Bessie, I forbid you…”

Bessie took not the slightest notice of her pleas. She was beaming at Dan, who had always been a favourite with her.

“I’ll be happy to do it, Mr Dan.”

“Then we’ll pick you up on the corner of Piccadilly. Shall we say in two hours’ time?”

“Dan, I can’t! Please set us down. We shall be missed, and then there will be trouble.”

“Nonsense! Prudence informs me that shopping takes an age. Besides, I can’t wait outside your door indefinitely, hoping to catch you on your own.”

“We might have met again in Mount Street,” she protested.

Dan gave her a quizzical look. “Yesterday I had the impression that you didn’t plan to visit your friends for some little time.”

They had reached Bond Street, and he rapped on the roof of the carriage to stop the driver. Bessie sprang down, but when Judith tried to follow her he barred the way.

“Hear me out!” he begged. “It is little enough to ask of you.”

Sensing his determination, Judith sank back into the corner. She had no wish to create a scene in public, and if he followed them someone of her acquaintance might see them together, and draw the wrong conclusions.

“This is folly!” she told him quietly. “You should not have sought me out.”

“Folly?” Dan’s smile vanished. “What of your own? What do you know of the man you plan to marry?”

Judith turned her face away. “He has been kind to me, and he stands up to Mrs Aveton. In his presence she is not so cruel.”

“And that is enough for you? You have not asked yourself why they deal so well together? What a pair! The man is a monster, Judith! He is a charlatan…a womaniser—”

“Stop!” Judith’s nerves were at breaking point. “You must not…you have no right to say such things to me…”

“Long ago I thought I had a right to tell you all that was in my heart. That is past, I know. I can’t deny that our feelings for each other must have changed, but I may still stand your friend, I hope?”

“You have a strange way of showing it. Did Prudence and Elizabeth send you to me? I may tell you that I don’t care to have my affairs discussed behind my back.”

“No one sent me. I came of my own accord. They spoke of you, of course…”

“And obviously of Mr Truscott too. They are both prejudiced against him, but why, I can’t imagine.”

“Perhaps they see another side to his character. You meet him at his best, but how long will that last? If you become his wife you will be powerless against him.”

“Dan, you are making him out to be an ogre. Oh, I know you mean it for the best, and I am grateful…”

“I don’t want your gratitude,” he muttered. “Like all your friends, I wish only for your happiness.”

“Then believe me, you must say no more. You are but recently returned to England. How can you judge a man of whom you have no knowledge?”

“I trust Prudence, and Elizabeth too. They love you dearly, Judith. Would they stand in the way of your happiness? Both of them have hearts of gold. Neither would be so set against this man without some sound basis for their feelings.”

“I have made my choice.” Her face was set.

“Have you? Or have others made it for you? Forgive me, I don’t mean to suggest that you are easily swayed. I know you better than that. You will always do what you think right.”

“Then why won’t you believe me?”

Dan leaned back and folded his arms. “You haven’t told me why you wish to marry Truscott. I am told that he is all the rage among the ton, but that won’t weigh with you, I know. To capture him might be a feather in some other woman’s cap, but not in yours.”

“At least you don’t insult me by suggesting it.”

“Kindness then, and protection from your stepmother? It seems poor enough reason to accept him.”

For once Judith lost her temper. “You don’t know what my life has been! How could you? It was bad enough before, but my uncle’s money has become a curse. You heard of my inheritance?”

Dan nodded.

“I thought I would go mad,” she told him simply. “I was allowed no rest until I agreed to try to break the trust. It couldn’t be done. Then matters grew much worse. Marriage seemed to be the only answer.”

Dan laid a sympathetic hand upon her own, but she snatched it away at once.

“I don’t want sympathy,” she cried in anguish. “That only makes things worse…”

“Oh, Judith, was there no one else? Someone who might have made you happy?”

Judith felt like screaming at him. Of course there was someone else. Why could he not see it? Her situation was so different now. Years ago, when they were both penniless they could have no hope of marriage. Now she could offer him her fortune. It was a vain hope. Knowing him as she did, the money would prove to be an even greater barrier, even if he loved her still.

He didn’t. Had he not mentioned that their feelings must have changed during their years of separation? His present concern stemmed only from the memory of past friendship, urged on, no doubt, by Prudence and Elizabeth, in spite of his denials.

She could not know of the discussion which had taken place the previous evening in the Wentworth home. In her forthright way, Prudence had tackled Dan outright, sweeping away his initial refusal to seek out Judith.

“Don’t try to gammon me,” she’d said. “I know that you still love her. You gave yourself away this afternoon. Will you stand by and let her throw herself away upon a man who will condemn her to a life of misery?”

“Pru, I can’t. She would see it as a piece of gross impertinence on my part, and she would be right.”

“Stuff and nonsense! I think at least that you should try to persuade her to reconsider. Elizabeth and I can do no good with her. She seems bent on self-destruction.”

“And you think that I will fare better?”

“She loves you, Dan. She always has. I know Judith well. Once given, her affections will not change. If you were to offer for her now, all might yet be well.”

She was dismayed to see the bitterness in his normally cheerful face.

“Would you have me add to my tarnished reputation? Must I be considered a fortune-hunter too?”

“So you will sacrifice your love for pride? I had thought better of you. Mrs Aveton’s evil words were forgotten long ago.”

“They would be recalled if I did as you suggest. Judith suffered enough before. This time I doubt if she could bear more slurs. I did not think her looking well at all.”

“She isn’t happy, Dan. At least see her. If nothing more you might persuade her to delay the ceremony. Truscott may yet betray himself.” Prudence rose to her feet, pressing her hands against her aching back, and Dan gave her an anxious look.

“You shall not worry,” he said. “It can’t be good for you, especially at this present time. I’ll do as you say if it will comfort you, though I think you are mistaken in what you say. Judith no longer cares for me.”

Prudence let that pass. No words of hers would convince him. Dan must find out for himself. She smiled at him in gratitude.

“I think I must be carrying twins,” she joked. “By the start of the seventh month I was not as large as this with my other children.”

“Then you must take extra care. Shall you stay in London for the birth?”

“I don’t know yet. It can be very hot and noisy in the summer months. Sebastian thinks that we should go down to Hallwood.” She reached out a hand to him. “Dearest Dan, I’ve missed you so. It is so good to have you home again. As for Judith, I knew that you wouldn’t fail me.”

“Don’t expect too much,” he warned. “My powers of persuasion aren’t as great as yours.”

He found that he was right. Judith would not be swayed.

“At least postpone the ceremony,” he urged. “It would give us time to make enquiries.”

Her voice grew cold. “Are you suggesting that you intend to spy on my betrothed?”

“Judith, the man appeared from nowhere. I can’t find a soul who knows anything of his background or his antecedents—” He stopped, and looked at her set face. “Forgive me! I, of all people, have no right to say such things. My own background is sneered at by the ton.”

