Checkmate, My Lord

chapter Twenty-seven


If you three women don’t stop pacing,” Danforth said from his location near the drawing room window, “you’re going to give me a megrim.”

Catherine halted behind one of Sebastian’s burgundy damask chairs, clutching the back with her cold, clammy hands. Cora and Dinks continued their assault on the expensive carpet, pausing only long enough to throw Danforth a leave-me-be look.

No sign of them yet?” Catherine would never forget the steel coating Sebastian’s blue-gray eyes when he forced her to return with the viscount while he, Helsford, and Reeves dealt with the aftermath of Cochran’s failed abduction.

Danforth sighed, having fielded the same question no less than a dozen times since they had returned to Bellamere an hour ago. “They could be coming down the drive right now, for all I know. This blasted darkness has been both a blessing and a damned curse.”

If you don’t mind, Miss Cora,” Dinks said, “I’ll look in on the wee ones. This waiting has my nerves stretched thin.”

Of course,” Cora said. “Why don’t you make sure Bingham is still abed? I caught him trying to limp off toward the stables not long after we arrived.”

The maid’s eyes narrowed toward the open door. “Did he, now?”

Thank you, Dinks,” Catherine said. “I doubt Mother has left the children’s side, but I’m sure she’s curious if there have been any new developments.”

Dinks picked up the tea tray and turned to leave. “I’ll have a fresh pot brought around.”

Catherine noted Cora’s sly smile. “Something amusing, Miss deBeau?”

Do call me Cora. I detest such formality amongst friends.”

Glancing between brother and sister, Catherine said, “We are friends?”

The other woman lifted a sable-colored brow. “Are you finished plotting against Somerton?”

Danforth paused in his surveillance of the front drive to await her answer.

Heat rushed into Catherine’s cheeks. “Of course. I hold no ill will toward Lord Somerton.” She strengthened her voice. “I did what I had to do in order to save my daughter. And I would do it again.”

Brother and sister shared a satisfied look and then two sets of blue-green eyes settled on her. Cora said, “You will make a nice addition to our circle.”

Catherine’s nails scored the tight weave of the upholstered chair. “It is kind of you to say so. But in a few days, the lot of you will return to London, and I will settle back into country life here in Showbury.”

Danforth made a choking sound and pivoted back to the window. Cora scowled at her brother. “Why don’t you head down the lane to meet the others?”

Believe me, sister,” he said. “I would like nothing better, given the new direction of this conversation. Not sure why I was relegated to women-sitting, rather than Helsford. All the same, I prefer my head attached to my shoulders.”

Catherine frowned. “What do you mean, sir?”

Cora answered, “He means Somerton will lop it off if he leaves us—or rather you—unattended.”

A soft knock drew their attention to the open door. Mrs. Fox said, “Pardon, the interruption. I have a warm pot of tea.”

Come in—” Cora said.

Please bring it in—” Catherine said at the same time.

Catherine’s gaze cut to Sebastian’s former ward, a fresh wave of humiliation burned its way up her neck and into her cheeks. “My apologies, I forgot myself.”

Cora smiled. “Mrs. Fox, please set the tea tray on the table next to Mrs. Ashcroft. She can do the honors.” After the housekeeper withdrew, she nodded toward the tea. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Not at all.” Catherine appreciated the distraction. It would give her something to do with her hands besides worrying a hole in the chair’s upholstery.

None for me,” Danforth said. “I will raid Somerton’s stash over there.”

Catherine lifted her gaze to Cora. “Sugar?”

No, thank you,” she said. “A spot of cream only.”

Once they had their respective drinks, Catherine and Cora perched on matching chairs while Danforth kept watch.

Catherine,” Cora said after a short silence. “Your life in Showbury will be much altered now. Surely, you realize that.”

I have no doubt the events of the last fortnight will haunt my thoughts for some time,” Catherine said. “But I don’t see how that fact will affect my living here.”

A low groan sounded from the window. “Ladies, I am going to walk the perimeter.” Danforth lanced his sister with a severe look. “Stay put, or I will haunt you—headless and all.”

You ceased intimidating me when I was twelve, brother,” Cora said. “Save your threats for your elusive cloaked savior.”

His lips thinned. “Can you not do as I ask just this once?”

Cora laughed. “This coming from the King of Rogues? From a man who takes the solitary path more often than not?”

From the thunderous look on the viscount’s face, Catherine thought he might do his sister bodily harm. Instead, he jabbed his finger in the air. “You’re Helsford’s problem now.” Then he stormed from the room.

Rather lacking, as comebacks go, wouldn’t you say?” Cora asked in an amused voice.

Should he be left to his own devices?”

Do not let our sparring upset you,” Cora said. “It’s our way.” She set her teacup down. “Do you love him? Somerton, I mean.”

