Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
His nostrils flare. ‘If I’m the highwayman, why would I hijack my own carriages?’
‘Why, to steal your customer’s cargo and sell it on, of course.’
His face drops.
‘Priceless paintings, diamonds, gold.’ For the first time, I wonder where all of that treasure is, because Taya most certainly was not stealing for the riches, only for the revenge.
‘I will be hanged,’ he says on a mere whisper.
‘Hopefully, yes.’
‘You must stop these lies.’
‘Oh, they are not lies.’ I pull Taya’s scarf from my pocket. ‘I have proof, you see.’ I place it down and look at Ruby, who drops a box on the table. Fleming frowns and opens the lid, then gasps as he realises what is inside.
‘Is that …?’
‘Every coin purse you have ever stolen?’ I ask him. ‘Yes, indeed, that is correct.’
‘You must help me.’
‘Must I?’ I look at Ruby. ‘Should I help him, Ruby?’ She shrugs, nonchalant, and I sigh. ‘Fine, I will help you.’ Leaning in, I lower my voice. ‘You will sell your failing haulage business to me for, say, ten pounds?’
‘That’s ridiculous!’
‘Perhaps, but still, I feel I am being rather generous.’ I slap ten pounds down. ‘The story will still print,’ I tell him. After all, I need a decoy if I am to 1) settle the curiosity of the ton and complete my story, and 2) kill the mystery and therefore save Taya from possible exposure.
‘What? You can’t do this!’
‘Don’t you worry, Fleming, I’ve had a little word with my friend, His Majesty, and he has agreed, very kindly, I think you’ll agree, to spare you the rope in exchange for your cooperation. I’m nice like that, you see. And the Prince is rather fond of my newspaper, it’s his favourite, don’t you know, so he is rather excited about having it reach every corner of England so that his people may read about how wonderful he is from time to time.’ It’s a small price to pay for the love of my life’s life. ‘You will be banished to Scotland.’ His nostrils flare. ‘Or be hanged.’
‘You dirty, rotten scoundrel!’
‘At least not a woman beater, Fleming.’ I look at Ruby, who inhales, draws back her arm, and extends her fist hard, punching him on his bulbus nose too. He yelps, and I flinch, thinking Ruby has quite the swing and any man would do well to avoid it. ‘And for ruining my lovely friend here, you shall compensate her generously.’ I’m sure all the money in the world will not compensate Ruby for having to suffer this pig, but she deserves a fresh start with the means to suit her lady status. ‘I do believe that is all our business concluded for today. I will have our lawyer draw up the papers.’ I push the money towards him. ‘Good evening to you, Fleming.’ I down the Scotch on the table, his Scotch, get up and leave the club, and when I’m on the steps outside, I take in a deep breath, nodding to the two Bow Street Runners waiting for me. ‘He’s in the far lefthand corner.’ I start the walk home, passing Casper outside Gladstone’s, nodding when he thanks me for my discretion.
My discretion and his desire to remain married is what made this plan possible.
Highwaywoman?
What highwaywoman?
Chapter 26
The next morning, the gasps of the ton, I’m sure, stretch as far as … well, Paris. I look out of the window, seeing The London Times in the hands of every resident in Belmore Square. ‘Twenty thousand copies despatched, sir,’ Grant says from behind me. ‘I expect another print run will be required before sundown.’
I smile. ‘Very good, Grant. See to it that all the staff are rewarded for their hard work.’
‘Yes, Mr Melrose. Thank you.’
I look down at my travel case, and then to the ticket in my hand that will sail me to Paris. To Taya. My stomach spins with anticipation, with excitement with … nerves. She might send me on my way. Laugh in my face.
But at least I will have tried. I will deal with her brothers after, if, indeed, I need to deal with them at all. Pain is a vice around my heart at the thought of Taya rejecting me. I don’t think I will survive it.
I see Grant taking the steps down to the cobbles as the family coach pulls up outside, and I finish my coffee and dip to collect my bag, just as Clara bursts in unceremoniously, her mouth open ready to speak, but when she spots Dalton laying a new pot of coffee down, she snaps it shut and walks calmly and slowly to the table. ‘Good morning, Dalton.’
‘Miss Clara,’ he says, nodding, his eyebrows lifting. ‘Can I get you anything?’
‘No, thank you.’ She smiles sweetly, and as soon as Dalton is gone, she turns wide eyes onto me. ‘The Duke is on his way.’