Page 129 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“And the Duque’s yacht?” Charley asked.
“We have a boat on the river looking for it. Llewellyn’s ship is out near the Nore. He has a launch standing by to take him back out.”
“Has he arrived at the Talbot?” Father asked.
“Not yet.”
Charley walked to the table and picked up the swaddled doll. Graciela was late, and his nerves were prickling.
The door opened and Francisca entered, Juan following her.
Charley’s heart raced. “Where is Gracie?”
“We were to meet her here,” Juan said.
“She is in the garden with Reina,” Francisca said. “I’ll just go and get—”
Charley tossed her the doll, pushed past them, and raced down the stairs.
Perry greeted him on the walkway near the kitchens.
“What the devil, Perry?” he said.
“She’s not alone. The footman is with her in the side garden.”
He hurried past her and heard a child shriek.
Perry snatched at his arm. “Reina was tired. She’s having a tantrum.”
And then a woman screamed.
The garden benchwas still warm from Lady Perry. Graciela watched as Reina plopped down tiredly on the flagstones and began plucking at the petals of scattered flowers. The footman standing guard was beginning to wilt also.
She couldn’t remember this placid young man’s name. “We shall get you inside for your tea soon,” she said. “Have you been out here all afternoon?”
He nodded. “Yes, miss.”
Francisca’s comments about strangers lurking in the square came back to her with a sense of unease. “Mija, Cook told me there might be some chocolate for a girl who eats all of her pudding.”
The little head came up, but her eyes looked past Graciela, her mouth dropped in alarm, and the hair on Graciela’s neck rose. She flew from the bench, scooped up her child, and the air stirred as the footman rushed past.
“Run,” he shouted.
She glanced back. Two men in rough clothing had come over the garden fence and were already attacking their guard.
Reina wailed. Graciela took off toward the house.
A hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around. He was coarse, unshaven, and pockmarked—a man from the docks, she would guess, and that told her all she needed to know about who had hired him.
She clutched Reina tighter. “I suppose the Captain sent you,” she said.
He blinked.
Reina whimpered, a choking whine starting deep in her chest. “Let me get the child inside, get my cloak, and I’ll come with you.”
Pow. Oof.With a crash, the footman was down. The other villain brought his boot back to kick him.
“Stop that,” Graciela shouted.