Judith fired up at that. “I hope you are not suddenly ashamed of it. Your mother and father were good country folk, as Prudence and Sebastian soon discovered.” For the first time she gave him a faint smile. “Your skills must have come from somewhere…”

“Sadly, they haven’t yet made my fortune but, Judith, we were not discussing my affairs…”

“Believe me, I prefer that you say no more of mine. Dan, it must be late. Is it not time to pick up Bessie?”

“Not yet. We still have a few moments. Will you promise me one thing?”

“If I can.”

“Don’t cut yourself off from your friends for these next few weeks. Come to Mount Street. The change will do you good. It will be like old times.”

Her lips began to tremble. “I’m tired,” she said. “I can’t fight my friends as well as Mrs Aveton.”

“Then they shall say nothing to distress you. I’ll guarantee it. Do you promise?”

“I’ll try.” With an effort she regained a little of her self-control. “You’ve told me nothing of your own concerns. This voyage has been of some advantage to you?”

Wisely, Dan accepted the change of subject.

“I learned much about the operation of a sailing ship, and other vessels too, even to the handling of an outrigger canoe in the South Seas. All are designed to take advantage of certain conditions of wind and weather.”

“And your own designs? You were always inventing something.”

“I have a thick sheaf of them. Some I sent back to England for the attention of my Lords of the Admiralty, but I have heard nothing.”

“Wouldn’t the Earl of Brandon mention your work?” she suggested shyly. “If Lord Wentworth were to ask him…?”

“I don’t want patronage. My work must stand on its own merit, or not at all.”

“You’ll get there one day,” she encouraged. “You have plenty of time.”

“Have I?” His lip curled. “I am twenty-six already.”

“A very great age indeed,” she twinkled.

“Pitt was younger when he first became a Member of Parliament…”

Judith gave him a droll look. “I didn’t know that you had the ambition to become a politician.”

She’d hoped to cheer him, and was rewarded with a grin.

“I haven’t, and well you know it.”

Judith smiled back at him. “That’s a relief! I was beginning to tremble for the future of the country. Oh, there is Bessie! I must leave you now.”

“Not yet!” he begged. He tried to take her hand but she shook her head. With a sigh he stopped the coachman, and prepared to take up Bessie.

“We shall walk,” Judith told him hurriedly. “The rain has cleared—”

“I won’t hear of it. Get in, Bessie!” He rapped on the roof of the carriage to tell the man to drive on. As they entered the street where he had found them, Judith turned to him.

“Pray set us down here,” she said. “If I am seen in your company there may be trouble.”

When Dan returned to Mount Street it was to report the failure of his mission.

“Well, I, for one, will not give up,” Elizabeth cried at once. “Will Judith come to us today?”

“I doubt it. She fears you will return to the attack.” Dan’s smile robbed his words of all offence.

“And so I shall.”

“No, you will not, my darling.” Perry gave his wife an affectionate look. “Subtlety is needed here. You cannot gain your way with confrontation.”

His words brought a roar of laughter from each member of his family.

“Subtlety, Perry? Since when are you a master of the art?”

Perry took Sebastian’s teasing in good part.

“I can be devious when I choose,” he replied in airy tones. “I may surprise you yet.”

“You have already done so. I was never more astonished in my life. Tell me, how is this subtle approach to be accomplished?”

“I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll think of something.”

“Perry, there is so little time.” Elizabeth’s eyes were anxious. “The days go by so quickly, and Judith’s wedding will be upon us before we know it.”

Sebastian’s eyes were resting upon his wife’s face, and when he began to speak he chose his words with care.

“Let us consider this matter sensibly. We have no proof that the Reverend Truscott is other than he claims to be.”

“We could find out,” Dan said quickly.

Sebastian held up a hand for silence. “Hear me out. Prudence and Elizabeth both dislike and distrust him. They may be right, but if they are mistaken I must point out to you that Judith’s happiness is at stake. Any interference on our part would be a serious matter.”

“Sebastian, we have no wish to injure her.” Prudence gave him a pitiful look.

“Dearest, I know that well enough, but Judith has had an unhappy time since her father died. We must be careful not to make things worse.”

“They would be much worse if she married that dreadful creature!” Elizabeth was unrepentant.

“Quiet! The oracle is speaking!” Perry laid a finger against his wife’s lips.

Sebastian laughed at that. “I’m no oracle, but we must do nothing foolish.”

“Then what can we do? She may be walking blindfold into a life of misery. I won’t stand by and let that happen.” Dan ran his fingers through his flaming hair. “I’ll abduct her first.”

“You will do no such thing!” Sebastian’s tone was cutting. “Would you expose her to scandal? Her life would be ruined; she would be cut by society, unable to see her friends and received by none. Let us hear no more of such nonsense.”

“There’s no need to cut up rough at Dan, old chap. What do you suggest?”

“There can be no harm in making a few enquiries. I’ll see what I can do.”

“And I can ask around,” Perry broke in cheerfully. “I ain’t much of a one for church-going, but I could mingle with the Reverend’s congregation and question a few people.”

“With your well-known subtlety?” His brother’s tone was ironic. “I can hear you now. Would it not be something on the following lines, ‘We think your preacher is a rogue. What do you know against him?’”

Even Perry was forced to join in the laughter.

“Perhaps you’re right,” he admitted. “I’d best leave it to you.”

“I think you had. It should not take above a day or two.”

“Don’t be too sure,” Elizabeth warned. “That snake will cover his tracks.”

“Yet even snakes may be trapped and destroyed, my dear.” With these words from Sebastian the rest of the company had to be content.

Unwittingly, Elizabeth had hit upon the truth, but the past life which the preacher had been at such pains to conceal was, at that moment, in danger of being revealed to the world.

Truscott had, that very morning, been approached by a filthy urchin in his own church.

“Out!” He’d eyed the ragged figure with distaste. The child was little better than a scarecrow. “You’ll get no charity here.”

“Don’t want none, mester. I been paid. I wuz to give you this.” The child held out a grimy scrap of paper, but his eyes were wary. He kept his distance, as if ready to dodge a blow.

“What’s it about?”

“Dunno. I was to fetch you with me.”

A discreet cough drew the preacher’s attention to a small group of ladies advancing down the nave towards him.

“My dear sir, do you never rest?” one of them asked tenderly. “We’d hoped that you’d take tea with us today. We are raising funds for the Foundling Hospital.”

“God bless you! Sadly, this little chap is in some kind of trouble.” The Reverend Truscott considered resting a benevolent hand upon the urchin’s spiky hair, but he thought better of it.

“You ain’t read the note,” the child accused.

“My little man, you have given me no time to do so.” With the eyes of the ladies upon him, he was forced to open the paper. Drat the child! Had they been alone he would have been well rewarded for his impertinence.

The words were ill-spelt, and formed in an illiterate hand, but the message was all too clear. As its full enormity sank into his consciousness the colour drained from his face. He swayed, and held himself upright only by clutching at the back of the nearest pew.

“Bad news? Mr Truscott, you must sit down. Let me get you a glass of water.”

