Lady Overton's Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

She buried her head in his neck. “I thought you and Harry were going to be killed.” Turning to John, she smiled tremulously. “You’re so brave. You saved them. I can never thank you enough.”

  John grimaced. “No problem. He’s my brother, and I’m kind of fond of him. I couldn’t let the bastard hurt him or your son.”

  Then looking at Barrington, she said, “Thank you as well. Your quick action kept him from doing more harm.”

  “You can thank me later. We need to make haste before someone else comes. They’re bound to have heard the pistols go off.”

  As they raced down the stairs, they heard yelling coming from the floor above. Lord Howard’s guards must have come to investigate the noise and found him dead. Dashing through the kitchen, they made it out the door, where their guards stood waiting.

  Alex turned to her. “Here—take Harry and hide in the bushes.” Then glancing behind him he said, “John, stay with her. I don’t want you taking any more chances than you already have. I still can’t believe you put your life on the line for us, but I’m grateful you did. How’s your shoulder?”

  “It’s fine, just go find the rest of his gang before they escape.”

  “You’re right. We have to capture his cohorts.”

  Giving Anissa a quick kiss, Alex ran back to Barrington.

  She hid behind the shrubs, holding her son close, while Alex and the duke circled the house.

  John crouched beside her, pistol at the ready.

  Crooning softly to Harry, reveling in the feel of him in her arms again, she prayed he would awaken.

  Fear, anxiety, and terror charged through her like a bull in a Spanish arena.

  With trembling fingers, she touched the side of his neck and his pulse beat strong and steady, reassuring her somewhat.

  She peeked around the bushes, praying for the sight of her husband returning. The hairs raised on her arms as she waited. Her breathing remained erratic as the adrenaline continued to surge through her body.

  John bent toward her and whispered, “How’s your son?”

  “He’s still unconscious, but his pulse is steady. It’s better if he remains out until the danger has passed.” Then with worry coloring her voice, she murmured, “I do wish Alex would return.”

  “He’ll be fine,” John replied with pride radiating in his voice. “Alex knows how to handle himself.”

  While it could not have been more than ten minutes, it seemed as if it were an hour, finally, Alex appeared and walked over to them.

  “We’ve rounded them up,” he told them. “Lord Howard’s son gave in without a fight. He told us he didn’t want any trouble, that his father had forced him to participate. I tend to believe him.”

  “Poor Bernard.” Anissa sighed. “In the time I have known him, he has always cowered in his father’s presence. And no wonder. I witnessed Lord Howard slap him around several times during the months I lived with the young man. While he may have followed along with his father’s machinations, it was due to fear.”

  He met her gaze. “I suspected as much. He can’t be much older than eighteen or nineteen. When he thought we were going to shoot him, a dark stain appeared on the front of his breeches.”

  Not cruel by nature, she stifled a laugh. “Oh, dear, how embarrassing for him. And you are right. He’s actually only seventeen.”

  Not fooled in the slightest, he grinned. “Well, after that happened, we went a bit easier on him.”

  She had been so sad for so long, it felt good to find a bit of humor in the situation, but it should not have been at Bernard’s expense.

  Changing the subject, she asked, “Where’s the duke?”

  “Barrington has gone to get the local magistrate. It’s safe to go back into the house now. The old woman is no threat. When I questioned her, she told me she gave Harry a sleeping draught. That’s why he didn’t wake up. He will be fine.”

  “Thank goodness, but I shall not relax until an apothecary has looked at him. John needs a surgeon to look at his shoulder as well.”

  Alex took the sleeping Harry from her arms and settled him on his shoulder. Grabbing Anissa around the waist, he pulled her close, then kissed her forehead. “Come, love, no need to worry, he’s safe now.” Then looking over at John, he added, “Come on, brother. The duke should be returning soon, and the surgeon he sent for can look at your shoulder. I can’t thank you enough for jumping in front of us. That was a brave thing to do.”

  John grimaced as he replied, “You would have done the same thing for me. Lead the way, and I’ll follow you and Anissa.”

  Barrington returned with the magistrate and an apothecary for Harry. Sir Timothy’s men removed Lord Howard’s body and hauled away his cohorts. The magistrate did not arrest Bernard, since the young man convinced him he had been an unwilling participant.

  Shortly after the magistrate departed, a surgeon arrived and took John to a bedchamber to treat his wound, while the apothecary examined Harry. The man assured her that her son would be fine, once he slept off the sleeping draught.

  Now that the adrenaline had drained away, Anissa needed sleep desperately. She refused to let Harry out of her sight, so after selecting one of the bedrooms upstairs, she lay her son on the bed. After kissing her husband goodnight, she crawled in beside Harry and fell into an exhausted sleep.

  When Anissa awoke the following morning, Harry lay curled up beside her, fast asleep. As she watched his sleeping form, she relished the feel of his warm little body next to her. She breathed in the sweet scent of her dear child and listened to his even breathing, then she whispered a prayer, thanking God for bringing her son through his ordeal.

