An Inconvenient Trilogy Part 40

"You can't sleep on this sofa again," Laura said, standing up. "It's barely comfortable to sit on all day, it must be a nightmare to sleep on it."

Alfred did not know whether to laugh or to be annoyed. "It's not very polite to criticise the standard of your sanctuary."

Laura grinned, "Is it a criticism, or is it that I'm speaking the truth?"

Alfred smirked, "Well whatever it is, the sofa is going to be my bed."

"Why are you being so prudish?" Laura asked, "You weren't the last time we met."

Alfred scowled at the woman stood before him. d.a.m.n her for constantly reminding him of that last time. "Yes, but things have changed slightly since then, haven't they?" he responded, making the glance at her swollen stomach, a pointed look.

Laura flushed, "I wasn't offering you anything more than a comfortable bed!" she snapped, embarra.s.sed and hurt at Alfred's harshness. "We have shared a bed before, why not have a comfortable night's sleep? Neither of us is an innocent."

He had hurt her and he was sorry the way he made snide comments to her about her condition. He was not being fair, he knew that. The problem was though, that it was a constant reminder to him that she had been with other men. He knew that it was unreasonable for him to react to her in such a way, it was a consequence of her job, but he could not stop himself. He had not been with another woman since he had first met her, no one had drawn him like she had.

Her words were sensible though. They need not be impractical, and there was not any reason why they should not share a bed. "Fine, as long as you truly don't mind and promise not to take up the whole of the bed," he muttered trying to lighten the mood.

Laura recovered quickly from her mortification and responded to Alfred in kind. "You are a sliver of a man, you shouldn't need more than a corner anyway. There isn't an ounce of meat on you."

"There won't be, what with needing to starve myself while pretending that I'm ill," Alfred said, smacking her on the backside as she walked into the bedchamber. "Take up too much room and I'll push you onto the floor."

"Don't ever go undercover as a gentleman, you would be useless at it," Laura responded, looking over her shoulder.

They continued to banter until they were under the covers. Both had kept some clothing on, Laura, her chemise and Alfred had his breeches. Although it was the right decision to share the bed, there was obviously no use in putting too much temptation in each other's way.

Alfred was disturbed from a dreamless sleep by small moans coming from Laura. At first he had thought that there must be something wrong with the baby, but it soon became apparent that she was having a bad dream. It was no surprise really, Alfred thought to himself. If he knew that someone was determined to kill him, he was not sure that he would rest easy.

He tried to shake Laura gently, but it only succeeded in making her more disturbed. Alfred groaned to himself, he could not leave her upset, so he started to stroke her face gently, whispering her name. It was a few moments before she slowly opened her eyes, almost as if she was frightened to do so.

"Alfred?" she asked, seeing his face close to hers. "What's wrong?"

"Shh," came the soothing voice. "You were having a nightmare."

"I couldn't reach you in time," Laura said quietly, she looked afraid and vulnerable.

"I'm here, nothing is going to happen," Alfred said, taking Laura into his arms and holding her close. "Go back to sleep, all is well."

Laura awoke to the sensation of feeling wrapped up and secure. Alfred's arms were holding her tightly as he slept, his body folded around hers from behind. She remembered being woken up during her nightmare and smiled to herself. He could say what he wished, but his actions proved even further that he was a decent man.

She lay perfectly still, this was the place where she wanted to be. If only it could last, if only it was happening for a different reason.

Alfred moaned in his sleep and moved his hand, it brushed her breast and he squeezed it, half asleep. Laura remained still, his touch made her insides stir, but she dared not move in case she woke Alfred. Laura knew the second he reached consciousness, because his hand stilled before moving carefully away from her. He withdrew and sat up on the edge of the bed, rubbing his hands through his hair and over his face.

"Morning," Laura said, turning over to face his back and stretching.

"Laura...," Alfred started.

"Don't say anything, it was a nice way to wake up," she said rubbing her hand gently across his back. Alfred turned slightly and looked at her. Laura smiled at him in rea.s.surance. "Well I thought it was, anyway," she said with a wink.

Alfred stood and laughed at her, the seriousness of his mood gone. "You will be the death of me woman, I hope Lord Halkyn replies soon."

Laura remained on the bed until Alfred had washed and dressed. She had mixed feelings, she knew that they could not remain as they were indefinitely, but she could not deny that being so close with Alfred was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

During the day, Laura kept up the banter. She had decided that Alfred was far too serious for his own good and although she was in a precarious situation, humour had always got her through such situations before. So she teased and tormented him at every opportunity. She also touched him whenever she could. Each time it could be excused as accidental, but she used every opportunity to her advantage. The truth was that since she had woken up in his arms, she had wanted him.

