aSo,a said Hawk, ashe has them on the Pretty Anna. Sheall plan to take the money there, then probably be rowed over to the other ship. Susan can block that as soon as we have the hostages. I donat think it will be so easy.a aSheall take Arabel with her,a Nicholas suggested.

aItas possible. You have to kill her, you know. Sheas a viper. You canat take her to court, and if she gets away youall never know when sheall be back, more vengeful than before.a aYou canat doubt I will if necessary.a Maria came back with a handful of knives. aCookas in tears.a The note specified that Clarissa was to wear only a dressa"no spencer or cloak. Nicholas was to be in breeches and shirt. Few places to hide weapons. No place to hide a pistol.

Soon Clarissa had a narrow knife tucked down her gown in front of her corset, carefully pinned in place in a kind of sheath. The heavy linen protected her from the blade, but she could feel it, hard and unnatural.

aI still donat think I could use it,a she said to Hawk, who had put it there without a hint that he found it arousing.

He looked at her, all officer. aDonat let her hurt you without a fight. Go for the face. Sheas vain. For the eyes with your fingers and nails. If this works properly, however, Iall be there to take care of you.a He kissed her fiercely and left with Con and Susan for the Seahorse. Clarissa saw Jetta streak to catch up and hoped the cat truly was descended from an ancient Chinese warrior line.

Nicholas had two knives tucked away. They gathered the money and jewels into a heavy leather bag.

aWeall delay a little,a he said to Clarissa. aGive the others time. But we canat wait too long. All right?a Clarissa felt the electricity of fear, and wasnat sure if it was bad or good. aYes. I suffer terribly from impatience, though. I want to get on with it.a aLetas go, then.a He went to kiss his wife.

As he swept Clarissa out of the room, however, she saw the expression on Eleanor Delaneyas face. She looked as if she feared that she would never see her husband again.

Chapter Thirty.

The rain was a weary drizzle, soft but chill. They crossed the deserted Parade to the seafront, then headed right. aNow that weare out here thereas no need to hurry. Sheas probably watching through a telescope, and if she sees weare doing the right things, it will be all right.a Clarissa scanned the choppy gray sea for Hawk and Susan, but there were so many boats, and she couldnat even tell if most of them were moving or not.

aWhy did Eleanor look so very frightened?a she asked. aDid she think weare to be murdered?a She was proud of her level tone.

Nicholas looked at her. aItas old history. I got on a boat with Therese Bellaire once before and she didnat see me for six months. She thought I was dead. Weare on a basis of truth, arenat we? The truth is that Therese might want me dead, but she certainly wants to taunt me, to finally prove that she can win. I donat think she wishes you harm. I think she wants a witness, and sheall be as unpleasant, as lewd, as she can be. Iam sorry.a aItas not your fault.a aWho can say? If Iad had the sense not to dally with her so many years agoa Hawk was right, though. If necessary, donat hesitate to hurt her.a He stopped and looked out to sea. aThatas the Pretty Anna, and thereas our boat.a He pointed to a dinghy tied up at a wooden jetty.

aAll details taken care of,a she said, and they hurried in that direction.

Clarissa shivered. In part it was because the rain had soaked her light dress, and the breeze was cold. It was also because of that waiting boat, because they were walking a path created by the evil Madame Bellaire.

She scanned the water again and saw no other boat swooping in. Of course it was too soon.

Their footsteps rattled on the uneven planks of the jetty, and then they were above the boat, a rough wooden ladder leading down.

aCan you manage it?a Nicholas asked.

aIall have to, wonat I?a aIall go first,a he said, and climbed nimbly down with the bag of loot.

Clarissa took a deep breath and eased herself over onto the ladder. aGive thanks,a she said, athat Miss Malloryas School for Ladies believes in physical exercise and womanly strength.a The ladder was rough beneath her hands, and the wind swirled, seeming to snatch at her, making her skirts snag on rough edges. She went steadily down, letting the fine cotton rip if it had to. Another dress ruined.

At the bottom, Nicholas gripped her waist and eased her into the swaying, bouncing boat. He settled her on one bench, then took the other and swung the oars over the water.

