Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series) (29 page)

She paced the floor in her bedroom, her mind jumping with doubt and confusion. There were wealthier women here in New York who would have gladly married Marcus. So why her? He’d never met her, only her father. Why did he agree to sign a contract if there was nothing in it for him?

She stopped by the window and looked out on the front lawn. Several couples strolled by, obviously enjoying the pleasant weather. It would do her good to get outside, too. Perhaps clear her head. But the only way her questions would be answered was by talking to Marcus. Would he tell her the truth?

Then again, did she want to know the truth? Since coming to New York, her life had been one turbulent wave after another. And now, contentment settled inside her. If ignorance was bliss, she would happily remain this way for the rest of her life.

Unfortunately, she’d never been one to let things lie. The unanswered questions would haunt her until she thought of nothing else. Deep down, she knew she must discover the truth. Even if it meant disrupting her life.

In a rush, she dressed for the day. Once completed with her toiletry, Isabelle hurried downstairs. Gentry walked by, so she stopped him.

“I hope you can help me,” she implored.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Can you tell me the name of my husband’s secretary? I desperately need to talk to him about an important matter.”

Gentry nodded. “The man’s name is Hayes. David Hayes. His office is on Sixth Avenue.”

“Thank you, Gentry.” She smiled. “You have been most helpful. Could you please have my coach brought around? I have errands to run.”

“Certainly.”

While waiting, she paced the floor, wringing her hands. She prayed Marcus’ secretary would give her the answers she sought. Her palms grew moist as worry pulsed through her. What if she discovered something awful? Then again, from what she’d heard thus far about her father, what could be worse?

Chapter Nineteen

Marcus wore a permanent smile as he walked down the street toward Thorne Shipping. His wife fulfilled him beyond reason.

And he loved her completely.

Several people greeted him, and he tipped his hat, giving them a nod. When his name was shouted from across the street, he turned and scanned the crowd, trying to find who tried to gain his attention. A portly older gentleman waved one hand while the other held his
tricorn
on his head. The man’s large belly and double chin jiggled with each hurried step as he hustled across the street toward Marcus.

“Lockwood,” the man huffed, stopping in front of Marcus. “I’m relieved I caught you before you moved on.”

Marcus nodded. “As am I.”

The man’s chest rose and fell in a quick rhythm, his cheeks pink with exertion. While he fought to regain his breathing, another person walked by and smiled.

“Good day, Lord Lockwood. Mr.
Tubble
.”

Marcus almost laughed. The man’s last name fit his size, to be sure. But the name seemed familiar for some reason. Where had he heard it before?

Once the greeter passed, Marcus focused back on Mr.
Tubble
. “What can I do for you, my good man?”

Tubble
linked his fingers across his large mid-section and raised a critical eyebrow. “Ye missed the meeting the other night. We wondered what happened to ye.”

Marcus folded his arms. It appeared this must be one of the men his brother had been involved with. “Indeed, I did miss the meeting. Haven’t you heard? I have recently married.”

The man’s face reddened, his eyes widening. “Oh, no. I hadn’t heard about your nuptials. Forgive me for not congratulating you, my lord.”

“Thank you, Mr.
Tubble
.”

The portly man stepped closer and leaned forward. “The SOL will have another meeting tonight. Will you be able to make it?”

Confusion filled Marcus.
SOL?
He didn’t want to ask and sound foolish. “Of course, Mr.
Tubble
. Tell me where and I shall attend.”

“It will be at Donnelley’s old estate, just down the street from Meadowbrook Lane.”

Marcus nodded. “Yes, I know where that is.” All though he didn’t, he would eventually.

“Splendid. I shall see you then.”

“Yes, you shall.”

As the portly man walked away, Marcus repeated the man’s name in his head. He’d heard it before, but couldn’t recall.

The rest of the way toward Thorne Shipping, he hashed over everything he’d learned so far about his brother’s life, which wasn’t a lot. Besides having a different woman almost every night, Matthew was a gambler and a drunk. He didn’t seem to have many good friends, either.

The more Marcus strove to decipher his brother’s secrets, the more Isabelle’s face disturbed his thoughts. Her kisses mesmerized him and put him under a spell he had no wish to leave. Since meeting the very intriguing woman, his plans for revenge had slipped further away. Now all he wanted to do was make her happy.

As he stepped into his office, he swiped the wig off his head and shrugged out of his colorful overcoat. Mr. Harvey hurried out of his room then stopped suddenly. His eyes widened as the man’s gaze swept over Marcus. He could only image what thoughts ran through his friend’s mind. The same kind Marcus had when seeing his brother for the first time.

“Mr. Thorne?”

Marcus smiled. “Right you are, my good man.” He threw his wig and coat on the desk then splayed his arms out in front of him. “Do you like my new look?”

“Uh… well, Sir…”

“Please, be honest.” Marcus chuckled. “Actually, I’ve changed my look because I have a new name.”

Mr. Harvey arched his brows. “A new name?”

“Yes. My brother died, leaving me a title. I’m now Viscount Lockwood.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Has a nice ring, does it not?”

His friend’s jaw dropped and Marcus nearly laughed. He walked to his friend and clapped him on the shoulder. “No need to worry. I’m only wearing these outrageous clothes so I can fit into my brother’s world.”

“Ah—” Mr. Harvey nodded. “That certainly explains things.”

“However, you must address me as Lockwood. And, if anyone asks—” he lowered his voice, “—I’m
not
Mr. Thorne, owner of Thorne Shipping. I’m Lord Lockwood, owner of Thorne Shipping.”

“I’ve heard a few things about Lord Lockwood. He’s very wealthy.”

“You’ve heard right, my good man.” Marcus grinned wide. “In fact, I shall give you a raise just to prove how wealthy he—I mean
I
am.”

