by Lauren Smith
Chapter Three
Killian strolled through the hall, heading toward his office. He ran into Gavin, almost knocking him to the ground. “Och, man,” he said. “Don’t you ever go home?”
Gavin laughed. “I’ve been gone for days. I arrived moments ago. Have you been so lost in your own head you hadn’t noticed my departure a sennight ago?”
Had it been a week since he’d found Aubriella in the valley near his castle? She’d been unconscious for days. He’d worried over her condition, but the doctor had reassured him it was normal for someone with a head injury to sleep for a few days. He wasn’t entirely sure he’d believed him; however, he couldn’t argue with him either. The doctor had trained for such matters, and Killian had been groomed to be an earl.
He’d been relieved when the lass had finally awoken. Something about her… One moment she seemed like a fragile flower, and others she was a veritable dragon. He didn’t understand her and feared he never would. Perhaps he was turning into a besotted fool over a little slip of a woman. None of that mattered at the moment. Gavin was staring at him, awaiting some kind of response, and he had none to give him.
“If you left, why did you return?” He didn’t want to give his friend any fuel to tease him with. If he realized Killian was mooning over a woman he’d hear nothing else from him. “Did you miss Odessa that much?”
Gavin was fighting a losing battle where Odessa was concerned. Killian wasn’t sure why he bothered. It was clear to all around them Gavin loved her, yet he kept running at every opportunity. There had to be a reason for that. He hoped his friend shared it with him one day.
“I have more important things to do than court your sister,” Gavin retorted as he rolled his eyes. “I’m interested in the waif you found. How does she fair?”
Killian paused, clenching his hand tightly. His first instinct was to discourage Gavin’s inquiry with his fist, but that would make things worse. If he wanted to steer Gavin away from questions about Aubriella, he had to give him something else to focus on.
“The lass was doing fine the last I checked,” he replied as calmly as possible. “Odessa was taking her for a walk in the garden. If you wish, we can join them. It’ll give you the opportunity to share barbs with my sister. I know it’s one of your favorite activities.”
Gavin scowled. “I should take you up on that offer, but not for the reasons you’ve indicated.”
Killian took a deep breath and considered pouring himself a drink. A nice sniffer of whisky sounded heavenly at the moment. Between Odessa, his mother, and now Gavin, he was losing his bloody mind. Once his mother discovered Aubriella, she’d begin planning a wedding. Her romantic heart got her in more trouble than anything else. He should be somewhat grateful for her impractical nature. If not for that, he’d not exist.
“I may regret this,” Killian said carefully. “But what other reason would you possibly have for a stroll in the garden?”
Gavin leaned against Killian’s desk and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m curious about your actions,” he said smoothly. “More importantly, I’m wondering why you’ve allowed the lass to remain at Kingsbridge. How is it you’ve not remembered that all females who are not family are poison? I figured you would have sent her packing by now.”
Killian scowled. Gavin was right. He didn’t have the patience for any female. The reason he tolerated Odessa and his mother was because they were family. Sometimes, he believed he’d been cursed with a flighty mother and stubborn sister to drive him insane.
“She was injured,” he said evenly. “I’m not an ogre. She should be allowed some time to heal.”
“A tidy excuse,” Gavin goaded him. “You can tell me the truth. I’m your friend. What’s the real reason?”
Hell. Gavin wasn’t going to let it go. He’d poke and prod until Killian lost his temper and punched him in truth. Some days, he wished he could find a little peace. Other times, he was grateful for the people in his life. This wasn’t one of those moments.
“You’re right,” Killian said.
Gavin lifted a brow. “I am?”
“Absolutely.” Killian nodded. “We absolutely should go to the garden. I think it’s the only way you’ll let this all go.”
He might be tightening the noose around his own neck, but it was all he could think of to distract Gavin with. Odessa would sink her claws into his friend, and he’d not have a chance to notice Killian’s fascination with Aubriella. At least, he hoped that was how it would all play out.
“I’d rather not,” Gavin said carefully. “I’ll take your word for it. Actually, there is another matter I wish to discuss.”
“Oh?” Killian said. “Why didn’t you say so from the start?”
Gavin shrugged. “I had to needle you. It’s rare you do something out of the ordinary.”
Killian closed his eyes and reminded himself to breathe. His patience was running short. He opened his eyes and met Gavin’s gaze. “Why did you travel a half a day’s ride to come see me then?”
If Gavin had come by to talk about something, it was probably important. He couldn’t really blame Gavin for teasing him. Killian did it often enough regarding Odessa. Turnabout was fair play, after all…
“It’s about that matter in Manchester we discussed before. They’re going to have an assembly regarding voting rights—I know you’re interested in it.”
Ah, yes, that… He had been fascinated by the working class’s interest in having the right to vote. Some women were even demanding the right as well. He wasn’t sure if they would get very far with it, but he wanted to help if he could. If anything, it would stick it to his true father a little bit. That is, if he bothered to take the time to notice what was going on in the country he was supposed to help govern.
“When are they meeting?”
“In six days,” he said. “At St. Peter’s field.”
