The Reluctant Earl: Rockhaven Trilogy, #2

By Cali Moore

           When the war took Ryan's life, Rockhaven was left without a male heir for the first time in its history, elevating Teal to countess. She was prepared for that and had already been running the family's interests for the years Ryan had been fighting Napoleon. What she wasn't prepared for was the arrival of Kit Devlin and the news that Ryan had betrothed her to him. She knew she'd eventually have to wed, but planned on doing so on her terms and in her own time. Kit was too strong. He was too autocratic. She wouldn't be able to control him and she knew it.

            Kit was as shocked at the betrothal as Teal and no happier about it. He had a fine life just as it was. Kit knew he needed to at least consider things, especially when he learned just how wealthy Teal was. The woman would be attracting every fortune hunter on two continents when news got out. If nothing else, he owed it to Ryan to protect her. But like Shara before him, it is the outsider who brings danger to the Rock and reluctant or not, it is up to Kit to vanquish it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cali Moore
• Release date: Apr 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393456537

Book preview

Chapter One

K it.

Christian Devlin, more commonly known as Kit, looked up from the papers on his desk and regarded his man. Jibs was the male parts of his household. Valet, butler, footman and most importantly, friend. Yes, Jibs?

A solicitor to see you, His eyes showed his intense curiosity. Jibs was privy to all of Kit’s business and knew he had not summoned an unknown solicitor. His puzzled expression told Kit the man’s purpose was not known to him.

Did he state his business? He asked, absently rubbing his arm. Jibs snorted. It was answer enough. A solicitor was not likely to explain his presence to a servant. Kit frowned. Well, send him in and let’s find out what he wants.

Moments later, Jibs returned with a small, bald man. He looked like a solicitor. Bespectacled with sharp, piercing eyes of an indistinguishable color. It was hard to tell with the sun coming through the windows reflecting off the lenses. My lord, the man greeted.

Kit was not a lord and the address surprised him. As a second son with no title, he was merely an honorable. It suited him fine as it gave him freedom his brother had never known. His father had seen fit to leave him enough of an inheritance that he could live in modest comfort his entire life. It was the only act of kindness he had ever shown his second son. Having returned prematurely from the peninsula thanks to a ball in his arm, Kit had not yet decided what he was going to do with the rest of his life.

It could have been so much worse.

It had been for Ryan. Kit squeezed his eyes shut as he thought of his friend, Ryan Rockford, the earl of Rockhaven. The damned fool had had no business buying a commission. Not with a title and estates to look after.

My name is Thomas Summers, my lord, the squirrelly little man continued. I represent Lord Rockhaven.

Ryan? Has he woken? Ryan had been unconscious for almost a year now and no one expected him to awaken in this realm ever again.

I am sorry to say that his lordship is no longer with us, Thomas Summers said quietly.

Kit’s hands clenched on his desk. He was not surprised, but the sadness went deep. Ryan had been a good friend and a fine soldier. He should never have been there, was all he could think to say.

Agreed, my lord.

Kit stood slowly. I thank you for coming to tell me, Mr. Summers.

Thomas blinked, realizing the man was dismissing him. He cleared his throat. You misunderstand. His lordship asked me to relate a proposition to you.

One faintly red brow arched high and Kit lowered himself back into his chair. A proposition? Then he did regain consciousness?

No, the solicitor quickly explained. As you said, he had no business joining the army. Not with his responsibilities to Rockhaven. He knew that and did his best to prepare for this eventuality.

You’ve lost me.

Thomas sighed. The earl wrote to me after he met you. He asked me to draw up some papers and hold onto them unless he died. Then I was to present them to you at the earliest opportunity. That is now.

Papers? A will?

A betrothal contract.

The silence was suffocating. Thomas watched the man behind the desk carefully. He was not a happy man at the moment. Oh well, the earl had warned him. He jumped in with both feet. Teal Rockford is now the countess of Rockhaven. She is the last of the Rockfords and the title can go to a woman. What do you know about the family?

Not much, he admitted. He knew Teal was a menace. Ryan had often lamented that fact. Or boasted of it. As exasperating as he claimed she was, he’d obviously been extremely fond of his sister.

