Prayers for the Dying Read online

  “How do you know?” Julia asked.

  “Thaddeus has a network of buildings all over the city. He could be in any of them,” Simms said.

  Ainsley shook his head. “I saw him at the club below Thaddeus’s office. They have him.”

  “If they were willing to dispatch Mrs. Crandall so easily, why would they hold on to him?” Simms said.

  “He’s fighting for them again,” Ainsley said. “They’re using him.”

  “They’ll kill him. We have to get him out of there.” A look of sheer panic spread over Julia’s face.

  “That is exactly the reaction they are expecting you to have,” Simms said.

  Julia shook her head and tried to push past them for the door. “I waited here like a coward when I could have saved him. I could have saved both of them.”

  Ainsley held fast to her shoulders. “Julia, by no means are you a coward. I can’t have you running off again. Not without me.”

  Julia searched his face. “I can’t just let him die,” she said, before burying her face in Ainsley’s chest. Her shaking hands clutched mercilessly to the lapel of his jacket. “He’s the only family I have.”

  Mary’s body was sent to St. Thomas and Julia was given a few minutes to collect what she could for Lucy’s care, though it was apparent the Crandalls owned very little. “I’ll send some men to guard your house,” Simms said as they left the apartment, “as a precaution.”

  Ainsley nodded, but the added security did not allay his fears.

  “Do not to anything stupid, Peter. This is Thaddeus, a career criminal, not some boy frustrated with his university studies,” Simms warned, referring to the last case they had worked on.

  In his heart, Ainsley knew Simms was right. So much could go wrong. In this case, they needed to proceed cautiously.

  The carriage ride home to Marshall House was silent, filled with more contemplation than communication. Ainsley’s thoughts in particular bounced between wanting revenge for what was done to Julia and her kin and protection for both her and Lucy. The sinking feeling that Robert was dead, or would be soon, nagged at him.

  “I’m sorry I did not tell you,” Julia said, without lifting her gaze from her knitted hands. She sat beside Ainsley, far enough away that they did not touch but close enough for Ainsley to feel the warmth in the air around her.

  “Trust is built over time,” Ainsley said, recognizing the fact that their relationship was still young despite the intense feelings that he harboured for her.

  “I trust you implicitly,” she said. “There is no other with whom I hold such high regard.” She lifted her gaze then, revealing a stream of tears that trailed down her face. It broke Ainsley’s heart to see her so shattered and to know there was so little that could be done for it. “I should have told you about Thaddeus a long time ago. I was just…” She looked about the carriage as if searching for the word.

  “Scared?” Ainsley offered.

  “Yes. I’ve spent most of my life being scared. It’s hard to believe anyone could make me feel safe and protected, as you have.” Her voice faltered somewhat but she continued. “I thought that by marrying Thaddeus I would find that protection. I saw his harsh demeanor as strength and his control as love. I didn’t see what he really was, not until later. I watched him cut a man’s tongue out and feed it to his dog. I’ve overheard terrible fights where his enemies were left far worse than you.” She reached over and touched Ainsley’s swollen and blackened cheek. “No one is safe around him. No one.”

  Ainsley grabbed her wrist gently and pulled her hand away so he could look her squarely in the eye. “You never have to return to him. I’ll find you a place, a place for you, your brother, and Lucy, where you never have to worry about him again. I will see to that myself, which is the least I would do for a friend, if nothing more.”

  “What if I want more?”

  Ainsley gave a small smile. “You need time,” he said, disbelieving his own words. “I’ll not be the next domineering man in your life. I am the son of your employer. I don’t want you to think that our relationship is another duty to perform. I’ll take care of you and protect you from anyone who wishes you harm, but I couldn’t live with myself if I thought you were only with me because of your fear of Thaddeus.”

  The carriage stopped and Ainsley realized they were already home. “I’ll get the door and help you down the steps,” he said. He slipped past her and was halfway down the carriage steps when she snatched his hand and pulled him back.