She clung to the sides, feeling sure it would tip with the next wave. aIave never been in a boat before.a aThere are worse things,a he said with a smile, and started to pull.

aI canat swim, either.a The boat bucked, and she held on tighter, determined not to scream. Were they making any progress against this rough water? And how was everyone else? The children. Lord Darius. Hawk.

From above, the sea had seemed choppy. From down here, the waves seemed huge.

aHawk said he would swim in this?a aHeall be all right,a Nicholas said, rowing in an easy rhythm. aHe said he is a strong swimmer, and I donat think heas the boastful type.a A wave slapped and drenched her hand. They were getting nearer to the Pretty Anna, but not quickly enough for her. A viper waited, and perhaps a test of courage, but it looked so much more solid than this swaying, bouncing little boat.

Nicholasas drenched shirt clung to his body, a body, she noted, as well made as Hawkas. It pleased her, but it didnat excite her. Please, God, let Hawk be safe. Please, God, let them save the children and Lord Darius.

Please, if thatas what it takes, let the Frenchwoman have the jewels and money, and go. Go far, far away. She knew Hawk wanted her stopped, but Clarissa was with Nicholas in simply wanting this over.

aDo you see anything?a Nicholas asked.

Clarissa snapped out of her thoughts and looked at the boat, twenty feet away. aNo sign of anyone.a aKeep looking.a She scanned the simple boat with the small shedlike room and a tall mast. A lantern bobbed, but the vessel looked completely empty. If Nicholas was right that Therese Bellaire wanted to gloat, she had to be there somewhere.

Their boat jarred against the Anna, and Nicholas tied it up close to a ladder. aIad better go first,a he said.

aNo,a said a familiar French voice. aThe girl first, with the ransom.a Clarissa started to shake and tried desperately not to. After a shared look with Nicholas, she put the satchel across her chest and gripped the ladder. It was harder going up than down. She felt heavy, and her hands were aching with cold. She made it, though, and scrambled over the top to tumble awkwardly onto the deck.

She struggled to her feet. aIam here,a she said, wishing her voice didnat shake. aWith the money.a She heard a sound and whirled, but it was only Nicholas beside her.

aTherese?a he said, sounding completely at ease. aAt your service, as always.a A woman ducked out of the small covered area. She wore an encompassing cloak, but Clarissa could hardly believe it was Mrs. Rowland. The skin was clear, and even glowing in the chilly air. The eyes seemed huge, the lips full and red. In a chilling way, she was very beautiful.

aNicky, darling,a she said. And head been right. She was gloating. Clarissa fought a desperate battle not to look around for the Seahorse, which carried Susan and Hawk.

The woman stepped a little closer, and a man emerged behind her. A handsome man. Young, but tall and strong, and with a pistol in his hand.

aThese the ones, then?a he said in a local accent. aThe ones who stole your money?a aYes,a she purred. aBut they have returned part of it, so we need not be too harsh. Come forward, my dear, and give me the bag.a Clarissa shrugged it off so it was in her hands, then walked forward. She suspected what was going to happen here. When she got close, the man would grab her and Nicholas would be at the womanas mercy.

She dropped the bag on the deck a few feet from the Frenchwomanas feet.

The dark eyes narrowed. aBring it to me.a aWhy? Thatas it. Take it and go.a aIf you donat bring it to me, I will not tell you where the children are, where Lord Darius Debenham is.a aDo I care?a Clarissa asked, drawing on experience of the most silly, heartless schoolgirls shead ever known. aYouare taking my money. You say itas yours, but itas mine, and youare stealing it.a The young man started to speak, and Therese hissed at him to be silent. aIt is mine. I worked hard for that money, and you did nothing. Nothing! You didnat even kill Deveril. Now pick up that bag and bring it to me.a aMake me.a Therese smiled. aSamuel, shoot the man.a The young man blanched, but his pistol rose.