Mr. Harvey’s jaw dropped again. This time, Marcus did laugh. “Not only that, but I’m giving you the rest of the day off. Go home and enjoy it with your family.”

The man’s face flamed as it stretched into a smile. “Oh, this is good news, indeed.” He rushed to Marcus and shook his hand. “You’re a very generous man. Thank you.”

A while after Mr. Harvey had left, Marcus still chuckled. Apparently, he hadn’t been an attentive employer before. So had wealth changed him? Or had his wife?

He finally settled at his desk and read over the statements of the shipping company. Business was good. Life was better. Grinning, he leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers over his stomach. How long had it been since he’d been this happy and content? Quite a while, to be sure.

Then again, had he ever experienced this kind of elation? Growing up, he always longed for the attention of his absent father. After his mother died, Marcus made it a goal to make his sire proud. Marcus’ health had improved, and as he grew, he set out to learn all he could, to educate himself properly. He knew his twin had attended the best schools, and it hurt Marcus to know his father hadn’t sent him there.

The life he’d known all came to a crashing end when Marcus traveled to visit his father for the first time after all the years he’d been absent from their country home. Shock was a mild word for the emotion he received upon being greeted by his father’s butler. Marcus had introduced himself, but the butler accused him of lying. Marcus demanded to speak to his father at once. The butler hurried into the house, leaving Marcus on the doorstep. Several minutes later, the servant returned, wearing a smug grin. He informed Marcus that Lord Blackstone denounced ever having a second son and that if he showed his face on the earl’s estates again, the law would be summoned.

Marcus waited a week before attempting to see his father again. Anger guided him as he secretly followed his sire around town, learning what his father did and whom he met with. One night, Marcus witnessed his father kill another nobleman in a dark alley. So shocked, Marcus gasped, drawing attention to himself. Before he could run, his father caught his arm and bade him to return to the house, begging to explain what had happened. Marcus obeyed.

Now his father seemed different. More friendly. The old man acted eager to learn of his son’s life. Marcus knew this wasn’t right, so he watched his father closely to see what the man was up to. It was then that Marcus saw his father pour something in his teacup and offer it to him. Marcus didn’t need to ask. He suspected his father was trying to poison him. When his father wasn’t looking, he poured the tea on a nearby plant then quickly made excuses to leave. He explained he wasn’t feeling well, and his father let him go, wearing a smile of victory.

Marcus had left his father’s property with a broken heart for the second time. From that point on, Marcus vowed he’d have nothing to do with Lord Blackstone again.

That was when Benjamin Ludlow entered his life. Marcus, still in his youth and thin as a rail, met Ludlow on the docks. They struck a conversation and, desperate for a Father figure, Marcus decided to sail the waters with the kind man, never knowing the stranger was the fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk who was looking for someone to replace him.

The office door opened, pulling Marcus from his memories. Gabe walked in and grinned.

“There you are,” his friend greeted. “I have some news.”

“As do I. You go first.”

Marcus closed the door and stepped to Marcus’ desk, resting his palms on top. “Your brother was in a secret society of men called the
Sons Of Liberty
. I met one of the men your brother associates with at the Black Dragon. Did you know the secret password to get any information is
Lockwood sent me
?”

Marcus tilted back his head and laughed. “Are you jesting?”

“That’s all I said.” Gabe shrugged. “Then again, the men were into their cups a little more than they should be at this time of the day.”

Shaking his head, Marcus smiled. “I think they live there.”

“Perhaps.” Gabe straightened. “Now, what’s your news?”

As Marcus opened his mouth to speak, the information of what his friend had just given him sank in, making things more clear in his head. He pushed away from the desk and stood. “I think we’ve both discovered the same thing, my good man. I talked with Mr.
Tubble
today and he mentioned the meeting with the SOL. I had no idea what the man referred to, but now I know. SOL means
Sons Of Liberty.
”

Gabe nodded. “I know of this band of brotherhood very well. I was part of this group when I lived in Philadelphia.”

“Ah, yes. I remember you telling me now. They are Patriots. They are against Britain’s rules and taxes, almost as much as we are.”

“So why was your brother part of this organization?” Gabe shook his head. “If your brother was involved with your father’s deceitful ways, why would they associate with men who want to fight for their freedom?”

Marcus turned and faced the window, gazing outside onto the busy street. He knew his father too well to be involved in such a group like the SOL. So what was his father’s game?

“You’re correct, Gabe. This isn’t normal behavior for my father. We must keep a sharp eye out and look for anything suspicious.”

“I agree.”

An open carriage pulled in front of the building and stopped. The driver jumped down and helped a woman descend. She didn’t look familiar. Marcus knew a lot of women, but they were mainly from the docks and surrounding areas. This lady dressed too fancy to live around here. Her sandy hair wound in a fashionable style on top of her head, instead of the white wigs women wore. She headed for the front door. He pushed past Gabe to see to his visitor.

When he allowed her entrance, she nodded and sashayed inside. “Good day,” he greeted.

She flashed him with a sultry grin. “It’s a pleasant afternoon, my lord.”

The woman glanced around the office, her mouth twisted in distaste. “This is a quaint place you’ve purchased, Matthew.” She met his gaze. “And it makes me wonder why you would even consider this kind of endeavor.”

Whoever the lady was, she knew his brother intimately. How would she know Gabe was the owner…. unless perhaps his brother had mentioned it to her before he’d died. Marcus arched an eyebrow. “You don’t approve?”

She flipped her hand. “It’s far beneath you, but I suppose if it’s what you like.”

“I do,” he clipped.

The woman met Gabe’s stare. She curtsied then held out her hand. “I don’t believe we have met. I’m Sarah Westland, and you are…”