  “Please don’t say that!” she cried openly, and looked as if at any moment her trailing tears would give way to sobs. “It’s never been like that. I love you, Peter, with all my heart. Your knowledge, your arrogance, your sense of honor, I love all of it. Don’t demean what exists between us as a feeling of duty on my part. It was not duty that drew us together and it is not duty that brought me back to you. I love you as I have never loved before nor will again. It is because of you that I have come so far. It is because of you that I felt strong enough to go to my brother and save my niece. I can bear your rejection, but I cannot bear any misunderstandings. I beg you not to leave this carriage without the knowledge that these words are spoken with the strongest feelings of love and not one ounce of fear.”

  Tears scrolled down the crests of her cheeks, spilling onto her bodice. She made no move to brush them away as Ainsley pulled her from the darkness of the carriage and out onto the pavement. He held her cheek in his hand and used his thumb to brush the tears aside.

  “Your strength is not contingent upon my love. You are stronger than any material known to science and you prove that to me again and again. Just now you confessed an undying love for a man who has made you no promises or commitments because he’s been so blinded by his own selfish needs. I am so unworthy of your love or admiration because you, Julia Kemp, are the most loyal, caring, determined woman I have ever met. Whoever does not see how special you are is a damned fool and I will not stand for it.” Ainsley felt a sting in his own eyes as he looked down at her. “When this is all over, and I know you are safe, I would like to marry you.”

  Julia’s eyes grew wide.

  “If you’ll have me,” he added.

  “What about Thaddeus? I’m still married.”

  Ainsley shook his head. “I’ve never been known to follow the rules.”

  Julia chuckled and gathered his hands into her own. “In that case,” she said, “I’d love to.”

  He leaned toward her, circled his arm around the small of her back, and pulled her close. The kiss they shared, in plain view of everyone on the street that day, was the envy of all kisses shared before it.

  Chapter 21

  Arms crossed over her chest, Margaret stood at her father’s office window, which offered an unobstructed view of the street. She felt a tightening in her chest as her brother scooped up Julia into his arms. Suddenly, she was aware of Aunt Louisa beside her, straining her neck to get a better view of the display on the pavement.

  “Well now,” Aunt Louisa said, slowly, “isn’t this an interesting development?” A smile teased her lips as she ogled the couple below. “Your brother isn’t the staunch academic I mistook him for.”

  Margaret chuckled to herself. “Hardly.”

  Aunt Louisa backed away from the window and glanced about the room. Lord Marshall’s office had sat neglected for nearly the entire time he was away, though Margaret had caught Daniel seated behind the desk once or twice, perhaps getting a feel for the power over the family that would soon be his. “I came in here to speak to you about the staff.”

  “What’s wrong with our staff?” Margaret turned and crossed her arms over her chest.

  Aunt Louisa slapped a new edition of the paper on Lord Marshall’s wide, mahogany desk. “Someone’s talking to the press about Vivian, and about Peter’s attachment to a certain lady’s maid.”

  “Oh good grief.” Margaret reached out and pulled the paper from the table. She truly didn’t want to know what they
said but curiosity overcame her better judgement. “Nothing about Father this time,” she noted.

  “No, not this time.”

  “So it wasn’t Lisle who was selling our secrets,” Margaret said. “She was gone before Vivian arrived. We sacked an innocent girl.”

  Aunt Louisa shrugged as she reached out a hand to trail her fingers over the smooth, wooden surface of the desk. “How long before word gets out about Lord Benedict’s arrest…at this house?” Aunt Louisa cocked an eyebrow.

  “I’ll find out who it is. I’ll speak to them,” Margaret said.

  “They need to be muzzled.”

  “I said, I’ll find out. You needn’t concern yourself.”

  Aunt Louisa raised her chin and smiled. She nodded and pursed her lips as she pondered Margaret’s reassurance. “This used to be my father’s desk,” Aunt Louisa said. “Did you know that?”

  Margaret shook her head.

  “I was here the day your father had it brought over. Our father had passed the week before and your father was eager to begin his work as Earl of Montcliff.” Aunt Louisa smiled as she looked at the high back chair pulled up to the desk. “They found a note in this drawer that my father had left. Control thy passions lest they take vengeance upon you. I do believe my brother took those words to heart. Over the years I saw him sour. It was as if all his enthusiasm for life were being sucked out of him.”