Catherine could do little more than stare. Like Sebastian, Cora dipped and swayed from one topic to the next, making it impossible to anticipate the woman’s next question.

You think me too bold?” Cora asked. “I don’t blame you. It is no one’s business but your own.”

Thank you.”

Cora sent her an admonishing look. “I ask only because I want for Somerton what I have with Guy. As agents, we’ve devoted our lives to this fight against Napoleon, never taking for ourselves. Somerton more so than the rest of us. Until now, I never knew the sacrifice mattered to him.”

Shock jolted her heart into an uncomfortable rhythm. “Surely, you’re not suggesting that Lord Somerton holds any meaningful affection for me.” Then she recalled the fleeting expression that crossed his face when he thought Silas was about to kill him. Catherine swallowed back the lump of joy.

You are surprised by the notion?”

I am appalled by the notion.”

That stiffened the younger woman’s back. “I can’t think why you would be.”

Catherine’s unease with their conversation grew with each word uttered. “Did Lord Somerton explain the full nature of our association?”

Intelligence gleamed behind the woman’s sharp gaze as she assessed Catherine’s words, then the sharpness softened into comprehension and, even worse, empathy.

Believe me, when I tell you,” Cora said, “if there is one man in all of England who would understand your motives, it is Somerton. He might even be more drawn to you because of your warrior instincts.”

You do not understand. I deceived him in the worst possible way.”

Did he not deceive you by keeping the manner of your husband’s death to himself?”

Catherine stood. “It’s not the same. I made love to him to obtain a list!”

Of suspected traitors?”

Catherine turned her burning eyes on her.

To save your daughter?”

Her breathing became more difficult.

Do you not think England’s greatest spymaster would do the same in your stead?” Cora rose and moved to stand in front of her. “No need to answer, for I will. He would. That, and a whole lot worse.”

Our association has been built on suspicion and betrayal,” Catherine said. “A poor beginning.”

One does not make love to obtain information,” Cora pointed out. “One does something altogether less pleasurable.”

You sound as if you speak from experience.” Not for the first time, Catherine wondered how the agent came by the scar on her cheek.

I do.” A shadow crossed Cora’s face. “And that experience tells me the two of you have much more to build on than the awful circumstances that brought you together.”

A disturbance from the entry hall caught their attention and they grappled for each other’s hands in a show of feminine support. They rushed to the door, but when Catherine made to open it, Cora placed her palm against the oak panel and directed her unsettling gaze on her. “Give him a chance to love you.”

The pressure around her chest tightened, and Catherine’s pulse roared in her ears. Overcoming the reason that brought them together was only one of their many hurdles, the biggest being Sebastian’s role with the Nexus. That role would take him away from her for long periods of time, during which she would constantly worry for his return. Constantly be waiting.

Catherine turned the latch, prompting Cora to remove her hand. She stepped through the portal and pivoted toward the commotion. There, at the far end of the corridor, where it emptied into the entry hall, stood Sebastian, looking disheveled and dangerous. The sight of him sent a tide of relief through her body, and she released a whoosh of air.

Give him a chance to love you.

As if he sensed her presence, his gaze caught hers, and held. Something primitive marred his handsome features, and he stepped forward as if pulled by the strength of her gaze. Then Cora squeezed past Catherine and headed straight for her betrothed. The small disruption was enough to sever her visual bond with Sebastian.

He retreated beneath the guise of cold civility he wore so splendidly, and Catherine nudged the loose brick in her wall back into place.

***

Sebastian’s heart nearly exploded with relief to find Catherine hale and looking more beautiful than anyone had a right to after such a harrowing experience. Confronted with losing her daughter, she had exhibited great courage—and foolishness—in running Cochran to ground. Thank God, the children had been clear of the area when the shooting began. As for Catherine, he could only be grateful that she had listened to him when it counted most. If something had happened to her and Sophie…

An image of his mentor’s wife’s dead body flooded his vision. The horror the man must have faced haunted Sebastian every time he gazed upon Catherine. Knowing one’s wife was about to be murdered and being helpless to do anything was a nightmare Sebastian had sworn he would never experience.

But he’d come close tonight. Not with a wife, but with a little girl who had somehow attached herself to his heart. As had her mother.

Ice crackled, fusing together, inch by inch, until it slowly encased him inside a protective shell. Only he knew, far too well, that one kiss from Catherine would shatter the fragile barrier, leaving him exposed to a crushing torment.

She must have sensed his withdrawal, for her expression molded itself into one of indifference. Clasping her hands at her waist, she retreated from view.

Let us move to the study,” Cora said, clinging to Helsford.

Sebastian followed behind Danforth, Reeves, and the inseparable pair, mentally preparing himself for the next few hours. They had much to discuss, and unfortunately, he would have to pretend that he did not wish to whisk Catherine away to a private chamber.