He could have struck the speaker. What he needed at that moment was a glass of brandy. If only these ridiculous old biddies would go away! He raised a hand to cover his eyes.

“Thank you, pray don’t trouble yourself,” he murmured. “This is but a momentary faintness.”

“It is exhaustion, sir. You do too much. This child must not trouble you today.” She tried to shoo the boy away. “Your bride-to-be will scold you.”

“Let him be! The Lord will sustain me in his work. I will accompany the child. I fear it is to a deathbed.”

If only it were, he thought savagely. So many of his problems would be solved. With a brave smile he ushered the ladies from the church. Then he returned to the vestry to draw on a voluminous cloak, and cram a wide-brimmed hat low on his brow.

The boy’s eyes never left him. A child indeed! There was cynicism in that look, and a quick intelligence which, he knew well enough, stemmed from a life of survival on the streets.

He spared no sympathy for the lad. The strong survived, and the weak went under. He’d been lucky. No, that wasn’t true! Luck had played no part in his rise to fame. Say rather that a ruthless streak had helped him climb the ladder to success.

And was he to lose it now? The words of the message burned in his brain like letters of fire.

“‘My friend seen your notice in the paper, Charlie. Time yore pore old mother had a share. The boy will fetch you to me. Best come, or you’ll be sorry.’”

It was unsigned, but no signature was needed. The letter was authentic. Only his mother had ever called him Charlie.

“Is it far?” He spat out the question to the boy.

“Not far. I allus walks it, rain or shine.” The child inspected him with critical eyes. “Best hide that ticker, guv’nor, and the chain. You’ll lose it, certain sure.”

The preacher said nothing. He never walked abroad without his knife, a long and narrow blade, honed to razor sharpness. As a child, he’d learned to take care of himself. His lips drew back in a snarl. He was more than a match for any ruffian.

Now anger threatened to choke him. It was sheer ill-luck that had revealed his whereabouts. The Gazette, which had carried the announcement of his betrothal, was unlikely to fall into his mother’s hands. In any case, she could not read. He’d thought himself safe. Yet some cruel trick of fate had given her a friend who was sharper than herself.

He glanced about him, and was not surprised to find that he was being led towards the parish of St Giles. He knew the area well, but he had not thought to enter it again.

Preoccupied with the scarce-veiled threat contained in the message, he was unaware that he was being followed. Even so, he pulled his cloak close, sinking the lower part of his face deep within its folds. Then he glanced about him before he entered the maze of alleys which led far into that part of London known as “The Rookery.”

Behind him, Dan prepared to follow, but his way was blocked by a thick-set individual wearing a slouch hat and a rough jacket out-at-elbows.

“Not in there, sir, if you please! You wouldn’t come out alive.”

Dan stared at the man. He was an unprepossessing individual. His broken nose and battered ears suggested a previous career as a pugilist. When he smiled his missing teeth confirmed it.

“Out of my way, man!” Dan snapped impatiently. The figure of the Reverend Truscott had already disappeared.

“Now, sir, you wouldn’t want me to plant you a facer, as I must do if you intend to be a foolish gentleman? I has my orders from his lordship…”

“Who are you?”

“A Redbreast, sir.”

“You mean you are a Bow Street Runner?”

The man threw his eyes to heaven, and dragged Dan into a doorway. “Not so loud!” he begged. “You’ll get my throat slit.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, you won’t, young sir. You’ll slow me down. This ain’t the place for you. Now be a good gentleman, and leave this job to me.” His tone was respectful, but extremely firm.

Dan thought of pushing past him, but the Runner was already on his toes, ready for any sudden move. “We’re wasting time,” he said significantly.

“Then I’ll wait for you here.”

“Best go back to Mount Street, sir. I may be some time.” He turned quickly and disappeared into an alley way.

Wild with frustration, Dan retraced his steps. The delay had lost him his quarry.

Damn Sebastian! Why must he always be one step ahead? Then common sense returned. At least his lordship had wasted no time in setting enquiries afoot. The Runner had seemed competent enough. His very appearance would make him inconspicuous in that nefarious area.

Dan himself was unarmed. It hadn’t occurred to him to carry a weapon. Now, on reflection, he knew that the Runner had been right to stop him.

Always a poor parish, in the previous century the Church Lane rookery had reached the depths of squalor with its population of hawkers, beggars and thieves. Every fourth building was a gin shop, where the verminous inhabitants could drink themselves into oblivion for a copper or two. Stupefied with liquor, they could forget the filthy decaying lodging houses in which they lived under wretched conditions.

The narrow warrens and dimly lit courts had always attracted a transient population. Overcrowding was rife, and it was easy enough for the worst of criminals to cover their tracks, hiding in perfect safety among the teeming masses. They issued forth only to rob the unwary, and murder was a commonplace.

Dan shuddered. He didn’t lack courage, but, unarmed, he’d be no match for a mob. He’d been a fool to think of entering that slum alone. His very appearance made him a tempting target. An attack might, at best, have left him injured. He could be of no possible service to Judith then.

Meantime, the Reverend Charles Truscott had penetrated to the very heart of the thieves’ den. As a child he’d grown accustomed to the sight of the tumbledown hovels, the piles of rotting garbage in the streets, and the all-pervading stench.

Now he had grown fastidious, and the smell which assailed his nostrils made him want to gag. Then his guide pushed open a door which swung drunkenly on its broken hinges, and beckoned him inside.

“Up there!” The boy jerked a thumb towards a rickety flight of stairs and vanished.

The preacher found that his stomach was churning, and he could taste bile in his throat. He was tempted to turn and flee, but he dared not risk the loss of all that had been so hard-won.

He schooled his features into an expression of smooth benevolence, mounted the stairs, and knocked at the door which faced him.

It swung open at his touch, and for a moment he thought the room was empty. He looked about him in disgust. He’d seen squalor in his time, but this was beyond all. Flies swarmed over a broken bowl of half-eaten food, and looking down, he saw that they had laid their eggs. The place was bare, except for a single chair without a back, and a battered wooden crate. A heap of rags lay upon the floor, but there was neither bed nor mattress.

“Well, Charlie, how do you like it? A regular palace, ain’t it?” A face peered out at him from beneath the heap of rags.

The preacher stared at his mother without affection.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “I thought you’d be long gone.”

“In a wooden box? That would have suited you…”

He was in full agreement with this sentiment, but he must not antagonise her.

“I meant only that I thought you would have found a better place.”

“Ho, yus? Look at me, Charlie!” With a swift movement she thrust aside the rags, and staggered to her feet. He was aware of the strong smell of gin.

“You’re drunk,” he accused.

“Drunk for a penny, dead drunk for twopence,” she jeered. “Well, son, how would you like to see me on a stage?” She thrust her face so close to his that the stench was overpowering.

He hadn’t seen her for years, and now the raddled features shocked him. Nellie Truscott had been a beauty. Her looks were all she had had to offer in the marketplace. Now she was painfully thin, her hair grey and unkempt, and her face bloated with excess.

He tried without success to hide his feelings, and his expression roused her to fury.

