Page 16 of Stolen by My Knave
CHAPTER SIX
Jack strolled through the hall of Clifton Manor. His goal was to find the earl and finish his business. He now had motivation to leave as fast as possible. Elizabeth proved to be a temptation and even more untouchable than she’d been previously. She was Evelyn’s granddaughter. A female evenmoreuntouchable was Elizabeth’s mother. How did he get himself into messes that were complete and utter disasters?
He had to put distance between himself and Elizabeth. She had no idea why, and perhaps he should explain, but he couldn’t bring himself to be near her. She tempted him in so many ways. When he kissed her he’d been equal parts excited and horrified. He shouldn’t want her and yet, he did. If he needed a reason to remain as far away from her as possible, he had one. Desire and Elizabeth were two things he should never ever mix together. Jack was doomed...
He rounded a corner and bumped into the very man he’d been looking for—Aiden Forester, the Earl of Clifton. The man was rather good at making himself scarce. It was an ability Jack rather admired and hoped to emulate the remainder of his stay.
Jack lifted a brow and said, “You’ve done quite the unthinkable and managed to avoid your guests the entire time. What game are you playing?”
Lord Clifton straightened stiffly and attempted to act affronted. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t play the coy debutante; it doesn’t suit you.”
The earl relaxed at his words. “I hate these things. My mother insisted on having the event. She’s desperate to marry my sister off,” he paused and then continued, “I’m not a fool. I realize she’d like me to do the same, but she’ll have to wait a good while before I take that particular plunge.”
Jack didn’t understand the need to marry. Females always seemed more than ready to tie themselves down. Of course women had more to gain by marriage. The lot of them had to marry to see to their own security. The situation inPride and Prejudicecame to mind. The Bennets had five daughters and no male heirs. The property was entailed and would go to a distant male cousin. If one of the girls didn’t marry well, they’d all be subjected to poverty. It was perhaps mercenary, but what other choices did a lady have? Reading the novel gave Jack new insight into a female’s position in society.
He couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to Elizabeth without someone to look out for her. She insisted she’d be fine and would be well taken care of. If for some reason she wasn’t, he’d ensure it. Jack didn’t like the idea of her being reduced to a beggar.
“My apologies,” Jack said. “I don’t envy you that task. Wouldn’t you see she’s provided for if she doesn’t find a husband?”
Jack liked to believe he’d have done the same for his sister, Evelyn, if it had been necessary. He was glad she had married Paul. He’d eavesdropped on their conversation before he’d made himself known to them on the island. It was rude, but it gave him knowledge he’d not have had otherwise—like the name of the man helping Evelyn. He still couldn’t get over his circumstances. One minute he was in a tropical climate and the next he was a hundred years in the future. His life changed irrevocably on the day a storm carried him away. At first, he thought he’d died, but soon realized it was something else entirely.
Fate had smiled on him in a lot of ways. He’d not exactly lived a charmed life, but it hadn’t been full of hardships either—at least not in the traditional sense. He was the bastard son of the Earl of Ashland. His mother had been a lady who’d had the misfortune of falling on hard times. She’d resorted to becoming the earl’s mistress to make ends meet. Once she’d becomeenceinte, the earl tossed her aside and gifted her with a shiny bauble for her troubles. Not once since he’d been born had the earl claimed his son. He’d moved away from England and not spared them a second glance. He already had a wife and presumed she’d present him with an heir. The joke had been on him though. His countess had given him a daughter—Evelyn.
His meeting with his sister had been intentional. At the time, Evelyn had been sailing to England to marry the Duke of Southington. When he’d found out about her voyage, he’d decided to intercept the ship and take her as hostage. It had been a revenge plot to get even with his wayward father and perhaps even punish his sister for having his attention. He’d never told Evelyn about their connection—had instead pretended he wanted her for other reasons.
She’d been brave and bold, rebuking his presumed attentions at every turn. He didn’t know what he’d have done if she’d had an actual interest in him. Now he’d never have the chance to truly become acquainted with her. Fate had stepped in and ripped him away from where he belonged. Sometimes he felt out of place and didn’t quite understand the nuances of society.
“Of course,” the earl replied. “But she seems to want to marry, and it’s not my place to discourage it. Honestly, I hope she finds a good man and starts a family of her own. Everyone needs a little happiness in their life.”
“True,” he agreed. He had a chance to know his family now. Perhaps he should take the time to know them. He shook his head. It was too big of a risk. “I’m glad I found you. There’s something I’ve been wanting to discuss with you.”
“In that case, follow me,” the earl replied. “We can hide in my study. Mother thinks I’m out checking on the tenants. We shouldn’t be disturbed for some time.”
Jack lifted a brow. “Don’t you still need to visit the tenants at some point?”
“Yes,” he agreed. “But I’ve already done so for the month. I am not due to go back for a sennight. It will be a good excuse again when the time to go arrives.”
Jack shook his head in amazement and did as he bade. The earl had the avoidance of his family down to an art. He rather admired it even as he found it profoundly sad. Having been denied a real family his entire life, he didn’t like the idea of evading them at every opportunity. They stopped in front of a door and the earl pushed it open. He gestured toward a chair and Jack sat.
“I’m thirsty,” the earl said. “Would you like a drink? I have some exquisite brandy.”
“Yes.”
He hadn’t had a good drink since he arrived. Most of the time watered down lemonade was served. It was actually quite disgusting. Should he mention it? No, that would be rather rude. Instead, he’d find more opportunities to steal away and help himself to Clifton’s brandy.
The earl handed him a glass with two fingers of amber liquid in it. Jack took it and swallowed a mouthful. It burned as it traveled down his throat. He closed his eyes and savored the sensation. A moment later, he opened them again and turned his gaze toward the earl.
“I have a business proposition for you.” Jack twirled his finger around the edge of the class, reveling in the smooth surface. “What do you know about trains?”
“I understand they’re the wave of the future. A good number of the steam engines built are in the experimental stage.” Clifton paused a moment and then continued, “I’ve heard whispers there are a few people hoping to expand the rail lines. It would be easier to move goods across the country.”
Using trains to deliver supplies was one use for them. There was another way for them to be utilized, and Jack hoped to convince the coalition to use his ideas. He hoped that the earl saw it the same way. If they were indeed going to build up the railway system, it would create another form of travel.
“I’ve been told a coalition is being formed to create the new railway system.” He stared directly into the earl’s eyes. “It’s also been made known that you’re one of the people to see about being a part of it.”
The Earl of Clifton remained silent. Jack took that as an excellent sign. A good businessman was aware of how the game was played. Giving away too much too soon might leave you wishing for a different outcome. Jack had been a pirate, and had to think fast under pressure. This was, in some ways, no different. He’d been successful until a storm had destroyed his ship and sent him spiraling through time. He was determined to have a life without the legacy of illegal activities trailing behind him. His shipping business made him a lot of money, but he’d become bored with it. Trains, however, were daring and unknown.
