aListen carefully,a Hawk said in a clipped, military voice. aWe need to find a woman in Brighton. The main thing is that she is French. She was last seen looking sallow and dressed in black, but she may have changed. Sheas slim, dark-eyed, and about thirty. She will probably have one or three young children with her. Weare also looking for a very sick officer, who might go by the name Lieutenant Rowland. The last person is a carter called Old Matt. Old Matt Fagg. He might simply be drunk in one of the taverns. All three people are somewhere in Brighton. You are to alert as many people as possiblea" children tooa"that anyone who brings me news of where any of these people are will receive ten guineas.a The maid and groom came to sharp attention. The lad gaped. That was probably his yearly wage.

aWhatas more, if any of these people are found by anyone, you three will each receive ten guineas for yourself. Mind, though, everyone is to be careful. We only want to know where she is. We do not want her disturbed. Do you understand?a All three nodded, though adazzleda might have better described their state than acomprehending.a aDo you have any questions?a The lad said, aTen guineas, sir?a aYes.a The three servants backed out, but then Clarissa heard one set of running footsteps. She was sure they were the boyas.

aI do hope no one will get hurt,a she said.

aYou wouldnat make a general, love.a It slipped out and they looked at one another.

aI have this constant urge,a said Nicholas, pacing the room, ato go and search the streets. Itas irrational.a aBut perfectly reasonable,a Hawk said. aWaitinga"and watchinga"are always the hardest parts.a Clarissa guessed that he referred to his army career.

aWhat about Madame Mystiqueas house?a she asked.

aShe might try to hide in open view?a Hawk asked. aI doubt it. It would be a trap. But it certainly should be checked. Whoas best at housebreaking?a aIave done it,a said Nicholas with a wry smile, abut I wouldnat say itas a skill of mine.a aIall do it, then,a said Hawk, picking up a satchel head brought and taking out a ring of strange-looking keys.

aYou must have had an interesting war,a Nicholas remarked.

aThatas one way of looking at it. As I pointed out recently, however, it was nothing so dramatic as chasing down spies. More a question of checking out warehouses.a Clarissa remembered, and knew head said it deliberately, as a kind of connection.

He took Nicholas with him, as a kindness, she was sure, and Jetta by necessity, but they were soon back to say that the house was deserted and no clue could be found there. aExcept traces of opium,a Hawk said. aSo she probably does have Lord Darius and the children drugged.a aIt can be so dangerous,a Eleanor whispered. aIave never given her it. Not even for teething.a The door suddenly opened and Miss Hurstman stood there. aHa!a she exclaimed, fixing Clarissa with a dragonas eye. aMaria, I told you to tell me if she turned up.a But then she looked around. aWhatas the matter?a Nicholas went and took her hands. aTherese Bellaire has kidnapped Arabel.a Miss Hurstman, who Clarissa had thought was made of pure steel, went sickly sallow and sat down with a thump. aOh, heaven help the poor angel!a Clarissa thought the woman might cry, but then she stiffened. aI assume you men are dealing with it?a aAs best we can,a said Hawk dryly.

A knock on the door brought the maidservant whoad been sent out to search. aI found the carter, sir!a she declared, flushed with excitement as if this was a treasure hunt. For her, Clarissa supposed, it was. aAt Mrs. Purbeckas lodging house, sir, but dead drunk. Really drunk. She thinks heas drunk uncut brandy, sir, for there was a half-anker nearby.a Maria gave the woman her ten guineas and told her to go and find a way to bring the unconscious man here.

aUncut brandy?a she asked when the maid was gone.

aSmugglers ship it double strength in small casks,a Susan said. aIt saves space. Then itas watered to the right proof over here. Thereas many a man drunk himself to death sneaking a bit from a smuggleras cask.a Clarissa had learned that Susan was from the coast of Devon. Did all people there know such details?

After that, it was merely a question of waiting. Old Matt was trundled over in a handcart and put to bed in the kitchen, but it was clear he would not wake soona" and perhaps not at all.

The Delaneys left to go up to the room prepared for them.

Clarissa realized that she would have to return to Broad Street. Foolishly, she didnat want to leave Hawk, and she didnat want to leave the center of the action in case some miracle should occur.

