Page 89 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

The girl looked no older than fifteen. She began crying and Belinda wrapped her arms about the girl, trying to comfort the servant. Caroline could see the rope burns on both women’s wrists.

“There, there, it’s not so bad.” Belinda’s gaze met Caroline’s and she could see the young woman didn’t believe her own words.

“Who put you here?” Belinda asked.

“Netherby’s father,” she replied.

“Why? Who are you to him?”

“I am the owner of a new bookstore and tearoom in Mayfair. Netherby believed the competition too great for his own establishment and he wanted me eliminated.”

“You actually own two businesses?” Belinda asked. “I’ve never heard of a woman of thetondoing so. From your dress and speech, it’s obvious you are a lady.”

“I won’t own anything if we can’t get out of here,” she said. “Let’s put our heads together and see if we can figure a way out of this.”

Despite her brave front, Caroline believed their situation hopeless.

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