Page 59 of Rakes & Reticules
“Of course. Your parents shall not be deported, Siobhan,” Fletcher assured her. “By this time next week, I promise you shall be reunited with them.”
“How can you be so sure?” His confidence was admirable, but was it misplaced?
“My father is a duke.” He exchanged a wry glance with his cousin. “A powerful duke. I’ve already written him and asked him to come to London. I would vow we’ll be able to expose the truth and that the blighter who accused your parents bribed someone to toss them into prison. Unfortunately, it happens frequently.”
At least they weren’t dead.
Siobhan wouldn’t tell Paddy and Kimber until Da and Maura gained their freedom.
Torrian turned toward the viscountess. “I’m sure the authorities are eager to interview you, Lady Huxley.”
He angled his head toward two agents who immediately took either of her arms and removed the screaming, thrashing woman from the study.
An asylum would likely be Lady Huxley’s residence rather than prison. The woman was inarguably insane.
Other agents escorted her defeated accomplices.
Desperate to put some distance between her and Fletcher before he recognized how much his actions had devasted her or before she dissolved into a weeping mess, Siobhan edged toward the door. The tumult in her mind and the maelstrom of her emotions made it almost impossible to think clearly.
And on top of tonight’s event, she’d learned Da and Maura were in that foul hell-hole.
It was more than she could bear.
She must get away—must sort through this mess.
Must determine what to do next.
Staying atDe la Chancewas out of the question now.
Loving him as she did, Siobhan couldn’t be around Fletcher every day. The pain would drivehermad. Though he wouldn’t likely see it as such, his betrayal proved as excruciating as if he’d driven a rusty, serrated blade into her heart.
At least reuniting with Da and Maura would avert destitution.
In truth, Siobhan was as angry with herself as Fletcher.
She’d allowed her defenses down, and this was what came of that stupidity.
Fool. Fool. Fool.
Never again.
She had learned her lesson well.
“Huxley?” Fletcher gingerly fingered his jaw.
“Singing like a canary.” Torrian Westbrook grinned. “I think we can safely assume the instigators behind the harassment have finally been apprehended.”
Fletcher finally noticed her gradual retreat.
“Siobhan? Where are you going?”
She jutted her chin upward. “To my sister and brother. Where do you think?”
“They aren’t in the club. Nor are any staff that weren’t essential to this mission.” He stepped toward her but paused, confusion whisking across his face when she glared at him. “I had the children removed to a safe location until this was over. Darius is with them. Surely, you know I wouldn’t put them at risk.”
But he’d putherin danger?
Led her to believe he had been beaten and might die?