“Quite the fine gentleman, ain’t you? Ashamed of your poor old mother? You done nothing to help me, Charlie. Now it’s time to pay.”

“Don’t be a fool,” he told her roughly. “I’m naught but a poor parson.”

“And on the way to being a rich one. You was always smooth, my lad. Now your lady wife will help me.”

His face grew dark and the look in his eyes was frightening. She cowered away from him.

“You’ll stay away from her,” he said softly. “Shall I remind you how I serve those who cross me?”

She made a feeble attempt to placate him. “I shan’t do nothing you don’t like, but I must have money, Charlie. Even the men round here don’t want me now I’m sick…”

The preacher had been about to grip her wrist. A reminder of his capacity for inflicting pain would have done no harm, but now he shrank back. Thank God he hadn’t touched her. He had no difficulty in guessing at the disease from which she suffered. It was a common cause of death in prostitutes.

“Here!” He threw a handful of coins on to the wooden chest. “This is all I have with me.”

“It ain’t much, Charlie. Can you come tomorrow?”

“No, I can’t.” He was about to say more when a man and a woman entered the room.

“It’s no matter, Nellie. Tomorrow we’ll all go up town to hear the Reverend preach. I hear it’s a rare treat.” The woman laughed, and even her companion smiled. They had him in their power and they knew it.

The preacher ground his teeth, but he knew when he was beaten. With a sudden access of native cunning his mother had used her newfound knowledge of his coming fortune to surround herself with friends. She must have promised them a share.

“I’ll come at the same time,” he said.

Chapter Three

Judith was puzzled. She’d promised to accompany the Reverend Truscott to the charity tea in aid of the foundling children. When he didn’t arrive she decided that she must have mistaken his instructions. Eventually, she went alone, only to discover that he had been called away on parish business.

The next day, at her stepmother’s insistence, she stayed indoors to wait for his usual daily visit, but he did not arrive. That evening, a note was delivered to her, explaining that he would be away for several days in connection with a family matter. This did not trouble her unduly. In fact, it was something of a relief to be spared the need to agree with his sententious remarks.

She took herself to task for this unworthy thought. No one was perfect, least of all herself, and if her betrothed seemed, at times, to be a little pompous, it was easy to forgive his didactic manner. He was a good man. That she believed with all her heart.

She stayed in her sitting-room all morning, conscious of her own failings. She had not been entirely truthful with the man she was to marry. What would he say when he learned that she was actually writing a novel? It could not be considered a suitable occupation for a preacher’s wife, but the story begged to be written. Throughout each day she found herself composing further snatches of dialogue, or planning yet another scene.

She was not destined to be left in peace for long. At nuncheon that day, Mrs Aveton made her displeasure clear.

“Must I tell you yet again?” she cried. “You have not bought above one half of the items on your list. You put me out of all patience, Judith. Peace will return to this household only when you are wed and gone from here.”

Judith doubted the truth of this statement. Mrs Aveton’s daughters were as ill-tempered as she was herself, and the servants were treated frequently to the sound of quarrelling, screams, and wild hysterics. Neither of the girls had yet been sought in marriage. They had neither fortunes, not a pleasant disposition to recommend them.

“Must I go back to Bond Street, ma’am?” she asked hopefully. She welcomed any excuse to get her out of the house.

“I see no other way of obtaining your necessary purchases,” came the sarcastic reply.

“And I may take the carriage?”

“I suppose so. At least you will be there and back more quickly than you were the other day. You must watch this habit of dawdling, Judith. It cannot please your husband.”

Judith felt a tiny spurt of rebellion. Was everything she did now to be directed to that desirable end? Her face grew wooden. She’d buy those last items as quickly as possible. Then she’d pay a visit to Mount Street. Perhaps it was folly. She suspected that it was, but at that moment she longed to be with those who loved her.

With Bessie in attendance, she hurried through her shopping, paying scant attention to the items on her list. It was done at last, and glancing at the clock in Bond Street she discovered that she had at least an hour of freedom before her absence would be remarked as being unduly long. It was a bitter disappointment to discover that Perry and Elizabeth were away from home, and that Prudence had been ordered to rest that day.

“Lord Wentworth will see you, ma’am. At present he is speaking to the doctor, but if you would care to wait…?”

The butler opened the door to the small salon, but Judith shook her head.

“I won’t disturb him. Pray give my regards to Lady Wentworth. I will call again at a more convenient time.”

She turned away, and was about to leave when Dan threw open the library door, and hurried towards her.

“I thought I heard your voice, Judith, don’t run away. Come and talk to me!”

She hesitated, looking doubtful, but he gave her a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry! I intend to keep my word. I shall say nothing to distress you.”

He had disturbing news, but at Sebastian’s insistence he knew that he must keep it to himself.

The Bow Street Runner had followed the Reverend Truscott to his destination in “The Rookery”. When the preacher left he’d knocked at the same door on the pretext of discovering the whereabouts of a well-known fence, but the man who opened it had sent him on his way.

“Best peddle your wares elsewhere,” he’d snarled. “There’s plenty as will buy your gew-gaws at the drinking shop, and no questions asked.”

The Runner retired to consider his next move. It was soon decided when the man left the hovel with a woman on each arm. He followed them for several yards, and turned in behind them at the drinking shop.

They didn’t suspect him, he was sure of it. After all, the man himself had suggested the place as the ideal spot to pursue his supposed nefarious activities.

Smiling pleasantly, he settled himself close by the tattered trio, and received a slight nod of acknowledgement in reply.

He’d been hoping to engage them in conversation, but the older woman was already quarrelling with the owner.

“No more credit, Nellie. If you ain’t got blunt you’ll get no drink from me—”

“Shut your face!” The woman slammed a coin down on the counter. “There’s plenty more where that came from. Now give me a bottle!”

The man bit the coin, and whistled in surprise.

“Come into money, have you? Where’s the body?”

The woman ignored him. Picking up the bottle, she returned to her companions. The three of them soon emptied it, and bought another.

The Runner waited. At the rate they were drinking they would soon begin to talk more freely. He had underestimated their capacity, though the older woman had been far from sober when she’d entered the place. Even so, a third bottle was half-empty before she set it down, wiped her lips, and subsided into helpless giggles.

“It wuz ’is face!” she explained to her companions. “Proud as Lucifer, ’e is, but we’ve got ’im now.”

“And not before time!” the man agreed. “That devil done you wrong, my lass.”

The Runner was puzzled. Had the woman been younger he’d have drawn the obvious conclusion, but this raddled creature must be in her sixties. He eyed her closely. There was something about her features which struck a chord…the nose, perhaps, or the sunken eyes?

From what little he’d seen of the Reverend Truscott’s face he couldn’t be sure, but his suspicions grew.

“You’ll know us next time,” the younger woman snapped. “Wot you starin at?”

“Just looking about me. I’ll move on. Ain’t nobody here who’s likely to be of use to me…” He scowled and left them.

His report to Sebastian had been succinct, and it roused fresh hope in Dan.

