This chapter is dedicated to TriciaGoodwin & Netranjal.     Thanks for the support!

First Draft: I am working on uploading the edited, published versions, but the following will contain mistakes. 

Alexander crept to the back of the Lancaster Estate, careful not to make any noise. He knew precisely which window he must venture. He had ascertained Jade's exact location, 'twas not an easy task as the estate was quite large, with many rooms.

Making his way past the small stables at the back of the property, he hesitated. Hearing a soothing voice and a horse's whine, he stopped and stood stock-still. He feared he might have to give up for the night. "Bloody hell," Alexander murmured under his breath. He couldn't afford for anyone except for Jade to see him tonight. Turning to abandon his quest, he came face to face with a young man pointing a pistol at his chest.

"Easy lad! I'm a friend, not a foe," Alexander spoke soft and slow as he gingerly held up his hands. He could tell the young man was nervous and doubted he would shoot without just cause.

"State your name and business, sir. Most friends come calling during appropriate hours, not the middle of the bloody night!" the stable boy stated with defiance, his pistol still aimed to fire if need be.

Alexander thought quickly and realized with uncertainty that he would have to wing it. His plan had unfortunately backfired, and he hoped the lad would go along with him. "I am Alexander Winferd, manager of The Fulton Shipping Line. I am expected on the morrow but heard of the fire upon my early arrival. I am most worried about the ladies. I couldn't catch a wink of sleep for doubt and concern over them." Alexander anxiously watched the display of emotions cross the young man's face and expelled a quiet breath of relief. The lad had finally lowered his gun.

"Forgive me, sir. I am Riley."

"Not a problem, Riley. I am quite pleased to see such a loyal servant. See, Miss Jade Fulton means more to me than business." Alexander smiled at his quick thinking and genius remark.

"I see." Riley smiled coyly.

Alexander knew that all servants gossiped and knew everything that went on in a household and was pleased with this sudden turn of events. Now, if he could start a little rumor with the stable hand, it would spread like wildfire throughout the household and all of London.

It would definitely plant a seed of doubt regarding Jade. He needed Riley to think he was involved with her, and the rest would fall into place. He knew personally that the sting of pride could cause a man to do foolish things when a female was involved. Yes, Lord William Anson shall be quite offended by Jade very soon.

"There is no need for concern, sir. Both Fulton ladies are fine, but I understand your quarry. You wish to know for certain, and that is why you are here at this ungodly hour," Riley said with a smirk. He was no fool and could tell the man was smitten, perhaps in love.

"Precisely, lad. I need a favor from you, and I will make it worth your while." Alexander dug into his pocket and held out the coins for Riley to feast his eyes upon and figured 'twas more than the lad would earn in a fortnight.

Riley's eyes bulged out of their sockets. "What kind of favor, my good sir?" he asked and licked his suddenly dry lips. He couldn't imagine what type of favor would earn him that much coin.

"Oh, just a small favor, but we must be very discreet. I need to see that Miss Fulton is in good health, and I need to go to her undetected," Alexander implored.

"Sir, I'm not sure that is wise. We have guests in the house, and it would be most improper for the lady. What if someone sees you? And I cannot lose my position!" Riley raked his hand through his hair in frustration. He knew he could get the gentleman inside, and he could very well use the extra coin.

"No fear, my friend." Alexander walked to Riley and patted the young man's back. "You get me inside, and I shall do the rest. If someone sees me, it will only expedite the wedding. We shall inevitably marry, and I will take full responsibility. The next time we meet, we shall meet as strangers." Alexander tried to alleviate the lad's anxiety but was losing patience with Riley.

"What if Miss Fulton does not want you in her chamber, or worse? What if you are not who you say you are?" Riley looked to Alexander as concern knitted his brow.

Alexander was done placating the boy. He pulled out his introduction letter and thrust it into the lad's shaking hands. Riley scanned the contents slowly, using the light of the moon. "I'll do it, but I have one condition," he answered firmly as he handed the letter back.

"What pray tell, is this one condition?" Alexander tried to hide his outrage, but he would not spoil his new plan. No, he had too much riding on this.

"You must allow me to alert her lady's maid first. It's only fitting, and Suzanna is very loyal to Miss Fulton. She will be discreet, but I cannot, in good faith, allow you entry straight to the lady's bedchamber," Riley hissed and folded his arms.

Knowing he must agree, Alexander accepted. He was not thrilled, but he would find a way to get rid of the maid once he was inside. "Very well, lad, I appreciate your forethought on the matter. I'm pleased to know that my intended bride is in such good hands."

