Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,15

but now that he had them, how could he use her?

She would hate him. She would hate herself. And James didn’t think that all the riches in America would be enough to earn forgiveness if he followed through with what he and Sean and Patrick had planned all those months ago. James would never forgive himself.

“If ye don’t want to help us, I’m sure we can find a man who will,” Patrick said, draining the last of his ale and making to rise.

Panic gripped James now. As it stood, he had held off Sean and Patrick and protected Phil. But if they cut him out of the scheme, she would be vulnerable once again. And with her in London and James still at Southmeade, he couldn’t keep her safe. Plus, there was no guarantee whoever Sean and Patrick recruited would treat Phil honorably.

“Sit down,” James hissed. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t help. I just said I can’t go to London.”

Patrick narrowed his eyes. “So yer in?”

“I said I was, but ye’ll have to wait until the family returns from London.” He’d think of some way to fix this before then. He’d think of another scheme for Patrick and Sean or send them back to Ireland on false pretenses.

“No, I don’t think so,” Sean said. “I think we can make it so ye go to London with the family.”

“How’s that?” James asked. “They’re leaving in the morning and most of the staff are abed.”

“Leave it to me,” Sean said, his tone ominous. James suddenly had a vision of Mr. Balcolm lying on the ground with his neck twisted at an impossible angle.

“What do ye think to do?” James asked.

“Nothing permanent,” Sean said. “Just make sure yer up and ready to go to Town at first light.”

JAMES WAS UP EARLY the next morning. He couldn’t very well pack his valise with William about, but he had lain awake planning what he would take in his head. His eyes felt heavy and gritty from lack of sleep, and as he helped load the carriage, he jumped at every sound, certain it would be someone announcing the demise of poor Balcolm.

But when the news came, it was far less dramatic than he had supposed. Mr. Caffold stopped him in the courtyard and asked if he could serve at breakfast. Balcolm had a touch of indigestion this morning. Feeling as though his face betrayed his guilt, James agreed and started back upstairs to change into a clean livery and gloves. But he’d barely begun when William charged into their chambers, half out of breath.

“Caffold says to pack your things. You’re for London.”

James stared at him then stuttered, “What about Balcolm?”

“He’s taken to his bed. Cast up his accounts all over the butler’s pantry. Her Grace says he is to stay here and wait for the doctor. That means you go. I wish I could go. I’ve never even seen London.”

“It’s noisy and dirty,” James said, pulling out his valise.

“You’ve seen it?”

James immediately realized his mistake. He had told everyone he’d worked for a family in Ireland before coming here. When would he have gone to London? “That’s what I’ve heard,” James said. “I’ll tell ye all about it when I return. I’ll bring ye a memento too.”

“You will?” William’s eyes grew large.

“Sure. But if I’m for London, don’t ye need to serve?”

William jumped. “Oh, right. See you when you return.”

James shook his head and smiled. William was a good lad. He should be the one to go to Town, except if he did, he’d have his pockets emptied within the hour of arrival.

He packed quickly and then accepted a meal of bread and cheese wrapped in a cloth from Cook. James tucked it in his coat, though he had no intention of eating it. No telling what food or drink Sean had tampered with. James would rather go hungry.

He and the grooms milled about the carriages—one for the ladies and their maids and one for the luggage—for a quarter of an hour before the coachman moved the carriage to the front of the house and James was required to open the door and assist the women inside. The duchess went first, followed by Lady Philomena. James kept his expression neutral and did not look at her even as his hand burned when she put hers in it. Next were the two maids. Then he closed the door and hopped onto the back.

A moment later they were off. The wind was cold, and he was grateful