Page 73 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Because, frankly, I am tired of all the lies and secrets.”

“Meaning?”

“It is not just Oliver who is harboring secrets, but Baldwin, as well,” she said. “Baldwin was very vague as to where he was for three years.”

“Did he tell you where he was?”

“Yes, he spent some time at our Scottish estate and on Jersey Island.”

“He told you that?”

She frowned. “But why was Baldwin on Jersey Island in the first place?” she asked. “We were at war with Napoleon, and Jersey Island is awfully close to France.”

“I cannot speak for him.”

“I’m not a simpleton,” Jane said. “I know my brothers are hiding secrets from me, and it’s rather vexing.”

“Perhaps they are protecting you?”

“From what?” Jane asked, tossing her hands up in the air. “After all, I am not a little girl anymore.”

Before Corbyn could respond, the coach came to a stop in front of Hawthorne House. He exited first and then assisted Jane out. Lord Brinton’s curricle was parked in the courtyard, as well. He started leading her towards the main door when it was suddenly thrown open and Baldwin ran out to meet them.

“You are alive!” Baldwin exclaimed, the relief evident on his face.

“I am,” Jane confirmed.

Baldwin stepped forward and embraced her warmly. “I was so worried,” he said, taking a step back. “Percy informed us that you were abducted, but he hadn’t even bothered to seek out a constable before he arrived.” His voice dripping disapproval.

“I doubt that would have made a difference,” Jane said. “I was fortunate that Lord Evan was in Hyde Park and saved me from my abductor.”

Baldwin shifted his gaze towards Corbyn. “For which I am most grateful.” Then he offered his arm, and Jane accepted it. “Come, Mother will be relieved to see you.”

Corbyn followed them inside and saw the dowager marchioness rushing towards her daughter. “I am so happy to see you!” she declared as she embraced her daughter.

Lord Brinton stood back from the group, fiddling with the black top hat in his hands, a relieved look on his face.

The dowager marchioness stepped back. “Would you care for some refreshment?”

“No, thank you,” Jane replied, “but I would like a long soak.”

“That can be arranged,” the dowager marchioness said. “If you will excuse me, I shall see to that at once.”

Jane turned her head towards Corbyn and offered him a private smile, which he found oddly charming.

Lord Brinton stepped forward. “I am pleased beyond words that you have returned home.”

“As am I,” she replied.

“No thanks to you,” Baldwin muttered under his breath.

“May I ask how you escaped your abductor?” Lord Brinton asked.

“As I was being led further into the woodlands, Lord Evan stopped the man from abducting me,” Jane revealed.

“By himself?” Lord Brinton questioned.

Corbyn spoke up. “I was meeting with a Bow Street Runner on an unrelated matter, and he assisted me in saving Lady Jane.”

---