  She pulled the chair away from the desk and ran a hand along the arm before positioning herself in front of it. After taking a deep breath, Aunt Louisa closed her eyes and lowered herself into the seat. She rested her hands on the top of the desk and smiled when she looked to Margaret, who was inching toward her.

  “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” Margaret offered.

  “Oh balderdash.” Aunt Louisa waved a dismissive hand. “He is a vindictive fool, just like our father before him. My only hope is that Daniel is different.”

  Margaret winced internally.

  “How long have you known Daniel isn’t Abraham’s son?” Aunt Louisa asked, after seeing the look on Margaret’s face.

  “Several months.”

  Aunt Louisa nodded. “Daniel knows as well, then?”

  Margaret shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

  “And Peter? How has he taken the news? Is he angered?” Aunt Louisa lowered her chin and eyed Margaret.

  “More like relieved,” Margaret answered truthfully. “He has no interest in this desk, or this office. His work at the morgue is his true calling and he’s thankful to be able to continue it.”

  “Good.” Aunt Louisa patted the arms of the desk chair simultaneously and sprung to her feet. “Now if we can just get Mr. Thornton to propose then we shall be all set.” She patted the side of Margaret’s cheek and smiled like a doting mother to a docile child before heading for the door.

  “If he did ask for my hand, I will not be accepting it,” Margaret said as Aunt Louisa began to walk away.

  “Say again?” she asked, turning to look at her niece. “I’m getting on in years and for a moment I thought you had said you wouldn’t accept Mr. Thornton’s offer of marriage.”

  Margaret nodded, and felt every muscle in her body clench. She knew such a conversation was coming and had prepared innumerable retorts to any objections her aunt would undoubtedly have, all which evaporated now that the conversation was well at hand.

  “He will be a duke—”

  “But I am no duchess,” Margaret said, aware of the shaking in her voice. “I saw my mother marry a man out of duty. I saw how it not only destroyed her spirit but my entire family as well. Those who do not learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat it. That is a past which is not worth repeating.”

  “Oh really, Margaret.” Aunt Louisa raised a hand to her temple and closed her eyes. “This family can only handle so much. We will need a bit of good press after your father’s illness and brother’s promises to marry the maid!”

  “And these things are my burden to bear?”

  “My, my, Margaret, you are a right old bluestocking, now aren’t you?”

  Margaret huffed and turned her gaze away. “So what if I am?” She marched for the door and pushed past her aunt, who tried to bar her way. “It seems far better than being an interfering drunk.”

  Chapter 22

  Julia and Lucy were installed in one of the finer guest bedrooms on the second floor. None of the family members complained, but the staff, who had been ordered to prepare the room, looked more than a little put out by the arrangements.

  “Perhaps Miss Kemp would be more comfortable in one of the third-floor rooms. We can move Prudence to Lisle’s room,” Violetta suggested when Margaret ordered her to bring up some fresh linen.

  Margaret’s heart quickened when she realized there would be a confrontation. “Those rooms are hardly suitable for a baby,” Margaret said calmly.

  “Yes, but the child can sleep in the nursery with George and Hubert, and Miss Kemp can have her old room.” Violetta gave a closed-mouth smile and tilted her head to one side.

  “Miss Kemp is our guest and, as far as I am concerned, she will remain such for a good deal of time. My suggestion is if you or anyone else belowstairs has a problem with whom I chose to house under my father’s roof there is a door to the street and you are all welcome to use it.” Margaret brushed a loose strand of hair from her forehead. “Now, can you please send Maxwell up to speak with me? We’re going to need the cot from the attic as well.” Margaret flashed a dry smile as the dispirited maid ducked back into the hallway.

  “Miss Margaret, please, it would be no trouble for us to sleep with the servants,” Julia said once the three of them were alone. She clutched Lucy closer to her bosom and gently swayed back and forth to keep the child from waking.

  “Nonsense, this room is empty and well suited for two people,” Margaret said, as she pulled down the seam of her bodice. “Besides, I have no doubt we’ll be moving you down the hall before long.”