Rockhaven has been in the family since Edward’s day. Longshanks. At Kit’s comprehending nod, he continued. The first Rockford wasn’t a Rockford. He was Tarl the Bastard.

The Bastard Brigade. Kit said. The Bastard Brigade had been a small, elite group of fierce knights, bastards all, and the king’s favorite force. Ryan had never mentioned that interesting fact. Probably because he figured Kit would make the connection. He hadn’t, he hadn’t thought to. Still, Kit was not surprised by the news. Tarl’s fame and place in history was a result of his small army’s successes, not the island he’d claimed as home.

"Yes. I see you remember your history. Good. Tarl was granted Rockhaven after helping Edward conquer Wales. He could have had more, much more. He didn’t want more. He was a reluctant warrior at best and didn’t want land he would have to spend the rest of his life defending. He wanted peace at home and chose an undesirable island.

Tarl sired ten children with his wife and they prospered. It was during Elizabeth’s reign the family was almost wiped out. They supported Mary.

That would do it, Kit said dryly.

It almost did. The earl at the time sent one son away at birth. He was the only one to survive those times. He married wisely and was given back the lands. The family never again knew such numbers, but still continued.

And now they’re down to one again.

And a female, he said sadly. An unfortunate occurrence.

And a hellion, Kit thought unkindly. He didn’t like where this conversation was going. What does all of this have to do with me?

Thomas cleared his throat nervously. The man across from him was not large, he was not wealthy, merely comfortable, yet he was extremely intimidating. It made no sense. He hadn’t raised his voice or moved much, but intensity emanated from him in waves. He agreed with Ryan’s assessment of Christian Devlin. If he agreed, Teal would have difficulty controlling this one. He almost smiled. She would take one look at his size and pleasant face and convince herself he was trainable. Thomas was already sure he was not.

Lady Teal is as attached to Rockhaven as any man could be, Thomas continued rapidly. She loves the place and it her. She has had full control of it these past years and it has done well. Very well. She will take her duty seriously and find a husband to give it heirs. It is that that concerned his lordship.

Why?

Because she’ll pick a weak man. Lady Teal is not typical of the gentry. She is a strong woman who had no intention of marrying. She had planned on waiting until his lordship took a wife, then settling into one of the houses on the island to live out her life as she wished. She was not going to interfere with her brother’s wife’s right to be mistress of the castle.

He would not have forced her to wed?

Doubtful. Nor would he have forbidden a love match to a stable boy if that’s what she wanted. Their bond was very strong, my lord. His lordship probably would have thrown men at her to choose from, but he would have accepted her decision to remain a spinster if she couldn’t settle on one, or let her marry beneath her. He hated the idea of any man having the right to control her.

So he should approve of a fop, Kit said logically.

Thomas shook his head. No. Especially now. The heirs to Rockhaven must come from good stock. Not bloodlines so much, but character. Strength. It is his lordship’s wish that you sire those heirs.

Kit swore vehemently.

Thomas smiled. The contract is a good one, my lord. You are a second son with no estates. That was important to Ryan, as Rockhaven must be the first consideration. It is a wealthy estate, as I’m sure you know. The wool is the finest in the world. The Rockfords are also involved in shipping and that has proven to be quite successful for them.

Shipping? Who runs that?

Lady Teal. Through me.

Kit blinked. You’re joking.

No. When no other comment came, Thomas continued. "Lady Teal will not leave Rockhaven. She is twenty now and has never had a Season. Other than quick trips to see me, she has barely set foot in London. She dislikes it intensely. The reason I mention this, is you will have your freedom if you desire it. The only condition to that is that you give it a year before you decide to spend most of your time here in London. And of course, produce an heir.

The other terms are unusual. You will not gain control over the land. That will remain in Teal’s hands. Ryan received royal approval for that and it is unshakable. You will however, gain the shipping interests. Her dowry, as it were. The other is that the heir must carry the Rockford name. Any other children may carry yours.

Kit swore again. There is one problem with all of this, he said dryly. I have no desire to wed. Nor do I have any desire to ostracize myself on that rock. I have a life here, Mr. Summers. I have a warm, lovely mistress that I show no signs of tiring of. I have my clubs, my friends, my hobbies. In short, I am not interested.