“It does seem that he gave them money,” he said eagerly. “Why would he do that?”

“There could be a number of reasons…charity among them.”

“But it isn’t his parish,” Dan protested. “Why would he go so far? He seemed to know the place well, or so the Runner said. And how was he able to walk there unmolested? Your man warned me against attempting it.”

“You forget that the Reverend Truscott is a man of the cloth. That alone is sufficient to protect him.”

Dan sniffed. “He was so heavily muffled that he might have been anyone.”

“Perhaps he’s known in the district,” Sebastian said gravely.

“Perhaps he is.” Dan’s voice was full of meaning. “Well, I’m not satisfied, for one. Your own man thought there was something strange. Did he not mention a certain resemblance in the woman?”

“And what of that? Even supposing that it’s true, we have no proof. It was merely an impression…”

“It ain’t very savoury, though.” Perry had been listening with interest. “St Giles is the worst sink in London. It wouldn’t be the place I’d want to find my relatives…”

“The man can’t be blamed for his connections,” Sebastian said firmly.

“But, Seb, only thieves and vagabonds live in ‘The Rookery’. You know its reputation. As for the women…”

“Again, I say we have no proof. The Runner may be mistaken. Truscott’s visit may have been no more than a simple act of Christian charity.”

“You sound more like Frederick every day,” Perry told him in disgust. “Next thing you’ll be following our elder brother into Government.”

“Not so!” Sebastian laughed and shook his head. “And, Perry, he did well enough for you. Without his help you might have lost Elizabeth.”

“I know it. I have much to thank him for. He surprised me then, you know. I thought him a model of rectitude, but he moved fast when there was danger.”

“And I shall do the same.”

Dan’s face cleared. “Then you won’t let it go?”

“No! I won’t let it go.” Sebastian looked at his adopted son. “Prudence and Elizabeth are troubled and I won’t have my wife upset at a time like this.”

“Shall you tell them anything?”

“Only that our enquiries are going forward.”

“Then I may not tell Elizabeth of the Runner’s findings.”

“Certainly not. We have discovered only that the Reverend Truscott paid a visit to a squalid part of London. All the rest is merely surmise. Would that satisfy Elizabeth?”

Perry smiled at his brother. “How well you know her! She is afraid of nothing. Not even your famous Runner would stop her if she set her mind upon entering that infamous district.”

“Exactly!” Sebastian looked at his companions. “This information must go no further than the three of us. I’ll let you know when, and if, I have further news.”

With this his listeners had to be content, though Dan had grave misgivings. Of the three of them he alone had seen the preacher’s furtive manner, which was not that of a man of God bent upon some charitable enterprise.

Now he led Judith into the library with the air of a man who had no other thought in mind than welcoming an old friend.

She glanced at the sheets of paper which covered a large table.

“But I’m disturbing you,” she protested.

“I’m glad of the interruption.” Dan gave her a mischievous smile. “Now I shall be able to bore you with some of my ideas…”

“You won’t do that.” She glanced down at the drawings. “Warships, Dan? Surely the war with the French is at an end? Did not the Peace of Amiens come into effect only last month?”

“The Earl of Brandon thinks it but a cessation in hostilities. Perry and Sebastian agree with him.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think we shall be at war quite soon. Napoleon has lost none of his ambition to make himself the master of Europe and beyond. Our Fleet is all that has stopped him until now.”

“But this present Treaty?”

“Will give him time to build up his reserves, and to commission new ships. He has suffered heavy defeats at sea. That is where he must destroy us first.”

“And are the French ships better than ours?”

“They are faster, and lighter too. Our own are built for strength. The first essential role of a warship is to carry armaments into battle, and the gun decks must be able to take the weight of the artillery.”

“I see. It must be difficult to strike the right balance between strength and speed.” Her attention was engaged at once.

“That’s it exactly. I knew you’d understand. Too many guns and too much weight reduce the sailing qualities of a vessel. There’s so much to consider.”

“Such as?”

“Seaworthiness, maintenance, manoeuvrability, stability, different weather conditions, and accommodation.”

“Such a list!” She began to smile.

“What is it, Judith?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I thought you might have changed in these past years, but I see that you have not.”

He raised an eyebrow in enquiry, but she laughed and shook her head. “I meant only that you are still intrigued by technical problems. It is the thing I remember most about you.”

“Is it?” His voice was heavy with meaning.

Aware that she was treading on dangerous ground, Judith tried again. “Of course!” she told him lightly. “I recall the day we met when you hung upside down on a small craft by the river at Kew. We all thought you were about to dive beneath it to examine the hull.”

He chuckled. “I remember. Perry gave me a roasting later. You stayed behind when the others moved away. Why did you do that?”

“You didn’t worry me!” she murmured. “You left me to my thoughts. I didn’t feel obliged to talk to you.”

Dan grimaced. “You must have thought me a boor, busy only with my own concerns. Perry informed me that I might, at least, have engaged you in conversation.”

“There was no need,” she told him briefly. “The silence was so comfortable.” She held out her hand. “I think I must go now.”

“Not yet!” He took her hand, but he did not release it. “May I not show you what I’m working on at present?”

Judith was tempted. There was plenty of time before she need return home and when he drew out a chair for her she sat beside him to examine the drawings. There was much she didn’t understand, but her questions were both pertinent and sensible. Spurred on by her interest, Dan was soon well launched upon his favourite subject. Apparently absorbed, he was quick to sense her growing ease of manner, and pleased to see that her somewhat strained expression had disappeared.

Then, as the clock struck five, she jumped.

“Great heavens! I have been gone this age,” she cried. “Will you give my kind regards to Prudence and Elizabeth?” She rose as if to take her leave. Then her heart turned over as he gave her a dazzling smile.

“You have encouraged me to be selfish,” he accused. “I’ve spent the last hour speaking of my own affairs, and you have told me nothing of your own.”

Judith returned his smile. “I couldn’t get a word in,” she teased gently.

“But you are still writing? Are they still short pieces?”

Judith hesitated. “No…”

“Then what?” Dan looked at her averted face, and his eyes began to sparkle. “Judith, have you started on a book at last? You always meant to write one.”

She blushed. “I don’t know how good it is. It is just that…well…I was trying to make sense of the world, and it helps to put my thoughts on paper.”

“But that is splendid!”

“It is probably quite trivial.”

“No, I won’t have that. You haven’t got a trivial mind. How much have you done?”

“Just a few chapters,” she murmured. “Perhaps I’m wasting my time. I’m not the best judge of my own work, I fear.”

“Then I’ll indulge in a great impertinence. Will you let me see it?”

She flushed with pleasure. “I’d be glad of another opinion,” she confessed. “You always used to read my things, and I found your comments helpful.”

“Then it’s settled. When can you bring the manuscript?”

“I don’t know.” Judith’s eyes grew shadowed. “I…I have other commitments…”

“Ah, yes, I understand.” Dan’s manner became formal, and for the first time a silence fell between them, though the forbidden subject of her marriage occupied each of their minds.