Clarissa snatched up the bag from the deck.

aThatas better,a said Therese. aYou see, it does not pay to fight me. You cannot win. Bring it here.a Clarissa walked forward as slowly as she dared, willing Hawk to appear. She was about to put the bag into the Frenchwomanas hand, when the man said, aHere! Whatare you doing?a Clarissa turned to see that Nicholas had unfastened the flap in his breeches and was undoing the drawers beneath. aThis is what you want, Therese, isnat it?a The Frenchwoman seemed transfixed. Not by the sighta"Clarissa could tell thata"but by satisfaction. aYes. Strip.a Nicholas continued to unfasten his clothing, slowly, seductively. Clarissa realized she was gaping and looked quickly at the young man. He was red-faced. He suddenly jerked the pistol up and aimed it.

Clarissa swung the heavy bag and knocked the weapon flying into the sea.

Samuel howled and rushed at her. She dodged, fell, and quite by accident slipped behind Madame Bellaire so he ran into her.

He howled again, staggering back. Clarissa saw blood.

aOaf!a the Frenchwoman spat, a bloodstained knife in her hand.

Nicholas had a knife out too, and Clarissa saw a boat sweeping close, sails full. It looked as if it was going to crash into them. Not with the children surely here!

She scrambled up and ran for the shed, but she was grabbed and hauled back. She saw the knife in Madame Bellaireas hand and knew she should be terrified. She thought she heard someone bellow, aClarissa!a Hawk.

Go for the eyes. She scratched the womanas face as hard as she could.

The Frenchwoman shrieked and Clarissa was free. She ran, but tripped over the bag of treasure.

Then Madame Bellaire was coming at her again, livid scratches on her face, a face ugly with furious hate.

Nicholas was running forward, but the man Samuel, blood still streaming down his side, threw himself at him.

It all seemed slow, but Clarissa did the only thing she could. She threw the bag.

It hit the woman, staggering her, then fell, spilling gold and jewels.

Madame Bellaire froze for a moment, staring at it. Clarissa fumbled for her knife, catching it on every edge, it seemed, as she struggled to get it free.

Then something jarred the boat, and Hawk landed on the deck. He grabbed the womanas arm, but she twisted, knife lunging. A black shape flew through the air at her face, and she screamed.

Hawk tore the spitting cat away, trapped the woman in his arms, turned hera And threw her, suddenly limp, over the side.

When he turned back, the knife was gone.

It wasnat quiet. The wind rattled the assorted bits of the boat, and the waves slapped hard at the sides. But the people were silent, even the young man, Samuel, whoad been fighting Nicholas in the cause of the woman who had stabbed him.

aWhat have you done with her?a he cried, and staggered over to look out at the sea.

Hawk and Nicholas looked at each other.

aShe was beautiful to me once,a Nicholas said, fastening his clothing. aBut thank you.a Samuel was weeping.

But then a faint voice cried, aPapa!a and Nicholas ran for the shed that must contain the steps.

Clarissa watched in a daze as the Amleighs climbed over the side of the boat. They must have rowed over. Susan began to do things to the boat, but her husband raced below.

Clarissa looked at Hawk.

He said, aYes, I killed her. Iam sorry if that upsets you.a aIall grow accustomed.a He pulled her into his arms. aGod, love, I pray not!a They clung together as things happened around them, and then Nicholas was on deck, a wan child clinging to him, and the boat was under one sail and moving carefully toward the jetty.

Con brought the other two children up, and they huddled close to each other, but Clarissa separated from Hawk and sat down to hold out her arms. After a moment they came forward. Hawk sat beside her, and soon Delphie was in her lap, Pierre in Hawkas.

aMrs. Rowland,a Hawk said gently to them in French, and their eyes dilated. aShe is dead. She will not return.a The two children looked at each other, and the boy said, aPapa?a Clarissa bit her lip.

aYour papa will be fine,a Hawk said, but he gave Clarissa a helpless look.

She mouthed, aPerhaps we can take care of them?a He smiled and nodded.

The boat bumped gently against the dock, and Hawk and Clarissa scrambled off, each with a child. She, for one, was deeply grateful for a solid surface beneath her feet. Eleanor was already there, and Nicholas put Arabel into her shaking arms, then held her close. Blanche wrapped a cloak around them both.

Major Beaumont and Lord Vandeimen ran up and helped carry Lord Darius gently off the boat. Though it took three men, it was clear that he weighed little.

