Page 99 of Seducing the Knave

From the amount of noise involved in the rescue, she’d expected to see prone bodies and blood spattered all about. Instead, the building was eerily empty.

The Earl of Wright’s familiar green and black carriage was waiting outside, its elegance utterly incongruent to the rough neighborhood surroundings.

As the earl led her toward the vehicle, Elle noted no less than a half-dozen men sitting off to one side with their hands tied behind their backs. The scruffy-bearded man who’d initially snatched her off the street was affixing metal shackles to their ankles while three other men stood guard. He didn’t look at her as she passed, but he and the earl exchanged quick nods of acknowledgement.

The bearded man was on their side?

It was all so bloody confusing, but that didn’t particularly surprise Elle. Only Max would have the resources to call in the assistance of such seemingly disconnected people. A quick glance around revealed no sight of Carver and Rook, but she had no doubt that whatever punishment Max intended, it would be a proper fit to the man’s crimes.

“Lady Elvina?” the earl questioned gently.

Realizing he was waiting to assist her into the carriage, she turned and accepted the gentleman’s arm.

She settled into the front-facing seat with the earl across from her. As the carriage started off, he noted in an even tone, “I hope you don’t mind the haste, but we’ve all arranged to meet back at Wright House. I’m rather anxious to confirm my sister is safely returned.”

“Of course!” Elle readily replied, before assuring, “I’m sure Max was successful in her rescue.”

The earl gave a short smile and a nod.

By simply looking at him, one wouldn’t guess he’d just engaged in a rather harrowing experience. Whereas, Elle felt as though she’d been tossed about in a whirlwind. It took all her willpower to keep her tumultuous emotions from spilling out. Dozens of questions about what had just transpired flew through her mind, but she felt they were best directed to Max himself, so she tried to remain quiet and as poised as possible while the carriage wound its way across the city to the wealthy streets of Mayfair.

Wright House was everything she would have expected. Traditional and elegant with almost perfect symmetry but for some rogue vines growing up one side of the mansion.

The earl escorted her to a small sitting room where he immediately requested a tray of tea and sandwiches. It was clear that no one from the other rescue had arrived as of yet, but they had barely been in the room for a minute before a woman rushed in. She was lovely in a dark blue dress and rich auburn hair, but her expression was one of obvious panic and intense concern as she strode directly to the earl.

“Tell me she’s safe,” the woman demanded in a soft Scottish brogue as the earl enveloped her in his arms.

“I haven’t heard yet, my love, but I’ve no doubt she’ll be walking through that door any moment.”

“I shouldnae’ve let you talk me out of going along. I could’ve helped.”

The earl gave a soft smile. “There wasn’t much room for archery, I’m afraid.”

“I may never forgive Max for this. The wait has been bluidy killing me.”

“I know,” the earl replied gently as he swept his hand down the woman’s slim back before lifting his gaze to where Elle stood awkwardly near the sofa. “My dear, allow me to introduce you to Lady Elvina Fowler, the other young lady who was abducted by this Rook fellow.”

The woman turned to Elle with a tight but genuine smile as the earl continued, “Lady Elvina, my wife, the Countess of Wright.”

“Your ladyship,” Elle muttered, giving a quick curtsey, “a pleasure to meet you.”

Rather than return the greeting, the countess strode toward Elle and quickly drew her into a strong and warm embrace. For just a moment, Elle felt like she was in her mother’s arms again. As the countess drew back, Elle had to force down the lump rising in her throat as tears pricked her eyes.

“Sit, my dear,” the countess urged as she pulled Elle down to the sofa beside her, keeping their arms linked. “You’ve been through a verra trying ordeal, but you’re safe now here with us.”

The Scotswoman’s firm kindness and generous support were nearly enough to break Elle’s fierce attempts at holding it all together. She had to take a long, steadying breath before she could manage a reply.

“Thank you, my lady,” she said then glanced to the earl, “my lord.”

The earl stood patiently with his hands clasped behind his back but he gave a nod of acknowledgement. His stoic demeanor changed in an instant, however, when they heard the front door open and hasty steps flying across the entry hall.

Barely a breath later, Caillie rushed through the doorway, flying first to the earl who caught her in strong, secure arms, before turning to rush toward the countess, who was already on her feet. The two women held each other for a long moment as Caillie murmured something in the countess’s ear that had Lady Wright giving a short, snorting laugh.

When they eventually parted, Caillie scowled at the countess then swiped a tear from the older woman’s cheek. “Och, Worthy, no need for dramatics. I’m safe and sound, as always.”

“You’ll be the death of me, Caillie lass,” the countess retorted sternly.

The girl turned then to Elle, who’d stood along with the countess. “I’m so verra glad you’re all right.”

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