Judith found the tense atmosphere unbearable. She thrust out her hand and prepared to take her leave.

“Too late!” a merry voice cried. “We’ve caught you and we won’t let you go.” Elizabeth swept into the room accompanied by a chattering group of children.

Judith smiled in spite of herself as Sebastian’s three boys bowed politely to her. They were clearly impatient to reach Dan’s side.

Then Perry walked in, holding his elder daughter by the hand, and carrying his younger girl. He was quick to dismiss an anxious tutor, and a hovering nursemaid.

“No, leave them be!” he ordered. “Here is a lady who will be glad to see them. Judith, shall you object to a nursery invasion?”

“Of course not!” Judith smiled warmly at the children, and took Perry’s eldest girl upon her knee.

“We met them as they were coming from the park,” Elizabeth explained. “As Judith is here we must have a treat. Tea in the salon, do you think?”

This suggestion was greeted with whoops of delight from the boys, and Perry laughed.

“As you wish, my love.” He rang the bell and gave his orders. “You spoil them, dearest. Prudence will have your blood! Think of her carpets…”

“We’ll be careful, Uncle Perry.” Eleven-year-old Thomas stood upon his dignity, clearly affronted by Peregrine’s reference to the nursery. “Henry doesn’t drop things.”

“And I don’t drop things either.” The youngest boy glared at his eldest brother.

“Yes, you do, and they always land with the butter side down.” Thomas directed a quelling glance at Crispin.

“He won’t do so today.” Judith reached out a hand to Crispin. “Have you had an exciting day?”

“We went to the Tower to see the wild animals.” The little boy’s eyes grew round. “There were lions, you know…”

“And were they very fierce?”

“I didn’t like it when they roared.”

“He put his hands over his ears,” said Thomas in disgust.

“I expect I’d have done the same myself,” Judith announced mildly. “An unexpected noise can be frightening…” She looked at Henry. “What did you like best about today?”

Henry was dear to her heart. Less ebullient than his brothers, he had a retiring nature. She and he had struck up a friendship based upon long silences, trust, and occasional conversations when the boy had opened up his innermost feelings to her.

“I liked it all,” he said. “I made some drawings of the animals. They were all so strange and new. Would you like to see them?”

“I’d love to, Henry, but I must go home. Next time, perhaps?”

“No, Judith, I won’t have it.” Elizabeth sprang to her feet. “We see so little of you nowadays. You must stay and dine with us—”

“But, my dear, I can’t. I am expected. In any case, I am not dressed for dinner.”

“Then I won’t change. After all, we are dining en famille. Dearest Judith, may we not send a message to your home?”

“Oh, please!” The three boys stood in a semicircle round her. “We haven’t shown you the presents which Dan brought for us.”

“Judith may be expecting her betrothed,” Dan said stiffly.

“No! He is away at present.” Judith spoke without thinking.

“Then there can’t be the least objection.”

“Objection to what?” Sebastian had come to join them.

“To Judith dining with us. Sebastian, how is Prudence?” Elizabeth gazed at him with anxious eyes.

“Perfectly well, and all the better for her rest. She will come down for dinner.”

“There, you see!” Elizabeth turned to Judith. “Now you can’t refuse. Prudence will be so glad to see you.”

Judith wavered. The temptation to enjoy the warmth of this happy family circle was almost irresistible, if only for a little longer. Still she hesitated.

“Mrs Aveton dines from home this evening,” she murmured. “She will require the carriage…”

“Then let us send it back with your message.” Elizabeth clapped her hands. “We shall see you home, and since Mrs Aveton will be out you won’t be missed.”

The circle of pleading faces was too much for Judith.

“Very well,” she agreed. “I shall be happy to stay.”

Elizabeth beamed at her. “I’ll write a note myself,” she insisted. “Then there can be no objection.”

“Of course not,” Perry said dryly. “Who will stand in the way of a force majeure?” He turned to Judith. “Eight years of marriage and two children have not yet reduced my wife to the shrinking violet whom I’d hoped to wed.”

Elizabeth laughed up at him. “You gave no sign of it when we first met, my love.”

His look of affection was disarming. “No!” he agreed. “I like a challenge and I haven’t been disappointed. You continue to surprise me.”

Judith looked down as a small hand stole into hers.

“I’m glad you’re staying,” Henry told her. “Now we can show you the things which Dan brought back for us.”

Thomas came to join his brother. “Mine is a dagger from India. It has a jewelled hilt. I can’t carry it yet, of course, but when I’m older I shall do so.”

“And yours?” Judith turned to Henry.

“It is a wooden mask. Dan says that it will ward off evil spirits.”

“A useful item.” Perry twinkled at his nephew. “And certainly a thing which no gentleman’s household is complete without.”

“Perry, I believe you’re jealous!” Judith began to smile.

“Of course I am. I was tempted to send Dan away again to fetch a similar thing for me.”

Two small fat hands reached up to touch his face. “Papa, you won’t do that, will you? I love Dan. I don’t want him to go away…”

Perry hugged his daughter. “I’m teasing, Puss. Dan won’t go away again.”

“I should think not, after such an unsolicited testimonial.” Sebastian looked amused. “Now, boys, off you go. Judith will call in upon you later, but your mother wishes to see you.”

Sebastian settled himself in the great wing-chair and Judith lost her charge as the little girl struggled from her lap and ran to climb upon her uncle’s knee.

“A daughter next, Sebastian?” Perry asked with a grin.

“Only if she is as pretty as our little Kate here.” His brother dropped a kiss upon the child’s head. Then his face grew grave. “I shall not mind, as long as Prudence and the babe are well.”

Judith was quick to sense his concern. “Are you worried about her? The doctor gave you a good report, I hope?”

“Prudence is well enough at present, though I can’t persuade her to rest. Judith, I’d be grateful if you’d have a word with her. She is accustomed to be so active, but you are always a calming influence.”

“I’ll do my best,” she promised.

“Then come and see her now.” Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “Oh, I had forgot. We’ve ordered tea in the salon. The boys will be starving…” She held out her hands to her daughter, and led the way across the hall.

Under their father’s watchful eye, the boys were on their best behaviour, and to Elizabeth’s evident relief, the carpets suffered no disaster. Her own girls ate little, and were clearly flagging after their walk in the park.

“Time for bed, I think,” their mother said firmly. “Come, Judith, shall you care to see them bathed?”

Her pride in her children was evident, and Perry smiled as the little party left the room.

“Judith is such a dear,” he said warmly. “She’s looking better today, I think, don’t you?”

“She’s at her best with children,” Sebastian agreed. “I was surprised to see her here this afternoon. When did she arrive?”

“It must have been a couple of hours ago.” Dan’s attempt at a casual reply was unconvincing.

“Why, you sly dog, you’ve been keeping her to yourself. What will the dreaded Truscott say to that, I wonder?”

“She tells me that he’s gone away…”

“For good, I hope?”

“No such luck.” Dan’s glance at his companions was filled with meaning. “He is attending to some family business, so I hear.”