Alfred was being driven to distraction, although he felt a little like a moth drawn to a flame. She was being funny, teasing, annoying, and oh so tempting. He could almost scream with frustration as she brushed against him again and again. The problem was, it was all done with so much humour and fun that he could not chastise her. He had never smiled as much in his life as he did that day, and his cheeks ached because of it. He was usually so serious and steady, able to keep his emotions in check, except when he was around Laura.

Late on in the afternoon she punched him as a response to something he had said and he grabbed her arm. "You aren't being very nice to your rescuer," Alfred responded, holding onto her arm at the wrist.

Laura used the contact to roll herself into his arms. "I can be nice if my rescuer wishes."

Alfred stilled at the movement. He was so tempted, but his conscience would not let him. "Things have changed, Laura," he said quietly.

"I am still me," Laura said, seeing the battle going on within Alfred and reaching up with her free hand to brush back his hair gently. "Why not allow yourself to do what you want, and I know you want to, Alfred."

Alfred closed his eyes, "I can't Laura," he said quietly, but firmly. "You are carrying a child, I can't, no matter how much I may want to."

Laura blinked back tears, "No matter how much I want you to?" she asked.

"I'm sorry Laura. I can't," Alfred responded, moving out of her touch, all the pleasure of the day gone. "I have to ask, would you not receive support from the father if he knew of your predicament? I have presumed not, with you coming to me, but maybe he would offer protection," Alfred needed to get her away from him before he weakened, which wouldn't be very long if the days continued the way they had today.

"If I was honest and told the father about the baby, he would not believe me," Laura said, sitting down and not looking at Alfred.

The pain etched on Laura's face, tore at Alfred's insides. She must have thought highly of the father, he thought. He had the sudden need to get some fresh air. "I am going to visit Lord Halkyn's address and see if there is anything that I can find out," he said, moving to put on his frock coat. "I shall be back as quickly as I can."

Laura was left alone, to come to terms with Alfred's rejection. It was no real surprise that he had turned away from her, a man so steadfast would not want to bed a woman who was heavy with another man's child. She sighed to herself, if only she could be brave enough to say the words, perhaps he would believe her and everything would be well.

She almost laughed at her foolish thoughts. Believe her? He had made it quite clear that he would not believe her if she told him the truth. People like her did not get happy endings, she had known that from a very early age. If she felt any sorrow, she only had herself to blame. She had never expected to be in contact with Alfred again when she had wished for a part of him. G.o.d had granted her wish, but it came with a catch; the father of her child was constantly rejecting her, and had told her clearly that he would not believe a woman of the night if she told him she was pregnant with his child.

The irony that Alfred was not only protecting her, but his own child and would never know that it was his, made her cry until the light outside had completely faded.

Chapter 7.

Alfred walked to Lord Halkyn's house on Belgrave Square. It was a substantial walk from where he lived, but he needed the exercise to burn off the frustration that spending so much time in Laura's company had caused.

He could have easily bedded her. He wanted to more than anything else, but how could he have faced her or himself afterwards? No, he would help her and then leave her. He just hoped he could contact Lord Halkyn soon.

Alfred arrived at the house and groaned when he saw the knocker was removed. Why could life not be simple sometimes and have the person he needed to speak to in residence? He made his way through the wrought iron fencing that surrounded the bas.e.m.e.nt area and walked down the steps. He knocked on the tradesman's door and waited. Every house left staff to maintain the house whilst its family was away.

The door was opened by a young scullery maid. "Yes Sir?" she asked.

"Is the butler available?" Alfred remembered that Lord Halkyn had used his butler's given name, but it was not appropriate that a visitor to the house took the same liberty.

"Who shall I tell him is calling?"

"Tell him Mr Peters," Alfred said.

He was left to stand in the bas.e.m.e.nt area, until a few moments later the butler opened the door and welcomed him inside.

"Good evening, Mr Peters, this is an unexpected pleasure," Walter said, as cool and calm as always.

"Good evening, I was wondering if I could have a word with you in private?" Alfred asked. He did not want the staff overhearing any part of what he had to say.

"Certainly Sir, if you would follow me," Walter said, leading the way down a stone corridor.

