by Wendy Vella
“You’re shaking.”
She allowed herself the luxury of being held, but only for a brief moment.
“Th-thank you.”
“Eden heard you scream, and then Whiskers got free and ran this way.”
“I-I am grateful for your intervention once again, Captain.”
“Can you remember anything those men said to you, Rose?”
She shook her head. “Please release me now.”
His hands tightened briefly, and then she was free.
“I’m sorry they frightened you.”
“But they did not cow me,” she reminded him and herself. “I must go now; Kitty will wonder where I am.” Rose had a feeling if she did not leave then she would unravel in front of this man, and that would never do.
“Allow us to escort you, Miss Abernethy.”
She’d forgotten about the duke and duchess. Horrified they’d seen Captain Sinclair holding her again, she declined the duke’s offer.
“And yet we insist.”
A large hand clamped around her elbow, and Rose was propelled out the door.
“I can walk; it is not far.”
Captain Sinclair ignored her, instead guiding her through the marketplace to where their carriage waited.
“I have handed the men over to the Watch, your Grace,” the servant who opened the door said to the duke. “Nasty business when a young lady can’t walk about without fear of miscreants taking advantage.”
“Yes, nasty indeed, Harry. Thank you for taking care of the matter.”
Rose was urged into the carriage.
“I am quite recovered and can walk, Captain Sinclair.”
“I’m not, so in you get.”
A hand at her spine had Rose climbing the step or end up on the floor. He followed, taking the seat to her right, forcing Rose to scoot along as far as she could, which in turn pressed her against the side of the carriage and window.
“This is highly improper,” Rose said, looking around. The seats were a plush blue velvet, the walls ivory satin with matching blue trim. Windows were dressed with pale blue satin and matching braid. There was every possibility that Rose, the entire occupancy of Ranwich house, plus every person on her street could live on what this carriage cost for many months, if not longer. She must remember every detail for Kitty.
“Improper how?”
She had nowhere to go as he leaned closer, blocking all else from her view.
“I should not be in this carriage. I am a s-servant.”
“I believe you are more of a stickler for propriety than my entire family, Miss Abernethy.”
“Are we to leave shortly?” Rose tried to see round him. “I really must leave.”
“Were you telling the truth when you said those men did not harm you, Rose?”
“Yes. You arrived before they could harm me... again. Why is this happening?” She looked away from him, out the window. “I have had nothing but trouble since arriving in London, and yet how is that possible when I know no one here?”
“Look at me, Rose.”
The deep words compelled her to do as he asked. Once his eyes held hers, she was incapable of drawing away.
“Is there any reason someone would want to harm you?”
“No.”
“You hesitated. Tell me the truth.”
“M-my cousin once vowed that no one would have me but he, and there was nowhere to run that he would not find me.” She had not considered Herbert, nor his threats. Not considered that he would come and find her if she ran away, or go to such lengths to get her back. Now she wasn’t so sure.
“Then you must show caution, Rose, until it is either confirmed or denied. Yes, all this could be coincidence, but just in case you need to be on your guard.”
She couldn’t look away.
“Is your hand sore?”
“No.”
He lifted it, cradling it in one of his while he inspected the reddened knuckles.
“Place something cool on it when you return to your lodgings.”
His eyes held hers while he ran a finger gently over her abused knuckles.
“Why?” He lowered his head a few inches. “Why you?”
“P-pardon?” She couldn’t move away, the window at her back.
“Why am I intrigued by you?”
Releasing her hand, he touched her chin, one large finger raising it. Rose’s eyes closed as he took her mouth in a soft, sensuous kiss. It was an exploration, a gentle invasion, and she could do nothing but take what he offered. Her head felt light, her body wanted to arch into his, and Lord, his lips felt wonderful on hers.
The sound of the duke and duchess approaching had him lifting his head. His thumb stroked her lower lip before turning away.
What just happened? Looking out the window as the duke and duchess took the seat across from her, Rose tried to make sense of her scattered thoughts. One thing she did know was that Kitty would hear nothing about that kiss.
Dear Lord, had he really just kissed her, and if so, why?
The little dog leaped onto Captain Sinclair’s knees and looked directly at Rose.
“He wants you to thank him.”
“P-pardon?” How could he sound so unaffected by what they’d shared when Rose was a mass of conflicting emotion?
“Whiskers wants you to scratch him behind the ears and thank him for playing his part in your rescue.”
She did as he said, and the little dog made a small humming sound.
“If I may make a suggestion, Miss Abernethy?” The Duke said.
“Of course, your Grace.”
“Perhaps you should not walk about London alone.”
“Thank you, your Grace, I shall make sure to be diligent from now on.”
“I understand that is not always easy.”
“Not always, no, but I shall try where possible, your Grace.”
“Rose believes her cousin may be responsible for the attacks.”
“I did not say that exactly.” Rose glared at the captain, who ignored her.
“You alluded to it.”
