A Wicked Entrapment Part Two

By Karolyn Cairns

Rose is cruelly cast aside by Lord Yarborough. She refuses to acknowledge her unresolved feelings for the selfish, enigmatic man who kept her as his mistress, sent back to Dunleavy Hall to reclaim her son.
Thrown headlong into certain danger, Rose is dragged back to England to face her hated guardian. As her half brother and twisted siblings circle to get their due at long last, Rose is desperate as time is running out.
In the midst of all, the hated final line in the gypsy’s curse is realized, and with it the certainty that she must see this game through to the end to save herself.
Cullen brings his vengeance to a swift close in Belfast. The trap he sets now encircles those who wronged his family years ago. Though still struggling with his unrequited love for Rose, he begins to realize his emerging feelings for the lovely Irish spy helping him bring down The Brotherhood.
Rose is championed by her fierce protector once more, unaware that Rory will do anything, even the unthinkable to save her. Determined to free herself from Jonathan’s despicable hold, she enlists Rory’s help to find the proof to destroy Jonathan Bane. As all spirals out of control, a tragic twist of fate brings about unintended consequences.
Her intentions to marry Lord Yarborough quickly become a source of contention with all her family, forcing her to choose between the dangerous man she loves, and the child cruelly stolen from her. Rory’s darkest nature and evil machinations begin to fully emerge, making Rose question her choices.
The past and the present collide when Jaime returns. Made a fugitive for the crimes of another, Jaime seeks to escape Lord Yarborough and the rebels who ruthlessly pursue him. But first he must reconcile his feelings for Rose, to consider giving her up in order to have any future at all.
The remaining players clamoring for Lord Lyndon’s fortune are willing to do whatever is necessary to win. In a stunning turnabout, the rules have all changed with new players entering the fray.
Soon, Rose must decide her own fate at long last, making a desperate choice that soon threatens her future with Jaime, and imperils her own life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karolyn Cairns
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005044718

Karolyn Cairns

Karolyn Cairns-Black lives in West Virginia with her husband Adam and three rescue dogs. She's busy at work. Its been a great year. She just wrapped up the fifth and sixth installment of The Wicked series in two parts, both available now.The follow up novels in The Viking Horde series are underway. Collin and Meghera's story titled A Viking's Heart is in works, the third in the series. The fourth installment about Joran and Allisande's son Storm is finished, to be published on the heels of A Viking's Heart. Two more novels are intended about their daughters Star and Wynter.Karolyn also writes suspense thrillers under the pen name KJ Black. The Gift Horse, her second novel was a finalist winner in the Greenlight Award Contest.Karolyn enjoys reviews and comments from her readers. She thanks you for all your encouragement and support!

Book preview

PART TWO

BY KAROLYN CAIRNS

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

MORE BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

THE WICKED SERIES

A Wicked Proposition

A Wicked Deception

A Wicked Arrangement

A Wicked Entanglement

A Wicked Entrapment Part One

(Single Title-includes crossover character-Caspian Roth)

The Libertine’s Wife

THE VIKING HORDE SERIES

A Viking’s Love

A Viking’s Promise

THE LOST TRIBE SERIES

Talons

Claws

SINGLE TITLES

A Witch’s Tale

The Ghost Who Loved Me

Heartsongs

The Squatter’s Daughter

Sinners and Saints

Tristan’s Loins

The Wanting

Love.com

Oblivion

THRILLERS BY KJ BLACK

Winner of the Greenlight Screenplay Adaptation Contest Finalist Award 2018-

The Gift Horse

Five O’Clock Somewhere

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and didn’t purchase it, or it wasn’t purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

SMASHWORDS COPYRIGHT

By Karolyn Cairns 2020

~*~ Dedicated to my first grandchild Levi~*~

Any deadline intended for this novel was forgotten the moment I saw your face. Welcome to the world. Make it your own. Follow your dreams.

PROLOGUE

London, England 1833

Lady Rossdale gasped in surprise, eyes wide with fear as the door to her coach swung open. Before she could summon a scream to warn her driver, a man got inside.

