The Thief and the Rogue

by Rachel Donnelly

  It took her a full moment to find her voice. “Good,” she said, pushing back her chair. “I’d hate to think all of my efforts had gone to waste. Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m quite exhausted.”

  “Mr. MacIntosh,” Thornhill announced.

  The tears pooling in her eyes blurred her vision to the point where she almost collided with Alex’s chest. “Alex!” She offered him a tremendous smile. “It’s so good to see you.”

  He grabbed her by the arms to steady her. “Funny, you don’t look happy to see me.” He gave her a wink then leaned forward to whisper against her ear. “Never mind, his bark is worse than his bite. He won’t stay angry for long. He never does.”

  She flashed him a watery smile, then hurried for the stairs. Alex’s tender concern only added to her wretchedness. She rushed up the stairs, anxious to reach the sanctuary of her room before she broke down completely.

  But she managed to keep herself under control until she’d dismissed Cora. Only after the door closed, did she give in to her grief. She paced the room, tears streaming down her cheeks, cursing herself for caring.

  How could he reduce what had happened between them to some callous bargain? Clearly, he thought her a whore—willing to exchange sexual favors to get what she wanted. She couldn’t bear to be thought of that way, especially by him. She had to get away—away from this house, and away from him, if only for a short time.

  She hastened to the wardrobe to fetch her cloak. With any luck the staff would be too busy rushing about to accommodate Alex’s arrival to notice her leave-taking.

  As luck would have it, the hall was deserted. She crept down the stairs to find the foyer empty as well. She slipped out the front door without being seen. Now all she had to contend with was the long walk to Butterfield Hall.

  The more direct route by way of the shore would see her home in a trice.

  It was just coming onto dusk as she made her way down the rough path to the beach. The sky, streaked with grey and purple reflecting on the water, crashing against the white sand. The salty breeze blew against her cheeks, playing with the ribbons of her bonnet as she went.

  Thoughts of the mysterious rider made her shiver, but she pushed on through the ever encroaching darkness. Getting away was all that mattered—away from the hurt, and the shame, and the frenzied thoughts, playing havoc with her brain.

  ***

  “Don’t look at me like that.”

  Alex held up both hands. “I haven’t said a word.”

  “But you’d like to.” Hunter sent the footman off to fetch Alex something to eat, then strode to the sideboard to pour them both a drink. “Don’t hold back on my account.”

  Alex laughed. “Oh, I won’t.”

  Hunter sent him a dampening look before handing him his brandy. He hadn’t intended to behave so harshly toward Kay. Still, he refused to feel guilty. She’d brought this on herself. When she’d given herself to him so freely that day in the study, he’d thought things had changed. He’d thought she’d released him from his promise.

  When he’d discovered she hadn’t, his frustration grew like a storm at sea, becoming so acute he’d all but begged her to reconsider.

  Bloody hell!

  His pride couldn’t take much more crushing.

  “Damn! This isn’t working out the way I’d planned,” he said. “I’m no closer to discovering the truth now than I was before I got myself into this mess.”

  “By mess,” Alex cocked a wry smile. “I assume you mean marriage?”

  “Are you here to give me a lecture, or have you actually come for a reason?” Hunter strode to the table to plunk himself down in a chair. “A little support would be welcome right now.”

  Alex grinned. “I tried to warn you.”

  Hunter sent him a dark look over the rim of his glass.

  Alex did not appear to be affected in the least. “What I have to tell you might improve your temper. I spoke to a Sergeant Glover. He was with Herrington when they went to collect the prisoners. He swears Captain Hartley was alive when they got there. He even spoke to him.”

  “I knew it!” Hunter slammed his fist down on the table coming upright in his seat. “Did he say what kind of shape he was in?”

  Alex sobered. “He said he was injured, but the doctor who tended his wounds expected him to pull through. When they broke camp the next morning, Herrington and the doctor had heated words. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he felt the doctor blamed Herrington somehow for Hartley’s death.”

