Pursuit of Midnight

By Sharon Nelson

Society believes that her twin brother is dead but the recently widowed Lady Cadence Cooper was given reason to believe otherwise. A message delivered by a mysterious veiled woman has led her to suspect the involvement of the Midnight Club in his abduction. In order to keep her sisters out of danger, Cadence has no choice but to enlist the aid of a perfect stranger to help her. The Duke of Remington owed her father his life and she is hoping it will be enough to convince him to aid her. Little does she know that the current Duke of Remington is not the same gentleman her father once called friend and getting this dark stranger to help her may cost Cadence more than she is willing to offer.

Blake Morris, Duke of Remington has his own reasons for investigating the Club and when a very audacious Lady with surprising information about the club demands his assistance, he has no choice but to succumb to her demands. Before long he is caught up in her crazy plans and swept away by her courage. When a plot is uncovered that could destroy London they will risk everything to save the city, their families and each other. Will they be able to unravel the secrets of the Midnight Club? Or will they lose more than just their hearts in The Pursuit of Midnight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pink Phoenix Publishing
• Release date: Feb 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458079831

Sharon Nelson

Sharon Nelson is a retired schoolteacher with the Baldwin County Public School System in the state of Alabama. While teaching in the elementary grades, Sharon enjoyed making up children’s poems and children’s adventure stories to share with her students. The students always enjoyed that special time of day, and the time was well-spent. Listening skills, memorization skills, and visual skills were being developed while, at the same time, the students were having fun! Since retiring, she has continued writing poems and adventure stories for children. Sharon resides in Bon Secour, Alabama.

Book preview

Chapter One

Lady Cadence Cooper was beyond angry. She was ready to jump out of the carriage and accost the first man that came into sight.

She had been going from ball to ball dancing with a wide assortment of undesirable and obnoxious men trying to get information about the Midnight Club. Most of them had called her a silly girl, denying any knowledge of the notorious club.

Cadence at twenty-two had been married, widowed, was responsible for the care of three younger sisters, and felt herself more than mature enough to be told about a stupid men’s club. If one more man called her a silly girl, she was going to create a scene in the middle of the ballroom letting everyone know her opinion of the masculine sex. No matter how big of a scandal it would create.

The carriage rumbled slowly through the busy London streets. Even this late at night, the avenue was clogged with other carriages heading to balls and soirees.

I’m sure it wasn’t that bad, Cadence. We’ll find him, don’t worry yourself so. Althea patted her sister’s gloved hand. You worry too much about us, and it is not good for you. When she met her sister’s dark brown eyes Cadence knew that she was right. She had to stop trying to deal with everything herself. It was time for her to call in her father’s favor with the Duke of Remington. She had no idea how she was going to approach the duke. Having no formal introduction to him and it would be impossible for her to call on him or even approach him.

The carriage pulled up to the modest town house at number 12 Rose Lane and came to a rather abrupt halt throwing Cadence and Althea to the floor.

Renting carriages was such a nuisance but it was much less expensive than maintaining her own. Moments later, their butler, Mr. Harvey, was at the door helping them down, making sure they were unharmed. The portly little man exchanged some rather colorful words with the driver before following them into the house.

I’m so sorry, my lady. I will have a word with the owner of the carriage company about their drivers. To treat ladies thus is horribly indecent. He shook his shining, bald head disgusted with the behavior of the driver. Taking their cloaks he quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

The sisters quietly moved into the library and took their customary seats by the fire. Cadence in her favorite blue gown and Althea in her shimmering green made the perfect picture of the wealthy upper class. Looking at them, no one would know that they were only a short step away from complete ruin. The sisters stared blankly into the fire, both trying to act normal but each knowing that the other was worried.

As Mrs. Harvey came into the room with their tea Cadence reflected on how quickly their life had fallen into a new sort of normalcy. They had only been in London for a couple of months but they had already established a routine. Mrs. Harvey would bring them tea and they would wait up for their sisters to return home while the Harvey’s went to bed.