A female’s gasp echoed through the room. Gavin and Killian turned at the sound. Aubriella stood in the doorway staring at them both. One of the maids had altered one of Odessa’s older gowns to fit her. If possible she became even more lovely each time he saw her. The dress hugged her bosom and accented the color of her eyes. He stared at her for several seconds before he noticed that her mouth was hanging open as she glanced their way.
“Pardon me, my lords,” she said a bit breathlessly. “Did you say something about St. Peter’s field?”
“What of it?” Gavin asked. “Have you been there?”
Aubriella shook her head. “Not that I recall.”
Killian didn’t believe her. Something about his discussion with Gavin had caught her attention? Was she affiliated with one of the people organizing the meeting? Was she against the working class gaining the right to vote? He couldn’t be sure what Aubriella knew, but he’d bet his entire fortune she did have some information. He’d have to take the time to uncover it, but it would be worth it if it aided the cause.
“Do you have family in Manchester?” Killian asked. “Perhaps that is why it seems familiar.”
Aubriella shook her head. “I’ve no family here, my lord.”
“Here?” Killian raised a brow. “So, you do have family somewhere?”
“Not exactly,” she replied. “I’ve no living family at the moment.”
What a weird way to state her family was dead. At the moment? Did she expect them to suddenly rise from the dead, or was it something else entirely? Maybe she spoke of future children. Killian hoped she didn’t set her sights on marriage. Gavin would most likely marry Odessa once he got over the ridiculous curse notion. At least he didn’t have to worry about his friend taking a liking to Aubriella. Gavin’s superstitions made sure he didn’t get attached to any woman.
“Why did the mention of Manchester make you gasp?” He still didn’t buy her answers. Something didn’t add up for him to let it go that easily. “You’ve not mentioned where you call home?”
Her accent suggested she wasn’t English, but he couldn’t be certa
in. It had a soft melodic lilt to it. If he had to guess, she was from Ireland. He’d not had a lot of contact with anyone from that isle, but he’d met enough to recognize the tone in her voice.
“I’m not an English citizen if that’s what you’re asking,” she replied. “That’s why it’s ludicrous you’re implying I’m from Manchester. Surely you knew that much already.”
His lips tilted upward. “I’ve been wrong before. It’s best to ask questions to find the truth rather than assuming. Isn’t that right, Lord Havenwood.”
Gavin nodded. “He makes an ass of himself enough as it is. Lord Thornbury likes to dig a hole for himself on a regular basis. Don’t think you’re special in that regard.”
That was not the backup he’d been hoping for when he brought Gavin into the conversation. The urge to smack the backside of his head was growing with each passing moment.
“The point, Miss Byrne, is you could still have family ties to Manchester regardless of the country you call home.”
Aubriella fidgeted in the doorway. She remained silent for several heartbeats. Killian was starting to think she might not answer him, but she proved him wrong a moment later. “As I said, I have no family here. I gasped because I had a bad feeling when you mentioned St. Peter’s field. Please tell me you’re not going there.”
A bad feeling? Killian was having something akin to that as he listened to her. “I can’t schedule my travel arrangements around a flutter of fear you feel. I’d never get anything done. I am going to Manchester, and will leave first thing in the morning. It’ll take me at least four days to get there, and I don’t want to waste time arguing with you about it.”
She turned toward Gavin. “Are you going with him?”
He shook his head. “I’ve other matters that need my attention. Lord Thornbury is a big boy and can take care of himself.”
Aubriella scowled at him. “What kind of friend are you? There is possible danger, and you’re going to let him go there alone.”
Killian was becoming rather amused listening to her chastise Gavin, but he had to put an end to it. Maybe this was something he could use to his advantage. He’d promised Aubriella they’d become more acquainted. Perhaps he should invite her along for the journey.
“If you’re so worried about my welfare, you should join me. If you share your bad feelings with me, I might be inclined to listen to them.”
He fully expected her to decline his invitation. So he was much surprised when she answered, “Very well, if you insist. I don’t have much to pack, and I’ll be ready to leave when you are. How early are we departing?”
Bloody hell. He should put an end to this before it got out of hand. He’d been partially joking when he’d suggested she travel with him. Now though, he rather liked the idea of her coming along. He wanted to keep her close. It would give him the opportunity to figure her out and learn why she was really at Kingsbridge Castle. There was a story there, and he’d uncover every last detail of it. He had a lot to consider. Being alone with her wouldn’t be wise, and it could trap them together in an unwanted marriage—at least on his part.
Maybe that was her game all along. Could she desire a match with him? There was no way to know for certain what her motives were. Still, the risk of bringing her along might be worth it in the end.
“At dawn,” he said. “Don’t be late or I’ll leave without you.”
“I’m never late,” she retorted. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’ve much to do before we leave.”
Aubriella inclined her head to both Gavin and Killian, then turned to leave. She held her head high, chin in the air, as she moved out of the doorway. A strand of her golden red hair tumbled loose and she pushed it back in place almost on reflex. She turned briefly and met his gaze. There was fire within the lass, and it burned through him. The upcoming journey promised to be scorching in more ways than one. Killian couldn’t wait…
Chapter Four
Aubriella didn’t honestly believe Killian would bring her along with him to Manchester. Going to St. Peter’s Field was an epically bad idea. She had to slow his progress to prevent him from being on that field when the massacre hit.
