As he climbed inside the countess’ coach, the viscount appeared slightly taken aback. “Lady Virsage. This is rather unexpected.”
“Darwood.” She inclined her head. “I’m glad Falcourt was able to coerce you into assisting us.”
“Indeed,” he returned dryly as Hunter settled himself and then rapped on the roof, where they set out once more. “I daresay I wasn’t given much choice. The duke rather accosted me in the middle of a winning hand of faro.” He lifted a brow. “Might someone tell me what I’m doing here?”
“We believe that Miss Welton is being held against her will at her mother’s establishment.” Hunter paused meaningfully. “And that Lord Gregory means to use her as a pawn in some sort of nefarious revenge against me.”
“I see,” the viscount murmured. “So, I suppose I get to play the hero?”
Hunter clenched his jaw. “You will gain access to the house without causing suspicion and find Miss Welton and smuggle her outside.”
Darwood seemed to consider this. “Sounds easy enough.” He snorted. “Except for the part where I don’t have an altercation with Lord Gregory and end up in gaol myself.”
“Leave him to me,” Hunter said, his eyes firm as they landed on the viscount.
There was a heavy sigh, and then Darwood said, “What do you want me to do?”
After the plan had been discussed, they stopped the carriage far enough away that they wouldn’t be seen, but close enough that the viscount could spirit Persephone outside and make a quick getaway before they were caught.
Darwood alighted and began to walk down the sidewalk toward the house.
Hunter remained behind with the countess, but it was all he could do to bide his time. He wanted to break down the door and tear through every room until he found Persephone, but he knew this was the best way.
“You truly care for her, don’t you?”
He glanced over at the countess when she spoke up.
She didn’t wait for a reply, but shrugged and went on, “Sephy talked so fondly about you from the letters you sent, but I was always afraid her heart would become engaged while yours remained distant. Now I can see that isn’t the case.”
Hunter was quiet for a moment, and then he decided there wasn’t any point in concealing the truth. “I was going to ask her to elope with me to Scotland tonight.” He leaned back with a sigh. “I asked the king for his blessing, but he refused to give it, so I was going to take matters into my own hands, if she would have me.”
“Oh, I don’t think you have to worry on that score.” She smiled. “I think she’s been in love with you since the night you won her at that ridiculous auction.”
Hunter swallowed and prayed that the lady was right.
***
Persephone looked at her reflection and decided that she had sunk about as low as she possibly could. Her face was pale with powder, as was her wig, her violet gown cinched at the waist with panniers and a full petticoat making her hips appear even wider. She looked the epitome of her mother’s daughter.
She lifted her chin when it would have wobbled slightly. What she had shared with Hunter had been special and intimate, but after tonight, her life would be taking a rather abhorrent turn, one that would seal her destiny forever. She might resent this moment for the rest of her life, but her mother was right, this was who she was. There was no use pretending she was any different.
As the key turned in the lock, she slowly turned to face her fate. Her eyes widened in surprise because it wasn’t the monster she’d been expecting, but neither was it her mother. One of her mother’s girls was standing there looking rather concerned as she held a set of keys. A man who appeared somewhat familiar was with her, but Sephy couldn’t readily place him. “Miss Welton,” he bowed politely, as if he was addressing a lady of society, rather than a whore in a brothel. “I’m Viscount Darwood. I’ve been sent to retrieve you.”
She frowned slightly, refusing to allow any hope to overcome her. “I thought Lord Gregory was coming here. I haven’t been informed in any change of plans.”
“That’s because I’m here at the behest of the Duke of Falcourt.”
With that revelation, Sephy put a hand to her fluttering stomach. “Hunter wants me back?”
“Indeed. He’s waiting for us with Lady Virsage in her carriage, so if we have any hope of slipping out undetected before the madam realizes my lovely companion’s trickery…” He let his voice trail off as he glanced down the hallway and offered a grin for the woman at his side, who smiled broadly in return.
Sephy needed no further incentive. While her time with the duke was still undoubtedly limited, she couldn’t resist taking the chance to see him again, even if it meant facing her mother’s wrath.
The harlot shut and locked the door behind them as Darwood led Sephy toward the kitchens where the back entrance was located. Freedom was so close at hand that she could feel it, but she dare not shout victory too early, for fear that they would be caught trying to escape.
She waited until they burst out into the mild night, and then she took her first deep inhalation. Fresh tears of relief stung her eyes. “Hurry,” the viscount said urgently, to which she complied. Keeping to the shadows at the back of the house, they had just returned to the street when the alarm was sent up behind them.
“Stop her!” Her mother’s wild screech split the night air, causing Sephy to take flight. Darwood kept pace beside her, and together they ran until they finally reached the sanctity of the carriage. They climbed inside just as the sound of footsteps could be heard in pursuit.
The coach jerked into motion before the door had even fully shut behind her, but she