“Well then, if you believe there is a threat, and both times he could have been responsible, that increases your need to show caution, Miss Abernethy. I suggest you walk about in crowds and do not find yourself alone at any stage... at least until the Watch have looked into the matter and questioned those men,” the duke added.
Rose nodded rather than engage in further discussion, even though what the duke suggested was not possible. She had to work, just as she had to walk about London alone; it was simply her life. Thankfully a few minutes later the carriage stopped outside Putt’s Lodging House.
She got to her feet, eager to leave, but Captain Sinclair beat her to it and stepped down first.
“Thank you once again for helping me,” she said to the duke and duchess. Curtseying was not easy in a carriage so she simply bobbed down and up a few inches.
“You are most welcome, and I am glad you are safe, Rose. We shall see you at Samantha’s next lesson,” the duchess said.
She took the hand the captain held out to her and stepped down. His fingers tightened briefly, and then he let her go.
“Rose, that kiss—”
“Was nothing,” she whispered back.
“It was something.” He tried to take her hand, but she tugged free.
“No it was not, nor ever will it be. Good day.” She bobbed another curtsey then fled, not stopping until she was inside her room, with the door shut and locked behind her.
Chapter 12
“So you only want me here to look intimidating?”
“Yes, and to do that you need to stop smiling,” Wolf said to Cam, who strolled in a loose-limbed gait at his side.
“Let me get this straight—” Cam neatly sidestepped a pile of something smelly as they made for the building holding the two men who had attacked Rose. “Your Miss Abernethy has been attacked twice, and you now believe there is a sinister reason for that?”
“Yes.”
“And we’re going to intimidate whoever is inside that building into letting us speak with the two men from this morning in the marketplace?”
“Yes again.”
“You’re showing a great deal of interest in this woman, cousin, when she is merely a piano teacher, and, as you stated, nothing to you.”
“She has no one else looking out for her,” Wolf defended himself. “Surely it is our duty to care for those less fortunate than ourselves.”
“How very noble of you.”
Wolf knew a mocking tone when he heard it.
“And surely James, her employer, should be the one to take up the mantle of her protection, not you?”
The street was busy, and the noise loud. Vendors, carts, and horses all battled with people and children for the right of passage.
“Good God, is that Major Heyer riding that swaybacked bay?” Wolf thought to distract Cam from the uncomfortable conversation.
“Yes, nasty beast. It bit me in the boot last week while I was riding in the park.”
“Well done, horsey,” Wolf drawled.
“Captain Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair.”
Wolf bit back a moan as two women called to them from an open-topped carriage now slowing beside them.
“Lady Lightfoot, Mrs. Halport.” Wolf bowed, as did Cam.
Dressed in the latest fashion, both were women whose husbands cared little of their activities as long as whatever they got up to did not make it to the gossip pages. There was also the small matter of Lady Lightfoot wanting to take a Sinclair to her bed, and as Dev and Cam had refused, that left Wolf.
“Lady Lightfoot, may I say how beautiful you look today? That particular shade of jonquil is stunning.”
The woman preened and simpered over Cam’s compliments.
“And does my cousin not look well today also, Mrs. Halport?”
Wolf turned his boot slightly and stood on the tip of Cam’s. The man’s smile did not slip.
“Oh indeed, quite handsome.”
Both women batted their lashes and looked him over like a prime cut of beef.
“Perhaps you would like to accompany us, Captain, for a small trip around the park?” The look in Mrs. Halport’s eyes could only be termed lecherous.
“Yes, cousin, after all you were just stating that you felt like a jaunt around the park, and now you can have it with two beautiful companions.”
Wolf leaned forward on the ball of his foot and put all his weight on Cam’s toes. The wince was only small, but made him feel better.
“Alas, I fear I must decline, ladies, due to an appointment, but I thank you for the invitation.”
They made small mewing sounds. Rose would never make sounds like that.
And how the hell do you know that?
“Another time perhaps,” Cam said, shuffling sideways as Wolf released him. “But do ask again, ladies; my cousin told me just yesterday how he covets your company.”
Both ladies clapped, and then they were off.
“I’ll gut you if you try that again.”
“You can’t fool me, cousin, I know you have a secret fancy for both women.”
He shuddered. “Terrifying is what they are, and I’m sure they eat their prey whole. Now if it’s in your power, keep your large mouth shut and I’ll buy you food after we are done.”
“I’ll do anything for food.”
“This I know.”
They crossed the road and walked into the dim interior of the Watch House.
The more thought Wolf had given to both attacks, the more he felt something was off.
Surely the fact two men were involved in each was not a coincidence? Could it be her cousin behind them?
He knew there were men out there that preyed on women; he also knew that with Rose’s beauty she would catch a man’s eyes, but still, it didn’t feel right.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“My name is Captain Sinclair, and this is Mr. Sinclair.”
The man behind the desk got to his feet as they approached.