Mr. Summers withdrew some papers from his satchel and set them on the desk. These outline the Rockford holdings. Another set followed. This is the betrothal agreement. He rose. Look them over. Consult your solicitor. I will return in two days for your answer.

I said I’m not interested.

Thomas smiled. Look them over. I’ll be back.

Kit dropped his face into his hands after the man had left. He didn’t hear Jibs enter the room a few minutes later until he demanded, Well?

Kit groaned.

Jibs picked up the pile of papers and sat in the chair the little solicitor had vacated and began reading them, uninvited to do so. His eyes widened at the betrothal agreement. They widened further at the wealth of one Lady Teal Rockford. Good lord, he said quietly.

What? Kit demanded, his head still burrowed in denial of the last half hour of his life. How could Ryan have done such a thing?

Jibs grinned. You’d be a lot wealthier than your brother.

Kit’s head came up. That much?

And then some. Jibs rubbed his chin thoughtfully. If this gets out, the lady’s in trouble.

Why? Kit didn’t think he wanted to hear this.

Every fortune hunter on both sides of the ocean will be sniffing at her skirts.

She doesn’t wear skirts, Kit muttered.

What?

Kit rose and walked to the sideboard. I need a drink. Want one?

Why not? What’s this about skirts? Or lack of them?

Kit poured the brandies, handed one to Jibs and resumed his seat before answering. Let me see, he said thoughtfully. Ryan used some very colorful words to describe his sister. Ah yes, hoyden, hellion, tomboy, stubborn...

Skirts, Christian. Tell me about the skirts.

Breeches. Buckskin, no less. Boots, men’s shirts. She rides astride and spends her days in the sun with no hat. She sails, swims, herds sheep and apparently, runs all of that, he said, waving his hand at the papers Jibs had returned to the desk. She’s more of a man than most men.

What does she look like?

I have no idea. All Ryan ever said was she was named for her eyes. They’re teal blue, whatever that is.

Sounds pretty, Jibs said hopefully.

Kit snorted. And Ryan was a monster.

True. No one would mistake him for attractive. And he was big. Surely a female couldn’t be that large.

I think he would have mentioned it if she was beautiful. 

Jibs couldn’t argue with that one. What will you do?

Go to Gentleman Jackson’s, beat the hell out of some poor fellow, then go to the club and get drunk.

I meant about Lady Teal, Jibs said dryly.

Turn it down. I am not a fortune hunter.

Early afternoon found Kit sitting in his club, sporting a black eye and a throbbing arm. Would the blasted thing never heal? It was only one thing to brood upon. Ryan was lucky he was already dead or he would kill him gleefully. Some friend he turned out to be.

A little too forward with a lady last evening?

Kit glanced up at James Burton, the earl of Andover. He hadn’t seen the man in years. Not since their paths had crossed during the war. Andover.

James smiled. You are not a happy man, Devlin. That brother of yours trying to clip your wings again? He settled into a chair across from Kit.

He finally gave up, Kit replied. Andover, you’re in shipping, right?

Yes. Rather awful of me don’t you think? We nobles are not to dabble in commerce. The gleam in his eyes told Kit he enjoyed the ton’s disapproval.

What do you know about the Rockfords?

James shrugged. Not much. They’re involved with some American shippers, I think.

Have you ever been to Rockhaven?

No. I don’t sail. I get seasick. He grinned at the absurdity of that. Then he sobered. Didn’t the earl just die?

Yes. He was a good friend, Kit admitted sadly. So why was he trying in death to saddle him with his sister?

I am sorry. Christ, I’ll be glad when this war is done, James added tiredly.

It is supposed to be done.

Bonaparte is still alive.

And on the rise again, Kit admitted, wishing it weren’t so.

Not if we can help it.

Well, hell, Kit said with feeling.

Quite. Why are you asking me about the Rockfords if you knew Ryan?

He left me with a final wish. I was wondering if you knew about his sister.

James cocked a brow. I didn’t even know he had one.

Kit’s eyes narrowed at the sight of an older man. James turned and spotted Samuel Claybourne, the duke of Lansing, across the room. The man was already sotted. If she’s an heiress, you should keep that information close, James advised. The duke was in serious financial straits, soon to get worse, and was on the prowl for an heiress. Especially from that one.

