Page 12 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“He has gone back. He had to go back. He will linger around the mews to see what he may learn.”
“Did Lord Kingsley send you away?”
She shook her head and her eyes shimmered.
In his experience, many women used tears as a tool. These looked authentic.
With a deep frown, she squeezed them back. “Shedid. Graciela did. To save the child. She said we must take Reina and come to your father. She said he will help her.” She gritted her teeth, her fingers curling into fists. “The Lord came to beat her himself this time. That man, that big fat devil. When the Captain comes he will kill him. Lord or no, cousin or no, he will kill him, or my Juan will.”
Or I will.Blood churning, Charley’s hand firmed around the child’s bottom, and the little one squirmed. He eased in a breath, softening his hold.
The maid’s fierceness collapsed also, and she swayed on her feet. Deep, large eyes were ringed with shadows. She’d likely been up all night and needed some rest. He’d need to convince her the child would be safe in the hands of the Shaldon servants while she slept. But before that, he needed every bit of knowledge she and her husband could provide of the Kingsley home and Graciela’s location therein.
“Let us all sit,” he said.
The woman reached for the baby, but he freed a hand and held it up.
“Let her be for now. I believe she’s asleep.” He took a seat. “Perry, send someone to fetch Juan.”
Perry slipped out the door, and he led the maid to a chair. “Please sit. And tell me everything. Leave nothing out. I must know every aspect of the lady’s day and where they will be keeping her.”
