A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1), Laura Beers [romantic books to read TXT] 📗

“Is the outbuilding habitable?”

Mrs. Kipper looked at her with a curious expression. “Mr. Walker toured it with Miss Gaillard and deemed that it was. Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” Madalene replied. “I’m afraid I haven’t given the outbuilding much thought.”

“Neither have I, but I think it is admirable what Miss Gaillard is attempting to do.”

“I would agree.”

Mrs. Kipper took a step back. “Now, if you will excuse me,” she said, “I need to see to the girls before they resume their lessons.”

“Of course,” Madalene replied, her eyes remaining on the outbuilding and wagon.

Something didn’t feel right about Miss Gaillard using the outbuilding and storing a wagon in the courtyard. After all, she had no doubt that Edith would never have granted her permission to do either, especially since the courtyard was the only place the girls could safely play outside.

She needed to see what Miss Gaillard was up to.

With her decision made, Madalene hurried out of Edith’s room and down the stairs. She didn’t slow down until she exited the rear door and started crossing the courtyard. She approached the wagon, which was covered with a thick sheet securely tied down over the load. There was no way to peek under the sheet without loosening the rope.

Drat.

Turning her attention towards the outbuilding, she approached the door. She didn’t even hesitate as she opened it and stepped inside. It was a one room structure with a table in the middle. Crates lined the walls, making it nearly impossible to walk around the table.

On the ground in front of the table were four barrels that were secured by rope. She stepped closer to the table and saw piles of bullets, metal shards and a white substance that appeared to be flour.

The door opened, and Miss Gaillard stepped into the building. She closed the door, a sneer on her thin lips.

“I see you found what I have been working on for the past few days,” Miss Gaillard said in a tone that was anything but pleasant.

Madalene met her gaze. “What exactly are you working on?”

“You are clever, girl,” Miss Gaillard said. “What do you think I am doing?”

Madalene’s eyes scanned the barrels as she replied, “These barrels must have gunpowder in them, since they are tied by rope and not metal in order to avoid sparks.”

“That would be correct.”

“And the bullets and metal shards lead me to believe you are building a bomb,” Madalene rationalized.

“But not the flour?” Miss Gaillard asked.

Madalene gave her a baffled look. “I am not entirely sure what the flour is for.”

“Flour is extremely flammable, given the right circumstances,” Miss Gaillard explained. “Also, orange peels are flammable, as well. But it is rather difficult to acquire enough oranges right now to do the job justice.”

“I had not realized.”

“I am not surprised, but my father knew,” Miss Gaillard said. “He always knew exactly what was needed to make the perfect bomb.”

“Are you trying to blow up the orphanage?”

Miss Gaillard laughed. “Heavens, no,” she replied. “I find it admirable what you are trying to accomplish with these girls.”

“Thank you,” Madalene said hesitantly.

In a swift motion, Miss Gaillard lifted her skirt and removed a pistol that was strapped to her leg. “But that doesn’t mean I am going to let you go. At least, not yet,” she remarked, pointing the pistol at her. “If you are a good girl, then I might let you live.”

Miss Gaillard walked over to a crate and produced some rope. “I must admit that I was pleased when I first saw you snooping around my wagon,” she said as she stepped closer to her. “I knew that it was only a matter of time before you stepped inside of the outbuilding.”

“Why was that?”

“Because we are a lot alike,” Miss Gaillard stated. “We both are curious creatures.”

Miss Gaillard put the pistol on the table. “I am going to tie your hands now,” she instructed. “If you try to reach for the pistol, I will kill you.” The way she spoke those words, Madalene knew she was in earnest.

“I understand,” Madalene replied, knowing she needed to bide her time until she could find a way to escape.

Miss Gaillard stepped closer and roughly tied her hands tightly together. Then, she reached down and ripped a large section of Madalene’s gown off.

“I can’t have you yelling for help, now can I?” Miss Gaillard asked before she shoved the fabric into Madalene’s mouth.

“Oh, there is one more thing,” Miss Gaillard said nonchalantly as she picked up the pistol. “Unfortunately, this part is going to hurt.”

Madalene watched as Miss Gaillard pulled her arm back, and she attempted to brace herself the best way she could. As the pistol slammed against the side of her head, everything went black.

Baldwin leaned back in his seat and took a sip of his drink before saying, “Marie is mad.”

“Why do you say that?” Corbyn asked as he sat across from him.

“She despises the British for what they did to her father,” Baldwin explained, “but I believe her hatred to be misdirected.”

Oliver nodded. “I would agree, but it isn’t as if she could go after Napoleon. He is exiled on the island of Elba.”

“Her plan could kill hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent people,” Baldwin said. “Lord Desmond’s rallies always attract a large crowd, and constables are on hand to ensure no violence breaks out.”

“Do you think the mass killing will be the start of the revolution that they are planning?” Oliver asked.

“It very well could be,” Baldwin replied, “especially since the people have been stirred up for less before.”

Corbyn leaned forward in his seat. “After you drive the wagon away from the Blue Boar, our agents will raid the pub, and we will capture Marie, Morton, and the other conspirators.”

“Where will you take the wagon?” Oliver asked.

“I am not sure,” Baldwin replied. “It isn’t safe to go very far with a bomb strapped to the back of it.”

“I would drive it to the docks and toss it