Kit recalled Jibs’ words about fortune hunters and swore quietly. Bloody hell, Lady Teal wasn’t his responsibility. Damn Ryan!

He excused himself, sent a message to his solicitor and went to see his mistress. The fight hadn’t helped and he really didn’t want to get drunk in the afternoon. Perhaps a tumble under the covers would help relieve some of the tension he felt.

It didn’t. When he returned home as dark was falling, Jibs met him at the door. Johnson’s in the study.

That was fast, Kit said, pleased. He walked through the hall and into his study to find his solicitor reading the betrothal agreement. Johnson.

He looked up guiltily. Jibs said it was all right.

Kit waved that away. It is. I haven’t even read the bloody thing yet.

Johnson grinned. He liked Kit. He was an easy client and a good man. He knew Kit’s size was deceptive and had often lamented the fact that he wasn’t the oldest brother. The Devlin estate of Heathton would be in better hands if they were Kit’s on the reins. You should, Kit.

He sighed. I suppose so. Let me see it. Johnson read the financial report while Kit read the betrothal agreement. He set it aside when he finished. What did you discover?

Lady Teal is not known in Society. The Rockfords care little for it and always have. They have always been content on their Rock, as it is known. Several generations back, they did purchase some of the mainland near Healing. They have docks there as well as stables. Visitors leave their mounts there. They have no need for them on the island. The Rock is not far from the mainland, just a short distance out in St. George’s Channel.

Even Ryan only referred to it as the Rock. How can the wool do so well if it’s so poor?

Johnson smiled. "It’s not. It just appears that way from all sides. The Rockfords have been content to let the world think so. I have spoken with some merchants who deal with them, Kit. The rock is a natural disguise. The island’s interior is a lush environment. Hills, streams, a large lake, fertile grass. Those who have been there say it is a paradise. Few know that.

Lady Teal has been in charge for over four years now. The merchants who travel there deal directly with her and are loyal to her. They are a very select few. Most deal through her solicitor.

What does she look like?

Johnson chuckled. You must understand, Kit, she is a shrewd businesswoman. She negotiates ruthlessly. That colors the men. They don’t like feeling they’ve been outdone by a woman. However, I have managed to get a general consensus.

Which is? Kit prodded, getting quite exasperated.

That if they had the courage, taming that one would be a pleasure.

She’s attractive?

Depends on your definition. I gather it’s more an earthy sexual appeal than prettiness.

What the bloody hell am I to do?

Johnson shrugged. Go meet her. You’ll be allowed on the island as a friend of Ryan’s. Don’t sign the betrothal agreement until you do if you want more than a marriage for gain.

Kit nodded. It sounded reasonable to him. He wasn’t sure he wanted a wife at all. Ever. He knew damn well he didn’t want an ugly one.

Summers frowned two days later. Forgive me, my lord, but it won’t work.

Why not? Kit asked, irritated. It had seemed so simple.

Lady Teal is not stupid. She’s well aware of her wealth and new desirability. I had a message from her yesterday. The suitors are already making advances and she instructed me to make sure any marriage not bearing my signature would be illegal and gain a man naught. She’s preparing for a siege. His lordship knew this would happen. That was why he drew up the agreement. Notice the date. The date was over a month before Ryan had been shot.

But I didn’t sign then.

Summers shrugged. Only you and I know that.

Kit sighed. It could always be broken later. He added his name to the agreement. Summers grinned. Good decision, my lord. He reached into his pocket and withdrew two sealed letters. This is your introduction from me. It will get you on the island. The other is for you from his lordship. I have no idea what’s in it. Kit set aside the introduction and turned the other over in his hands. When will you leave?

At dawn.

Summers nodded. Get a good night’s sleep, he advised with a departing chuckle.

Kit groaned. What the hell had he done? And for God’s sake, why had he done it? He banged his head against the desk, realized he was behaving like a half-wit and sat up straight. He opened the letter.

Dear Kit,

So, you signed. Good for you, man. You won’t be sorry. I trust you have discovered little about my sister and I will not enlighten you further about her. I will however, make a suggestion as to how to proceed.

