Page 82 of The Highwayman's Bite

“And he never arrived.” Emily fell into a pensive silence and sipped her cider. “But why have you come if you thought I’d paid off the mortgage?”

“Because Rhys said he’d have to leave the country after what he’s done, so I thought he would want someone to make sure that his family was safe.” Vivian’s throat tightened as she stared into the woman’s copper eyes, remembering how he’d looked at her the same way when they’d discussed the mysteries in the “Two Hills” stories. “We fell in love, you see... and—”

“Oh my!” Emily exclaimed, hand over her throat. “My cousin is a goodhearted man, despite his thieving ways, and quite charming, so I can see why a maid would lose her heart to him... but the circumstances are tragic. I imagine His Lordship was furious.”

“Absolutely livid.” Vivian agreed with a bitter smile.

“And yet you care enough to come here to see if I had received the money,” Emily said softly. “Even though if that were the case, this land would not be yours.”

“I’m not certain it is mine,” Vivian said. “Uncle never said anything to me about it and as I told you, I am quite compromised. What makes you think the farm is my dowry?”

“Because he told me he intended to give it to you when he came to tell me that I had to pay by months’ end.” Emily frowned over the rim of her cup. “He said that he would ask that your husband would allow me to stay and work for you as a housekeeper.”

“Housekeeper?” Vivian echoed in outrage. “When you’re the mistress of this land? I hope you threw that insulting offer back in his face!”

Emily chuckled. “Rhys said the same before he announced that he had a plan. I never imagined that it involved kidnapping Lord Thornton’s niece.” She shook her head, a mirthful smile just like Rhys’s curving her lips. “I do not think you are supposed to be on my side.”

“Well I am,” Vivian declared. “I will speak to my uncle tonight and try to convince him to return the deed to your land, or at the very least, grant you more time. Perhaps Rhys is merely delayed.”

“Or perhaps your uncle had him arrested.” Emily’s face was etched with worry.

“I will find out,” Vivian promised. “No matter what, I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that you do not lose your home.”

Emily sighed and shook her head. “Women have no power in this world.”

“Then we should all do our utmost to change that.” Vivian rose from the table. The sun hung low in the sky and would set in less than two hours. “I will return when I have news.” She held out her hand and was gratified when Emily shook it. “It was an honor to meet you. Rhys has told me so much about you.”

Emily managed a watery smile. “You will have to tell me more about yourself and the tale of how you came to love him.”

“I would like that.” Vivian curtsied one last time before departing. On her way back to the horses, she silently vowed to continue Rhys’s mission to protect his family, no matter the consequences.

Jeffries protested as Vivian raced her horse back to Thornton Manor, but she refused to slow and left the footman in the dust. What had happened to Rhys? And if Uncle Aldric intended on giving her Berwyn Farm for a dowry, what did he intend to do with it now that Vivian could no longer wed?

If she’d only known about the dowry, she would have eloped with Rhys. Then he could have given the deed to the farm back to Emily. Uncle would have still been angry, but at least it would have been legal.

Or at least, it would be if Rhys hadn’t been a vampire.

Madame Renarde waited in the parlor, wringing her hands, an embroidery hoop in her lap. “Did you meet Mrs. Horne?”

“I did.” Vivian reached into the sewing basket for something to do while she waited for her uncle to rise for the night. “Rhys didn’t deliver the money on time and Uncle Aldric foreclosed on the farm.”

“Oh, that is unfortunate.” Madame Renarde said with genuine sympathy. “That means he risked his life for nothing.”

“Uncle Aldric intended me on giving me the land for my dowry.” Vivian threaded a needle and blinked back tears at the memory of mending Rhys’s clothes. “I am going to see if I can find a way to restore the land to Emily.”

“You would truly take up that man’s quest?” Madame Renarde gaped at her in surprise.

“My conscience depends on it.” Vivian stabbed the needled through the hoop. “And since we cannot be together, this is the only way I can display my love for him.”

Before Madame Renarde could respond, Aldric entered the parlor.

Vivian tossed her embroidery aside and stood. “Uncle, may we speak in private?”

The wary look in his eyes indicated that he heard the cold anger in her voice. “Very well. Let us head up to my study.”

The moment they were alone, Vivian slapped her palms down on Aldric’s massive desk. “Why didn’t you tell me that you intended to give me Berwyn Farm for my dowry?”

He rubbed the bridge of his nose and fetched two brandy snifters. “Forgive me, but there was so much else going on that such a trifle matter didn’t cross my mind.” He poured an inch of amber liquid in each glass and slid one across the desk to her. “How did learn about it?”

---