  She tenderly shook his shoulder. He opened his eyes, and upon noticing her, he threw himself into her arms and cried, “Mama, you’ve come at last. I’ve been so scared. Uncle said I would never see you again, but I didn’t believe him. I knew you would save me. He kept giving me vile medicine every day. It tasted horrible. We don’t have to live with him anymore, do we?”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “No, darling, you will never see him again. You are safe with me.”

  “Mama, are you all right?” he asked. “That bad man hit you hard, and Uncle would not let me go. I heard your screams, but then he made me breathe something nasty. I don’t remember anything after that until I woke up in a filthy room all tied up. Did that bad man hurt you, Mama?”

  Anissa stroked his shiny, blond curls and rubbed his shoulder, just needing to touch him. “I am well. Mr. and Mrs. Allen found me and then Alex came, so I’m fine now. It’s you I’m worried about. How do you feel this morning?”

  “I’m terribly thirsty. Can I have something to drink? I’m starving. I wish I could have some of Mrs. A’s pancakes.”

  Amazed at the resilience of youth, she hugged him close. “I can’t get you any of Mrs. A’s pancakes, but I can definitely make you something to eat. Let’s go to the nursery and get you dressed, then we shall go to the kitchen for some breakfast.”

  After Harry gulped down a full glass of water, they went to the nursery and found his clothes. After he dressed, she led him to the kitchen, where she found dark bread, eggs, and cheese. Using skills Lucy taught her, Anissa quickly prepared breakfast. Her son wolfed it down and drank a glass of the cider she found in the pantry.

  Feeling slightly nauseous, she nibbled on some of the bread, found tea in the pantry, and made herself a cup. When Alex and Barrington joined them, she asked, “How is John this morning?”

  “The surgeon said he should be fine. The ball passed cleanly through his shoulder. He told me John can travel back to London, as long as he rides in the carriage with you and Harry.”

  Anissa sighed with relief. “Thank goodness. That is good news. Now, please take a seat, and I shall prepare some breakfast for you and Barrington.”

  While Alex and the duke ate their morning meal, she put together a breakfast tray for John and had a servant deliver it to him. The men ate with relish, devouring everything she put in front
of them.

  Rising from the table, Alex smiled over at her. “Thank you for breakfast. I didn’t realize you could cook. I thought all aristocrats let servants do that for them.”

  Anissa laughed, “I had Mrs. A show me a few things. I can fry chicken and make biscuits, too. When the church had a picnic, I helped Lucy prepare the food. My cake even won second prize in the baking contest. I found out I actually enjoy cooking. And you’re right, that wasn’t a skill I had the opportunity to learn before.”

  He kissed her cheek and tickled her nose. “Now that we have your delicious food in our bellies, I’ll go upstairs and help John. Once I have him settled in the carriage, we will depart for Chilton House. The magistrate has enough evidence to prove Barrington shot Lord Howard to save your life, Harry’s, and mine. He told us we don’t need to stay for the inquest. I’m sure you’re as anxious as I am to get out of here.”

  The fair weather held on the drive back to London and the coachman had them back at Chilton House by one o’clock. The duchess, along with Georgia and Kathleen, met them at the door.

  Sylvia hugged her as she exclaimed, “Thank the Lord. You saved Harry. How wonderful. We have been so worried.”

  Anissa smiled. “Between your husband and John, they saved the day. We shall give you all the details when I come back downstairs after I take my son to the nursery and get freshened up.”

  She took her son upstairs, and when they entered the nursery, Melanie ran to Harry and hugged him. “I’m glad you have finally arrived. It’s been boring without you. Now, we can have some fun. This is Robert. He’s only two. Come on, let’s play.” Then grabbing Harry’s hand, she pulled him over to the train set on the floor.

  Confident the nursemaid would keep Harry safe, she went to her room and ordered a bath. She luxuriated in the fresh, hot water, letting it caress her sore muscles. She had engaged in much more vigorous exercise than she normally participated in. A bruise marred her arm. That must have happened when Lord Howard grabbed her. After her bath, she climbed into bed, and even though she only planned to rest a few minutes, she fell into an exhausted sleep. She awoke at six o’clock when the maid came in to help her get ready for dinner.

  Once Betsy helped her don her gown and arranged her hair, she went by the nursery to check on Harry and found him ready for bed. Tucking him in, she told him a story, but before she reached the end, he had fallen asleep. Relief rolled over her. Harry had come through his ordeal with apparently no lasting effects. After kissing his dear face, she made her way downstairs to dinner.

  When Anissa entered the drawing room, Georgia and Kathleen greeted her, showering her with hugs and kisses. Georgia held her close. “Anissa, we’re so relieved you’re all right. Alex told us what happened. When I found out what John did and that he’d been shot, my heart almost stopped. I’m so relieved he is going to be fine. The duke was kind enough to send for his physician, and the good doctor assured me my son will make a full recovery. He’s upstairs sleeping.”

  Anissa returned Georgia’s hug, then took a seat on the sofa. “I will be eternally grateful to John for placing his life in jeopardy for us. I’m so relieved he is going to be fine.”

  Georgia joined her on the couch. “What a horrific experience this has been. At least you and your son are finally safe.”

  “I’m so thankful we reached Harry before his uncle could harm him. When I tucked him into bed, he fell asleep immediately. The apothecary examined him and said he’s fine.”