  “So, the French were telling the truth. Which begs the question, why would the British cover it up unless they suspected foul play or negligence on the part of one of their men?”

  “Precisely.”

  “What I wouldn’t give to speak to that Doctor.” Hunter leaned toward him across the table. “Tell me you got his name, and I’ll kiss you here and now.”

  “I did. But I think I’ll forgo that reward.” Alex held up one hand. “He’s still in military service. And… you’ll never guess where he is.”

  “Plymouth.”

  “I suggest we pay a visit to the good doctor first thing in the morning.”

  “Oh, we will,” Hunter assured him.

  “Why don’t you ask Kay about Herrington?” Alex sent him a long look. “I understand he was one of her suitors. She must know something about him.”

  “I sent her fishing for information.” Hunter’s tone turned wry. “It didn’t work out the way I planned.”

  “She wanted something in return, did she?” Alex chuckled. “And you wouldn’t bend. Have I ever told you, you’re the most stubborn man I know next to my father?”

  “Yes, many times. Which only proves, you’re as stubborn as both of us put together.” Hunter dreaded to think Alex might make the same mistake he had. “Why don’t you forgive him, for bloody sake, before it’s too late?”

  Alex sent him a murderous glare, then downed the rest of his brandy. “I’ll forgive him when I’m damn well ready. The old fart isn’t about to die anytime soon.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Hunter drew in a long painful breath. “I put off coming home too long, and then it was too late.”

  “This isn’t the same thing, and you damn well know it. Your father stood by you. Whether he believed you in the beginning or not, he stood by you.” Alex came to his feet, lips set in a grim line. “My father only sees one side—his side. He’d have preferred I’d rotted on that floating rat-hole rather than escape. Honor is the only thing he cares about—honor and the law.” Alex strode to the sideboard to pour himself another drink. When he returned, his composure had returned. He smiled ruefully. “Listen to me. Hell! I’m starting to sound like you.”

  Hunter smiled ruefully. “Not a good sign.”

  The footman arrived with Alex’s supper. Hunter watched in thoughtful silence while Alex ate. When the plate was almost empty he said, “When this is over, I’ll go home with you. We’ll brave the old warhorse together.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but you have enough problems, like a new wife for instance.” When he failed to answer, Alex tilted his head to regard him thoughtfully. “I know that look. God! You can’t be serious. Don’t tell me you’re still planning to go through it?”

  Hunter stiffened. “Of course I’m going through with it. Nothing has changed.”

  Alex made an incredulous sound in the back of throat. “Lie to yourself if you want, but you can’t lie to me. I know what I see. If you won’t admit that you care for her, at least admit she’s the most beautiful creature you’re ever likely to meet, as well as the sweetest, I’ll warrant.”

  “She knew what she was getting into to.”

  “What about heirs?” Alex waved his hand in the air. “Don’t you want someone to leave all this to?”

  “You know I don’t care about that.”

  “Forget this separation idea and take lovers. Most marriages are in name only. Just because you don’t want children doesn’t mean she shouldn’t
be happy. Any number of men would want her. If it weren’t for you, I’d consider it myself.”

  Hunter leaned across the table to look him directly in the eye. “If you so much as lay a hand on her, I’ll…” Too late, he realized what he’d done.

  Alex’s loud volley of laughter stopped him from finishing the threat.

  He slumped back in his chair, muttering a curse under his breath.

  ***

  Kay stretched her arms above her head and groaned. It felt so good to be in her own bed—sooo good. She wished she’d never have to return to the manor. But just for a while, she planned to pretend she didn’t have to. She’d told Cora she didn’t want to be disturbed until late, so no one would have missed her yet.

