Page 38 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Charlotte stood. “That makes me feel much better.”
Flora asked, “What is the plan for dinner tonight?”
“I’ve suggested Cook prepare a light supper at seven.” Charlotte looked at Flora. “But I’m not sure I can eat anything.”
The silence in the room was deafening. Sin glimpsed Charlotte’s shoulders sagging and wanted to hold her and tell her this was not her fault. But he couldn’t let this infatuation with her build any further.
“I have to attend to a few things. I want to write to Dalgety too.” Sin looked at her. “Don’t let yourself be caught alone. Keep a male servant near you at all times. Do you have someone you can trust?”
She nodded. She thought herself quite safe with Bella. But Burton’s son, John, was a strapping footman. She would get Burton to instruct him on how to shadow her without looking too obvious. Whoever this bounder was, he might make a mistake if they could hide the fact that they were aware of his evil deeds.
Something of her thoughts must have shown, for Sin walked to stand over her. “You will do nothing to put yourself in danger.” It wasn’t a question, it was a command.
“I shall, of course, try to stay safe.” He was about to protest her response when the door opened and Devlin arrived with the local magistrate, Sir Ryder. Burton was scurrying behind.
“I’m sorry, My Lady but the gentlemen…”
“Quite all right, Burton.” The butler closed the door behind him as he took his leave.
“Why did you bring him here, Devlin? Now the others will know we suspect something.” Sin’s fury vibrated around the room.
Ryder stepped forward. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but Lord Devlin was in a rush to get back to Ivy Close, and I still have some questions. So I followed.”
“If it is one of our male guests involved, then it’s better they see us talking with Sir Ryder, so we can confirm it was an accident. They would think it strange if we did not involve him.”
“My apologies, Devlin. Quite right.”
“It was Sir Ryder’s idea,” Devlin responded.
“Well done,” Sin said as Sir Ryder beamed.
“I thought I’d stay to dinner and we could discuss the terrible accident. That should make the culprit relax his guard. He will assume it’s all over once I leave.”
“Thank you, Sir Ryder. You will be most welcome and it’s obvious the local landowners were wise in your appointment as our magistrate.” He bowed to Charlotte at her words. Just then there was a knock on the door and she bade entry. John, Burton’s son, stepped into the room. Before she could utter a word, Sin walked over to him and sized him up.
“You will shadow Lady Charlotte in this house and if she leaves the house for any reason, even if she is accompanied by myself, Lord Devlin or Lord Battling. Is that clear?”
“Aye, Your Grace. My father has explained the situation and that I’m to keep all of this to myself.”
“Good, lad.”
“What about Dharma?” Devlin asked. Charlotte raised her eyebrow at the concern in his tone and on his face.
“James is organizing an escort. We will hand her over to Tobin’s care.”
Devlin’s shoulders relaxed at her words. “Thank goodness. One less woman to worry about,” he grumbled under his breath.
“I should question the remaining men and start this charade,” Lord Ryder stated.
“I’ll come with you,” and Devlin and Ryder left the room.
Charlotte reached out and squeezed Flora’s hand. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like a private word with Lord Sinclair.”
Flora smiled and with her arm tucked through James’, they left.
Once the door closed, Charlotte could feel Sin’s eyes boring in to her.
“I’m not leaving,” he stubbornly stated. She opened her mouth to protest, but he added, “So, no, I won’t escort Dharma.”
