The Gold Coin (Colby's Coin 1)

tly, she'd uncovered information that implicates Father in some horrible crimes. But she had no proof. So she pretended to leave the country, only to stay right here and gather the evidence she needs to send him to Newgate."

"I don't believe this." Sheldrake sounded badly shaken. "Is she all right? Did you see her?"

"She's fine. And, no, I didn't see her. She sent a messenger to Medford Manor late last night, instructed him to throw pebbles at my window until he got my attention. I was lucky. Father had gone out after midnight and Wells was feeling ill and had retired early. I slipped downstairs and met the messenger at the door. He gave me Stacie's note. Then, I sent him on his way, quickly, before Father could return and ask questions. No one saw him but me."

"Did Anastasia's note tell you where she's staying?"

"Only that she's somewhere in London. Her note said that knowing her exact whereabouts might put me in danger."

"Did she tell you what proof she had?"

"Not specifically. Just that it would shock me and strip Father of everything—including his freedom. So it must be despicable. In any case, Stacie insisted that I see it with my own eyes and decide what I want her to do. She won't turn the evidence over to the authorities without my permission." Breanna drew a shaky breath. "It is, after all, my father she'd be relegating to Newgate. Not to mention the scandal this entire affair would cause our family."

"Lord," Sheldrake muttered. "Whatever George did, it must be contemptible. Otherwise, Anastasia would never ask you to betray your own father."

"Exactly."

"What do you intend to do—or need I ask?"

"I'm going to support Stacie's decision," Breanna responded instantly. "Our grandfather would want nothing less. If Father is guilty of some horrible crime, he should be punished. The Colby name will survive, and ultimately prevail." A troubled pause. "But Damen, to be honest with you, I'm terrified of what Father will do to me if he finds out I'm involved. Despite my false show of bravado—waving that pistol around as I did—I'm truly afraid of the man. I don't know why I ran to you, but the truth is, I had nowhere else to turn."

"You did the right thing." Sheldrake's voice was taut with strain. "I'll help you. Tell me when and where Anastasia expects you to meet her."

"Tonight. At the London docks—the deserted south-west section nearest the Tower. At ten o'clock."

"Fine. I'll go with you."

"What?" Now Breanna sounded panicked. "But, she's expecting only me. If she sees someone else, she might bolt."

"Not if that someone is me. I love her, Breanna. Anastasia knows she can trust me." Sheldrake paused, blowing out his breath slowly, thoughtfully. "On the other hand, you have a point. Between the night and the fog, she'll see the silhouette of a man and, unless I have time to call out and let her know it's me, she'll take off. The best thing would be if we both went. You can coax her out, and I'll be there to lend my support—to both of you."

"And what about the evidence?"

"I'll take it directly to Bow Street

. You and Anastasia will wait for me in my carriage. We won't venture back to Medford Manor until the authorities have arrested your father."

"After which we'll all be safe." Breanna emitted a shaky sigh. "I don't know how to thank you."

"No thanks are necessary." A hesitant pause. "I suggest you spend the day in Town. Feel free to use my house as your own. Shop, call on friends, do whatever you most enjoy. But don't ride back to Kent. The last thing you need is a confrontation with your father. Answering his questions was bad enough when you knew nothing. Now that you've actually heard from Anastasia, I'm not sure you'd be able to successfully lie about it. And if George should suspect…"

"Say no more," Breanna interrupted, an audible tremor in her voice. "I can't face Father. Not now, knowing what I know, planning what I've planned. I'll do just what you suggested—stay in Town, then go to your house until tonight's meeting." A rustle of material, alerting Cunnings to the fact that Breanna had risen, was heading for the door.

He edged back toward his office, head cocked as he listened to Sheldrake and Breanna's parting words.

"I'll see you tonight," she murmured.

"I'll be home in plenty of time," Sheldrake vowed. "We'll be at the docks promptly at ten." Breanna opened the door, stepped into the hallway. The area was deserted.

* * *

"How did it go?" Stacie pounced on Breanna the instant she walked into the Town house.

Her cousin grinned, slipping off her gloves as she strolled toward the sitting room. "Like a perfectly acted play."

"Cunnings was there?"

"He arrived at half after eight, just as Damen said he would. By the time I dashed into the bank, he was ensconced in his office with a client."