Mrs. Harvey was easily as round as her husband was with bright red hair tucked under her cap and a kind, round face. You lassies’ be needin’ anythin’ else before we turn in? Mrs. Harvey was born in Scotland and had moved to London when she was a small girl. She had lost a lot of her accent but when she was tired she seemed to slip back into the old baroque.

Cadence smiled at the motherly woman, her green eyes sparkling with repressed emotion. Not a thing, Trudy. You and Ben get off to bed now. Thank you for the tea. With a warm smile, Mrs. Harvey quickly bowed and left the room. Trudy, Ben and their daughter Lila were the only staff that Cadence had been able to retain after the death of her father and they had been with her family since before she was born. Unable to pay them much she had told them she would understand if they left.

They had scoffed at her and refused to leave. I’ve known you since you was a lass, ain’t leavin’ ya’ now, Trudy had said in her affectionate way. The firmness to her voice stating she would take no further argument.

Taking the pins from her hair, Cadence sighed as the mass of curly blond hair fell past her shoulders. I do tire of all of these entertainments. I pray that we can find Edwin soon so that I may hide away forever. Cadence closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the large red chair. Mentioning her brother’s name made her throat swell and she had to hold back tears.

You know you would miss it eventually. Besides if you hide away you will never find a husband. Althea was almost a mirror of her sister. Her slender frame, pale skin, and blonde hair were identical with the only difference being their eyes.

Why on earth would I give up the freedom of being a widow to marry some man? I shall never remarry. I will just leave the marrying up to you three. Lord knows that the girls are more than anxious to make that sacrifice. They both laughed. So were you able to get any more information out of Lord Barkley?

Althea shook her head. No, the old fool. He just keeps rambling on and on about his hounds. I swear if I hear him say the word hound one more time I am going to stomp on his toe. Althea tried to suppress a giggle but was unsuccessful. At least we were able to get some of the other member’s names out of him before he got bored of the topic and moved on to hounds.

Yes, I think that will be helpful. Cadence was sipping her tea trying to decide whether to tell her sister about her decision. I’m going to talk to the duke. She blurted out knowing it would turn into a fight. Holding up her hand to stop her sister’s tirade she continued, I know you don’t like him being in our family business but we really have no other choice. We are running out of time and not getting anywhere.

Althea took a breath to speak but then seemed to decided that her sister was right. How? Perhaps you can simply barge into his mansion and say, ‘excuse me sir but you owe my family a debt and I am here to collect.’ I’m sure that will go over very well with the stodgy old fellow.

Cadence smiled thinking of a wrinkled old aristocrat with an outraged expression. However amusing that would surely be I don’t think I could pull it off. I am going to talk to Aunt Haddie and see if she has any ideas. Perhaps she could arrange an introduction. They fell into silence both contemplating their fate knowing that the duke may refuse to help them. As the sky began to turn the gray of predawn the discussion of their book group’s latest graphic novel was interrupted by the arrival of their sisters. Though it was very late, the girls’ giggling indicated that they were in high spirits.

Hello sisters, Madison called in a singsong voice her shimmering white gown contrasting nicely with her dark hair. She looked much older than her sixteen years.

Isn’t London glorious during the season! Felicity followed plopping down next to her sister on the floor at Cadence’s feet.

The dreamy look on Madison's face said that she had once again fallen in love with some fellow or another. The season has barely started. Wait until everyone is back in town. Every ball is a mad crush. Cadence couldn’t help but be affected by her sister’s mood. They were so young and innocent. They knew very little about their current precarious situation. Haddie had been very gracious in offering to sponsor the girls for their coming out. The mourning period for their father had ended just in time for the beginning of the London season. Every night for weeks Haddie had been escorting them around to different entertainments.