Riley was apprehensive and confused. There were whispers of a growing attachment between Miss Fulton and Lord Anson. He had even delivered an urgent note to the earl's residence, per Suzanna. Riley assumed the letter was from Miss Fulton herself. He prayed he was doing the right thing as the sound of coins pulled him from his reverie.

"Follow me, Mr. Winferd," Riley stated as he held out his hand for his compensation. Smiling, Alexander dropped the warm coins into Riley's sweaty palm and proceeded to follow the lad.

Rapping softly, Riley prayed Suzanna would hear him. He feared waking up the other servants and sent up a silent prayer. Since taking over as Miss Fulton's maid, Suzanna had moved to a larger bedchamber that she occupied alone. No longer having to share a room had caused some unrest and jealousy among the other servants. After several seconds, the door slowly opened, and Suzanna peeked her sleepy head out. Confusion, then alarm set in as she started to speak.

"Shhhh!" Riley raised his finger to his lips. "Nothing is wrong, but we need a favor. We need you to escort Mr. Winferd to Jade's bedchamber," Riley whispered.

Without a word, Suzanna jerked Riley into her bedchamber, leaving a slightly stunned Alexander behind. "What in God's name is going on? And who is that man? I swear Riley—"

"Suzanna, stop," Riley interrupted with a harsh whisper. "I can explain everything, and you can be vexed later. Mr. Alexander Winferd is here on business for the Fultons, and apparently, he arrived early and knows of the fire. He's quite upset and worried. I need you to discreetly take him to Miss Fulton's chambers and stay as a chaperone."

"Have you lost all sensibility? Jade is injured and she was given a sleeping draught. Mr. Whoever can call on her like a normal gentleman in the morning," Suzanna exclaimed as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Please, Suzanna, it appears he's quite adamant. He speaks as if he is courting Miss Fulton and ready to obtain a special license." Riley raised his brows as if to question his statement.

"Courting Jade? Special license... that is preposterous! I pray I don't regret this." Suzanna narrowed her eyes at Riley and followed him out of the room.

"I will be outside. Suzanna will lead the way," Riley whispered and winked at Alexander.

Without sparing either one another glance, Suzanna ambled towards Jade's bedchamber. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and her mind was filled with curiosity. There was something she immediately disliked about the stranger following her every step. He was a handsome devil, but his eyes disturbed her.

Soulless. His eyes look cruel, and Jade would have mentioned him. I believe he is a fiend, dressed like a gentleman. What if I am putting her in danger? Suzanna cringed at her thoughts and had to steady herself at the door.

"You wait here; I do not wish to cause her a shock. She's had enough of that for one night, and I fear she will have a fit of the vapors. Please forgive me; I didn't get an introduction and wish to inform her of your name," Suzanna whispered while holding her head high and meeting his soulless gaze. She would not cower to him, but she felt fear crawl like spiders through her body. There was something amiss with the man, but it was too late to turn back now.

"As you wish, Miss Suzanna." Alexander enjoyed the shocked look on her face. He wouldn't tell her that Riley had given her name. No, Alexander preferred her anxiety. She acted aloof, but he could smell her fear. "I am Alexander Winferd, and Jade knows me quite well." Alexander flashed a wicked smile.

"Very well, let me rouse her. I must make sure she is appropriate first, and only then, may you come in," Suzanna snapped, letting her annoyance at the fool be known.

Closing the door quietly, she quickly made her way to Jade's sleeping form. Guilt gnawed at her for what she was about to do. She would give Riley a good set-down in the morning. Soft snores drifted from Jade, and Suzanna hated to disturb her. "Miss, please wake up," Suzanna whispered as she softly brushed the hair out of Jade's face. Jade murmured and turned away from Suzanna. "Please wake up, Jade. There is someone here to see you, and I am so sorry for disturbing you," Suzanna cooed as she stroked Jade's arm to wake her gently.

Jade turned onto her back, and her eyes fluttered open as Suzanna lit the candle on the bedside table, illuminating the room in a soft glow. "Whatever is the matter?" Jade's voice was husky from sleep, but she sat up on her elbows and waited for Suzanna's reply.

Before Suzanna could answer, a soft creak sounded, and she turned towards the noise. Alexander stood smugly inside the bedchamber. Suzanna attempted to protest, but a sharp mangled scream escaped Jade's lungs. The sound was loud enough to wake the dead. 

***

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