Teal is not going to be happy about this and will take it out on you. The more strength you show, the further she will dig in her heels. She thinks she wants a weak man so she can maintain her freedom. What Teal has never realized is that it will take a strong man to allow her that freedom. She would destroy a weak man in a fortnight and with it any chance for happiness. Above all, I want her to be happy.

I suggest you pretend to weakness until she says the vows and is well and truly stuck with you. God, how I hate to miss this. I had planned on you wedding her whether I survived or not. You should know that. You are the man for her. Soon you will understand why.

Once the deed is done, you may be your normal, charming self. But if you ever lay a hand on her in violence I will haunt you for the rest of your days. (This does not include the occasional necessary spanking - oh, yes, you will probably find it necessary at some point.)

I suggest you burn this. If Teal ever finds it, you will never hear the end of it. Good luck, my friend. I vow your life will never be dull. Give the Rock the heirs it deserves.

Godspeed,

Ryan

Kit groaned, called for Jibs, and gave the order to prepare for a morning departure. God only knew what the future held.

Kit didn’t burn the letter. He read it each night when they stopped. He read it one final time as he waited for the stable master’s son to sail over with the letter of introduction. Summers hadn’t been kidding. Teal had closed off the island. There were armed guards on the Welsh mainland and he was assured a watch was in place on the Rock.

He could see little of the Rock from his vantage point. The coast facing the mainland was all rocky cliff. The docks were apparently at the north end of the island. He could see the single tower of the keep and wondered if Teal was up there with a spyglass. There was little else to see from this spot. Kit found himself as interested about the interior of the island as he was about its new lady.

It looks lonely, Jibs said with a plaintive note. Does she still live in the keep?

Yes.

It’s over five hundred years old. Damn drafty place, I’ll bet. Jibs tightened his cloak around him against the crisp spring breeze. We’ll never be warm.

Quit complaining, Kit said with a grin. I think a stay in an old keep might be interesting. I wonder if there are secret passageways.

If there are, you’ll find them. Jibs’ eyes traveled the imposing rock wall in front of them. Hard to believe the world’s finest wool comes from such a place.

Hmmm. Kit rocked back on his heals and breathed deeply. The salt air smelled wonderful, the coolness, invigorating. Ryan had never spoken of his home without a smile. He had said once when he was drunk that it was an enchanted place. He wouldn’t elaborate. As on the subject of Teal, he was remarkably closed-mouthed about something he loved. He always looked like he had a secret.

Kit was beginning to think he did. He felt something he had never felt before as he gazed at the Rock. A sense of peace. A feeling of home. Home. He had never felt at home. Francis and their father hadn’t permitted it.

Francis Devlin, the earl of Heathton had made young Kit’s life a misery. There was only a year between them and competition had been fierce. With Francis always on the losing end. Francis was taller than Kit, but his leanness didn’t have the wiry strength of his younger brother. Kit’s size served him well in many things and he had never lamented his lack of height. Had he lived in the days of feuding barons it might have mattered but not in this modern age. All a pistol required was a good eye and a steady hand. Speed was useful too and Kit had speed to spare.

He sat a horse with the agility of a child and there had never been a beast he couldn’t control. They liked him and realized quickly he would tolerate no nonsense. He had never lost a contest with foils.

And women. They had always preferred Kit. His hair was a much softer red than Francis’ flaming shade. His face was filled out appropriately for his size. Francis looked pinched and gaunt. And Francis’ jealousy had embittered his soul. There was a cruel streak in him. Not physically, but his scathing tongue was a bit much for a man to take and had sent many females running from a room in tears.

In intelligence, the gap was even greater. Francis had no natural ability to learn and everything was a struggle. Fortunately, he had a good steward and an intelligent wife. There may be something left for his children to inherit.

Kit blamed himself some for the way Francis had turned out. His nature wouldn’t tolerate the abuse heaped on him as a youth and he had answered by winning. Had he been able to ignore it, or let Francis win occasionally, his brother might have grown up differently. That Kit had been goaded into his behavior didn’t entirely excuse him, in his opinion.

How would Francis react if he became the lord of Rockhaven? Not well, he supposed sadly. He couldn’t imagine ever calling his brother, friend. Nor could he quite bring himself to hate him.