Rooms led off the corridor, all conducive to the smooth running of a large house, Walter continued until he reached the butler's pantry. He led the way inside and closed the door once Alfred had entered. The room had a small fireplace in the corner, which was giving out a welcoming glow. A chair was placed at either side of the fireplace, obviously the location where the butler rested, if ever the opportunity arose. The walls were filled with shelves and cupboards, some of which were locked, probably containing some of the more expensive pieces of the dining silver. In the centre of the room was a large wooden table, showing signs of being well scrubbed over the years. It was a room that felt warm, but was very much a practical s.p.a.ce.

Walter indicated that Alfred should take a seat on one of the chairs near the fire. "Would you like a gla.s.s of port Mr Peters? One of the advantages to working for Lord Halkyn is that he gives a generous allowance in port and wine for his senior staff."

Alfred smiled slightly, "Yes please. You will have to excuse me, I'm afraid I only know you as Walter and not your family name. Lord Halkyn was always very familiar with you when I was in his company."

Walter smiled, a smile full of affection. "Yes, since I was a young footman, Lord Halkyn has used my given name and so when I was fortunate enough to be promoted to butler, it just seemed odd reverting to a more formal address. Using Walter is fine, sometimes I forget I have another name, except when working with the younger staff of course."

"Of course," Alfred said, accepting the gla.s.s of port. He remembered clearly the easy relations.h.i.+p that existed between the butler and the Lord. It was obvious that the butler had helped his employer out of many situations, the way Walter was p.r.o.ne to offer solutions. He was not surprised though, that although seeming to be one of the more relaxed members of his profession, with the other staff, he was still as formal as his peers.

"How may I help you?" Walter asked, after both men had taken a sip of their port and savoured the quality of it.

"I sent a letter a few days ago to Lord Halkyn and although I realise he is away from London, I wondered if you had any idea how quickly I would receive a response?" Alfred explained.

"Ah, there may be an unusual delay with regards to any reply," Walter responded.

Alfred's heart sank, "Why?"

"You are aware of Lord Halkyn's recent marriage?" Walter asked. He continued when Alfred nodded in acknowledgement. "They have taken an extended wedding trip. Apparently Lady Halkyn had travelled so little prior to her marriage, that Lord Halkyn was determined to show her England, Scotland and Wales." The words were said with approval. Walter had been delighted that the quiet Miss Webster he had first met on that strange night not so long ago, had been the one to tame his unruly master. It had been a further confirmation of Lord Halkyn's affection when he had troubled himself to arrange such a long tour for the pleasure of his wife. He had been determined to give her a trip that would delight her.

"I thought they may still be on a tour after their marriage," Alfred said. "I am surprised that it would cause such a delay though, they surely are receiving letters only a few days after they are delivered here?" Alfred knew full well the efficiency of the postal system that seemed to be able to track anyone down, anywhere in the country, almost in a matter of hours.

"Normally, yes," Walter acknowledged, his face showing some amus.e.m.e.nt. "But Lord Halkyn said that he had wasted far too much time and was going to make every moment count with Lady Halkyn. He said that if anyone dared to contact them, unless there was flood, an invasion of locusts, or famine, they would receive no reference when he dismissed them." The words had been uttered in Lord Halkyn's usual forceful way and although at the time Walter had maintained his composure and a.s.sured his Lords.h.i.+p that there would be no disturbances, he had grinned all the way to the kitchen. His master was in love and long may it continue.

"d.a.m.n," Alfred said, sinking back into the chair, deflated.

"Is there a problem I can a.s.sist with?" Walter asked.

"It's probably better if you don't know the details. Someone is at risk and I was hoping with the work that I had done with Lord Halkyn in the past, that he could offer a.s.sistance. It is clear that he can't, not at the moment at least," Alfred said, trying to sound calmer than he felt. He did not have a network of people outside London that he could send Laura to for safety, it was becoming apparent to him that she had picked the wrong man to help her.

"I am sorry, but even if I forwarded your letter on, he probably would just throw it in the nearest fire. He has a history of doing that," Walter said, remembering with a shudder the time when his master had gone into such a decline that he had feared for him.

"I suppose I shall have to wait until they return," Alfred said in resignation. "I just hope they tire of travelling soon." It was a vain hope, but the only thing he had.

Alfred said his goodbyes to the butler and walked up the stairs from the bas.e.m.e.nt as if he had the world's worries on his shoulders. He could not continue the farce about him being ill indefinitely. There would come a point when his landlady would demand access to his room and then they would be discovered. He could not protect Laura in London, he had no idea to what extent the Baron would go to in trying to find her. If he had arranged the killing of three women already, he was obviously a determined man, so while she remained in London, Laura was in danger.