  Alex came over and placed his arm around her waist, then kissed her forehead. “Did you have a good rest? I checked on you earlier. You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t disturb you. Ah, my darlin’, at last the nightmare is over. Now we can get on with our lives.”

  Looking into her husband’s shining black eyes, so filled with love, her heart flipped over. “I’m so thankful it’s at an end at last.” Then with trepidation in her voice, she added, “Now we have to figure out how we go about living the rest of our lives.”

  “I have some ideas to run past you. We can talk after dinner.” She hoped his ideas would work because she worried over how she could continue to live with her husband and ensure her son’s inheritance at the same time. She loved Alex with every fiber of her being and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Whatever the cost.

  After dinner, Alex suggested they retire early, since it had been such an exhausting week for all of them. Everyone wished them a good night, and they made their way upstairs to their rooms.

  Once he closed her door, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a gentle kiss. “Are you too tired to talk?”

  Her curiosity piqued, she shook her head. “Not at all. A relaxing conversation would be pleasant for a change.”

  After leading her over to the silk covered sofa in front of the glowing fire, Alex sat, and pulled her onto his lap. He cradled her against his chest as if he never wanted to let her go. She felt secure for the first time since this entire ordeal had started.

  “Darlin’, I’ve worked out a perfect solution for our dilemma, and I think you will agree.”

  She snuggled close. “Tell me your plan. As long as it keeps us together, I shall love it.”

  “John and I had a long talk this afternoon while you slept. He has agreed to take over the management of our ships and captain the Renegade. His smaller ship will join the fleet with his first mate as captain, a man more than ready for the responsibility.”

  She gazed up at him, and with her tone filled with worry, she asked, “I do believe John has redeemed himself after his part in Harry’s rescue, but are you sure you can trust him? After all, he did disappear without a trace for six years. I would hate for you to count on him, and then have him let you down.”

  “In light of his recent behavior, and after our discussion this afternoon, I believe I can. He truly is remorseful over staying away so long without any communication. He has promised me he has changed and looks forward to his new responsibilities.”

  “What of your shipping office?” she asked.

  “Bridges will return to Baltimore and manage our office there. I will stay here and run the London operation. All I ask is that we return to America each summer and spend a couple of months there.”

  As she threw her arms around his neck, hope surged through her. “Oh, Alex, are you sure? I know how much you love your home and your country. I don’t want you to regret your decision later and grow resentful that I took you away.”

  “Darlin’, you and our children are my family now. I made up my mind on the voyage over here that I would have you in my life, no matter what it took. I love you more than life itself. When Lord Howard had that gun to your head, my heart stopped at the thought of not having you by my side for the rest of my life. I will be happy wherever I am, as long as you are with me.”

  Anissa’s heart sang, as sweet melodies played in her head. She raised her head for his kiss. He lowered his and gently brushed her lips, making her feel more loved than she had ever thought possible. When she met her husband on that fateful night, she never dreamed she would fall in love irrevocably, but she had. She thanked God for bringing him into her life. The good Lord had blessed her twice, once with her first husband and now with Alex. She had remained steadfast to her faith, and God had not let her down.

  She lightly touched his beloved face. “I promise you shall never regret your decision. I made up my mind to do whatever it took to keep us together. I want you to have a significant role in my son’s life. I know you will guide him and help him grow to be an honorable man. Harry couldn’t have a better role model to follow. I shall love you until the end of time, my darling. Make love to me.”

  Alex stood, keeping her snug in his arms as he carried her to the bed and then laid her gently down on the soft satin sheets. After stripping off his clothes, he climbed in beside her, making quick work of divesting her of her clothes as well, and then pulled her tight against him. She gloried in the feel of his naked flesh next to hers. Entwi
ning her arms around his neck, she pulled his head down and kissed him with a passion only he could ignite.

  The familiar craving clutched at her belly as he moved between her spread thighs and surged inside. The walls of her channel clinched around his hard shaft with every stroke. She spiraled higher, searching for something just out of her reach. Wrapping her legs around his buttocks, she dug her heels into his taut arse. She pulled him against her, bringing his groin in contact with her private place, causing a delicious tingle to spread throughout her body. An avalanche of sensations coursed through her until she splintered into a thousand pieces. At the same time he made one final thrust, and his essence filled her, bathing her with his love. He rolled to the side, pulling her to his heaving chest.

  As he cradled her in his sweat-dampened arms, she breathed in the clean scent that uniquely belonged to her husband. She basked in the beat of his heart as it returned to a steady pace. His breathing slowed as he fell asleep. As she toyed with the patch of hair in the middle of his chest, she grew drowsy and closed her eyes. Sleep overtook her as she realized that at last her perilous journey was over. As long as she had Alex to love her and keep her family safe…all…was right with her world.

  *The End*

  About the Author

  Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave.

  Over the last few years, she has written more than a half dozen historical romances and is presently working on her next. Her new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey, is the first book in her Honorable Rogue series. The second book in this series, Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron, will be available January 2016.

  Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in all her novels.

  While all her books are love stories, she has also written short contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances using the pen name of V.L. Edwards.