Page 7 of Wickedly Yours
Rowan only knew two people from Bermuda. His cousin Jemma and Augustus Corbett. He listened intently to Jennings’ conversation with his dinner companion. The young barrister didn’t care for his brother-in-law, a man who he saw as spoiled and lacking in character. Only a week ago, the brother-in-law had approached Jennings at his law offices and requested funds. Jennings was shocked, he’d said, because he’d been certainAugustushad left England some time ago.
Rowan nearly dropped his fork. There was no doubt in his mind Jennings was speaking of the very same man who’d nearly taken his cousin. After Jemma’s aborted kidnapping, no trace of Augustus Corbett had been found. The only clue was a record of passage booked to Boston. The ship had already sailed but Nick sent his solicitor to Boston immediately to find Corbett. But if Jennings was to be believed, and there was no reason why he shouldn’t be, Corbett hadneverleft London. Nick’s solicitor had been sent on a wild goose chase. Rowan had begun to make discreet inquiries but so far had discovered nothing more. Corbett had covered his tracks well.
Rowan sank deeper into the chair, sneaking a glance at the clock above the fireplace. Plenty of time left to make himself presentable. He’d be perfectly turned out. Smile at Lady Gwendolyn, a woman he had absolutely no intention of marrying. Dance and be amusing.
He was so bloodytiredof all of it. Especially of the perfection of women like Lady Gwendolyn.
Arabella wasn’t perfect. Far from it. Maybe that was his attraction to her. Nick’s sister was dour. Deceitful.Unpleasant.Yet something drew Rowan to Arabella’s darkness. The urge to possess her was often an unwelcome feeling when he saw her. His desire for her confused him and had only grown stronger over time.
He took another sip of the scotch and closed his eyes imagining Arabella in his bed. She would be naked, the silken mass of her hair streaming over the pillows as he loomed over her. The image was incredibly arousing.
5
“He's taken her! Nick!”
Rowan sat straight up. Blinking to clear the sleep from his eyes he spared a glance at the darkened window. The moon was not quite up yet, but it was late.Verylate. The glass of scotch he’d been nursing sat on the table next to him, no doubt put there by the annoyed Peabody.Christ,he’d fallen asleep.
A woman's heels clicked down the marble hallway towards the drawing room.
"Nick!" The voice was panicked.Terrified.
“My lady, His Grace is not here.” Rowan heard the ruffled voice of Peabody echoing down the marble corridor. Peabody wasneverruffled.
“Where is my nephew, Peabody?” Rowan recognized the voice of Lady Cupps-Foster, Nick’s aunt. “Please tell me he has returned from Scotland.”
Peabody said something to her in a low tone.
A cry of anguish echoed outside the door. “We’ll never get word to him in time,” she sobbed. “My God, he’s taken my niece.” The words dissolved into weeping. “Peabody, we must rouse the footmen. Someone.Anyone.”
Rowan stood and moved quickly towards the door. Arabella was missing?Taken? She should be locked away safely in Wales, enjoying her exile and lamenting her sins. Opening the door wide, he startled Lady Cupps-Foster. Her slender form was shaking with exhaustion. Mud splattered her dark blue traveling gown. Bits of twigs and leaves stuck to her skirts. The spray of flowers on top of her bonnet lay wilted and torn to flap against her ear. Several strands of dark hair shot through with gray fell to her slumped shoulders. Her eyes were shadowed and wild, speaking to the terror she felt for her niece.
“Lady Cupps-Foster,” he spoke gently trying not to frighten her, “what has happened?”
Confusion wrinkled her brow as she attempted to focus on Rowan. “Lord Malden?” Her hand immediately reached up to adjust her bonnet. “But what are you doing here? Is Nick with you?” Her body swayed towards the floor.
Rowan rushed forward, catching her before she fell face down in the hallway. Taking her elbow, he led her into the drawing room and settled her in the chair he’d vacated only moments before. Deciding sherry was in order, he poured her a glass from the sideboard.
“Lady Cupps-Foster, take a sip of this. It will warm you.”
She looked askance at the sherry and shook her head. “Scotch or whiskey please. Though of the two, I’d prefer whiskey.”
“Of course.” Rowan didn’t show his surprise as he brought her whiskey. He held the crystal cut glass to her lips as she took a sip of the amber liquid.
Suddenly she pushed the glass aside. “Oh, God. I’ve forgotten that John and Teddy Mac are still in the coach. John’s hurt. His head.” She grabbed at Rowan’s coat sleeve. “Please, you must have them retrieved at once.”
Peabody went to the door, yelling for several footmen. “John and Teddy Mac are still in the coach. Bring them in and send for a physician.”
“Teddy Mac?” Rowan didn’t take his eyes off of Lady Cupps-Foster as he addressed Peabody. “The young boy who picked His Grace’s pocket—”
“Yes.” Peabody’s voice shook. “He begged to go, and I felt it was safe enough. I sent out two footmen with the coach. Big, burly young men who—”
“The footmen.” Lady Cupps-Foster took a large swallow of the whiskey. “Seagraves and Barker. They were inhisemploy.” She gave Peabody a rather hostile look. “How could you send them to get us? How could you hire such men?”
“My lady—" The butler’s throat bobbed in agitation. “They came with solid recommendations,” Peabody said, barely above a whisper. His skin turned a deathly shade of gray. “His Grace wanted strong men to ride with the coach. I…” A devastated look crossed his face. “My God, I shall never forgive myself.”
Lady Cupps-Foster turned from Peabody and stared into the fire, the glass of whiskey clasped in her hands. She was still shaking. “Teddy Mac is hungry.” Her lips ticked up. “He’s talked about food all the way back to London.”
“Peabody, prepare a hot bath and a room for Lady Cupps-Foster.” When the butler didn’t move, Rowan growled. “Now, Peabody. And keep the staff away from the drawing room until I can sort this out. Get John comfortably settled. Take Teddy Mac into the kitchen.”