Not thinking, Sebastian strode to the side table holding an assortment of crystal decanters. He poured brandy for the men and sherry for the women. When he made to tip back his first glass, he caught Catherine’s concerned look out of the corner of his eye before she hastily averted her gaze.

Something unpleasant swelled in his gut. The sensation grew worse when his nose caught its first whiff of the amber liquid’s rustic fruity blend, followed swiftly by the sharp sting of alcohol. Lowering his hand, he returned the squat glass to the side table and took up a familiar position near the fireplace.

Superintendent Reeves,” Cora said, “what brings you to Showbury? At such a propitious moment?”

If the Foreign Office official was bothered by Cora’s suspicious tone, he did not show it. “Lord Somerton’s letter.”

Sebastian’s agents turned as one to him. “At no time did our evidence point to Reeves, even though he was the logical choice,” he said. “But I knew Cochran was getting his information from within the Foreign Office. So, I took a leap of faith.”

After a few inquiries and several threats,” Reeves said, “I found Cochran’s source. My clerk, Bradford. A man I trusted.”

Does Cochran even work at the Foreign Office, sir?” Catherine asked.

Yes, ma’am,” Reeves said. “He’s a minor clerk to the under-secretary of the Foreign Office. In Bradford’s defense, he did not realize the information he confided to Cochran was being used for such ill purpose. The man’s ambitious nature led him to risky choices. I daresay he hoped Cochran would provide a suitable reference when the time came.”

And the investigation against Lord Somerton?” Helsford asked.

Dropped.”

The room’s occupants breathed a collective sigh of relief. Catherine ducked her head and closed her eyes. Sebastian watched her mouth move over silent words.

Tearing his gaze away, he said, “Thank you, sir.”

It is I who should thank you,” Reeves said. “Although you were not fond of my decision to place you on leave, you appeared to understand.” His gaze roamed the room at large. “And my apologies to all of you—especially Mrs. Ashcroft and her family—for the role my clerk played in this injurious plot. You cannot know how aggrieved I am at your suffering.”

Thank you, Mr. Reeves,” Catherine said. “But you are not to blame. If anyone owes us an apology, it is Frederick Cochran, and he is dead. So, we will pick up the pieces of our lives and carry on, good sir.”

You are too gracious, I assure you, ma’am,” Reeves said, with a bow. “But I thank you, all the same.”

Three dead bodies in a small village like Showbury are bound to attract some notice.” Danforth sank deeper into his chair. “Not good for the Nexus.”

Leave the bodies to me.” Sebastian kept his gaze ahead.

As I do not fully comprehend what ‘leave the bodies to me’ means,” Catherine said, “I would like to make arrangements for Mrs. Clarke to have a proper burial.”

Sebastian straightened and gave her his full attention. “You wish to look after a woman in league with the man who threatened your daughter’s life?”

She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. “I do.”

Care to expound, madam?”

She was a mother.”

Sebastian studied her resolute gaze, her squared shoulders, and her clasped hands. “I take it the two of you found something in common.”

Her nod was somewhat shaky. “Before she died, she spoke of her son, Giles.” She stared down at her hands for a moment, struggling with emotion. Then she raised her head, her pretty brown eyes full of misery. “He’s in London, at a boys’ home somewhere, to ensure his mother’s cooperation. Mrs. Clarke did what she had to do to protect him.”

As she had with her daughter, as he would with her and Sophie.

We will find him,” Sebastian assured her, recalling the name Abbingale Home from Ashcroft’s missing letter. His gaze settled on Danforth, who nodded his understanding. With luck, Abbingale would provide the link they needed to locate Latymer. A scene flashed through his mind. “Silas, before he was killed, spoke fluent French.”

Perhaps others besides the Frenchman Valère have been working Latymer’s marionette strings,” Reeves said.

Helsford, who stood behind Cora, smoothed his hand over her sable locks. She grasped his fingers and kissed their tips. The sight sent an answering pang of longing through Sebastian, and his gaze sought Catherine’s, but she was also watching the display of affection.

Where do we go from here?” Danforth asked.

Sebastian rubbed his temple, feeling the events of the day depleting his strength. “You can begin making inquiries into homes for orphans. Start with Abbingale Home.” He dropped his hand. “Helsford, see if your informant can track down Latymer.”

Yes, sir,” Helsford said.

What of me?” Cora asked.

You are on leave until after the first of the year.”

What?”

If you push me,” Sebastian said in the hardest voice he could muster, “I will make it permanent.”

Cora’s body vibrated with anger, but she said nothing.

Enjoy your respite, runt,” her brother said. “Go home and play with that thing you call a kitten. If that doesn’t excite you enough, I should like to have a nephew. Or a niece, if you must.”

Ethan,” Cora attempted to rise, but Helsford grabbed her shoulders, “do you recall our conversation about your head getting lopped off?”