Alfred sighed at the top of the steps. He could not dally, they would have to make alternative plans and quickly. He needed to return to his lodgings. As he walked across the square, leaving Lord Halkyn's house behind him, a carriage swung around and stopped at one of the houses of the opposite side. At first Alfred did not take much notice of the carriage, but then something caught his eye and he picked up his pace.

The carriage was adorned with the Dunham crest and Lord Dunham was alighting from it. Alfred hurried to catch Lord Dunham before he entered his house, since he would probably not be receiving visitors at this hour. So, although it went against every instruction in polite behaviour, Alfred interrupted Lord Dunham and his companion on the steps of the house.

"Lord Dunham!" Alfred said.

Lord Dunham turned, not looking pleased at his conversation being interrupted. He looked closely at the gentleman stood on the pavement, before a look of recognition pa.s.sed across his face. "Mr Peters?" he asked in surprise.

"Yes my Lord," Alfred said with relief. The first hurdle was overcome, there had been no guarantee that Lord Dunham would remember him. "I am sorry to prey on you at this hour, but would it be possible to have a private word with you?"

"Now?" Lord Dunham asked, not unfriendly, but not overly welcoming either.

"If it wasn't of importance my Lord, I would not be interrupting your evening. I've been trying to contact Lord Halkyn, but without success. It appears he has gone to ground and is not available for communication," Alfred explained.

The message to anyone other than Lord Dunham sounded cryptic at best, but Lord Dunham inclined his head slightly and indicated that Alfred should join him. So, with a sigh of relief from Alfred, the three gentlemen entered the house.

The black and white marble hallway was a far cry from the servant's entrance that Alfred had been led down a few minutes previously. The staircase swept up from the ground floor, leading the way enticingly to the higher rooms. Solid oak doors, stood to attention around the edge of the hallway, to which Lord Dunham led the way to one.

"Dawson, I'll see you in the drawing room, after I've spoken to Mr Peters," Lord Dunham said to his friend.

Alfred was ushered into the study and admired the richness of the wood and amount of books adorning the shelves. The chairs that were in this room, were not the wooden chairs, filled with cus.h.i.+ons that had been in the butler's pantry, but the high winged-back, upholstered chairs that promised both comfort and warmth.

Lord Dunham sat at his desk and indicated that Alfred should take the chair opposite him. "I'm presuming this has something to do with Baron Kersal?" He asked, correctly guessing that any contact between the Bow Street Officer and Lord Halkyn would be to do with the case they had worked on together.

"It has, my Lord," Alfred replied. "I am sorry about the intrusion, but seeing your carriage gave a glimmer of hope in an otherwise very dark evening."

Alfred explained about Laura's approach and what his intentions had been. He explained their current predicament and the loss that he was at since he had undertaken his evening enquiries at Lord Halkyn's home.

Lord Dunham sat, thinking for a few moments before responding to the story. "Do you believe everything this Laura tells you?" he asked.

"I do," Alfred said without hesitation. "She is not an hysterical female, or a conniving one, I know her profession may lead people to mistrust what she is saying, but she has never lied to us before. She has asked for nothing, apart from help to reach safety."

"Trust Halkyn to refuse to have any contact with the outside world," Lord Dunham muttered to himself. "Is there no one that she knows outside the city?"

"No, people like her tend to have quite a narrow acquaintance, none of who would be willing to acknowledge her during daylight hours," Alfred said, his face betraying nothing.

Lord Dunham looked amused at the officer's words. "Quite so, well it looks like we need to get her away and sooner rather than later," he responded decisively.

Alfred smiled, a rare and genuine smile. "Thank you my Lord."

"There's no need to thank me, she risked herself when she helped Miss Webster, uh, Lady Halkyn, and her evidence brought a stop to the practice, even though Kersal managed to escape the noose. It is only right she is helped in return now, as it would be unfair to leave her to her own fate."

"She is quite independent and once away I am sure will require no further a.s.sistance," Alfred a.s.sured Lord Dunham, recalling Laura telling him that she still had most of the money that he had given her, as well as her own savings. "There is another problem though, she is heavy with child and there is no sign of the father."

Lord Dunham frowned slightly. "Well that comes as no real surprise, although it does complicate matters further, she needs to be somewhere that she can have the child in safety, before setting up a home. I'm presuming the poor child will be some aristocracy by-blow," Lord Dunham said with sadness and a touch of anger. He had been no angel when enjoying his single days, but he had always taken care to ensure there was no consequences from his liaisons. The fact that he had been motivated by personal reasons made no difference, children could be prevented.

"I have not asked and she has not offered any information," Alfred said stiffly.

Lord Dunham sighed, "Let us be honest, she may not even know who the father is, if she was a popular girl."