The girls looked at each other and squealed. Felicity and Madison were very close in age and in looks. Though Felicity is seventeen and Madison sixteen they were frequently mistaken for twins. Both girls had their mothers chestnut tresses, ivory skin with a dusting of freckles, and small upturned nose. Much like Cadence and Althea their only difference is their eyes, Felicity’s green and Madison’s blue.

When the initial flow of gossip had paused, Cadence was suddenly struck with a thought. The girls had been to many entertainments and Haddie would have introduced them to everyone she knew. Girls, have you by any chance met the Duke of Remington? Her eyes met Althea’s silently communicating their understanding.

They both shook their heads no. It had been worth a shot.

Wait, we have met him. Madison said looking to Felicity, You remember, he was that mysteriously, dark, older man. He disappeared only moments after making our acquaintance. We thought him quite strange. Felicity thought for a moment and then agreed with her sister.

Yes I remember now. Aunt Haddie said that he knew our father but we had never heard mention of him. She looked to Cadence quizzically. Why do you ask?

Quickly thinking of a reason, I just remember father mentioning him before. I was curious. Did Aunt Haddie say anything else about him? She looked down into her lukewarm tea, trying to keep her voice casual.

When they both shook their heads, she wished them both sweet dreams and sent them off to bed. She was so excited she could barely contain herself until they were out of hearing.

Althea, you know what this means. Haddie can make the introductions. All may not be lost after all. She grinned at her sister.

Are you sure we should not tell them about the situation? This was another conversation they had frequently.

No, I don’t believe we should. They were so devastated by the loss of Edwin. If I am wrong about him still being alive or fail to find him they will have to live that loss all over again. Better to wait and see what happens, plus, it will be much less dangerous for them if they do not know. The closer we get to the Midnight Club the more dangerous it is going to be.

Althea agreed and they both headed off to bed the worry of their situation weighing heavily on their shoulders.

Once in the solitude of her own room Cadence removed her gown and slipped into her nightdress. The loose, silky fabric, felt like heaven on her skin after the tight confines of the ball gown. She was filled with mixed emotions as she ran the brush through her long golden hair. So glad to know that Haddie knew the duke but apprehensive about weather or not he would help them. She stared at the reflection in the mirror wishing that she had the beauty of her sisters. All she saw was the plain, mousy girl; the wallflower. Shaking her head, she tied the end of her braid with a ribbon and crawled under the blankets of her bed.

After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling she finally managed to drift off to a restless sleep. In her dreams she could not suppress the fear she had of suffering a fate the same as her brother’s; a consequence of getting too close to the Midnight Club. She dreamed of a cloaked man pulling her onto his horse and carrying her off never to be heard from again, her sisters left to fend for themselves in a cruel world.

Chapter Two

With the coming of a new day Cadence was filled with determination and dread driven by the desperate dreams of the night before. Today she would talk to Haddie and arrange an introduction. With any luck, she would have that introduction tonight and be well on her way to rescuing her brother and saving her family.

Good morning, dears. Did you sleep well? Her two younger sisters had finally managed to drag themselves down to the morning room for breakfast. The mostly yellow room with its feminine furnishings was very fitting for a house full of women. The view out the large window was into the spring garden where the herbs they had recently planted were starting to show signs of growth.

You’re terribly cheerful this morning, Felicity mumbled plopping down in her usual chair and smoothing out her burgundy walking dress.

It is a lovely morning and shouldn’t you be more cheerful? Don’t you have a ride in the park with a certain gentleman to look forward to today? Cadence hid her grin behind her cup of tea.

Felicity glared fiercely at her sister across the table. You know very well I do not look forward to that stuffy Lord Barnaby calling on me. I don’t have the slightest idea why Aunt Haddie keeps forcing him on me. Smearing butter on her toast she continued to pout.

Well he is very wealthy and has a lot of family connections. Madison said trying to cheer her sister.

Well perhaps you should marry him. I’m sure he wouldn’t notice the difference. Felicity was in a mood but Cadence was unsure of how to change it.