“We would like to speak with the two men who were bought in here earlier today by the Duke of Raven’s men. They attacked a woman in the marketplace.”
“Two men,” the man said slowly. “The ones brought in here today?”
Cam and Wolf nodded.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll need to discuss your request with my superior. I will return shortly.”
The man left, and Wolf walked around the small, drab space. Gray walls, two straight-backed chairs.
He knew how the chain of command worked, having been in the army for years. Knew that those men who reached the higher ranks were not always the most suitable.
“He had eel pie for lunch,” Cam said. “And looked uncomfortable at your request.”
“I thought that too.”
“Captain Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair, my name is Constable Trebal. I understand you wish to speak with the two men brought in here earlier.”
Tall and broad, the man had a thick moustache that curled down either side of his mouth.
“That is a spectacular moustache.”
The man softened his stance slightly at Cam’s words.
“Yes, Constable Trebal, we do want to speak with the men. The woman they attacked is someone of my acquaintance, and I wish to discuss the matter of this attack and the one previous.”
Had he not been watching closely, Wolf wouldn’t have noticed the small start the man gave. But as his eyesight was above excellent, and he could detect most things a person did, he also noted the soft exhale.
“There was another attack?”
Wolf nodded. “Is there a problem with what I want, Constable Trebal?”
“It’s highly irregular for you to make such a request, Captain Sinclair.”
“Very likely, however, I am still making it.” Silence was a valuable tool when dealing with people, especially when you wanted information from them. Wolf had learned this many years ago. He let it stretch before them, pleased that for once Cam was silent too.
“Excuse me, I will discuss the matter further with my superior.”
“I understood you were the superior officer in command today?”
The man looked cornered.
“Ah no, there is another. One moment, please.”
After Constable Trebal had left, Wolf once again paced around the room several times, his anger steadily increasing with every step.
“Both men know something, Wolf. I can smell the fear on them.”
“I know, but what I don’t know is why they are nervous. Follow me and watch for someone coming.”
“What?”
Moving to the door, Wolf stepped through. The shuffle of feet told him Cam followed.
“What the hell are you about?”
Ignoring Cam, Wolf let his eyes sweep the empty room. On one desk were several pieces of paper neatly stacked. Making for the next door, he looked through and found three men. They were agitated, Wolf could tell by the hand gestures and furious whispers. He could feel their tension, but not one of them was facing him so he could not read their lips.
Motioning for Cam to go back, he followed him to the waiting room.
“I swear my heart nearly stopped.” Cam clutched his chest.
“Shut up, they’re coming.”
“I know, one of them has been drinking.”
A man stepped through the door clutching a piece of paper and wearing a belligerent expression.
“I am Sergeant Shorter, Captain Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair.”
“Sergeant.” Wolf nodded, then waited.
“Well now, as I believe Constable Trebal has already explained, it is highly irregular that you would wish to speak with two criminals we hold in custody, Captain. I’m afraid we cannot allow it.”
“I understand it is irregular, but very important, Sergeant. As I have already explained, this is the second such attack on this woman.”
“Women can exaggerate things, as you know
, Captain Sinclair.”
“Exaggerate how?”
The man cleared his throat.
“It’s their way. A trivial matter can be blown out of proportion, as I’m sure is the case in this situation.”
“I witnessed both attacks, Sergeant. What do you say to that?”
“As did my brother-in-law, the Duke of Raven,” Cam added. “And he wants this matter dealt with thoroughly.”
The man swallowed loudly.
“Yes, well, whatever the case may be, I’m afraid we cannot grant your request.”
“Won’t or can’t?”
“P-pardon?”
Wolf’s smile held no humor, but he did not repeat his words.
The hand that held up the paper shook slightly. Wolf’s eyesight allowed him to read the words, but he could not make out a name from the scrawling signature.
“What is that?” He played along, even though he had read the words that said the men were to be released.
“A document requesting we release both men.”
“You released two men who attacked an innocent woman without provocation?”
Anger made his hands curl into fists. Only Rose Abernethy could stir up this much emotion inside him.
“Wolf,” Cam cautioned, sensing his anger.
“I— Yes, that is the case, Captain Sinclair.” Sergeant Shorter looked uneasy.
Wolf’s face must have portrayed his feelings, for the man took a step back.
“Who is responsible for their release?”
“I cannot reveal that to you.”
“A grave mistake has been made and I will not stop until I find out who is responsible, Sergeant Shorter. And if the woman concerned is attacked once more, you will be seeing me again.”
He hadn’t yelled, but the man winced. Looking nervous, he threw Wolf a last look before disappearing back through the door.
Stepping outside with Cam, he walked a few paces while he found his control. Why was this happening to him now? This anger and emotion. It was her, it had to be. Bloody Rose Abernethy with her fiery hair and soft lips.
“It’s not his fault, Wolf.”
“He was handy.”
“And a suitable outlet for your anger.”
