Page 65 of Everything a Lady is Not
Chapter Twenty
“Sir Steadman!”
The infamous highwayman stood slowly, perhaps sensing the danger in Henry’s tone. “What can I do for you, Mr.…”
“Beaumont.”
Seeming recognition of the name raised Steadman’s brows. “Is Lucy well?”
“She is, no thanks to you.”
Relief swept the man’s features. “And how did you find me?”
Henry stepped nearer, hoping to pin the highwayman in the corner of the tavern where he had been sitting. He rested his hand on a loaded pistol as a warning. “One of your gang languishes in an asylum thanks to his greed. He was eager to trade information for release.”
Steadman nodded and touched the dagger affixed to his belt. “You’ve come to kill me or take me in. Which will it be?”
Henry couldn’t help but be impressed by the man’s frankness. “The latter, because I require your cooperation.”
Steadman appeared surprised. “Tell me.”
Henry explained everything. His encounter with Lucy, the return of the gold, and his work for the duchess to prepare Lucy for suitors. It was only when he described Bow Street’s interest and his brother’s blackmail that Steadman grew dour. However, the man seemed to shake away even that and stepped toward Henry with palms outstretched.
“You fear Lucy will hang if the truth comes to light?”
“Unless you clear her name by surrendering to me. You are the only one who can save her.”
Steadman shrugged. “Not possible. So, Lucy will marry an earl at worst. Earl’s wives never hang.”
“You fail to understand. My brother is a bad man.”
“Aren’t we all?”
Henry’s persistent frown grew deeper. “We are. But was it always your intent that Lucy wed a scoundrel who would make her miserable for the remainder of her life?”
Steadman seemed to deflate, but it proved a ruse. He was simply coiling. Before Henry could react, he found himself sprawled on the floor with a dagger at his throat. Steadman peered deep into his eyes. “Youfail to understand. I have unfinished business. Lucy is strong and will survive.”
“Will you kill me, then?”
“I am not a cutthroat, despite what you might have heard.” Steadman lifted his eyes. “Bronson, my good man. Would you mind very much pinning this gentleman to the floor while I make good my escape?”
Henry heard a grunt, and within seconds, a mountain of muscle and flesh settled on him with a crush. The big man smiled. “We’re gonna stay nice and still, now, aren’t we?”
Without another word, Steadman stood and began to leave the tavern. One with the floor, Henry shouted after him. “You don’t understand! My brother will destroy her!”
His words echoed through an empty doorframe. Bronson chuckled down at him. “Too late, friend.”
Henry touched the tender spot on his neck where the blade had kissed it, overwhelmed with regret. His failure to take Steadman left him with no option but to engage with Bow Street. It was either that or surrender his soul altogether.
…
For an entire week since Henry’s departure, Lucy had mostly managed to avoid the serpentine advances of Lord Ravensheugh, partially due to her disgust at his steady stream of disparagement aimed at Henry. However, as the procession of guests began arriving at Ardmoore, she fought to maintain her fragile confidence. First to arrive was the duchess, accompanied by the indomitable Lady Garvey and a stately older man with a gushing head of silver hair.
“Your Grace.” Lucy dropped a graceful curtsy that caused the duchess to smile. She then dipped her forehead to Lady Garvey and her companion.
Lady Garvey turned to the man at her side. “Did I not tell you of her loveliness and how she has progressed?”
“You did, indeed.” He addressed Lucy with a stately bow. “Lord Garvey, here to lend my services to this grand effort.”