But then, after a short interval, the other two servants straggled in to say that no one seemed to have seen a trace of the Frenchwoman, or the invalid officer. Hawk gave the lad and the man their ten guineas anyway, and rubbed a hand over his face.

aShe canat have hidden that thoroughly. Itas not possible.a aUnless itas a blind,a Con said, aand sheas not in Brighton at all.a Hawk considered it, but then shook his head. aShe wants her money, and this is the place she appointed. Iam missing something. We all need sleep.a Clarissa couldnat imagine how anyone could sleep, but Miss Hurstman rose, a very subdued Miss Hurstman. Clarissa realized that there hadnat been a word about her elopement. It was a very minor thing.

She turned to Hawk. Minor or not, it seemed strange to leave without something meaningful between them. aCan you sleep?a she asked. Good heavens, it had been only last night that theyad slept together.

It was Lord Vandeimen who answered. aHe can sleep through anything when he decides he needs it. We thought it would be a nice nostalgic touch to share quarters before Waterloo. We didnat realize then what kind of work Hawk really did. Con, Dare, and I couldnat get a momentas rest for the coming and going. Hawk, on the other hand, would suddenly stop, lie down, and go to sleep, telling whoever was there to take messages.a Hawk winced. aWas it as bad as that?a aYes.a But then Lord Vandeimen added, aWe wouldnat have missed it, all the same. I hope to God it is Dare, and we can save him.a Hawk picked up a pen from the table, turning it restlessly in his fingers. aHe came to speak to me that last night. He was leaving for the Duchess of Richmondas ball. You two had already gone to your regiments, and I was busy, but Wellington wanted as many officers as possible there to keep up appearances.

aHe came into my room and said he wanted to thank me. I asked what for, of course. Probably rather shortly. I was busy, and his gadfly antics in the past weeks hadnat endeared him to me. He gestured at all the papers in that way he had that made it seem that he took nothing seriously. aOh, for all this, I suppose,a he said. aAn excellent education in the complexities of military affairs.a Then he said that if he lived, he planned to take a seat in Parliament and work to improve army administration.

aI suddenly took him more seriously, and I worried. Men do get a premonition of death. I asked him, but he shrugged and said something about it being reasonable to consider death on the eve of battle. Flippantly, in his usual way. Then he asked me to take care of you, Con, and I realized that most of his gadfly japes had been a deliberate attempt to carry you through the waiting time.a Conas mouth was tight with suppressed tears. aBut heas alive. And weall find him and make him well again.a aYes, we will. I didnat look after you, Con, but weall get Dare back, so he can berate me about it.a Clarissa couldnat be cautious or discreet. She went over to Hawk and pulled his head down for a gentle kiss. aTomorrow is the battle, but I will be by your side.a He cradled her head for a moment, his eyes telling her what she knew, that there was a great deal to be said but that this was not the time. Then he kissed her back and said, aSleep well.a She nodded and left with Miss Hurstman.

She arrived back at Broad Street exhausted from an astonishing few days, but not ready for sleep. She wandered into the front parlor.

To find Althea in the arms of a dashing gentleman.

aAlthea!a Clarissa gasped, absurdly shocked.

Althea and the man broke apart, both red-faced and appalled.

Miss Hurstman let out a crack of laughter. aItas as well I donat plan a career as a chaperone. Iam clearly a total loss at it. You, sira"who are you, and what are you doing? Oh, forget that. Itas clear what youare doing.a The man had struggled to his feet and was pulling his waistcoat down. He was not a young gallant, but he was a fine figure of a man, with short, curly hair, a handsome face, and good broad shoulders. Althea leaped up and stood beside him in a protective posture that Clarissa recognized.

How on earth had Althea got to this point with this man with her none the wiser? Shead never seen him before.

The man tugged on his cravat, then said, aI am extremely sorry. Carried away, you see. But Miss Trist and I have just agreed to marry.a aVery nice,a said Miss Hurstman. aBut who are you?a aThe nameas Verrall,a he said, swallowing. aI do have Miss Tristas fatheras permission.a Clarissa gaped. This was Altheaas hoary widower?

He stood straighter, chin set. aI thought I was prepared to wait while Althea had her holiday here, but her letters began to worry me.a He turned to Althea. aI hope you donat mind your father sharing them with me, my dear?a Althea shook her head, blushing beautifully.

aI did not like to push my suit too strongly, but I became convinced that it would be folly to delay with so many handsome gallants around. So here I am.a aSo here you are,a Miss Hurstman said. aExcellent, but thereas no bed for you here, Mr. Verrall, so off you go. You can return in the morning.a Mr. Verrall took his leave, not even daring to take a final kiss under Miss Hurstmanas eye. Despite everything that had happened, Clarissa felt like giggling, and she was truly delighted for her friendas happiness. Incidentals like age didnat matter. Only trust and love.

