Page 42 of Stolen By the Rogue
The situation felt hopeless. He was falling for Jane just as her hopes for success were crumbling.
Jane is crushed by this, and there is nothing I can do to make it better.
He got to his feet. “I am going to go for a stroll and try to clear my head. I’ll lock the door behind me.”
Jane gave the merest of nods as he walked away.
* * *
George had never realized how hard it could be to reach another person—doubly so now that he was trying to build a bond with Jane. An unbreakable one that would see their lives permanently fused together.
But as he stepped into the busy and crowded Drury Lane, he found himself fresh out of ideas as to what he should do.
He had never encountered any problems when making friends with men. The strength of the ties which bound the rogues of the road together had been forged in the blistering heat of war and danger. Nothing could break them apart.
Jane, however, was an entirely different conundrum. An enigma he had no idea as to how he could unravel.
How many women would offer themselves up to a gentleman like him and not expect an offer of marriage? According to his way of thinking, she should have demanded one the second they had finished making love for the first time. But Jane hadn’t. In fact, she had made her thoughts on the subject quite clear. She didn’t see a future with him.
“Blast,” he muttered.
What was she thinking saying that to him? A chap could take offense at being told not to bother proposing to a woman.
With hands stuffed into his coat pockets, he continued south, grumbling and whispering to himself. He really ought to go home and see his parents—let them know that he was at least alive.
But they will want to know how things are going with you and young Toby. Remember that lie?
That was not a good idea. He was tired of lying to people.
A body stepped into his path, and George went to move around it. The figure followed his steps and he glanced up. A word of reproach was ready at his lips.
“By Jove you look a misery,” said Augustus Jones.
He managed a tight smile for his fellow RR Coaching Company director, then sighed. “When did you get back to town?”
“Stephen and I were only gone two nights. Down to Portsmouth and then home again. Once we had Lisandro and Maria onboard my yacht, we started on the return journey,” said Gus.
A Spanish duke and a kidnapped noblewoman in England. Now there was a story George was keen to hear the sordid details of over a brandy or three.
“What are you doing in this part of town? I didn’t think you ever frequented Drury Lane unless you were headed to the theatre in the evening,” said George.
Gus pointed back in the direction from which George had just come. “I was on my way to see you. Harry was rather vague about what you and that lovely antiquities girl were doing with the house you bought, so I thought a visit was in order.”
George didn’t want to tell Gus that he and Jane were on a treasure hunt. The less people who knew the truth the better.
“Actually, that’s a lie. I was coming to talk to you because I have a little job which I think would suit you perfectly,” said Gus.
“I’m afraid I don’t intend on doing any more,littlejobs. I am going straight,” replied George.
“Bah! Nonsense. You are a rogue thief at heart. I’ve seen the look on your face when smuggled cargo lands on the beach. You are like a child on Christmas Eve. Come on, grumpy guts. Show me your new house and then I can finally meet Jane Scott,” he said, continuing on his way.
Your timing couldn’t be any worse. I’m sure the last thing Jane wants is a visitor.
Gus was headed toward Coal Yard Lane, leaving George with no other option than to scamper after him.
Back at the house, they found Jane still seated at the table, staring at the love letter. When Gus walked into the kitchen, she startled and quickly rose from her chair, stuffing the paper into her skirts.
“Relax. This is Gus,” said George.