Danforth held a large bolster across his body like a shield. “No need for violence, sister. Just trying to offer you my support.”

Helsford broke in. “Shall we report back to you here? Or London?”

The silence that pervaded the study rubbed Sebastian’s nerves raw, as did the avid stares of everyone in the room. Everyone but one, that was. He felt Catherine’s disinterest more keenly than any probing gaze.

London,” he said. “It is past time for my return.”

Well,” Catherine said, rising. “Since there is nothing left for me to do here, I shall collect Sophie and be off.”

Sebastian’s stomach knotted, yet he could not bring himself to dissuade her.

Catherine, you must stay the night.” Cora sent Sebastian a cross look. “We cannot be certain the danger has passed.”

For me, it has,” Catherine said. “Cochran and Silas are dead, and Lord Somerton is aware of my ruse. My unique services are of no further use to anyone. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”

Bastian! You’re back.” A whirlwind of fluttering furbelows and bouncing curls charged into the room and slammed into Sebastian. Thin arms enfolded his middle, and Sophie buried her face into the soft fabric of his waistcoat.

Stunned by the child’s enthusiastic greeting, Sebastian stood rigidly in the center of the study, with his arms aloft. He glanced at Catherine for guidance and found her eyes misted with tears. Then she lifted her watery gaze up to his, and Sebastian felt his heart rip in half.

Sophie peered up at him. “What took you so long, Bastian? Ethan said you would be along soon, but that was hours ago.”

He rested a hand on top of her head. “Ethan, is it?”

She gave him a broad grin, one that conveyed she already knew how to wrap a man around her little finger. Then her smile dimmed. “Did you take the bad men to the con-stable?”

Sebastian froze, his gaze seeking Catherine’s again. This time, she nodded.

Constable, pumpkin.”

Didn’t I say that, Mama?”

Sebastian crouched down. “You don’t ever have to worry about the bad men again.”

She leaned into him and toyed with his collar. “Do you promise?”

He tapped his finger beneath her chin. “Promise.”

Brilliant! That’s what I told, Mama. That you would always protect us.” Her voice lowered into a stage whisper. “She was crying when she returned, and I wanted to make her feel better.”

You were quite right to do so.”

She shook her head and tears cracked her voice. “She cried harder, Bastian.”

Sebastian clenched his teeth so tight that he was certain they would shatter from the pressure. He fought to keep his attention centered on Sophie and not her mother, because if he saw the truth of the girl’s words on her mother’s face his control would crumble to the ground. “We will have to convince her, won’t we?”

Sophie’s head bobbed. In a normal voice, she proclaimed, “Teddy has a big bump on his head.”

Sebastian blinked at her change of topic. “A badge of courage.”

When my head hurts, Guinevere always makes it feel better.” Her gaze turned earnest. “Imagine what a whole stable full of horses could do for Teddy’s pain.”

He chuckled. “Indeed, sprite. You should talk to Ethan about visiting them tomorrow morning. He loves showing off my stables.” In typical Danforth fashion, he was more interested in the swirling contents of his glass than the poignant conversation. “Isn’t that right, Ethan?”

What?” The viscount glanced between Sebastian to Sophie. “Uh, yes. That’s correct.”

Oh, Ethan!” Sophie skipped across the room and crawled up into Danforth’s lap. “Teddy will be so happy.”

From the look on Danforth’s face, one would think that an enormous spider was crawling across his legs. Slouched down in his chair, Danforth was nose-to-nose with the girl as she nattered on about all the horses she’d seen earlier that day. The viscount sent Sebastian a distressed look, making it impossible for Sebastian to contain his smile.

Sebastian gave in to the impulse and glanced at Catherine. The smile she gave him was warm and appreciative, but coated with a brittle edge. She would survive this just as she had survived her father’s death and her husband’s murder, standing against a village full of opportunistic shopkeepers and matrons who sought to place Ashcroft’s abandonment on her shoulders.

She would survive the end of their affaire, as would he. One minute at a time, one day at a time, one month at a time. Because surviving was what they both did, no matter the personal sacrifice.

Sophie.” Catherine held out her hand. “Allow Lord Danforth to catch his breath. It’s time for us to go.”

Cora stepped forward. “Please reconsider. There’s plenty of room.”

I don’t think it’s a good idea—”

Cora’s right,” Sebastian heard himself say. “You’re welcome to stay. The cloud cover remains thick, making for a treacherous journey.”

Sophie vibrated with excitement. “Oh, please, Mama. Can we stay with Bastian?”

Catherine’s face softened. “Would you like that?”

Yes!”

Very well,” she said. “But you must turn in early. You’ve had a busy day.”

Sophie nodded her agreement. “I’ll get lots of sleep, so Ethan and I can help Jasper feed the horses in the morning.

Danforth groaned and murmured, “God, help me.”