But then Althea obviously gathered her wits. aBut you, Clarissa. We hearda Maria Vandeimen saidaa Clarissa made a decision. aOh, that was all a misunderstanding.a She used the excuse Hawk had apparently spread around. aI went to attend Beth Ardenas lying-in.a aYou, an unmarried lady!a Althea gasped.

aI was always somewhat rash, Althea, you know that. Come up to bed.a She glanced at Miss Hurstman and saw that the woman understood. There was no point in disturbing Altheaas happiness with a crisis she could not help with.

It was dark in the small space, and windowless, but a tight grille in the door let in glimmers from a lamp some distance away. A swaying lamp.

Lord Darius Debenham lay propped up on the narrow bed, watching the two older children play with their food. Exactly that. There was bread here. Theyad eaten some, then molded bits into little animals with practiced skill. So few proper toys theyad had.

They spoke in whispers. They always spoke in whispers, probably because Therese Bellaire had punished them if they didnat.

Therese Bellaire. The whore who had tormented Nicholas for fun. She would have no sweet ending planned. They were to die here, and he couldnat do a damn thing about it except pray.

And keep the children at peace as long as he could.

He gently touched the hair of the one cuddled against him. Therese had said she was Arabel, Nicholasas child. Head last seen her as a baby, but in the uncertain light he thought she had Nicholasas eyes. Dear God, what he must be suffering.

And there wasnat a damn thing he could do to help.

Little Arabel had awakened crying and had called for her mama and papa, but shead calmed. Lord knows why. He couldnat think he was a sight to soothe a child. Perhaps it was Delphie and Pierre, whoad hovered, whispering their comforts and their admonitions to be quiet.

So she was quiet, but she stayed close by his side, and the trust pierced him when it was so misplaced. The child might well be stronger than he was. Head made himself eat some of the food left here, but when had he eaten before that? Food had no savor for him, no importance.

His recent life seemed like pictures glimpsed in darkness. Shead said it had been a year. A year! That head been close to death.

He remembered the battle, but not whatever disaster had ended it for him. A bullet in the side and a hoof in the head, shead said. Certainly he had headaches. He could remember the pain so fierce that head welcomed the drug, begged for it.

But had it been a year?

And had he really believed he was another man? He couldnat think clearly about it all, but he remembered a time when everything had been blank. Head welcomed the facts she put in his memory, meaningless though they had been. When head begun to doubt, there had been the children. If he wasnat Rowland, they werenat his. So they werenat his.

How could he save them?

Did he want to be saved?

He looked at his bony, quivering hand.

He thought of his parents, his friends. He thought of them finding him like this, a weak husk of a man, already shaking with the need of the stuff in the bottle shead left.

Perhaps head be better dead. But he had to stay alive to take care of the children.

He ached for the laudanum, but shead left only a spoonful, maybe less. A calculated torment. He didnat need it badly enough yet. Shead given him a lot before she moved him here. Enough for deep dreams, enough for thought. But all he had was in that bottle. Once that was gone, it was gone, and the need would tear him apart. He couldnat let the children see that.

He would kill himself first. It would be kinder.

If he had the strength.

He looked at the bottle again, could almost smell the bitter liquid through the glass. He started to sweat, belly aching.

No. Not yet.

They needed to escape.

He would have laughed if head had the energy. He could hardly walk. Head checked the space, crawling, sweating, and aching every inch of the way. When head tried to stand, his legs had buckled under him. Delphie and Pierre had helped him back to the bed.

The door was solid and locked. If he could smash out the tiny grille, not even Delphie could escape through it. And head be hard-pressed to gather the strength to pick up the damn bottle and pull out the stopper!

Delphie scrambled to her feet and came over to him, holding the rough doll head made for her one day. It was just sticks and rags, but it had been the best he could do. It was their secret, always carefully hidden.

aMarietteas arm is broken, Papa,a she whispered in French.

He looked at it as she climbed up beside him. aI canat fix it now, sweetheart. Thereas no need to whisper. Sheas gone.a Delphie looked up at him with huge eyes. aI like to whisper.a He held her close as weak tears escaped.

Delphie looked at Arabel, then put the doll into her hand. aYou can have her for a little while.a Arabel doubtless didnat understand French, but she clutched Mariette as if the doll could take her back to her loving home.

Dare leaned his head back and did the only thing he still could. He prayed.

When Clarissa woke the next morning she was thrust abruptly back into the horrific situation. She sat up, wondering where the poor children had spent the night. She looked at the window and realized it was raining. That seemed suitable. This was the day of battle. Presumably at some point Therese Bellaire would tell them where to send the money. The money Clarissa prayed had been coming in through the night.