The children pulled away from Clarissa and Hawkas arms and pressed close, whispering, aPapa, Papa,a and he touched them with his trembling hands, telling them in French that it would be all right. That all these people were their friends. That he would make sure they were all right.

A black cat wound around from Hawk to child to child to childa And Clarissa wept. She wept for love, and courage, and trust, and hope. She wept for weariness, cold, and death. She wept in Hawkas arms as he led her away from horror, back to the Vandeimensa house.

And the Duke and Duchess of Yeovil were there.

At the sight of her son, the duchess half fainted, and then crawled to him. The duke was pale and trembling, but he helped her to sit up, and gripped his sonas hand. Delphie and Pierre were tucked close to Lord Darius, as if theyad never leave. Clarissa didnat think they would accept any other home, or that Lord Darius would easily let them go.

She heard him struggle to say, aItas opium, Mama. Iam addicted to opium,a and his mother say that it was all right, that he was home now, and she would make sure it was all right.

Clarissa turned to Hawk. aWeare home now,a she said. aAnd I believe it will be all right.a aYou have my solemn vow on it, my love. Marry me, Falcon.a aOf course.a Heaven suddenly seemed possible, but it was rather alarming, even so, when a knock on the door produced the Duke and Duchess of Belcraven. Slim, cool, and elegant, the duke raised his quizzing glass and looked at her. aI hear alarming things of you, young lady.a Clarissa couldnat help it. She curtsied and said, aProbably all true. Iam delighted youare here, your grace. Youall make it easy for me to marry Major Hawkinville as soon as possible.a aI gather that is a necessity.a aCompletely,a she said. The duchess laughed and came over to hug her.

The dukeas lips twitched, and he looked around. aFrom the general tone, I assume the valuable items Iave brought are not necessary. The Rogues rule the day again?a aAnd the Georges,a said Hawk, stepping forward to bow. aYou doubtless have misgivings, your grace, but I hope you will consent to our marriage. I will do my best to make her happy.a aAs I will do my best to ensure that you do, sir. And my best is very formidable indeed. In moments, I wish to see you to discuss the marriage contract.a He then went over to talk to the Yeovils and congratulate them on the return of their son.

The legal discussion did not take place in moments. A doctor was summoned for Lord Darius, and rooms were arranged for the Yeovils at the Old Ship. Once the doctor assured the duke and duchess that it was safe, they all left, Lord Darius on a stretcher, two waifs attached. Clarissa recognized that Delphie and Pierre had chosen their own home. Surprisingly, Jetta had too. She leaped onto the stretcher but eyed the children, as if they were her new charges.

All who had been on the water were damp and went to change. Clarissa hated to leave, even for a moment, but Hawk escorted her back to Broad Street for a dry dress, and then brought her and a relieved Miss Hurstman back. Althea and Mr. Verrall had apparently only just left. Clarissa chose to wear the cream-and-rust dress she had worn that first day on the Steyne, the one with the deep fringe. She grinned at Hawk, and raised the skirt a little to show more of her striped stockings.

He shook his head, but his eyes sent another message.

She could wait. Now all was certain, she could wait to lie again with him naked in bed.

Back at the Vandeimensa they found everyone in the riotous high spirits of relief. The ladies were adorning themselves with the jewelry, real and fake. Clarissa acquired a tiara, and Miss Hurstman didnat complain when Nicholas pinned a gaudy brooch onto her plain gown. She had Arabel in her arms by then, and the child, beginning to blossom again, reached for it with delight.

Nicholas laughed and gave his daughter Blancheas necklace, which met with her rapturous approval. Clarissa noted a shadow on him at times, however, and remembered him saying, aShe was beautiful to me, once.a She knew the death would not rest easily upon Hawk, either, though it could not be the first time he had killed. It was his way, she was sure, to deal with such problems by himself, but in time it would be her blessing to share them with him.

Then they all sat at the dinner table, with candlelight shooting fire from thousands of poundsa worth of jewelry.

