Page 46 of Papa's Captive
“But, Papa,” Rosie looked at him earnestly, “it is not a lie. It is all true. Cynnywasin a street gang and she was their best pickpocket. And she could pick locks too. Sometimes she picked the lock on the sugar cabinet and we all snuck a treat.”
* * *
“Areyou going to punish me, Papa? I have been feeling quite ashamed of myself since it happened and so I think perhaps a spanking might help me to get rid of the guilt. Is that not what you have said?” Though she enjoyed having Papa’s arm around her waist, Rosie disengaged from him, stood and leaned over with her hands on the bench. “You see, Papa? I am ready.” She wiggled her hips from side to side and smiled up at him.
When her antics failed to elicit a response from Papa, she straightened and looked into his face. “Papa? Is something amiss? Have I disappointed you severely with my treatment of your cousin?” Anxiety fluttered around her heart. Had she angered Papa?
He reached his hand out and drew her down to sit on his lap, turning her so their faces were very near. “We shall discuss any punishments later, though I believe having to endure five minutes alone with my cousin is punishment enough,” he said softly. “We have some other matters to talk about first.”
What could be more important than a papa disciplining his girl? Had not Papa always said it was his duty to do so?
“Yes, Papa. Have you had bad news? Did your cousin bring word of some tragedy? You seem extremely sad, Papa. Please, tell me.”
Papa brushed a wisp of hair behind her ear, and smiled at her tenderly. “No tragedy, my dear, though my cousin is rarely the bearer of good news.”
Rosie was relieved nothing dire had transpired, yet Papa’s demeanor continued to puzzle her. Instinctively she remained quiet and waited for him to continue.
“I am rather sad that our stay here at Craigmul Castle is almost at an end. I hope you have enjoyed your time here as much as I have, even if I did have to take you captive to get you here.”
“I do not recall offering a great deal of resistance, Papa,” she said. “Or at least no more than would be expected of a proper young lady.” Stroking her fingers over his cheek, she turned his head and touched her lips to his.
When the kiss ended, Papa gazed at her lovingly and said, “Lord Grayson and Cynny are planning a reception in our honor in two weeks’ time. I have taken the liberty of accepting their kind offer.”
She ought to have been thrilled at the promise of a celebration in their honor and the prospect of seeing Cynny soon. And no doubt Cammie and Daisy and their papas as well. Instead, fear at a return to London washed over her.
“Is that not good news, Rosie?” Papa asked tenderly, as though she had suddenly become quite fragile.
“Y-yes, of course it is, Papa. I am simply sorry to have our time here come to an end. I am certain the party will be wonderful.”
“I am eager to return to London and enjoy all the benefits of city life. I look forward to showing you all my favorite sights.”
Rosie had no fond recollections of that city and panic bubbled up inside her at the thought of it. Oh, how could she ever have thought she could return to that awful place? She had done a horrible thing in marrying Papa. She could never be a good wife to him if she cowered behind the draperies and never wanted to leave the house out of fear of being recognized.
She loved her papa so much. More than anyone or anything in the whole world. Could she put aside her fear and be a proper wife?
“Rosie, my love, you do not appear very enthused over the prospect of having me escort you around the city.”
“Oh, Papa, I am very enthused. Truly I am, it is simply that…” her voice trailed off because she had no idea what she wanted to say. Of course she could not tell Papa the truth, but she hated the idea of lying. How else could she explain her unwillingness to engage in a London social life, something every young woman in the world wished for. All but Rosie. She sent up a silent prayer for help.
Papa lifted her from his lap and set her on the bench next to him, then turned to face her, clasping both her hands in his and gazing at her intently. “Rosie, I have something to confess as well.”
Rosie’s eyes grew wide. Papa had something to confess? What could it be?
“First, I want you to know that I love you with all my heart.”
His words were meant to be reassuring but Rosie could not help holding her breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. She clutched at his hand and waited for him to continue.
“I know about your father. My cousin somehow got the notion to hire a detective to look into your background. That is why she visited this morning.”
Rosie felt faint. Blood pounded in her ears and her vision blurred. Papa drew her into his arms and continued to speak in tender, reassuring tones. “Rosie darling, I am so sorry about everything that happened to you. I am even more sorry I was not able to be there and protect you from the tragedy of it all.”
Papa’s words made no sense. He was sorry? Should not he have been sorry for ever laying eyes on her?
Within seconds, Rosie’s breathing became labored and she struggled to get enough air into her lungs. Her mother had suffered from a nervous condition and Rosie was in the throes of such an attack.
The thing she had feared most—the mere thought of it had caused her to sit straight up in bed at night shivering in terror—had happened.
The bottom fell out of her world and Rosie felt herself plummeting into the abyss.