Then she would tell them where the prisoners were.

If Hawk hadnat found them beforehand.

Althea stirred and smiled, clearly full of more pleasant thoughts. aClarissa,a she said, turning sober and sitting up, awould you mind very much if I returned with Mr. Verrall to Bucklestead St. Stephens? He canat be away long, you see, because of the children. Anda and I want to go home. Iam very sorry, but I donat like Brighton very much.a Clarissa took her hands. aOf course you must go. But all the way with only Mr. Verrall?a She was teasing somewhat, but Althea flushed. aIam sure he can be trusted.a aAh,a said Clarissa, abut a chaperone is not to keep the wolves away. Itas to keep the ladies from leaping into the jaws of the wolves.a aClarissa!a gasped Althea. But then she colored even more. aI know what you mean. But,a she added, aitas not like that with Mr. Verrall and me yet, and Iam sure I can trust him to be a gentleman.a Clarissa smiled and kissed her. aIam sure youall be very happy, no matter what happens.a They both climbed out of bed, and Althea asked, aWhat of you and the major? It all seemed so strange.a Clarissa didnat want to lie. She looked at Althea and said, aIam not sure you want to know.a Althea blushed again. aPerhaps I donat. But are you going to marry him?a aOh, yes,a Clarissa said. aIam sure I am.a As soon as she was dressed, she hurried downstairs and told Miss Hurstman about Altheaas plans, and that she herself was going over to the Vandeimensa house. She was braced for battle, but Miss Hurstman nodded. aIall come over myself when Altheaas on her way. Take the footman, though. Just in case.a So Clarissa was escorted all the way, astonished that she had never considered that she might be in danger. After all, she was the one who was technically in possession of Therese Bellaireas money.

She arrived without incident, however, to find that wealth had poured in, but that nothing new had turned up to tell them where the hostages were.

There was a heavy sack of jewels. Some were Blancheas theatrical pieces, but most were real. A great deal of it had come from Lord Arden, including, originally, what Blanche had referred to as Lucienas necklace, which was a ridiculously gaudy piece with huge stones in many colors; it had to be worth thousands.

Clarissa smiled at the friendly, understanding love that had given the White Dove something she would never wear but something that would amuse her, and keep her if she ever fell into need.

A strongbox had come from someone in London, and more from Lord Middlethorpe in Hampshire. Clarissa looked at it all, remembering with some satisfaction that all these people would be paid back from her money.

But then she realized that would mean that Hawk would lose Hawkinville. She could bear that, but she ached for the poor people there, and she knew the pain must be ten times worse for him. Ignoring the presence of all the others, she went to where he sat, clearly furious at himself for not being able to solve the problems singlehandedly. Jetta was curled at his feet. Tentatively, Clarissa put her hand on his shoulder.

He started and looked up, then covered her hand with his. aWhere do we stand?a She smiled. She too wanted this clear. aOn our own two feet? I suppose that should be four. I meant what I said about using my money to pay everyone back. Even if they resist.a He turned to face her. aI know. Itas all right.a aWhat about Hawkinville?a aThatas not all right, but if itas the price, Iall pay it.a She raised his hand and kissed it. aIf you happen to have a ring, Iad be proud to wear it.a He stood, smiling, and produced it, slid it on her finger.

She smiled back at him, not teary at all, but firmly happy that things were right. About this, at least.

aAnd now,a she said, aplease solve all our problems, sir.a He groaned, but said, aI donat expect always to do miracles, but in this case I feel that Iave missed something.a She sat down beside him. aWhat if I go over it? She snatched the baby from the Court and brought it to Brighton. Lord Darius and the children had already been brought here by Old Matt. I assume he hasnat said anything?a aHeas dead, love. The alcohol killed him.a It sent a chill through her. One death could so easily be followed by more.

He took her hand. aShe might not have meant to kill him.a aBut she didnat care, did she?a aNo,a he admitted. aShe didnat care.a She pulled her mind straight and tried to help him again. aShe sent a noteaa But he said, aWait! Smuggleras brandy! Smugglers,a he said to the room at large. aOf course! Sheas linked up with smugglers. Sheas on a boat.a The room suddenly buzzed, and Susan said, aI know smuggling.a aDo you know any smugglers here?a Hawk asked.

She pulled a face. aNo, but my fatheras name will count.a Even more interesting, thought Clarissa. But she was fizzing with excitement, too.

aGo out and see what you can learn. Cona"a aOf course Iam going with her.a The two men shared a look, then laughed.