Kit could barely make out the boy scrambling back in his skiff. The men climbing aboard a larger boat were easier to discern. He smiled slightly. It looked like he and Jibs were going to be allowed on the Rock.

Kit threw the boy a coin for his troubles when he docked and got a gap-toothed grin in return. Thank ye, m’lord, he called out cheerily, racing to the stables.

He observed the two men pulling up to the dock. One was a large man. He looked to be about six feet and was heavier than he should be. None of it looked to be fat. The other man was pretty much average in every department. They both had brown hair and eyes. They were both tanned and dressed in the casual trousers of commoners. He guessed they were fishermen.

The average one looked over Kit and Jibs, dismissing the latter quickly. Kit had to hide his grin. Jibs hated that. He was taller and more aristocratic looking, yet everyone figured out who was master and who was servant. Neither of them pretended to understand the phenomenon. Christian Devlin?

Me, he agreed.

What was Lord Ryan’s middle name?

Kit blinked. Stephen. With a p-h.

The man nodded. You got weapons?

Of course.

The man spit on the ground. Won’t be needing them. Cogswell!

The stable master ambled out of his domain. Aye, Oscar?

Lady Teal says for you to keep their weapons.

Cogswell didn’t bat an eye as he approached the visitors. Sirs? Kit sighed and handed over his pistol. Jibs gave up a knife. That it?

Aye, Kit lied. He had no intention of giving up the knife in his boot. He felt naked without it.

Take off your boots, Oscar ordered. Kit glared at him and he grinned. M’lady’s orders. His lordship always carried a knife in his boot. He shrugged. Most fightin’ men do.

Kit swore and pulled out the knife. That’s it, he insisted. I am not removing my boots.

Then you won’t be gettin’ on the island. Oscar turned back to the boat. Come on, Hanks.

Bested by fishermen. God, how lowering. All right, Kit grumbled and sat on the dock to pull of his dusty Hessians, revealing relatively clean hose despite the days of travel. Satisfied?

Turn ‘em upside down.

Kit did so, adding a shake for good measure. Jibs followed suit. Oscar nodded. That’s all right then. Get your stuff and climb aboard.

The servants need a little work, Jibs grumbled.

Kit agreed but didn’t bother to answer. The short journey across the water was accomplished in silence. Kit watched in muted fascination as a figure appeared on the path leading to the docks. He gave up on his interest in the size of the docks, they were large enough to moor a full-fledged trading vessel and that had surprised him.

The figure surprised him even more. It moved with a graceful, long-legged stride. There was no doubt about it being a member of the female half of the population. The gently flaring hips and tiny waist encased in buckskin breeches shouted that fact loud and clear. The white shirt, though not as revealing as a gown’s décolletage, was revealing enough. He had been prepared for the clothes. He had not been prepared for the exquisite form they covered.

Lady Teal was possessed of a perfect female form.

She was also possessed of short hair that curled wildly around her head as the wind tossed it about at will. The main color seemed to be brown, but he could see golden highlights when the sun hit it just right. She was deeply tanned.

She stopped on the dock and planted her feet at a slight spread, her hands on her hips, her head held proudly. The huge, ugly dog at her side stopped, sat, barked once and looked up. Kit looked up too. A large white gull swooped down and landed with a flutter of wings on Teal’s shoulder. She flashed the bird a blindingly white grin before returning her gaze to the boat about to pull up to the dock.

Any problems, Oscar?

He didn’t want to take off his boots, m’lady.

She chuckled. It was a deep, warm sound that made Kit’s toes curl and sex stiffen. She looked like some sort of wayward pagan goddess. I would have been more surprised if he hadn’t objected, she assured him. Her eyes were indeed teal. He had never seen eyes of such deep, brilliant color. They were hypnotic.

He may not marry her, but he was sure as hell taking her to his bed.

Teal’s gaze raked the two strangers before settling on Kit. Jibs sighed. Devlin?

He nodded politely. My lady.

Who’s your friend?

Jibs, my lady.

She frowned. Thomas didn’t say anything about a friend.

Kit shrugged. Jibs is my man. My batman, my valet, my butler when we’re in residence, and my friend. He goes where I do.

