Page 87 of My Darling Rogue
Celia was his everything. And he would die or kill while protecting what was his. If that made him a beast in the eyes of London’s society, then that’s precisely what he would be.
CHAPTER36
It was closing in on midnight when they finally arrived at Rosenthorne Hall.
Gabriel helped Celia descend from the coach and then stepped aside so she could continue on without him.
“I shall join you in a moment, my sweet. There is a matter of new upholstery for the coach I must mention to the coachmen. In my opinion, it is rather threadbare.” He smiled down at her, placing a finger beneath her chin and lifting it. “And I’ll not have my beautiful marchioness riding about Mayfair or the thoroughfares of London in a threadbare, somewhat shabby coach.”
“It is not that bad, considering it has most likely not seen any use in many years,” Celia replied.
“It’s bad enough that I immediately noticed its condition earlier tonight. Go on up onto the terrace. I shall only be a minute or two.”
Celia nodded and ascended the terrace steps, intending on waiting for Gabriel there so they could enter the manor together. Gazing up at the night sky, she pondered the appearance of so many stars when the peaceful quiet was disrupted by a man’s rough whisper.
“Have you something for me, milady?”
Celia stiffened in fear before half-turning toward Bryan. “Have you lost complete leave of your senses?” she hissed. “The marquess is only steps from us.”
“He pays no attention to you and me. Although he should. You are a pretty sight, I’ll say that much for ya.” Bryan sidled closer. “Do you have what I want?”
“You only blackmailed me this morning. I’ve not had time to ask my husband for money,” Celia snapped back in a low whisper. “And this popping up in an attempt to intimidate as you did earlier this evening will not get your funds any quicker. You will make my husband suspicious if you do not keep your distance.”
“The way milord was eating you up with his eyes, I’d say he doesn’t notice anything else when you are around. And I think you won’t have a problem gettin’ whatever you want from him.” Bryan laughed and Celia closed her eyes at his crudeness. “Maybe after he tups ya tonight, you ask for it, right? I’ve a powerful thirst and no coin to quench it. Makes me tongue loose, if you get my meanin’.”
“You said I had two days.” Celia tried hiding the panic in her voice but failed. Her heart was beating so fast; she feared any second now Gabriel would turn and discover her speaking to this man. He would discover her secret. And he would hate and despise her for stooping so low as to be with someone so despicable and for the threat to his burgeoning social standing.
Even this limited contact with Bryan made Celia feel dirty. As though she should scrub her skin raw in an effort to erase any sign there’d ever been anything between them.
Bryan leaned forward, his sour breath wafting through the air. She nearly gagged, both from the toxicity of his breath and her terror at being caught with him.
“Aye, you are right. I did say two days. Shite, what was I thinking? To compensate for me time, bring some pretties in addition to the coin. I got a half pound for those earbobs. If you show up with nothing, I’ll be taking something more personal from ya.”
His lecherous laugh sent a wave of horror tumbling over Celia. That was the stuff of her nightmares. The thought of reliving everything this man had done to her left her frozen with fear until footsteps sounded on the terrace behind her.
Celia whirled around. Gabriel was stalking in their direction. His features were etched of stone, but his eyes were alight with fierce concern.
She nearly swayed with relief as he came closer and Bryan, obviously realizing the danger for himself, retreated a bit. A gruesome semblance of a harmless smile pulled his gaunt face even tighter. He bowed at the waist in a grudging show of respect.
“Is something amiss?” Gabriel asked, his hand sliding under Celia’s elbow. He squeezed her there, probably not even aware he was practically holding her up.
“Um, no. He was merely curious as to whether or not I prefer to ride in the mornings,” Celia managed to say calmly.
“And why does one of the grooms have a need for this information?” Gabriel’s voice was calm, but a dangerous thread lurked there. He was suspicious and Celia scrambled for an explanation that would appease him.
“Apparently, at his last place of employment, the lady of the house enjoyed taking a morning ride every day. He wished to have a horse ready for me if that was the case.”
For a long moment, Gabriel said nothing as Celia held her breath. Head tilted, he studied Bryan’s face until recognition lit his gaze. “Ahh. Flannigan, right? I remember you approaching me at The Gilded Rooster recently. So, it appears Mister Kinsey had work for you, after all.”
Bryan executed a bow. “That he did, milord. Pardon me boldness in speaking with Her Ladyship. I mean well enough, that I do.”
Celia almost choked at his sinisterly innocent words but quickly recovered with a light cough. “I do believe the night air is turning disagreeable, Lord Rosenthorne. I’d like to go inside now.”
Gabriel’s inscrutable gaze remained on Bryan for a few moments longer before he said to Celia, “Yes, of course. Come along, then.”
Celia allowed her husband to lead her away, and she did not dare turn back to see Bryan’s reaction. She imagined his once handsome face was twisted with rage that his torment of her was interrupted.
Soaking in Gabriel’s strength, she took a deep breath. She needed guidance for the right words when reminding her husband of his promise of pin money. As for the bit of jewelry Bryan demanded, she would paw through her jewel case and find something of little value both monetarily and emotionally.