There there, dear. It’s only a ride in the park. No one is going to force you to marry him. If he asks you just say no.

Felicity nodded and finished her toast.

Althea and I are going to visit Aunt Haddie this morning. You girls try to have a lovely time on your rides and tell the Austin sisters I said hello when you see them at the gallery. Cadence stood and ran her hands down the front of her yellow walking dress. Once in the hall she and Althea pinned on their hats and headed for the carriage that had arrived moments before. Althea’s light blue dress made a lovely contrast to Cadence’s yellow.

Thank you, Ben. She said as she stepped up into the carriage.

Of course, my lady. Enjoy your day. He smiled and turned back to the house.

Althea was staring nervously out the window as the carriage headed to their destination. I really hope Haddie can manage this introduction quickly. The waiting is excruciating.

I know what you mean. I wish we could just call on him today.

After a short ten-minute drive they arrived at Haddie’s house on Bentley Square. The columned house covered most of the block with its enormous double doors and three rows of windows. It was easy to see why Haddie thought she was a queen.

When Cadence and Althea were seated in the drawing room and served with the customary cups of tea Cadence didn’t waste any time getting to the point.

The Duke of Remington! You really think that stick in the mud can help you with your little scheme? I dare say he won’t be up for it. Haddie sat in her favorite chair. It was an intricate design with gilded finishing and red velvet padding. She called it her throne insisting that the queen had one just like it.

Her Grace, The Lady Henrietta Gray, Dowager Duchess of Alliston, had been widowed eight years earlier. Her son Geoffrey, the current Duke of Alliston, was married the previous year and is currently expecting his first child. Her daughters Catherine and Catlin, twins, are on the market and frequently attend the same entertainments as Cadence’s younger sisters. It is almost more than a sane person can bear when the four girls are together.

I know Haddie, but we are getting nowhere on our own. We need his help; if nothing else than just for protection. We are getting closer to finding their location and it could get dangerous.

Yes, dear, I know. I do worry for you. I don’t see why you don’t just move in here. It will be so much safer for you. She had been trying to get them to move in since their father’s death. Being their mother’s sister, she felt very responsible for the girls. Cadence refused to give up the independence she had gained since the death of her husband and saw it as her duty to provide for her sisters.

That is so kind of you but you know our reasons. We are perfectly safe at Rose Lane. You’ve no reason to worry. Reaching across the small space, she patted Hattie’s wrinkly, jewel covered hand.

Very well but you are always welcome here. Tonight is the masquerade at the Smith’s. It promises to be a crush. Everyone who is anyone will be there including the duke you seek I imagine. She nodded to herself, sipping her tea. I shall send my coach for you. I will make the introductions and corner him into dancing with you. Then you shall have your chance. Convince him to meet privately with you.

Tonight? Suddenly, now that the time was near she wasn’t so sure anymore. Taking a deep breath she prepared herself to do what needed to be done. Tonight it is then. I will not fail. He is bound by the oath he made to our father.

Riding home the carriage was filled with heavy silence. The night ahead was making them both nervous. By the time they arrived at number twelve the younger girls had already gone for their day’s entertainment.

Althea yawned placing a hand over her mouth. I believe I shall retire for a short nap. These late nights are taking their toll on me. What are you going to do today?

I am going to stop by the tea at Mrs. Jacobson’s and then perhaps go to the book store and pick up that novel we were discussing.

Yes. Maybe she knows something about the club. Lord Barkley says her husband is a member. Do you want me to accompany you? She looked longingly toward her bed.

No, get some rest. I shall report anything that I learn upon my return. Cadence watched her sister go slowly up the stairs before turning back to the door.

The tea with Mrs. Jacobson turned out to be most helpful. Once the subject was broached, she couldn’t stop ranting about her husband’s stupid club and the awful men that he associated with. She was very thoroughly sick of that club of fools, and wish I could get my fool of a husband to drop it. She was also informative about some of their entrance tests and the location of their meetings. Her husband apparently kept a very detailed journal, which she had no qualms about reading to make sure he isn’t doing anything foolish.