  Julia blushed as her eyes darted to the floor.

  “Now away with you, Peter,” Margaret said, nearly pushing him out the door. “Aunt Louisa and I have our guest well taken care of. You shall see each other in the morning.”

  “It’s not safe.”

  “Two constables are stationed right outside our front door. I’ve already ordered Maxwell to bring them coffee throughout the night.” Margaret placed a hand on Ainsley’s upper arm. “Go rest.”

  Ainsley nodded reluctantly, and looked over his sister as she ushered him out the door. “Summon me if you need anything.”

  “Goodness, there will be none of that,” Margaret teased, pulling the door to close it.

  “That’s not precisely what I meant,” Ainsley said, flashing a look of disappointment.

  “You are all safe now.”

  He leaned on the doorframe, preventing Margaret from closing the door fully.

  “How assured are you of that?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

  Margaret hesitated. “If I admitted to my true feelings on the subject I may never sleep again,” she said, as she slowly pressed the door into the frame.

  “I do not mean to cause any quarrels,” Julia said, biting into her lower lip. “Your family shouldn’t have to suffer,” she said, “for what I’ve done. I’ve brought this to your door.”

  Margaret’s shoulders sank when she heard Julia’s voice so defeated and resigned. “Heaven’s no. You are no more responsible for the deeds of a madman any more than I am,” Margaret said. Without thinking, she raised her hand to the scar at her throat. “We all bear our scars,” she said after a moment.

  “I have to tell you, Lady Margaret,” Julia said. “I have to tell you who I really am and what I’ve done.”

  “You’ve done nothing, nothing at all to deserve this.” Margaret went straight to her and gathered up the sleeping Lucy in her arms.

  “I wish that were so.” Julia closed her eyes but it was too late. A tear slipped from her eyelid
s and rolled down her cheek.

  “Your husband’s choices are not your choices,” Margaret said, trying to reassure her maid.

  “There’s more. Please, Lady Margaret, let me tell you all of it.” Julia reached out with one hand and took Margaret’s hand. “I was young and reckless when I agreed to marry him,” she began. “He possessed everything I lacked: money, power, a future. I knew his business was illegal but I didn’t know the extent. I was happy to have food and shelter and protection. And my brother encouraged it. In a way, I had no choice. I had thought I was happy but I know now that I was simply scared.” She licked her lips and wiped away a tear as Margaret gathered Lucy from her arms. “He…he hit me often and he told me it was my fault, that I needed to be trained.”

  When Margaret saw the tears in Julia’s eyes, and heard the words she spoke, she choked up and found herself unable to speak.

  “His brother, Edgar, was far worse,” Julia continued. “His wife, Ida, lost a baby by his hand. She had come to me to help her stop the bleeding, but I couldn’t. There was so much blood. It was everywhere. I was so afraid she’d die and that they would blame me.”

  Margaret took in a deep breath and raised a hand to her face. “Oh.” She turned to the bed and slowly lowered Lucy into the middle. Gingerly, she positioned pillows on both sides of the babe and then pulled a blanket from the chair behind her to cover the child.

  “She knew she couldn’t stay with him. She wanted me to come with her but I was too scared. I couldn’t imagine a life by myself. In many ways, she was much stronger than me.”

  “What happened to her?” Margaret asked reluctantly.

  “Edgar found her and slit her throat, and threw her in the Thames, just as he threatened to do many times.”

  Margaret gasped and nearly fell back into the chair beside the bed. “Oh, Julia.”

  “I started carrying a knife with me wherever I went, just in case. And then one night he came to me, drunk and angry. He said I had ruined his marriage and killed his baby. He ranted and raged, for nearly an hour. He threw things about and hit the walls. He wouldn’t let me leave and it was just getting worse and worse. And then he lunged at me. He had me against the wall and was choking me, both hands clasped at my throat. I had no choice.” Julia reached up and touched her neck, pained at the memory. “Somehow I found the strength to drive my knife into the side of his neck. Even as he bled out he held tightly to my throat, determined to kill me as he died. He nearly succeeded.”