He smiled at her pleasantly as he sat across from her. He rapped lightly upon the roof. The conveyance moved away from Lord Drayton’s London luxurious residence.

Lady Margaret hardly relaxed her rigid stance, recognizing the man at once. Wariness filled her golden eyes. What do you want, Jonathan?

Jonathan chuckled softly, leaning back against the padded seat, his blue eyes filled with amusement. I’ve missed you very much, Margaret.

The lady raised an eyebrow, her lovely features hardening. I know better. I’ll ask you again. What do you want?

Who are you rushing off to meet in such a hurry? Jonathan ignored her pointed question, cocking his head to the side, his lips curving. Anyone I don’t know? That would be a shock!

Jonathan looked her over with real pleasure. Margaret’s gown was the very height of fashion, enhancing her curvaceous figure. It was a cobalt blue silk that complimented her honey-blonde coloring. Her matching hat was festooned with ostrich feathers, the velvet cloak complimenting the costly ensemble.

She would do quite nicely, indeed

Margaret refused to answer, her face reddening under his amused regard.

Come now, Margaret. We both know that you leave your father’s house early each evening after dinner. You go to meet your latest lover before you go home to await your husband’s arrival. Poor Martin eats in the kitchens alone. He is asleep within an hour after a long, exhausting day at your father’s textile mill. You employed the same schedule while seeing me, I recall, Jonathan mused, his handsome face filled with mockery.

Margaret stiffened, eyes narrowing. You’ve been following me!

Jonathan laughed lightly. What would Lord Rossdale think if he knew his wife made the rounds as often as you? Dispense with the outrage, my dear. You were eager enough to come to me, or whoever else you fancied after your marriage. Poor Martin need not know, but I will need a favor of you to stay silent.

Margaret gasped in outrage. What do you want from me?

Jonathan smiled fondly, reaching out to toy with the cuff of her gown’s sleeve. I need you to vouch for a certain man. You will see to it he is at the top of every guest list within society. You will push him with every member of the ton, to include your father and all others you know.

Who is he? Why do you wish for me to help him? Margaret jerked her wrist free, eyes filled with patent dislike.

Jonathan gave her the man’s name, enjoying her look of surprise. Yes, he won’t be there tonight, my dear. He quite enjoyed your time together. He regrets to inform you that it’s over. If you think to test me, your father and husband will learn of this affair, among the others.

Margaret’s lips tightened, the only sign of her displeasure. You set him upon me deliberately!

Jonathan laughed softly, shaking his head. I applied little effort to that end, Margaret. You couldn’t help yourself. We both know you have a weakness for any well-hung chap who looks twice. He is just one of many.

It will take more than my vouching for him, Jonathan! The lady seethed in exasperation. He is new to his title, with little money, and no connections! My sudden interest will certainly be questioned.

I have every confidence in you, my dear. When you apply yourself to something, you are no less than tenacious. Like an adorable little dog with a fatted bone. Speaking of which, mine needs a bit of a rub, Madge, he informed her, his hand going to the front of his breeches. His blue eyes met hers with little mercy within them. He pulled out his fully-erect arousal. There now, be a good girl. Get on your knees.

Margaret glared at him. She grudgingly got down upon her knees, taking his sex fully into her mouth. She heard him groan harshly. He arched away from the seat. She suckled him harder, her mouth moving up and down his hard length for a time.

His hand gripped the back of her hat, crushing the ostrich feathers as she worked him feverishly. After several minutes she brought him to release. She moved away to retake her seat. She wiped the back of her mouth in disgust, eyeing him in loathing as he did up his buttons.

How do I know if I help you that you won’t come back and demand more, Jonathan? She used a lace handkerchief to wipe her mouth in disgust.

Ah! Sweet Christ! I had forgotten how good you are at that, Margaret, Jonathan breathed pleasurably, eyes closed as he leaned back against the seat comfortably. To answer your question, you don’t. You will do whatever I ask of you. The next man who shares your bed will be chosen by me, not you. You will spread you legs for whoever I ask.

Margaret’s lips parted, quivering in protest.

