Page 26 of Love with a Notorious Rake

The men laughed, but soon sobered.

“Truly, is this just punishment for kidnapping Sabrina and shooting Garrett?” Riordan asked.

“It was the best we could hope for under the circumstances,” his father replied.

“He will be living under reduced conditions, barely enough to survive. If he leaves the island or has money sent to him and the crown discovers it, the prince will put the Bill of Attainder into effect and Sutherhorne’s heirs will lose the title, lands, and money. He won’t chance it,” his grandfather stated.

“Good riddance,” Garrett snarled. “May we never discuss him again.”

“I concur, Son. The case is closed.” His grandfather placed the letter in the envelope and slipped it under the pile of papers. “On to Aidan. I’ve inquired as to train routes to Earl Shilton. Alas, it would take four different changes of trains, and layovers, with part of the journey by mail coach. It would take twice as long as if you traveled by our private carriage. Samuel Jenkins will accompany you. He is an ex-soldier and a trusted employee of our stables.”

“I cannot arrive in an earl’s coach,” Aidan mused. “There may be questions.”

“True. We thought to install Samuel in nearby Hinckley, close enough you can reach him if you need his assistance, but far enough not to reveal your true identity and purpose. Bring Nebula on the journey, and Samuel can leave you on the outskirts with the gelding. He will see to it your trunk is delivered to the Dog and Gun Inn. You will be staying there,” his grandfather said.

Aidan nodded with approval. “That makes more sense.”

“There is one thing,” his father said. “Confide in no one. Your identity must remain secret. If this is to work, you must gain the trust of McRae. It will be a fine line to straddle in order to gather the damning information that we require, and there cannot be any doubt as to your masquerade. You may have to act the part of a superior, a cruel bastard, at least around McRae. Perhaps others.” His father gave him a grave look. “No one can be told.”

“If you wish,” he replied. “No one.” Realistically, it would depend on what situation he found at the mill. Best to decide for sure once he arrived.

“Messages and reports may be sent to Hinckley. Samuel will send them on to us,” his grandfather stated.

“Five miles is quite a distance,” Riordan interjected. “What if Aidan is in danger? What good is Samuel in Hinckley?”

“Not sure what danger I will find in a village full of poor souls barely eking out an existence,” Aidan replied.

“Exactly that. Grandfather said thievery and other crimes are rife in the area. It could have potential for peril,” Riordan stated.

“If I feel the situation, in whatever way, becomes a hazard, I will send for Samuel immediately. Besides, if this mill owner is as horrible as we hear, I may not need the full two months to collect the evidence. Trust me to handle this.” Aidan glanced around the table.

While his family nodded, Aidan couldn’t help but notice faint expressions of doubt from them. He frowned. “If you don’t believe I am up for the task, speak, or forever hold your peace,” he retorted.

“Son, I do not doubt your abilities, I only question your readiness for taking this on after what you’ve been through. Perhaps we can do this in the autumn, and you can take the rest of the summer to rest and recuperate,” his father offered.

Aidan fought to control his temper. His family meant well, but they didn’t understand. No one could, unless they had experienced it for themselves. “It’s hard to describe what led to my slide into hopelessness. This sounds rather self-indulgent, considering I am rich, heir to an earl, and am attractive enough to have the world handed to me. Dr. Bevan claims I have a disease, not merely a bad habit. I do not use that as a justification, but as an explanation. I no longer wish to live that way. I want my life to have meaning. I want to care about something other than myself and my own pleasures.” Aidan expelled a shaky breath. “There has to be hope for a better future, or why even try? I’m fighting for my life, to reclaim what I have lost: my dignity. Support me, by all means, but do not facilitate me too much. I must stand on my own two feet.”

“Well spoken,” Garrett murmured. “We will do as you ask. But the moment you feel unsafe, extract yourself from the situation with all haste. Since you brought up your state of affairs, and we’re speaking of dangerous propositions, I’ve had a letter from Edwin. The final report.”

Edwin Seward was an ex-Bow Street Runner who’d assisted Garrett in locating Aidan in London last January. He was also the one who suggested the Standon Sanatorium.

“As you know, I asked Edwin to find out anything he could about Colm Delaney, Sutherhorne’s hired man,” Garrett said.

At the mention of Delaney’s name, Aidan’s apprehension kicked up a notch.

His uncle continued, “The landlady at his flat stated he was quiet and paid his rent on time. He left many of his meager possessions behind when he vanished, instructing the landlady in a note to sell and keep the proceeds. Edwin found out where he engaged in his illegal boxing. Delaney had a reputation as being a brutal and merciless fighter; not many wished to face him.”

Garrett took a sip of his tea and continued. “From what he could glean, Delaney is forty years of age, arriving from Ireland about twenty years past. No mention of family. No attachments of any kind, except he often frequented molly houses. There was not much more to discover there, as you imagine there is a code of secrecy in order to protect the men from arrest, as sodomy is a capital offense.”

Aidan winced inwardly. God, how uncomfortable this was; it reminded him of how he had debased himself in order to procure drugs. “And your point in mentioning this man once again? And why even open an investigation in the first place?”

“To ensure he will stay well clear of this family. That he is not a threat. But since we do not know where he is, you must remain vigilant. Samuel knows what he looks like; he will keep an eye out, in and around Hinckley and beyond.”

“I appreciate your thoroughness, Uncle. I will take your advice. But I believe we have seen the last of this man.” At least, Aidan hoped. How he wanted that harrowing chapter of his life closed once and for all. He’d already acknowledged his mistakes, accepted assistance in recovery, and was determined to travel a different path. Dr. Bevan was correct: “Accept your mistakes, learn from them. Wear them like badges of honor.”

Aidan had emerged from his traumatic experience a different man. Not better as such, but he thought he should give it a go. “I do not know who I am; perhaps I never have. But this fall from grace allowed one article of worth—for me to begin anew. To reshape myself into the man I always should have been.”

“And what man is that?” his father asked softly.