Page 54 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
“Most likely, so we will have to head toward Devlin’s estate. Hopefully, they’ll turn back when they believe we are actually leaving. But it means we won’t get back to near Ivy Close until close to morning.”
“You’ll be exhausted. Can you get some sleep before the church service late morning?”
He loved the concern in her eyes. “Just stay safe and follow James’ lead.”
“What will you do if they don’t take me from the church?”
“If he learns Devlin’s gone for a special license, he has to act and soon. It will be only a matter of days. We will wait.”
Charlotte nodded. “I’ll stay in the house and ensure Bella is with me.”
“Devlin and I will watch from the shadows. Remember that.”
“Thank you for doing this for me. When I thought about gaining a husband, I had no idea how ruthless men could be when in need of money.”
“Not all men. Some are still honorable.” He was talking about Devlin. Devlin could have proposed and so solved his money situation. He couldn’t seem to blame Devlin for trying to find something more than a cold, commercial marriage pact. His own arrangement with Mrs. Mason was looking more and more unappealing, where only a few days ago, he’d never have thought that possible.
“I brought you something.” He pulled out a small Queen Anne pistol and a dagger. “Have you ever shot a pistol before?”
“Yes, Tobin taught both Dharma and I how to shoot, however I’ve not shot for a long time.” She pointed to the dagger. “I wouldn’t know what to do with that.”
“The pistol only has one shot, so only use it if in dire need. Aim for the chest, a wider target than the head. As for the dagger, hold it like this.” He made her grip it with a fist. “And swing down with all your strength. Go for the neck or groin. Any man will give up grabbing you to protect his manhood.”
She shivered, but nodded back. Sin hated frightening her, but she needed to be able to protect herself, since he could not be with her.
He sat studying Charlotte. He didn’t want to leave her, but someone had to protect Devlin. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. “Stay safe.” Then he rose and left without looking back, but her softly whispered, “You be safe. God go with you,” warmed his heart.
* * *
Dinner was a light supper, thank goodness, as the remaining three men were leaving early on the morrow. Charlotte paid little attention to her guests, worried about Devlin and Sin and the danger they were all in. Was one of the men sitting at this table the villain? Luckily, for her guests, she could put the strain down to Toobury’s death and the guilt she felt at being so happy to marry Lord Devlin.
“I do wonder why you bothered to hold this house party if Lord Devlin was your choice. You could have made a private arrangement between your families.”
Trust Lord Bann to raise such an indelicate question. “A lady does wish to be sure when picking a husband.” She would say no more.
“Well, I, for one, had a splendid time, Lady Charlotte. Your river is well stocked and the fishing was perfection. If you don’t mind, I’d love to visit next summer for a spot more fishing.”
She didn’t know how to respond to Lord Sanders. “I will, of course, not be living at Ivy Close.”
Lord Sanders started waving his fork around. “Goodness, do you think you’d sell it to me? I’d love a fishing lodge by this river.”
Sell Ivy Close? She had never considered what she’d do with the house if she married. It made a good fishing lodge, and she loved being close to the sea. “I have not considered selling Ivy Close. Devlin’s estate is close enough to here that he may wish to keep it as his hunting and fishing lodge. I’ll check with him on his return. Besides, Tobin may prefer to keep it in the family.”
“I’m sure if you wanted to sell, Tobin would buy it off you. He’s very fond of the place too,” Dharma said.
“You are probably right.” She turned to Lord Sanders. “But I can always ask. And you are welcome to return whenever you like.”
“Jolly, good. Thank you.”
Charlotte almost laughed. Lord Sanders was more concerned with fishing than with finding another wife.
“At least the weather is looking settled for your trips homeward,” James said. “We have had a splendid summer.”
“I’m eager to get away because I received a missive today,” Lord Bann announced. “Lady Sarah Spencer is looking for a husband for her daughter. A little scandal, I believe. She could be the answer to my prayers.”
Dharma was about to open her mouth and remonstrate with the idea of marrying a woman for money because of a scandal when Charlotte shook her head.
“I am heading back to London to find an influential wife,” Vernonte stated.