She’d studied the Peterloo Massacre in depth, wanting to understand how it could have happened. The Earl of Thornbury, as far as the historical records she’d studied, had not been there. If he went, he could die, and she’d damn well do everything she could to prevent that. Perhaps that was her purpose for being in his life.
If her calculations were correct, it was nearing dawn—the time Killian planned to depart. She skipped down the stairs as fast as she could in a confining dress. Locating a pair of pants was starting to sound good. If she could get away with it, she’d have already tracked a pair down. The persona she’d created for herself had to be maintained though. At the bottom of the stairs she stopped to see if anyone else was near. Silence greeted her, so she decided to go outside to see if the carriage had been brought around yet. If he truly meant to leave at dawn, it should be out front waiting for him.
A carriage with a team of horses sat out front. So, Killian hadn’t lied to her. He did intend to leave soon. A groom loaded a trunk and turned to grab another. Aubriella approached him. “Where is Lord Thornbury?”
He jerked back as if startled at the sound of her voice. “You frightened me, milady.”
“My apologies,” she said. “That wasn’t my intention.”
The sun was starting to rise, making it easier to make out his features. He grinned. “No worries,” he replied. “The lord should be out shortly. You must be excited to begin the journey.”
“I suppose so,” she said absentmindedly. Where was he? She was starting to get nervous waiting for him. “Can I sit inside the carriage?”
“Aye,” the groom said. “Do you need assistance?”
She shook her head. “No, I think I can manage.”
The man stared at her for several seconds before he said, “I don’t mind…”
Aubriella fought a sigh. He was seeing the fragile side of her and didn’t think she was capable of climbing into the carriage. Sometimes that ability slipped free without her realizing it. The sooner she nipped it in the bud, the better. Otherwise, she’d be there until Killian came outside, and she’d rather be seated inside before that happened. The groom wasn’t going to let it go easily. “I can do it,” she told him. Then went and yanked the carriage door open.
She climbed inside the carriage and shut the door behind her before the groom could object. Sometimes she hated her gifts. They could be debilitating if she allowed it. Aubriella settled in and waited for Killian to join her. Now that she knew he wouldn’t be leaving without her, she was rather glad she’d have some time alone with him. He was an incredibly sexy man.
The carriage door swung open and she met Killian’s gaze. “Took you long enough,” she taunted. Aubriella couldn’t help herself. The words were out of her mouth before she thought better of it. “You said we were leaving at dawn.”
“It is dawn, lass,” he said dryly. “Your definition of it must vary from mine.”
Aubriella smiled at him. She tried to make it as demure as possible. It wouldn’t do to show her hand yet. He believed her to be fragile, and she had to let him continue to think that—at least for the moment. In time, she’d let him see her true side. She was no delicate flower in need of saving.
“Not at all,” she replied. “I’m an early riser. I didn’t see the point in waiting when the carriage was being prepared for our departure.”
He frowned. “But you said…”
She waved her hand. “I spoke out of turn. Pay me no mind.” She’d have to work hard for him to forget about her earlier remarks. Hell… “Are you joining me inside?”
He nodded warily. “Aye, I am.” Killian hopped into the carriage and sat on the opposite bench. He rapped on the top of the carriage to let the driver know they were ready to depart, then turned his attention to her. “Tell me about yourself.”
Sh
e lifted a brow. “What would you like to know?” The carriage began to move, almost jerking her out of her seat. Aubriella grasped the side to hold herself in place.
He studied her for several seconds before replying. “Whatever you feel comfortable telling me.”
That would be absolutely nothing… If she said too much it could be disastrous. What was she going to say? Oh, I’m a time traveler. I jumped through a mirror in the twenty-first century and came to help you. Don’t worry though, I mean you no harm—truly. He’d have the carriage driver take them straight to bedlam claiming she was insane. The Earl of Thornbury had no background that would suggest he’d be open to the possibility of something as fantastical as time travel. What could she tell him that was safe?
“I’m seven and twenty,” she finally said. “My birth happened to coincide with Samhain.”
“Is that so?” He paused a moment. “Where were you born?”
So much for him waiting for her to tell him what she was comfortable with. She couldn’t really tell him where she was born. If she did, it would lead to even more questions she’d not be able to answer. Maybe a little bit of the truth would dissuade him from digging deeper.
“A little fishing village on the coast of Ireland,” she said softly. “Na Creagacha Dubha.”
He remained silent for several moments. Aubriella started to believe he’d let it go. She shouldn’t have though. Killian was too curious about her to give up that easily. “What of your parents?”
“Are you asking me what happened to them?”
“Aye,” he said. “Why are you alone in the world?”
Sadly, she’d become rather accustomed to being alone. Her mother died the day Aubriella had been born. She’d never knew her and only had her father’s stories and pictures to go by. Cynthia Byrne had been lovely, with golden blonde hair and light brown eyes. Aubriella’s hair color was a mixture of both her parents’, but the color of her eyes she’d received from her mother.