“I wonder if we’ve flushed him out?” Perry’s eyes began to sparkle. “Odd behaviour…I mean, to leave so suddenly. Don’t you agree, Sebastian?”

His brother frowned. “There may be a good reason. Why must you insist on jumping to the worst conclusions?”

“Don’t like the look of the chap.”

“I didn’t know you’d seen him. You don’t accompany Elizabeth to his sermons, do you?”

“Just thought I’d take a look at him on the night we heard the news.”

“Perry, you are the outside of enough! Did I not warn you not to make enquiries in his parish?”

“I didn’t.” Perry looked injured. “I stood at the back of the church and watched him ranting from the pulpit.”

“Then you’ll oblige me by leaving it at that.”

“You’ve heard nothing more?” Dan intervened.

“No, but he is being followed.” Sebastian gazed at the ceiling. “I agree that his disappearance is a little strange, especially at this time, but we must take great care not to alarm him.”

“Why so?” Dan was unconvinced.

“Must I explain to you young hot-heads? If the man’s dealings are above-board we shall be guilty of unwarranted interference in his affairs.”

“And if not?”

Sebastian hesitated, considering his words with care. “Our quarry may take fright and disappear.”

“Good riddance!” Dan insisted warmly. “So much the better for Judith!”

“No, Dan, think! If he is the villain you believe him to be, will he give up the chance to get his hands upon a fortune?”

Dan paled. “You mean…you mean that we may be putting Judith in great danger?”

“That is possible. Girls have been seized before and forced into marriage with unscrupulous men. Once wed, and with the money in his hands, he would leave no trace behind him.”

Perry sprang from his seat and began to pace the room. “We can’t have that!”

“Agreed!” His brother’s face was calm. “You both see now that we must proceed with caution?” Sebastian leaned back in his chair, satisfied that he had made his point.

Still doubtful, he’d have been concerned to learn that he had hit upon the truth.

The threat of blackmail had caused the Reverend Truscott to spend a sleepless night. Then, as his initial panic subsided he began to pull himself together. Still unaware that he was being followed, he paid a second visit to “The Rookery”, carrying with him the contents of the collection box. This was irritating. Such funds had previously found their way into his private account, but no matter. He had begun to lay his plans.

As he had expected, the money was regarded simply as a down payment. His mother and her friends intended to bleed him white. He permitted himself a grim smile. They did not know him.

With a promise of a further payment before the week was out he explained that he was called away on parish work for the next day or two. He didn’t intend to waste this brief respite. Judith must be satisfied with a note explaining his absence. He had other matters to attend.

His next journey took him into the pauper colony of Seven Dials. His destination was a brick-built dwelling, apparently no better than any of the others. He let himself in with his own key, and looked about him with a grunt of satisfaction. This was one in the eye for his high-principled parishioners. He’d lavished money on the place, delighted to be putting it to better use than throwing it away on a bunch of ragged urchins.

The place was empty, and his face grew dark with rage. Where the devil was the wench? She was supposed to be here when he wanted her.

When he heard her footstep on the stair he waited behind the door, seizing her from behind as she entered the room. Twisting his fingers in her hair he dragged her round to face him, smiling as she whimpered with pain.

“You’re hurting me!” she cried.

“I’ll hurt you even more, you slut, if you don’t obey my orders. Didn’t I say that you weren’t to leave the house? Been playing me false, have you?” He tightened his grip, forcing her to her knees.

“I wunna do that.” Her eyes were watering with agony. “I went out for bread…” She pointed to her basket. “I weren’t expecting you. You didn’t let me know.”

“I’m not likely to do that,” he said softly. “Will I give you the chance to get up to some trick?” He dragged her to her feet.

The sight of her pain had roused him. With one swift movement he ripped her gown from neck to hem, flung her on the bed, and threw himself upon her like an animal.

It was growing dark before he was fully satiated. With a growl he kicked her away from him.

“Fetch your brothers!” he ordered. “I have work for them.”

Chapter Four

Next morning, in a part of London far from the slums of Seven Dials, Judith was summoned to an interview with her stepmother.

“At this hour?” she asked Bessie in surprise. Mrs Aveton was not normally an early riser.

“She said at once, Miss Judith. She’s in her bedchamber.”

Judith entered the room to find Mrs Aveton sitting up in bed, sipping at her chocolate.

“Well, miss, did you enjoy your evening with your friends?”

The enquiry startled Judith. Her own enjoyment had not previously been a subject of any interest to her stepmother.

“Why, yes, ma’am, I thank you. I hoped you would not mind, since you were dining out yourself. The carriage was returned in plenty of time, I believe.”

A short laugh greeted her words. “Most certainly, together with a most insulting note from Mrs Peregrine Wentworth.” She tossed a letter towards Judith.

“Insulting, ma’am?” Judith scanned the note. “This merely explains the invitation, with a promise to see me safely home.”

“You see nothing strange in the fact that Mrs Peregrine sends no compliments to me, or enquiries about my health?”

“She was not aware that you were sick, and nor was I. I’m sorry. Were you unable to visit your friends?”

“I dined with them, and I thank heavens that I did so. I learned more disturbing news.”

“Ma’am?”

“Come, don’t play the innocent with me! You were always a sly, secretive creature, but now I know the truth…”

“I don’t understand.”

“Don’t you? Perhaps you will explain why you didn’t tell me that the pauper, Ashburn, is returned to the Wentworth household?”

Judith went cold, but her voice was calm when she replied, “I did not think that it would interest you.”

“If I’m not mistaken, it interests you, my girl. Such deceit! You knew quite well that had I known I should have forbidden you to go there.”

Judith’s hands were shaking. She hid them in the pockets of her gown. “Must I remind you, ma’am, that I am betrothed to Mr Truscott?”

“I wonder that you remember it. To cheapen yourself in the company of that creature is the outside of enough. Have you not learned your lesson yet?”

Judith’s anger threatened to consume her. “I have learned much in these past few years,” she said quietly. “I think you have forgotten that Mr Ashburn is Lord Wentworth’s adopted son.”

A sniff greeted her reply. “And that is enough to transform a slum child into a member of the ton? What a fool you are! The aristocracy may be allowed their eccentricities. Must you try to ape them?”

“I had no thought of doing so. Mr Ashburn is an old friend. I intend to be civil to him.” Judith was surprised at her own temerity. In the usual way she did not argue with her formidable stepmother.

Mrs Aveton’s head went up, and her small black eyes began to glitter.

“Impudence! You are grown mighty high in the instep in these last few weeks. Your husband will knock that nonsense out of you…” She caught herself in time. Judith must not be allowed to guess at the darker side of the Reverend Truscott’s nature.

This quite-looking girl had a streak of iron in her character. Mrs Aveton had seen it only seldom, but her attempts to crush that stubborn will had failed. If Judith should change her mind and put an end to her engagement, she herself might say goodbye to the sum of money soon to be in her hands.

