She fell into his arms and rested her head against his chest. “I don’t care what happens as long as I’m with you.”
They stood on the pavement, holding each other, waiting for Daventry to confirm they were free to leave. Once they’d rested, he would remind her of his desire to marry.
Daventry came to speak to them. “We’re heading to the Plume of Feathers in Edgware.” He gestured to Theo’s brothers, who were gathered on the pavement, deep in conversation. “I assured the Home Secretary we would take Mrs Dunwoody into custody before she reaches Birmingham with the fraudulent plates. Your brothers are keen to join me.”
Theo straightened, the fire of vengeance burning in his veins. “After all the despicable things that woman said, I’ll relish seeing her squirm.” He turned to Eleanor and lowered his voice. “Will you come, too?”
She looked at his brothers before cupping his cheek. “I’ll wait for you here. I think it’s something you need to do as a family.”
“You’re part of that family now.”
She swallowed hard, evidently moved by his statement. “Something you need to do as brothers. As you had the locks changed, I presume you have a key to the shop.”
He nodded. “Get some rest. I’ll return shortly.”
Theo escorted her into the house, kissing her tenderly before joining his brothers in the carriage. They followed Daventry to Edgware, stopping at the inn for a description of the matron’s coach before parking a mile from the Feathers and lying in wait.
“Daventry doubts Wrotham will survive his head injury,” Aramis said. “That means our dear brother Aaron is heir to an earldom.”
Christian laughed. “The news is bound to put Berridge in the grave. Aaron could be the earl before All Saints’ Day.”
“I will never be the Earl of Berridge,” Aaron said firmly. “Our father traded his familial rights for money to pay his debts.”
“The King might see it differently,” Theo said, though a gaming hell owner was hardly considered good stock.
“Even if the King had a momentary lapse in judgement, I’ll never relinquish my right to own Fortune’s Den. I’ll never place my faith in the aristocracy again.”
There was no time to press Aaron on the matter.
Daventry’s coachman blocked the road with his carriage, forcing the approaching vehicle to stop. Theo looked out of the window and saw Mrs Dunwoody gawping back.
Satisfaction slithered through him.
They alighted and stood on the side of the road while Daventry approached her carriage and yanked the door open.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Mrs Dunwoody complained with the usual sharp sting in her voice. She stabbed her finger at them. “I should have known that rabble would take to highway robbery.”
“And yet your nephew has been arrested for fraud,” Theo called, making no mention of Wrotham’s injuries. “Don’t look so surprised, madam. You’re to join him in Newgate.”
The matron used her haughty manner as a crutch. “Is that the best you can do, boy? Threaten an ageing woman with vicious lies?” She glared at Daventry. “Close the door, sir, and move your vehicle. I don’t know who you are or why you’re stooping to their level, but I suggest you find better friends.”
Daventry produced the magistrate’s writ. “I have a warrant to search you, this vehicle and any luggage you carry. I’m acting on behalf of the Home Secretary, investigating a case of fraud.”
Mrs Dunwoody paled but found the strength to argue. “A warrant? Do you know who I am, sir? I’m not some bawd making a living from ill-gotten gains. I don’t know what those ingrates are paying you, but you’ll rue the day you crossed me.” The woman tried to close the carriage door. “Drive on, Wilson.”
Daventry looked at the coachman. “Move this vehicle and you’ll join her in a cell. You’ll remove all luggage and place it on the ground, or I’ll arrest you for aiding a felon.”
While Mrs Dunwoody sat in the carriage, pretending her world wasn’t crumbling around her, Wilson followed orders. He placed the valise, small portmanteau and vanity case before Daventry.
“That’s all, sir.”
“Open them.”
“Mrs Dunwoody has the keys, sir.” Wilson bent his head. “I ain’t worked for her that long. I’ve a family to feed. I can’t afford to be caught up in nasty business.”
“Then prove your innocence and tell me everything you know. I’m looking for any heavy metal items she might have stowed away.”
“I saw her shoving something in the cupboard under the seat.”
Daventry slapped the fellow on the back. “Thank you, Wilson.” He opened the carriage door and beckoned Mrs Dunwoody out. “I’ll not ask twice, madam.”
“If you want me out, you’ll have to drag me out.” Mrs Dunwoody crossed her arms as if it made her impenetrable.
Aaron groaned. “Allow me to speed up the process.” He strode to the carriage and addressed the matron. “You think I’m a beast and a barbarian. You don’t know how right you are.” He hauled the lady out of the carriage and flung her over his broad shoulder. “Search the vehicle, Daventry, before I deposit Mrs Dunwoody in a hedge.”
“Argh!” Mrs Dunwoody kicked and screamed and thumped Aaron’s back. “Put me down, you dunderhead.”
Daventry rummaged in the cupboard, removing a valise. When he threw it to the ground, it landed with a thud and the metal plates fell out. “Well, are they not unusual items to take on a road trip?”
Aaron lowered the matron to the ground so she could answer for her crimes. The glint of satisfaction in his eyes was undeniable.
“What? I’ve never seen those before.”
“Are you planning to produce forged notes, madam?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. They don’t belong to me. They must belong to Wilson.” She pointed a shaky finger at the coachman. “Look at him. Does he not look like a shifty fellow?”
Aaron folded his arms across his chest. “Wrotham confessed. He said you were involved in transporting the goods. I hope you like long journeys and hot weather, madam, and aren’t afraid of venomous snakes.”
