Page 58 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

“Gentleman,”—a generous term indeed—“my husband came to see me a few moments ago. He said he had to talk to the major, and then he was taking care of something. I assume we only have minutes if we intend to beat him to the tower.” She pulled an iron ring holding at least a dozen keys from herescritoire. “Come. I have keys to every room in the castle.” Waving the ring, she ushered the men into the hallway.

Maddie huffed. An extra set of keys? Bringing up the rear, she admonished herself for not seeking her aunt’s assistance earlier.

The four of them traversed the castle via the servant’s staircase, ending up in the closest wing to the tower. Maddie had nudged Myrle and Diggins at least a half dozen times because everything sidetracked them. From a pretty young maid—who received numerous unseemly hoots—to the scent of egg and kidney pie.

They were almost at their destination when Myrle halted. Diggins ran into him and ricocheted backward, knocking into Maddie. She stumbled but caught herself.

The massive man perched on his tiptoes and bounced to a partially open door. He peeked into the room, pointed, and whispered, “Look at ‘em. Do ye think we is gonna get to see another show?” A lecherous grin twisted his monstrous features. “Doyelike to watch,me lady?”

Maddie’s cheeks caught fire. Firstly, American heiresses were not addressed asmy ladyorme lady.And secondly…how mortifying. “My name is Madalene.”

“Let me see.” Diggins ducked under Myrle’s outstretched arm and huffed. “A pretty chit, but she’s too prim and proper to blanket hornpipe where people can watch.”

Aunt Henrietta snapped her head around, her glower wicked. “That language will not be tolerated.”

Maddie should not be so curious, especially after being called out for her predilections by the buffoons, but she couldn’t help herself. She squeezed in between the two men to peek.

Arabella and Benjamin stood inches away from each other, talking. There did not appear to be anything indecent about their interaction. However, they were unchaperoned.

Hands on hips, Aunt Henrietta tapped her foot. “What are you two ninnyhammers looking at? We need to hurry.”

“Benjamin and Arabella,” Maddie mouthed as she tried to pry the men from their gawking.

Aunt Henrietta’s eyes lit up. “Benjamin!” She nudged the three of them to the side and threw the door wide, calling, “Second Lieutenant Calhoun. We need your assistance.”

Myrle stomped his ship-sized boot—which was quite comical paired with the too-small livery. “I’m still hungry and I don’t get to peep no cunny.”

Thank heavens since the last thing Maddie wanted to see was Arabella Beaumont’scunny.

Benjamin resembled a wide-eyed hoot owl. That is, if owls growled and had hands that aimed pistols. “What are you two doing free?”

Poised for a getaway, Myrle and Diggins backed into the doorway.

“Please don’t shoot.” Maddie stepped between the men and held up her palms. “There isn’t time to explain. They are helping us release Stephen.”

While Arabella dramatically fanned herself with her hand, Benjamin furrowed his brow and asked, “Helping release?”

“Desperate times call for drastic measures,” Aunt Henrietta said. “I need you to find Sir Saxton and keep him occupied. Do not let him near the tower or the dungeon.”

“Eaton is in the dungeon?” Benjamin shook his head as if he couldn’t comprehend the request.

“My uncle locked him up.” Maddie steepled her hands in prayer. “Please help us?”

“And this will help Eaton with whatever has him out of sorts?” Benjamin asked.

“Yes,” Maddie said. And if not, it might keep him alive.

“Arabella.” Aunt Henrietta pinned the nasty woman in an intense gaze. “I trust you will keep this secret.”

“Of course, Arabella can be trusted,” Benjamin declared.

How had things gone so wrong? Maddie’s allies currently included two prurient criminals and an ill-tempered woman intent on destroying her. She schooled her skeptical cringe.

Myrle looked over his shoulder, then pummeled Diggins on the back with so much force, he sent him barreling into the room. He followed him, waving his arm wildly.

“They is comin’ and Lord Dandy thinks we already left. He’ll kill us.” He careened into a pianoforte and yelped. “With a bleedin’ army.”

He dragged Diggins into the far corner, where they hid behind the draperies. Their shoes stuck out beneath the fabric creating a less-than-conspicuous hiding place.