1st Chapter Peek: The Duke's Diamond by Nancy Lee Badger

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1st Chapter Peek: The Duke's Diamond by Nancy Lee Badger

THE DUKE’S DIAMOND

A Treasure Tale

by Nancy Lee Badger

North of London

December 27, 1816

“May I offer you a ride, Your Grace?” The jingle of tackle, the creak of a carriage’s axles, and the muffled pounding of hooves over a snow-covered street grew louder. “Here is my coach.”

Payton looked up at the viscount who stood about two inches taller than his own six-foot height and sported broader shoulders. Did the viscount box or fence to stay so fit? Or, did the man more likely wear a great coat lined with thick wool against the winter winds?

“I appreciate the offer, but I wish to walk,” he said. Payton lifted his feet, right then left, to keep warm. “Fresh air and new snow are inviting.”

“Then I shall join you.” He motioned for his driver to follow and the two men began their journey.

Despite the man’s smile, Payton grew wary. As they walked, they left the smells of the gaming hell behind, replaced by the fresh scent of newly falling snow and the slight spice of whatever the viscount had splashed on his face.

Facing away from Manning, he took slow, deep breaths of clean, crisp air that managed to soothe his sudden nervousness. His companion was not someone he would like to meet in a dark alley, but he had to remind himself that Manning was a gentleman.

A poorer one, tonight, but still.

T. Lights from closely built town homes lit their way through the night and reminded him of the late hour. Where his beaver top hat and evening cloak could not reach, the back of his neck grew chilled.

A hot bath will do me good.

“This is invigorating,” the viscount said.

Payton’s suspicions increased. Did Manning want him relaxed for some nefarious reason, such as to demand the return of his signet ring and the money he lost at cards?

I am glad I had the forethought to place them in Archie’s care.

Even though he had recently met Archie Kent, the former soldier came well-recommended by his good friend, Stone. Archie saved Stone’s life and now worked as the earl’s valet.

Payton’s rented townhome stood a few blocks farther. He had no idea where Manning lived. Archie knew the man’s address, as he had spoken with a few of the servants in the viscount’s employ. That Manning could afford even the few he housed was another mystery. Why didn’t he stay in rooms meant for bachelors, where servants were not needed? How could he afford a coach, a driver, and the four tired beasts pulling the creaking vehicle?

The coach in question pulled up beside them, which is when Payton realized they had paused. Many questions lingered on the tip of his tongue. As the coach door swung open, Payton said, “Manning, I should like to know—”

Slam!

Payton’s hat went flying to the curb while he fell backward through the open coach door. He tried to roll to his side, but the small dark space prevented it. Someone tossed a sack over his head. While stunned and in shock at such manhandling of a peer of the realm, he was yanked up onto his knees. Shoved sideways, he landed in an awkward angle with his head resting on the thinly cushioned bench. The sack’s rough fabric scratched his cheek and stank of wet horsehair and whiskey.

As he lay disoriented, his leather gloves were torn from his hands and his wrists bound behind his back. He assumed Manning or the viscount’s driver treated him with contempt, yet he sensed someone else’s presence. In an attempt to turn toward his assailant, something hard and metallic slammed his skull. Beneath the blackness of the foul-smelling sack, he saw stars.

Trying not to breathe too deeply, he swayed beside the bench. With escape on his mind, he turned his head toward what he assumed was the nearest exit. Before he could move an inch, the door slammed shut and the coach took off at an unsafe speed.

Striving to remain conscious, his other senses came alive. He managed to turn and sit on the floor of the coach. Luckily, they hadn’t tied his ankles. He thought to rise, find the door, and somehow jump from the coach, but the flowery fragrance of a lady’s perfume penetrated the sack. The rustle of silk was similar to the burn of the rope around his wrists…barely perceptible. The side of his head throbbed and his back ached from his fall, but he worked to sit a little straighter. His reward? A soft sigh that filled the dark void.