Page 80 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

“It would,” Waxby agreed. “If Farmon doesn’t move the women. I seriously doubt he’ll be involved in the ransom drop.”

Hudson spoke up. “I’ve already told you, Farmon has no intention of bringing Laurel or Hannah to the park. He’ll want the money and keep the women, whether at his brothel or somewhere else.”

“Some kidnappers demand the exchange of money and don’t bring their prisoner to the meet. Instead, they share where the abductee can be found. Sometimes they are there. Sometimes they aren’t,” Waxby said, his voice deliberately neutral.

“If Hudson is right and Farmon has no plans to relinquish them, then he might move them while the exchange of money takes place,” Anthony pointed out. “He would think we believed Laurel and Hannah would be at Rotten Row to be traded. If he planned to move them anywhere, that would be the perfect time to do so, especially with no traffic on the streets. Either we could wait outside for a bit and catch them being transferred, or it would be the perfect time to enter his property and save them.”

“There can be nowe, Linfield,” Merrick said. “You need to be at Rotten Row. Leave it to the rest of us to—”

“Wait,” Alford interrupted. “This Farmon doesn’t move in society. He’s never seen Linfield. Even if he had, I doubt Farmon will be at the exchange. Let me go in Linfield’s place. We’re approximately the same height and build. We both have blond hair.Ican play Linfield and deliver the ransom so he can go to the brothel with the rest of you.”

“You would do that?” Anthony asked. “It could be dangerous. The kidnappers could take the money—and kill you.”

“You must be there when Laurel and Hannah are found. They’ll need you after the trauma they’ve faced,” Alford said. “There’ll be Runners about who can protect me.” He paused and confessed, “Besides, if it had been Leah and Catherine taken, I would be out of my mind. I would want to be there when they were found. I know any man here feels the same and would gladly take your place. I just happen to resemble you the most from a distance.”

No one spoke for a moment. Anthony realized just how united this family was. How close their ties and loyalty lay with one another.

And he was a part of it now.

He offered Alford his hand. “Thank you.” He looked around the circle. “Thank you all. I now understand the deep connection and strong bond we have, linked by blood or marriage. Together, we are stronger, better men. For ourselves and our families.”

“We will go forward with our plans then,” Waxby said. “Lord Alford will take His Grace’s place tomorrow morning, with the funds in hand that the four of you will withdraw sometime today. I’ll have men stationed in and near Rotten Row. I’ll also arrange a separate mission at Farmon’s saloon.” He looked to the barkeep. “Johnson, you need to remain behind after closing tonight. Be our eyes and ears inside. You’ll also unlock the door and allow us to gain entry in case the women aren’t brought out.”

“You won’t need to spare any men at Farmon’s,” Everton said, a steely resolve in his eyes. “I’ve already sent for Luke. This will be a family affair. We will render justice to Julius Farmon.”

Anthony looked around and saw Merrick and Hudson nodding in agreement. If Lord Mayfield joined them tomorrow morning, they would be five men strong. The emotion that moved through him was unlike any he’d ever known. He was a part of a family who would stand together. Not only did he now understand the importance of family from being around these St. Clairs, but Anthony wanted to protect his own in the same way. That included anyone under his care, including his servants and tenants. It meant seeing that Johnson and his sister would be safe, as well.

“I’ll leave you to it then, Your Grace,” Waxby said. “Johnson, be sure you report on time today. Keep your head down and your mouth closed.” The Runner left.

Anthony went to Johnson and took him aside. “I know the risk you are taking. I cannot thank you enough. Would it ease your mind if I sent for your sister? She could stay here while we free my wife and sister. You wouldn’t have to worry about her. She will be safe.”

The barkeep’s face filled with relief. “You would do that, Your Grace? She’s only fourteen and I’m all she’s got since our parents passed away.”

He nodded. “I understand how important family is. If this goes as planned, you and your sister not only have a position for life with my family, but you will receive a healthy bonus.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” the younger man said. “I’m willing to do anything to get out from under Farmon’s thumb.”

Johnson provided Anthony with the address of the boardinghouse where his sister worked. He promised to have the girl brought here for the duration. Johnson asked that they be sent from London to any estate in the country, stating he wanted to be as far from Farmon’s reach as possible. With that now taken care of, Johnson took his leave.

“I’ll send for Luke now,” Everton said. “The rest of us need to go about our business as usual today.”

Anthony left with the rest, heading back to his townhouse. By this time tomorrow, he hoped to God that he had Laurel back in his arms.

*

Laurel lay onthe bed and watched the room gradually grow lighter as the sun rose. No one had come to the room since they’d been left here yesterday afternoon. She’d looked around, trying to see if she could find anything to use to help her break the restraints around their wrists. Other than the dilapidated bed and a chamber pot, though, the room was empty. She’d even poked her head under the bed and found nothing but cobwebs.

Her face ached from where Braxton had punched her. She knew far worse would befall her—and Hannah—if they couldn’t escape. By now, Farmon would have sent his ransom demand to Anthony. She knew her husband must be out of his mind with worry. She didn’t doubt that he would pay whatever Farmon demanded and only wished she could tell him to save his money.

Farmon would never release them. They would disappear and never be seen again.

Laurel wondered if Anthony would tell Hudson—or any of the St. Clairs—that she and Hannah had been abducted. She’d always had her twin to turn to no matter what happened and now all her new St. Clair siblings and their spouses. Anthony, though, was used to being on his own and would never think to share his troubles with her family. She only prayed they would be there for him when, after he paid the ransom, she and Hannah never returned. He would blame himself for not protecting them. Sink into an abyss she doubted he would ever emerge from. Laurel prayed fervently that her siblings would rally around Anthony and try to keep him sane.

Hannah began stirring on the bed next to her. Laurel had tried to keep up Hannah’s spirits but her friend had dissolved into tears again and turned away, refusing to speak. Laurel couldn’t blame her. Their situation was beyond hopeless.

“Are you awake?” Hannah asked quietly.

“I am. How are you?”

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