The Scandalous Lady Sandford (Lost Ladies of London 3)

Ursula stepped back. Panic marred her pretty face. “It wasn’t meant to be like this. We need to find the treasure that’s all.”

“Treasure!” Mary shook her head. “If the Spanish had left anything here they would have returned to claim it years ago. Without a map, it would take months to search the island.”

“There is a map,” Ursula countered. “It’s hidden somewhere in the castle.”

Mary snorted. “Don’t listen to her, my lady. Fools and dreamers, that’s what they are. They’ve spent too much time listening to the drunks in Branscombe.”

The thud of booted footsteps preceded the figure appearing from the dark tunnel opposite. This strange-looking man was not one of Fabian’s crew. No one would fail to notice this rogue in a crowd. Even in the dim cave, his bald head shone like polished silver. Two bushy brows met in the middle to form a frown.

“Mary’s right,” he snapped. “I’ve men chasing my heels. I don’t have time to waste.” He stepped closer, and Mary shuffled back. “I always knew Ursula was my good luck charm, and now she’s brought the answer to my prayers.” He jerked his head at Ursula, and she hurried to his side like an obedient pet.

“What do we do now?” Ursula asked. “Is it not best we leave?”

“Why leave when you’ve brought me a bounty?”

Ursula grimaced. The maid had tried her utmost to deter Lillian from walking along this stretch of coastline. Clearly, she worked for this man but did so begrudgingly.

“No,” he continued. “You’ll go to the castle and deliver a message. Five hundred sovereigns and a rowboat will secure her ladyship’s release. Tell his lordship to bring the goods north of the dock, near Blackfriars’ cove, at nine. Before the high tide.”

“What about me?” Ursula gulped. “You promised me money, enough to start a new life.”

His thin lips curved down into a permanent scowl which made it impossible to read his reaction. “You’ll get your reward. Have no fear.” He grabbed Ursula around the waist and kissed her roughly on the mouth. “The money will pay our passage to Jamaica. From there, we’ll buy a share in a plantation.”

“And what about me?” Mary said. “Would you leave your wife alone and destitute and take up with a strumpet?”

Lillian suppressed a gasp. So this was Doyle.

“Why do you care? Everyone knows you carry a torch for Mackenzie.”

“Maybe that’s because he’s the kindest most honest man I know.”

Lillian watched the exchange. Did Doyle really think Fabian and Vane would hand over the money and watch him sail away? Heaven help the blackguard should Mackenzie get his hands on him.

“And what if Lord Ravenscroft cannot pay?” Lillian had to ask. They were miles from the mainland, further still from a bank.

Doyle winked and tapped his nose. “The Raven keeps a stash of loot locked away in the castle.”

“What if he won’t pay?”

“Ursula says the man’s mind turns to mush when you’re around. Besides, what’s five hundred sovereigns when he’s worth a king’s ransom?”

Pride flooded Lillian’s chest. Hard work and determination had brought Fabian from the brink of bankruptcy to a position of comfort and wealth. Not that it mattered to her. She loved him regardless.

The thought caught her off guard — stole her breath. She loved him. She felt the truth of it deep in her bones but had no time to examine her feelings further.

Lillian straightened her shoulders. “And how do you propose to make the exchange.”

“You’ll come in the boat with us. Once we’re a few hundred yards out to sea, you can swim to the shore.”

“And what if I can’t swim?” Vane had made sure she could swim a mile in her clothes.

“Then you’ll drown.” Doyle picked up a length of rope and came towards her. “Now, your ladyship, turn around so I can bind your hands. I wouldn’t want to leave you free to scratch my eyes out.”

“Had I a blade to hand, I would do a damn sight more than that.”

Doyle chuckled. “Ursula said you were a feisty one.” He spun her around and tied her hands behind her back. She could have kicked him and tried to run, but she would not get far. As Doyle turned her back to face him, his greedy eyes settled on her locket. “What’s this?”

“Touch it at your peril.” The words were hard and unforgiving, yet inside, fear sucked the air from her lungs.