Page 51 of My Darling Rogue
But was that truly what she wanted now? Rescue? Was that scenario even possible after she’d revealed her terrible secret to Gabriel? It wasn’t. And she knew for a certainty she would become Gabriel’s wife. Momentum had grown to the point where there was no backing out of it now.
She anticipated her parents’ arrival any day, and the wedding would then take place. Celia was unsure of Gabriel’s plans after that, nor did she know what to expect. Most bridal couples went away on extended honeymoons, but in their case, Gabriel had serious, pressing duties now. His presence would undoubtedly be required for various estate business.
Heath cheerily suggested the new couple begin with a visit at Greenbriar Fields, his home in Oxfordshire. Gabriel’s reply was noncommittal.
“Later, perhaps. I wish to acclimate myself to my new station and marital status at Rosenthorne. And there is work being done there requiring Lady Celia’s approval and input.”
“Already ripping out the old wallpaper and tossing the furniture, I suppose?” Heath mused with a nod of approval. “Can’t say that I blame you there, brother. The entire estate needs a good overhaul.”
Celia sensed Gabriel was perplexed by this somewhat affable newfound brother of his. He seemed unable to decide if Heath was truly an ally or a threat in disguise.
She admitted having the same thoughts initially, but Heath never exhibited the slightest indication he could be a villain in the making. In fact, Viscount Banbury was very much like Gabriel. Straightforward. A little arrogant. A great deal charming. His reputation would bolster Gabriel’s own as he entered the dragon’s lair otherwise known as theton.For although many would accept a previous bastard’s rise to prominence, there would be others refusing to acknowledge Gabriel’s claim to the marquessate. It might not even matter to some that the queen herself sanctioned the old marquee’s will. Gabriel would be shunned. And Celia along with him.
When the other ladies decided they would migrate to the drawing room following supper, Celia stood up from the table. A helpful footman quickly eased her chair back out of the way.
“If you will excuse me, I believe I shall retire for the evening.”
“I do hope you are not unwell, Lady Celia,” Sara said, with a concerned frown.
“Oh, just a slight headache. Caused by an afternoon in the sun on horseback, no doubt. I’ll be perfectly fine by morning.” Celia shot a glance at Gabriel.
He’d still not uttered a word about her riding Arion. She hoped he did not mind that she borrowed his mount. In fact, she’d considered the act one of helpfulness as the stallion required the exercise.
The men began discussing their own plans. They would remain in the dining room where they could smoke their cigars and indulge in a glass of port while discussing various business dealings.
Gabriel, after a second of hesitation, followed her to the dining room doors.
“Rest well, Celia,” he said, briefly touching her elbow, his hand a firebrand of heat on her skin. “Knowing this is likely your last night of going to bed alone.”
Celia stared up at Gabriel’s ruggedly handsome face. His statement should not leave her feeling as though she were melting. It was greatly irritating. She could not go through a lifetime with this man feeling constantly aroused by the simplest of words.
“Goodnight, Lord Rosenthorne.” She deliberately used his title and saw his eyes darken with her insolence. Quickly stepping away from the dining room’s entrance, she glanced back to see him resting a shoulder against one of the double door jambs.
The thunderous expression on Gabriel’s face was oddly assessing, but Celia dismissed it with a shrug. There were surely times over the course of their marriage when he would look at her as though his new wife vexed him a great deal.
She hoped Ivy understood her reticence to join the other ladies. The women who remained at Beaumont were eager to discuss every detail of the ceremony, small and intimate though it would be. Over the last two weeks, Celia managed a distant smile whenever the subject came up. She could not shake an impending sense that catastrophe was inevitable.
How surreal it was that she would be married soon. And to a man who was essentially a stranger. A handsome one, but a stranger, nonetheless. She wondered what type of husband Gabriel would be. Indulgent? Strict? Would he overlook her little quirks? Laugh at her need for a lamp burning by her bed so the room was not completely dark? Or would he hold her close and whisper in her ear until the shadows receded?
Celia was lost in thought as she walked down the softly lit corridor headed toward the room she was staying in. Worrying over such matters truly was giving her an awful headache. Rubbing her temples, she did not notice when one of the many guest room doors cracked open.
Before she had an opportunity to struggle, Celia was grabbed and pulled into a room. Hard hands held her fast, arms wrapping around her waist from behind and a hand quickly clamped over her mouth, muffling her surprised scream.
“Shhhh!” Lord Robert Harvey admonished in a low, aggravated voice. “It’s only me. Shhh, you don’t want anyone to hear us, do you?”
Dragging her further into the room, Robert reached behind him and pulled the door shut. The lock clicked into place.
They were alone now in an empty guest room with only a single lamp burning for illumination. Celia wiggled in the man’s tight grip and tried to breathe.
A quick rush of panic flooded her. It was crippling. A deafening roar filled her ears. For a second, she thought she might be incapable of moving a single muscle to free herself.
Her captor never noticed her distress, blithely explaining his actions as if Celia was a co-conspirator in his plans.
“Listen, I’m taking you away from here. It’s our only chance before that bastard drags you to the altar and shackles you to his side forever.” Robert breathed heavily, both from exertion and apparent adrenaline.
Celia’s head shook back and forth, her words muffled behind Robert’s hand.
“I know, sweetheart. I know. But do not thank me just yet. Wait until we are clear of the house and safely away from here. I’ve planned everything. In fact, my valet waits for us in the woods with horses for our journey.”