Her malevolent expression vanished. “I mean, of course, that the Reverend Truscott has a position to uphold. His wife must not be seen to gather about her friends who are…er…unsuitable.”

“He seems happy enough to think that I am friendly with the Wentworth family. He tells me that they will always be welcome in our home.”

“That is quite another matter. Judith, you are placing yourself in a most invidious position. You may have forgotten that unfortunate nonsense of six years ago. The same may not be true of Ashburn. You are an heiress now, and a fine catch for him. Has he made further advances to you?”

“He has not!” Judith ground her teeth. The temptation to strike her questioner was strong.

“Doubtless he will do so. You must not see him again before your marriage.”

Judith drew herself to her full height. “I have promised to return,” she said stiffly. “Do you think me so ill-behaved that I won’t conduct myself with propriety?”

“You are headstrong, miss. I have never been deceived by your milk-and-water ways. In this you will obey me. You may not leave this house again before I speak to Mr Truscott.”

Dismissed without ceremony, Judith returned to her room. She was seething with rage. If she’d ever had any doubts of the need to escape from Mrs Aveton’s clutches, they vanished now. She’d thought long and hard before she had accepted the preacher’s offer for her hand, fearing that she was cheating both herself and him. She didn’t love him, but in the materialistic circles in which she moved, love seldom played a part in settling a marriage contract.

And she was no longer the timid nineteen-year-old who had given up her love in the face of calumnies and opposition. The years had changed her. Unless she was to wither away in the Aveton household, she could see no alternative to marriage. What else could she do? She might have taught in some small dame school, or become a governess, had she not inherited her fortune. Now it was out of the question.

And she would not cheat Charles Truscott. In her heart she had vowed to make him a good wife. She could help him in his parish work, run his household, and bear his children.

She buried her face in her hands, knowing now that it would never be enough.

Why had Dan come back at just this time? In another month she would be safely wed, and could put him out of her mind for ever. She would not think of him. She mustn’t. She pulled down the central flap of her writing desk, and pressed a small knob just behind the hinges. A hidden drawer slid out, revealing a pile of manuscript. Listlessly, she scanned the pages, noting an expression here and there which might possibly be improved to make her meaning more exact. With pen in hand she scored out several lines, and began to write.

When the Reverend Truscott was announced, Judith was not informed immediately. Mrs Aveton received him in her salon.

As always, he was quick to sense trouble.

“What is it, ma’am?” he murmured.

“You may well ask, sir. Your bride-to-be is behaving ill, I fear.”

“How so, dear lady?”

She was quick to put him in possession of the facts.

“Judith was besotted with the creature, and he with her. Now he is returned, and I fear that she may change her mind.”

It was only with the greatest difficulty that he forced a smile. He had drunk deep the night before at the house in Seven Dials, and his head was pounding. A day of debauchery had done nothing for his temper, but a man had to have some relief. The strain of leading an apparently blameless life could be borne for just so long, and the intervals between his visits to his trollop were growing shorter.

It was unfortunate that he’d had to go away, but on this occasion he’d had a purpose other than bedding the wench. His mission had been successful, though her brothers were not, at first, as easily persuaded as he’d hoped.

“Not murder?” the younger one had pleaded. “Won’t a beating serve?”

“No! That won’t make an end of it!” He’d indicated the pile of gold upon the table.

“It might make an end of us. I’ve no wish to dance on air at Newgate…” The elder of the two had shaken his head.

“You aren’t thinking straight,” the preacher snarled. “I’m speaking of an accident.”

“To three people?”

“Three drunken sots. They might be run down by a cart or, better still, fall into the river.”

“What do they want you for, Josh?”

“Mr Ferris to you, my lad. And my quarrel with them is none of your concern. Haven’t I always paid you well?”

“Aye, Mr Ferris, if that’s your name, which I take leave to doubt. But it were for smaller jobs. This gelt ain’t enough for what you’re asking us to do.”

“Of course not! There will be more.”

“How much more?”

The preacher named a figure which brought an avaricious sparkle to both pairs of eyes. Then he leaned back, smiling easily, prepared to discuss the details of his plan. He was safe enough. He was known to them only under an assumed name, and they could not trace him.

Now his look was bland as he confronted Mrs Aveton. They’d understood each other from the first, but even she had no idea of the lengths to which he was prepared to go to gain his objective. Inwardly, he was cursing his own ill luck. The fates themselves seemed determined to thwart him, but Judith should not escape. He’d have her and her fortune one way or another.

“I must hope that you haven’t distressed our little Judith, ma’am,” he said mildly. “Nothing could be more fatal to our plans than to set up opposition.”

“She’ll do as she is bidden,” came the sharp reply. “Now, as you may guess, she is sulking in her room. I have forbidden her to go out.”

“Utter folly!” His voice was harsher than he had intended. “You have no notion of how to handle her.”

“You think you will do better?” A snort of disbelief accompanied Mrs Aveton’s words.

“Pray allow me to try. Won’t you send for her?”

His glance followed his companion as she rose to ring the bell. He detested her. Aside from anything else, the woman was a fool. His lips twisted in amusement. Did she really believe that she would get her share of Judith’s fortune?

An unpleasant surprise awaited her. She might storm and rage to her heart’s content, but she would have no redress. She could not force him to pay. Would she sue him in the courts? He thought not.

He turned as Judith came to join them; walking across the room, he took her hand.

“I hope I find you well, my love?” he murmured. “Are you, perhaps, a little low in spirits? You seem to have no smile for me…”

She looked at him uncertainly.

“Now let us sit down together,” he suggested. “Your mama has been telling me of her worries about your peace of mind. I have assured her that she is mistaken.”

“Thank you!” she said briefly.

“Come, you shall not be so stiff and formal. Mrs Aveton thinks only of your happiness and my own, my dear. I hope I have convinced her that nothing in your conduct could ever fail to please me.”

Judith gave him a grateful look. “Then I may visit my friends?”

“Of course! I would not have you consider me an ogre. Why should I object when these visits give you so much pleasure? There can be no possible harm in your going about just as you would wish.”

Judith smiled at him then, feeling that she had never liked him quite so much before.

“You are very good,” she whispered.

“Nonsense! A woman of honour must be the best judge of her own actions. Now, dearest, I have some boring details to discuss with your mama. Will you excuse us? I am somewhat pressed for time today, but I’ll call on you tomorrow.”

“I shall look forward to your visit.” With another charming smile Judith left them. Once again he had smoothed over an ugly quarrel. She sighed, wondering why she found so little pleasure in his company. It must be a fault of her own character.

“Well, ma’am?” The Reverend Truscott glanced at his companion. “Was I right?”

“I suppose so.” The admission was made with some reluctance. “You are mighty clever, sir, but the girl puts me out of all patience. She will bear watching. I wonder that you allow her so much freedom. Pray heaven that you won’t regret it.”

“It won’t be for long,” he promised. “Meantime, Mrs Aveton, you will oblige me by avoiding these unpleasant confrontations. Where shall we be if Judith takes against me? Very much out of pocket, I believe.”

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