Hawk rose again, however, and raised his glass. aTo friends,a he said, aold and new. May we never fail.a Everyone drank the toast, and then Nicholas stood to propose one. aTo the Rogues, who in the end, at least, never fail. Dare will be whole again.a Con rose to add to it. aWith the help of the Georges.a He grinned. aAn interesting alliance, wouldnat you say?a aThe world is doubtless tipping on its axis,a murmured the Duke of Belcraven, but with a smile, and he drank the toast along with everyone else. He even proposed one himselfa"a slightly naughty one about marriage, which made his duchess blush.

By the time the dinner was over, the duke remarked that no one was in a state to draw up legal agreements, and made an appointment the next day at the Old Ship, where he, too, had rooms. Clarissa insisted on being present. He gave in in the end, but insisted on seeing Clarissa and Miss Hurstman back to Broad Street.

aWeall have no more impropriety, Clarissa,a he said on leaving her there.

She just smiled. aI will try, your grace, though Iam not sure it is in my nature.a She slept deeply and late, awakening to an extraordinary sense of calma"like the calm of the sea on a perfect day, all the power of the oceans still beneath it. She breakfasted with Miss Hurstman and told her the details shead missed. Miss Hurstman was astonished to find that shead been regarded as a warder, but rather amused that shead been thought to be part of a wicked plot.

Hawk came to escort Clarissa to the Old Ship. They strolled along the Marine Parade, by a calm sea touched to blue by the sky and sunshine.

aDo you think summer is here at last?a she asked.

aCarpe diem,a he replied with a grin.

She smiled back. aI promised the duke to try to behave. We can marry soon, canat we?a aToday would not be too soon for me, love.a aOr me. But, Hawk, I would like a village wedding like Maria had. Is it possible?a He took her hand and kissed it. aI would give you the stars if I could. A village wedding is surely possible.a They entered the hotel in perfect harmony, but Clarissa found that she had to fight to give him enough for his father to fully restore Gaspard Hall.

aThink of it from my point of view,a she said. aI want our home to ourselves. If we give your father enough money, perhaps heall leave immediately to take up the work.a aAn excellent point. Hawkinville,a said the duke, aconsider it settled. In strict legality, all the money should go to your father. If you present difficulties, I may make it so.a Hawk rolled his eyes, but surrendered. aThe rest of the money is Clarissaas, however. I want it retained under her control. Once free of debt, the manor will provide for us.a Clarissa didnat argue except to say, aYou know I will spend some on our comforts and pleasures. But I do want to use most of it for charity. It has a dark history. I thought perhaps a charity school in Sladeas house.a Hawk laughed. aA wonderful idea! Heall doubtless have to sell it to us cheap as well.a aSo?a Clarissa asked Hawk. aWhen do we marry? I am ready to fly.a aIt is for the lady to say, but the license will take a few days.a aA week, then, if all can be arranged.a He stood, bringing her to her feet. aIt will all be arranged with Hawkish perfection. To do it, though, and to retain my sanity, Iam going to leave.a Ignoring the duke, he kissed her. aWe have no need to seize the day, love. We have the promise of perfect tomorrows.a aAlliteration?a she murmured, and he winced.

Hawk walked out of the dark church into sunshine, and into a shower of grain and flowers thrown by his boisterous villagers. Everyone smiled at a wedding, but he could see that these smiles reflected delight of an extraordinary degree. Not only was the Young Squirea" as theyad decided to call hima"married, but the Old Squire had already gone. His father had leased a house near to Gaspard Hall and left without a hint of regret.

The village was free of Slade, too, and the threat theyad all sensed from him. His house would soon be Clarissaas to do with as she wished. The most important repairs to the cottages were already in hand, which was also providing necessary work.

He looked at his bride, glowing with her own perfect happiness as the villagers welcomed her as one of their own. He said a prayer to be worthy, to be able to create the happiness neither of them had ever truly known. It should be easy. Shead had her modiste recreate the simple cream dress that had marked their adventures, and she was wearing a similar hat and fichu. He could hardly wait to strip it off her, in the manor, which sat contentedly waiting, open-windowed in the sun.

He turned from thata"it would waita"to accept the congratulations of Van and Con. Susan was definitely with child, and now Maria had hope. It was possible that Clarissa would also have a child in nine months. A new threesome to run wild around the area.

Unable to bear to be apart, he retrieved his bride from among beaming villagers and drew her in for a kiss.