  She squinted at the bright beams of sunlight blasting through the windows. She’d forgotten to draw the drapes before she’d crawled into bed last night. With a groan she rolled onto her belly to hug her pillow. It would be nice to lie abed all day with no one to worry about but herself. But she needed to check on her mares. Storm was still a bit skittish after the stallion’s visit. She could do with a good run on the beach.

  The house seemed quiet with only the housekeeper and a few other servants rambling about. Uncle Fergus wouldn’t return from London for another month. She had the place all to herself—no one to answer to, not even the disapproving looks from Cecil to prick her conscience.

  She gave a tug to the bell.

  A short time later Dolly came rushing in, carrying a silver tray with her hot chocolate. “I’ll bring your breakfast up directly, Your Grace. Won’t be a jiff. It won’t be as fancy as you’re used to at the manor, I’ll warrant. The larder’s run quite low, what with your uncles away. But there be lots of eggs and fresh scones.”

  “I don’t like fancy.” Kay offered a smile. “You know that Dolly. Whatever there is will be fine.”

  When Dolly returned Kay was up and dressed in a blue riding habit, struggling with her hair at the gilded dressing table.

  “I’ll finish pinning you up,” Dolly offered. “You just eat up them eggs while they’re hot. Laud, but you have beautiful hair.”

  “I’ve always been partial to red myself.”

  Dolly wrinkled her freckled nose in the looking glass. “If you had it, you wouldn’t be. I suppose we always want what we can’t have.”

  Kay agreed, but it wasn’t her hair she was thinking of just now. It was the man living next door.

  It had been a mistake to let down her defenses and give in to her desires. What a complete fool she had been. But what had she expected? He’d made no declarations of love—no promises of any kind. Their marriage was but a temporary bargain, and she would do well to remember it.

  When Dolly finished with her hair, Kay grabbed a scone to nibble and headed for the stables.

  Storm behaved poorly all the way to the beach, dancing sideways at the slightest sound. The screech of a gull would cause her to pull at the reins and toss her head. Kay calmed her with soothing words as they picked their way through the dunes. When they reached the beach, she let her have her head.

  After a brisk ride, they were both more themselves and the journey back more relaxed. Kay gave Storm a good brushing when they returned, then helped Carter organize the tack room. Time sped by so quickly, it was coming dark when they finally emerged.

  “They’ll be expecting you home, Your Grace. You best let me drive you in the carriage.”

  She hadn’t meant to stay so long. ‘Twas strange that no one had come for her or even inquired after her whereabouts.

  Perhaps he didn’t care. Perhaps he was glad she was gone. Her heart gave a tight squeeze. If that was true, it was for the best. After all, how could she continue living under the same roof with him, struggling against such immeasurable longings that could never be fulfilled?

  She gave Carter a bright forced smile. “There’s no need, as I’ll be staying for a few days.” She strode to the house, swallowing passed the painful obstruction in her throat.

  Dolly appeared shocked when she ordered a bath and supper served in the dining room, but after a wide-eyed questioning look made no comment. She fussed over Kay like she was an ailing kitten, until Kay finally shooed her out to check on her supper.

  To set her and the other servant’s minds at ease, she dressed for dinner as she always did, sweeping down the stairs as though she hadn’t a care in the world. The short train of her ceil blue gown rustled behind her as she went.

  However, it was difficult to enjoy her solitary meal with Dolly sending her mournful looks every time she entered the dining room.

  It was a relief to retire to the drawing room to sit by the fire and sip her tea.

  Unfortunately her reprieve was short lived.

  “What is it this time?” she inquired when Dolly appeared in the doorway again.

  “A visitor, Your Grace.”

  Kay’s heart gave a leapt. Had he come to fetch her? Her hands began to shake. Perhaps he did care after all. It took her a moment for her to compose herself. “Very well, send him in.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course, I’m sure.” She set her cup down on the small gilded table beside her chair, then stood to receive him.

  The swell in her chest shrank like a leaky air-balloon when she looked up to find Lord Herrington standing in the doorway, looking handsome and polished in his brown riding jacket. “Lord Herrington, what a surprise.”

