To Desire a Wicked Duke (Courtship Wars)

Before escorting Tess to his study then, he asked both Hiddlestons to join them along with Basil Eddowes and Fanny Irwin.

They discussed the new revelations with the steward and housekeeper for a time. Hiddleston was familiar with Jolly Banks and identified him as a local smuggler from the nearby seaside village of Polperro. The steward was also unsurprised to learn that Banks might be the ringleader, since he had a vicious streak.

“Banks will not have much support in his new trade, however,” Hiddleston ventured. “Not if he and his cohorts are hurting the common folk, stealing and wounding indiscriminately.”

Ian eventually thanked both servants and dismissed them.

When they were gone, Tess broke the resulting silence first. “So how do we proceed? Banks is clearly dangerous. Someone needs to put an end to his thievery.”

“I intend to,” Ian replied.

“How? We haven’t enough of our own footmen to go up against a large gang, do we?”

“We won’t need to act alone. Hiddleston is likely right and we can trust that the servants here won’t be in league with thieves. It’s time to involve the local authorities, perhaps even the county militia. I’ll send for Vicar Potts in the morning. I want his opinion on how best to proceed. But basically we need to catch Banks and his minions with their loot … or failing that, catch them in the commission of another theft.”

“You mean, lure them out somehow?”

“Yes.”

“What of Crutchley?” Eddowes asked. “If he participated in the thefts, then he is a common criminal and should be in prison.”

At his logical question, Tess stiffened and turned an imploring gaze on Ian. “You have seen Ned. His mental facilities are clearly impaired. Even if he aided Banks, he should not be treated in the same manner as a vicious lawbreaker.”

Watching Tess, Ian felt an odd twist of his heart. It was hard to remain cynical in the face of her genuine caring, which was why he’d decided to help her champion her wounded veteran.

“No, he should not,” he agreed.

“And even if he is not innocent, we cannot just turn Ned out of the castle. You heard him—he said Banks might kill him for what he revealed to us.”

“He can remain here at Falwell for a few more days while we work out a plan.”

“Thank you,” she said fervently.

His promise seemed to reassure Tess enough that she could eat dinner awhile later, although she mostly toyed with her food. During the remainder of the evening, Tess insisted on checking on Ned twice. Only when she found him slumbering peacefully the second time would she accompany Ian to his bedchamber.

Her thoughts were still with the veteran, however, as she readied for bed. “What will happen to Ned if he is guilty of those thefts?”

“He will be arrested and brought before the local justice of the peace. If arraigned, then he’ll be bound over to the assize court for trial.”

“There must be something we can do. Waiting for the assizes could take weeks, if not months, and he will be locked up for all that time. He is ill, Ian, and he needs proper medical care. I will not let him suffer that way—and I am not letting him go to prison where he could very well die.”

There was a stubborn set to her mouth that Ian recognized. “You cannot save every poor soul who crosses your path, you realize.”

“Perhaps not, but I can try. As can you.”

She gazed up at him with a considering look. “I know you will do the just thing and help Ned. You are certainly clever enough to determine a way to save him.”

Ian shook his head in unwilling amusement, realizing that Tess was once again using her persuasive arts on him. But he had no intention of arguing with her. “Why don’t we learn the extent of his involvement before fretting overmuch

about how to save him?”

“I cannot help it,” she said with a sigh. “I am worried for him.”

“I know, sweetheart. It is in your very blood to care.”

He snuffed the lamps and joined her in bed. Expecting her to be too preoccupied for any sort of lovemaking, Ian drew Tess against him, intent on merely holding her. But she raised her face eagerly for his kiss.

The sweet passion she showed him during the following hour did not seem to be based on gratitude, either, but sincere desire.