Page 126 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“And she’s as subtle as a woodpecker,” Charley said.
“Lady Jane,” Kincaid said. “She might have been in London with her cousin during some of that time.”
A shadow passed over Shaldon, almost imperceptible, and when it lifted left a gleam in his eyes. She shared a glance with Charley. He had seen it also.
“Very well,” Charley said. “Gracie, let me return you back to the garden.”
Return her. He would leave her with the women and come back to make plans with the men.
She shook her head. “There was more in my conversation with Captain Llewellyn. He...desiresthat I sail with him. He offered to send a carriage to pick me up tonight. I told him that I could arrange my own transportation to the inn.”
Charley’s face showed no emotion, but his hands had curled into fists.
“Since I cannot legally marry, his plan is to set me up as his mistress. He did agree that my servants and my daughter can come with us.”
The room stilled around her. She had shocked them, these hard men, and it left her feeling breathless. She wanted to laugh. Only Charley’s face was taking on movement, coming to life.
She pulled a face at him. “Of course, I do not plan to go with him. I would not forfeit all that my father left me. And I find I trust you far more than him.” She stood and leaned on the table, looking around at the men. “However, I do wonder what he is up to. Why is he leaving so soon? Why does he want me to come with him—and no, I do not think it’s my person he really wants.” She sighed. “What is he up to, and what are you gentlemen up to? What are you not telling me?”
Charley brushed up next to her. “What are you not tellingus?”
Shaldon shook his head. “Children. Farnsworth, Kincaid count your blessings that you have none. There is perpetual distrust.”
“And perpetual parental plotting,” Charley said.
Like two bulls they were, lowering their chins for a head-butt. They were distracting her from her purpose, which she realized, may have been their intent.
She cleared her throat. “I shall go to him tonight.”
“What?” Charley shouted.
With what must be the self-control of decades, his father froze, but she saw the same word on the tip of his tongue locked behind closed lips.
“I shall borrow one of your coaches and go to the inn where he is staying. I shall take Juan with me.”
Charley’s nerves stiffened. “No.” It was out of the question. As daft as some of Perry’s plots. He couldn’t protect her at the Talbot.
She bit her lip. “I shall tell him I could not get all of us out at the same time. I shall tell him I’m sending Juan back to get Reina and Francisca and they will join us posthaste.” She clenched her hands together and inhaled, a smile forming. “I shall tell him, we must stay an extra day so I can see my banker and withdraw my funds.” She tapped his shoulder and looked at the others. “For that much money, he will stay an extra day, or even longer.”
He gritted his teeth. “And what do you suppose will happen in that inn room tonight?”
“Nothing will happen. I shall have my own bedchamber with Juan standing guard.”
“No.”
Lord Farnsworth cleared his throat. “The Talbot Inn does not have the best reputation, my dear.”
“I shall take my dagger.”
“I wonder if he knows about the book?” Father mused. “Did your mother or Captain Kingsley talk about it with him?”
“I don’t know,” Gracie said. “I don’t know why they would have.”
The hair on his neck rose. “Did the killer search your house in Veracruz?”
She took in a sharp breath. “I don’t know. Papa didn’t say. But I am determined to do this. I will go with or without your permission.”
“I don’t like it,” Father said.