Teal regarded Jibs with a tilted head. The gull pecked her cheek in a weird parody of a kiss. Stop that, Silly, she scolded, gently pushing his head aside. The bird stopped. And like which of those does he treat you? She asked Jibs.

Friend, my lady. Most of the time he’s positively atrocious to me.

She grinned. Then she laughed. That would make him a brother.

Close enough.

The levity fell from her lips and her eyes lost their humorous gleam. Kit took a step forward. I miss him too, he said simply.

Teal nodded. Thank you. It will take a while, I think. She turned to start up the path, bird on her shoulder, dog at her side. Come. I imagine you’re thirsty.

Kit watched her tight buttocks and the rolling sway of her hips. Yes. He was definitely looking forward to this one in his bed.

He thought of Ryan’s letter. Act weak? Just the thought of doing so made him cringe. The last thing he could tolerate was this woman thinking him a fop. There had to be a better way.

Teal banished the sorrow over her brother by thinking of Christian Devlin. He wasn’t a large man, probably only an inch or two taller than herself. Nor was he particularly broad. She didn’t get the impression of a weak man, though. Quite the opposite. She hoped he wasn’t a pompous bully. Many smaller men often were, trying as they were to compensate for their lack of size.

He was handsome enough, she decided. She liked the soft red of his hair. It was cut shorter than fashion dictated but he had been a military man. Though not bulky, there was nothing lacking in the shape of his legs. There appeared to be long sinewy muscle under his breeches. And the bulge between them had seemed more than adequate. Teal had grown accustomed over the past four years to seeing that part of a man grow. She had yet to see one uncovered but she knew what it was for and why it grew.

As long as the man it was attached to behaved himself, she thought of it as a compliment.

Teal stopped as she rounded the bend that revealed the castle. She stepped aside to give them an unobstructed view. Rockhaven Keep, gentlemen.

Kit smiled. It was the most unusual castle he had ever seen. It was as much a manor house as a keep. In truth, it appeared to be both. The double doors presumably led into the great hall. The tower rose from the back. There were large wings on either side of the main hall. There were no bailey walls, no moat, no drawbridge, none of the defenses one expected to find. Even the windows were large, made for letting in light and allowing a view. No tiny arrow slits here.

It almost looks like a folly, he observed.

I suppose it does, Teal agreed. The traditional defenses weren’t necessary. The cliffs were an effective bailey wall. The channel and ocean better than any moat. The few times the island required defending, it was done while the attackers were still at sea. Flaming arrows from the longbow shot by expert marksmen and flaming shot from the catapults sank the ships easily enough. Later, cannon. She glanced up at the tower. You can see everything from up there and it was often the only watch needed until a battle was waged.

Explain that, Jibs requested.

Teal shrugged. Once the ships were set afire, men jumped overboard. After the battle the coasts were patrolled in case any survivors made it to shore.

Summers said Tarl the Bastard didn’t want to spend his life defending his home, Kit said.

And he didn’t. Once he dealt with the waves of Turks sent by his wife’s father, he never had to again. No one wanted the Rock badly enough to take on him and his Brigade.

His wife was a Turk?

Half. It’s a long story and best saved for another day. Come. They followed her into the hall. Kit didn’t think it looked much different than it had in Tarl’s time. We use this as the ballroom now, Teal explained. It’s fabulous when it’s all done up for a ball and the huge hearths are blazing. I remember, as a child, sneaking down the stairs to get a glimpse of the adults in their finery.

I was under the impression your family didn’t participate in Society.

She grinned. Who said anything about Society? Usually just our own people and some of the neighbors and business associates. We’ve always been on good terms with them all. I still entertain for Christmas and once in the summer. When my parents were alive there was a grand party for every season. The wing to your right now houses the drawing rooms, parlors, dining room. She shrugged. Normal rooms for the times. The second floor, as always, consists of the family’s chambers. The other wing is the servants’ quarters below and guest chambers above. Angie!

A young girl with long dark blonde hair appeared from behind the hall. M’lady?

Show these gentlemen to their chambers, please. I’ll see that someone brings up water for them. They can freshen up while Cookie finds them something to eat.

Aye, m’lady.

Teal waited until the threesome had climbed the secondary staircase before heading to the kitchen. Cookie?

I heard.

"Fine. Nothing heavy, supper’s not