Page 53 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Finally, he looked at Devlin and said, “What do you suggest?”
“I think we pack and leave today. I can say I want to get to London to apply for a special license. You are simply returning home. The others will leave tomorrow. Sunday. You know what Charlotte does on Sunday?”
“She goes to church.” When the men looked at Devlin as if he was going mad, he continued. “There is no way he’s going to risk grabbing her near the house. There are too many men around. The only time to grab her is on a morning ride, which she is not doing”—
—“Or on her way to or from church.”
“I was thinking of the church. With people milling around, he can blend in and it would not be suspicious to have her on his arm and just lead her away. We will need to watch Dharma, too. She's as much a target for a desperate man as Charlotte.”
The men talked some more and set a plan in place for how this would work. Sin and Devlin would leave after breakfast and then circle back along the coast to one of the tenant’s cottages nearest the main house. They would encircle the church with men and wait to see what happened.
“And if he doesn’t abduct her?”
Sin looked at James and Devlin. “Then we all decamp to London. It will be easier to protect her in town. No open spaces and more people around.”
James and Devlin nodded in agreement. James turned his horse and began riding back to the house. Devlin looked at Sin. “Or you could marry her? That would keep her safe.”
“She is worried about your family. She won’t marry me until she knows your finances are secure. Hurry and persuade Dharma, or explain to her the situation. Surely she’d marry you to protect Charlotte and herself?”
“I was hoping I wouldn’t need to do that. There is little honor left for me. I’m hoping to win her hand the old-fashioned way.”
Sin kicked his horse into a gentle canter, his anger growing. Surely Devlin could see that the danger justified putting his pride aside. Then again, surely Dharma also understood the seriousness of the situation. So why hadn’t Dharma seen sense and encouraged Devlin’s suit?
Upon reaching the stables, he slowed his steed to a walk and contemplated what to do. Devlin interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll tell Burton we are leaving and to pack.”
Just then Bann stepped out of the stable gloom. “Leaving? Did I hear you say you’re leaving, Devlin?”
“I’m off to see the Bishop in London for a special license. The quicker the wedding takes place, the better. Creditors are getting a tad rambunctious.”
Bann laughed. “I heard the creditors were at your door.” He stuck out his hand for Devlin to shake. “Congratulations, the best man won. I do not know why Lady Charlotte invited anyone else but you.” Then he turned to Sin. “Are you taking your leave too?”
Sin nodded. “I have a lady in London waiting for me.”
“Ah, your Mrs. Mason. A sensible choice. No barren widow for you since you need an heir. I was wondering if you were also here for Lady Charlotte, but a man who needs children more than money was obviously here to support his friend. I’m leaving tomorrow. Perhaps I shall see you at Whites once the announcement of your engagement has been made. I shall toast you, Lord Devlin, as will your creditors, most likely.” With that final snarky comment, Bann made his way back to the house.
“Well, the rest of them should soon hear the news.” Sin handed his mount to the waiting groom. “We will leave in two hours. Make sure he is rested and fed.”
“I’m going to find Dharma.” Sin nodded at his friend. “Try to talk some sense into her. And ensure she understands the danger she faces. I’m off to talk with Charlotte.”
Flora rose and left the room the minute Sin arrived. “Flora told me you are both leaving,” Charlotte stated as she winked. So, she understood their plan, he thought with relief.
Etiquette be damned. He closed the door as Flora left. No one was going to overhear their conversation.
Bella trotted over to lick his hand and he bent to pet her. The dog was a typical female and she rolled onto her back, wanting her tummy rubbed. “Have you been looking after your mistress? Keeping her safe?”
Bella woofed in response, as if she understood what he was saying. After one final scratch, Sin stood, and as he approached where she sat on the settee by the fire, her smile dimmed. “You look so serious. I hope nothing untoward has occurred?”
He ignored her comment and took a seat next to her. “Apologies for not getting changed before speaking with you. But if it is to look as if we are leaving, I have to stay dressed for riding.”
“I assume you’re wishing you never came to this silly house party. It’s caused so much trouble, and I feel you are putting yourself in danger, as is Devlin.”
“I can’t turn away when not only is a lovely lady in danger, but someone has killed a fine man like Toobury.”
She placed her hand over his. “I’m sure many men would ride away as fast as they could.” She smiled at him. “You are a fine, honorable man, and I thank you. Even should the worst happen, I want you to know these past few days have been the happiest of my life.”
His heart lurched in his chest. “I want you to stay as close to James and Flora as you can when you go to church tomorrow. Don’t let anyone separate you from them, and I suggest Dharma stays home. We can’t watch both of you. Make an excuse. She’s under the weather.”
Charlotte nodded. “I won’t have Bella with me, so I will cling to James as directed.” She paused. “Won’t the villain try to follow you when you leave?”