The Amleighs left and Hawk paced. aSheas on a boat, ready to take off for the Continent as soon as she has the money. Iall go odds she has her hostages on the boat too. No, not on the same boata"on another boat. We need to check the fishermen as well as the smugglers. Theyare not always the same thing. Van? And see what there is that we can hire. We need to be on the water.a Lord Vandeimen left, and Hawk looked around the room. aI wonder if anyone but Susan knows how to handle a boat.a aSheas a smuggler?a Clarissa asked tentatively.

aJust closely connected,a said Hawk with a smile that was partly excitement. aWeave cut through her lines at last. Weall have this all tight by evening.a Time returned to creeping in halting steps. Clarissa kept thinking of the children, wondering if they were still druggeda"which would be dangerousa"or frightened, or hungry. If they were on a boat, were they safe or could they fall overboard and drown? Were there rats?

She knew it must be much worse for the Delaneys, but they seemed to have found a stoic calm as they waited.

Con and Susan returned first. aI made contact eventually,a Susan said. aI had to persuade Con to go away. He has far too much of a military look about him. I put the word out and offered a reward, but no one would say anything directly. Theyall send word here if thereas anything.a aCan you sail a fishing boat?a Hawk asked.

aOf course,a she said, as if it were the most common thing.

aWe werenat all raised by the sea, you know. With any luck, Van has found us a boat. We need to be on the water this evening when the payment is made.a He looked out of the window at the sea, choppy and gray on this miserable day. There were plenty of boats bobbing at anchor. Clarissa wondered which ones held the villain and the hostages, and what would happen if they searched them all.

Disaster, probably.

Then Lord Vandeimen returned. aThe Pretty Anna,a he said, eyes bright. aI can point it out.a aWeave hired it?a Hawk asked.

aNo. Weave hired the Seahorse. The Pretty Anna is probably where Dare and the children are. The young man who owns it has been acting strange recently. Not going out fishing on good days, disappearing now and then. Talking about traveling. Yesterday he talked to one man about selling the Pretty Anna to him.a aShow us.a Everyone crowded to the window, and Lord Vandeimen pointed out one small boat among many, but that one had the dull glimmer of a lantern, showing that someone must be on board.

aCan we go?a Eleanor asked. aNow?a But there was a new knock on the door. There seemed to be a confusion of footsteps, then the door opened. aA message for Mr. Delaney,a the footman announced, the paper on a silver tray.

Nicholas strode over to take it.

aAnd,a intoned the footman, athereas a man at the back door asking after Lady Amleigh.a Susan rushed out, pushing the footman out of the way. Someone shut the door on him. Everyone looked at Nicholas.

aShe must have caught wind of our tack. Itas the Pretty Anna, now, with whatever valuables we have. No promise of telling us where the hostages are.a He looked at Clarissa. aYou and I are to take the ransom, dressed in only the lightest clothes.a aClarissa?a said Hawk. aThatas not acceptable.a aI agree,a said Nicholas. aIall go alone.a aNo. If she wants me, I have to go. We canat risk the children.a aShe probably has no intention of telling us where they are,a Hawk said. aAnd with luck, we can find them with the other boat.a aLuck is not acceptable.a aUse some sense! Sheall probably take you as a new hostage.a aIad die first,a said Nicholas.

aSo youad be dead. What good would that be?a Silence crackled.

Clarissa put her hands on his arm. aHawk, I have to go. With or without your blessing.a He glared at her, but then brought himself under control. aAll right. I go with Susan. Iam a strong swimmer. If we can close, I can swim over.a aYouall need weapons,a Nicholas said.

Hawkas knife appeared in his hand.

Nicholas said, aI have something similar upstairs. But Clarissa could do with one too.a Clarissa shook her head. aI canat use a knife on someone.a aYou can if you have to.a aIall get something from the kitchen,a Maria said and hurried away.

Susan came in, bright with excitement. aWeave got her! Sheas paying Sam Pilcher to take her to France. He has a fast cutter he claims can outrun the navy. He was taken with her charms, but heas beginning to wonder.a aIs she on the boat now?a Nicholas asked.

aNo. Heas just been sent word that sheall be there in the hour. But,a she added, ahe swears thereas no one else on the boat now. Heall take someone of ours out there to capture her.a aIall go,a said Lord Vandeimen, clearly itching for action.

aAnd I,a said Major Beaumont.

Susan went out with them to introduce them. Clarissa heard her instructing them not to act like military men.