Page 92 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

And what might happen to her if they didn’t find her in time.

“We need to hire as many Bow Street Runners as possible,” Luke concluded.

“We think alike, Brother. Let’s go to Bow Street now.”

Walton insisted on accompanying them. “I’ve known Lady Caroline since she was a child. If she’s in danger, I want to help.”

“Do you know how to use your fists?” Luke asked.

Walton cracked his knuckles. “Just watch me.”

They decided to go to Number Four Bow Street first, where the magistrate’s courthouse was located. The gang of men known as the Bow Street Runners operated from the space and acted as a detective force for London’s citizens.

The moment they entered, Luke knew they’d come to the right place. The men in the halls all had the size and rough look that it would take to invade The Blue Door and claim Caroline. Jeremy asked to see the head magistrate and they were ushered in quickly. His brother deferred to him, allowing Luke to explain the situation.

“I’ve heard rumors of these types of auctions before but never specifically where they took place,” the magistrate said, picking up a quill and dipping it in ink. As he wrote, he said, “I’m composing a list of five men to take with you. They’ll round up anyone at The Blue Door involved in this despicable situation. They’ll bring in this bookseller, as well.”

“I want his store shut down,” Jeremy said with quiet authority. “It—and The Blue Door—are never to reopen.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” the magistrate said deferentially. He handed the list to Jeremy. “Give this to the clerk outside. He’ll see these men are notified and ready at nine o’clock this evening. They’ll invade the gaming hell at that time. We need to catch them in the act in order for charges to be brought.”

“I’m going with them,” Luke said, daring the magistrate to overrule him.

“That is your prerogative, Lord Mayfield. I hope that you will find Lady Caroline without problem.”

They gave the clerk the list and briefly explained the situation. He guaranteed the men would be waiting for them at the specified time tonight. He also suggest two other runners who would go to Leland Netherby’s home and bring him in at the same time this evening.

Their group left the building and returned to the carriage. Luke felt adrift, helpless to do anything, wondering what Caroline was suffering.

Jeremy placed a hand on his shoulder. “Hold fast, Luke. We’ll get her back.”

“Not soon enough.”

*

Desperation filled Caroline.They’d discovered no way out of the cramped room and the auction would begin soon. She decided to do whatever it took to get through that process and then look for a means to escape once she was taken from the gaming hell. As a lady of theton, whoever bought her would underestimate her. Caroline would act meek as a lamb and then make her move when least expected. She’d learned from Josiah Long, back at Morton’s Bookstore in Boston, that if a woman had a problem with a man, she was to knee him—or kick him—in the bollocks. Josiah swore it would incapacitate any man who bothered her. She’d never had to execute the move while in America but with her very life at stake, she was willing to do what was necessary to win her freedom.

And find her way back to Luke.

She regretted ever thinking she should leave him. She loved him and believed he loved her. The way he’d made love to her, both tender and fierce, spoke louder than any feelings he’d voiced. True, society might reject them but Luke was a St. Clair. They seemed to follow their own passions and not bend to society’s conventions. Caroline believed in the two of them together.

She only hoped she would have the chance to tell Luke how much she loved him.

The same woman appeared with Coswell, bearing a tray with three cups.

“Drink up,” he commanded as the woman gave each of them a cup.

Caroline took a sip of the unknown brew and thought it had an odd taste. She was unwilling to drink the rest, not knowing what it contained.

Suddenly, young Emily screamed shrilly, a last, desperate attempt to bring someone to their rescue. As every eye turned to the girl, Caroline tilted the cup and poured the liquid behind the bed. She quickly brought it to her lips and turned it upward as if she finished it off.

Coswell grabbed Emily by the throat and took the cup from her hands.

“Drink, bitch,” he said, his voice low and deadly.

The maid did as instructed, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. Belinda finished her cup, as well, and they returned them to the tray.

The women were left on their own again. Within minutes, both Belinda and Emily grew lethargic. Caroline supposed something such as laudanum had been placed in their drinks to make them more pliable. She would have to act the same when the others returned.

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