Page 31 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
Swallowing, her mind racing over what to tell them, she glanced at Finlay. He watched her, his hands holding hers so tightly her fingers were numb.
Fearful. He appeared to fear for her. The muscle ticking in his jaw told her he was also angry. At her or the man who’d accosted her?
She glanced up when she sensed Lord Inverray step closer. The marquess sank onto the settee, bracing his elbows on his knees. “Tell us what happened, lass.”
“He grabbed me two blocks from the home.” She dropped her gaze to where her hands lay enclosed in Finlay’s.“I managed to elbow him, causing him to release me. I ran until Lady Flora and Mr. Duncan came across me in the street.”
“Do you know why he attempted to abduct you?” Finlay vibrated with repressed fury.
Any of the explanations that came to mind would undoubtedly sound like fabrications, so she shook her head in denial.
Finlay pressed his lips together until they turned blue. After a tense pause, he released her and pulled back. “Did he say anything? Why he was taking you? For whom?”
Charlotte ached to tell Finlay everything. To share this burden that had settled like a barge on her chest. She longed to reveal that she was afraid: of what her father-in-law wanted from her, of never feeling safe. And she wished she could share how very weary she was. How bone-deep exhausted she felt.
Instead, she knotted her fingers together in her lap. “I don’t remember. It all happened so fast.”
Finlay leaned forward on the balls of his feet, as if to press her for more information, when Lady Flora interrupted. “All perfectly understandable, I’m sure. Let’s hope Duncan was able to gather more information.”
Meeting the Scotswoman’s gaze, she nodded in thanks. Lady Flora inclined her head, but doubt was evident in the crinkles in her brow.
“I’m relieved you were unharmed, Mrs. Taylor.” Lord Inverray crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Until we can determine what the villain’s motives were, I suggest we devise a means by which to keep you safe.”
“I-I don’t think that’s nec—”
“You should stay here, Mrs. Taylor.” Lady Flora lifted an insouciant shoulder. “I don’t see how it could be wise for you to return to your home.”
Charlotte jerked her head. “While I appreciate the gesture, I cannot stay here.”
Lady Flora paused, her teacup suspended before her mouth. “Why not?”
Battling back a frustrated sigh, Charlotte said, “Because it wouldn’t be proper.”
“Proper? Pish. After working with me as long as you have, you should know I’ve never been terribly interested in what’s proper.”
“A fact that is a fount of stress for me,” Lord Inverray grumbled.
As if she hadn’t heard him, Lady Flora took her time studying the selection of pastries on the tea tray. “If you feel you need aproperexcuse to stay at Campbell House—aside from the fact you were invited—well then, I say we put it about that you’re to be a chaperone for me.” She looked at her brother. “Aunt Isobel is leaving to Scotland for several months, so the excuse is completely plausible.”
“If I may, perhaps ‘companion’ would be better.” Charlotte was surprised she was even considering such a thing. She should have rejected the suggestion immediately. “We are of a similar age, so I’m not certain chaperone would be appropriate.”
Lady Flora blinked several times, her mouth twisting. “Am I finally past the magical age where I no longer require a chaperone to go out in public?”
“You already do go unaccompanied in public, Flo.”
Lady Flora waved away Lord Inverray’s growled comment as if it were an insect. “This is an exciting development.”
“My lady,” Finlay interjected with a huff, “please do stay on topic.”
“I beg your pardon.” Flora wiped a napkin across her mouth. She didn’t appear particularly chagrined. “You’re correct, Mrs. Taylor. Instead of chaperone, you’ll be my companion.”
“A sound suggestion…finally.” Lord Inverray rolled his eyes. “Mrs. Taylor, you can stay here as Flo’s companion until we can determine what exactly is going on. It may be that the man simply considered you an easy target. Whatever the case, we’ll do our best to ensure your safety.”
“When do you expect Mr. Duncan to return? I’d like to hear if he learned anything from the villain,” Finlay said, his jaw tight.
“I don’t know.”
“We have to leave soon to meet Matthews.” Lord Inverray glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Unfortunately, we don’t have time to wait.”