Walking through the bookstore Cadence couldn’t help but laugh as she remembered Mrs. Jacobson’s ranting. With a copy of Castle of Ghosts in her hand she wandered through the rows of shelving hoping that something else would catch her eye. All of them spent a lot of time reading and were always looking for something interesting. There was a commotion at the front of the store. Cadence was looking back over her shoulder as she rounded the end of the row and bumped into a wall dropping her book to the floor.

Laughing at her own stupidity she turned around to find that the wall was not a wall at all. It was a rather large man with deep black eyes that were trained seriously on her.

Oh, pardon me, sir. I was not looking where I was going. The way he seemed to stare into her soul made her breath catch in her throat. Her heart began to pound. His face was made of hard lines with a strong jaw. His eyes seemed even blacker framed by the inky blackness of his hair.

He nodded slightly, not at all, my lady, pardon me. His voice was rich and deep making a chill go down her spine.

They both bent down quickly to retrieve her book knocking their heads together in the process.

Ouch! Cadence backed away quickly placing a hand on the shelf for support. Her head was spinning from the combination of the blow and the strange effect he had on her breathing.

He grabbed her elbow and directed her to a nearby chair. I’m so sorry. That was very clumsy of me. Are you alright? His voice was consoling but distracted. He kept looking toward the front of the store.

She could tell from his tailored suit and intricately tied cravat that he was very wealthy. A huge emerald winked at her from the folds of fabric at his neck. Really, it was my fault. She looked up into his fathomless eyes, which of course made her head start to spin again.

He stood over her like a stone statue: unmoving but restless. May I see you safely back to your escort? He asked his voice cold as the stone winking from his cravat.

No, I’m fine really. I have a carriage just outside.

I will walk you there. He said in a tone that sounded very much like a command.

This of course instantly made Cadence angry. After her husband, she vowed never to take orders from any man again. I am perfectly capable of walking myself there. To demonstrate her point she rose quickly to her feet trying to ignore the spinning sensation and the throbbing in her head.

When she swayed a little one of his dark brows rose in an obvious look of skepticism. Yes, I can see that. He said, once again grabbing her elbow to steady her. For my own piece of mind I will see you safely there.

He was obviously going to be a boar about it so Cadence just walked off without a word. He followed along beside her waiting while she paid for her book and then following her directions as they made their way down the street to her carriage.

You have seen me safe, sir. You will kindly release me. It came out much harsher than she had intended. She thought about apologizing then decided not to.

My lady, enjoy your afternoon. He bowed elaborately to her, turned abruptly, and disappeared into the crowd.

Well, she stood there in shock. The driver holding the door for her cleared his throat to get her attention. Take me home please. The whole way home she couldn’t get the butterflies to leave her stomach. Those eyes were so disturbing. She didn’t know what to think. She was so grateful that she wouldn’t see him again but also curious as to what had been distracting him.

Later that day Althea was pinning her hair for the masquerade and noticed her sister’s vacant expression. What is wrong with you tonight? You seem very distant. Is something besides the obvious bothering you?

Cadence hadn’t told her sister about the mysterious man. She knew she was being silly but something about him had shaken her. I’m just worried about tonight. A lot rides on the duke helping us.

Althea hugged her being careful not to wrinkle her gown. It will all work out, I can feel it. Now what do you think of my gown? She spun in a circle, the soft pink material flaring out around her. The tight bodice was covered in tiny roses that matched the ones she had in her hair. A string of pearls and matching earrings completed the delicate picture. Althea had men constantly flocking to her but she never really seemed to notice how they doted.

You look wonderful. Pink is a perfect color for you. Cadence smiled and went to get into her own gown. Althea helped her carefully get it over her hair and lace up the back. When she looked in the mirror she almost