  He smiled, obviously mistaking the heat in her cheeks for a flush of pleasure. “I know this is rather presumptuous, but I thought I’d stop by and inquire after your health.”

  His manner was so solicitous, his expression so gentle, it would have been rude to send him away. Though his presence made her uneasy, she reined in her fears. After all, she wasn’t alone in the house. Mrs. Bell was in the kitchen and Dolly was lurking about somewhere. At the first sign of trouble, they would surely come running.

  “Please, won’t you sit down?” She perched on the burgundy settee, then indicated with her hand that he should take a seat on the sofa across from her. “How did you know I was here?”

  “I saw you riding on the beach today.”

  She remembered the rider she’d seen a few days ago. Could that have been him? The thought of him watching her without making his presence known, made little prickles stand up on the back of her neck. “I didn’t know you had interests in this part of the country.”

  His gaze roamed over her in a familiar unsettling way. “I’m looking at houses. Actually, that’s another reason why I’m here. Having lived here all of your life, I thought you might be able to offer some advice.”

  “I should think the best place to inquire is down in the village.”

  “Yes.” His face grew flushed. “A very good suggestion.”

  An uncomfortable silence followed.

  Kay grappled with ideas of how to rush him out.

  Finally, she stood, opening her mouth to plead tired, in hopes of getting rid of him. But he spoke before she could utter a word.

  “I might as well tell you the truth.” He came to his feet with an awkward smile. “I came, because I simply had to see you—to know that you’re happy.”

  Her mouth slackened. His disclosure was embarrassing to say the least, especially since she’d never encouraged his attentions or given him hope to believe she felt anything other than friendship for him. It seemed odd that he should have formed such an attachment to her. ‘Twas difficult to know what to say in the face of such earnest devotion, however inappropriate.

  “Your concern is very flattering, but I assure you I’m quite happily married.” She led the way to the door, fearing a lightning bolt might strike her dead for the lie at any moment, but anxious to see him gone.

  Before turning to go, he took her by the hand. “I’m staying at the Galloway’s. If there’s anything you should ever need, day or night...”

  She withdrew her hand, saying firmly, “Thank you, but I have all the protection I need in my
husband.”

  She turned on her heel, leaving Dolly to see him out.

  A feeling of unease stayed with her the rest of the evening. Herrington spoke as though he knew her situation, yet she’d told no one the circumstance of her marriage, not even Charlie. Had he guessed? It seemed even marriage wouldn’t dissuade his attentions. She might have laughed, if the whole thing wasn’t so unnatural—so strangely disturbing.

  ***

  Kay sipped her chocolate, leaving the rest of her breakfast untouched. Dolly had washed and pressed her blue riding habit as it was the only one left in her wardrobe. She hadn’t had the courage yet to send for her clothes at the manor.

  Since it was market day and there was little food in the house, she and Dolly had planned an excursion to the market in the village after her ride. She also had letters to post for Grandmere and her uncles, frivolous bits of correspondence meant to reassure them.

  Would the lies never end?

  When she returned from her ride, she helped Carter turn the mares out into the paddock to graze. Then she went inside to change. After a quick scrubbing, Dolly helped her into a pink muslin gown. She grabbed her white shawl and bonnet, then they were off.

  The market was bustling as usual. With baskets hanging off of their arms, they wove their way through the confusion of stalls. Kay was in a hurry. The last thing she wanted was to run into anyone from the manor. After purchasing all the produce they could carry, Kay strode across the street to post her letters, leaving Dolly to pay a visit to the butcher shop.

  As she emerged from the shop, she nearly collided with Phelia.

  “Kay, darling! How lovely to see you.” Phelia declared, insincerity dripping from her every word.

  Kay attempted to mask her displeasure under what she hoped was a congenial smile. “Hello, Phelia, what brings you to the country?”