Jonathan’s eyes snapped open, holding up a hand. Just do as I ask! Or you will regret it, my dear. And don’t look at me like that! You have little choice in the matter.

Why are you doing this to me, Jonathan? Margaret’s hand went to her mouth in shock. I am not some prostitute for you to pass around!

No, you are not. If you were, I would have to pay you. Suffice to say, I don’t have the funds, my dear.

Margaret glared hotly. What do you need me to do?

I will need you to soften up a few men, and a woman who may oppose this man’s ascension, he explained silkily.

Margaret shook with the desire to strike him. How dare you!

Jonathan grinned boyishly. Oh, I do dare, Margaret. Don’t act such the bloody prude! We both know you like women, maybe as much as men.

I should have known to never confide anything to you!

Alas, I never forgot your deepest secret. Your ladies maid has been your lover for years. Annie doesn’t know you also seek out men. She loves you. She thinks you had no say in your marriage to Martin, he recounted with a smirk. A pity if she were to learn she isn’t your only secret.

Margaret seethed as he went on heartlessly.

What would Lord Drayton think? We both know he would dismiss Annie. What would become of the poor woman?

Margaret’s lips parted, her eyes filled with fear. Leave her out of it, Jonathan!

I will forget that stimulating conversation should you do all that I ask of you. You and Annie can go on as you always have.

Margaret’s eyes welled up in frustrated anger. I trusted you!

I am not judging you, Margaret, Jonathan reassured her warmly. I think we both know that others would, however, and quite harshly. You would never recover if it was known that you’re of the Sapphic persuasion.

She looked down at the hands clasped tightly in her lap, silent.

One more thing before I leave you. How is my son faring?

Margaret looked up, her face blanched. Alexander is Martin’s son, not yours!

Jonathan chuckled warmly, shaking his head. Come now, my dear. We both know I kept you flat upon your back quite regularly when the boy was conceived. Poor Martin was much too tired to rise to the occasion.

Leave my son out of this! Margaret eyed him disdainfully. You can be sure that he will be nothing like you!

Jonathan smiled roguishly, his dimples showing. It pleases me to know my son will be Lord Rossdale one day. If you are wise, you will do whatever I tell you, Margaret, for the boy’s sake. I could ruin you and your family with little effort.

You won’t tell anyone Alexander is yours, Jonathan! The lady snapped coldly, her eyes simmering with anger. It pleases you too much to know it, while Martin and my father do not. Don’t dare threaten my son again! Or I will go to my father! He can make you disappear very quickly if you think to create a scandal!

Jonathan smirked. Lord Drayton is the least of my worries, my dear. We both know you will never tell your father what a naughty girl you’ve been in London these last few years.

My father will crush you like a bug if you breathe one word about me to anyone, Jonathan! Margaret warned furiously.

Your prig of a father would only have you institutionalized if he learned of your tawdry escapades, my dear, Jonathan noted casually. Resign yourself to helping me.

Why are you doing this, Jonathan? Why is this man’s success so important to you? Margaret eyed him coldly, despising him for being right.

Jonathan rapped upon the roof, the coach slowing. He reached inside his vest, pulling out a piece of paper.

Here is the name of your newest lover, my dear. It should be fairly easy for you. I’m told that he and his lady wife no longer share a bed. That can only be to your advantage.

Margaret opened the piece of paper, scanning the name written there, gasping in denial. I cannot do this, Jonathan! His wife is one of my mother’s dearest friends!

Jonathan smirked. You will no doubt appeal to the man’s tastes. I’m told he walks in the park before nine each morning. You would be wise to be there waiting.

Margaret expelled a noise of disgust. How do you expect me to go about this?

Get him into your coach. Seduce him. Make him think you have always had a fondness for him. It shouldn’t be too difficult to lead him into an affair.

He is devoted to his wife, Jonathan, the lady informed him, shaking her head. I can only expect the man will push me away. What then?

Jonathan smiled fondly, reaching out to touch her smooth cheek. Tell your driver beforehand to circle the park to a secluded spot when you have the man inside. Close the draperies within. Do to him what you just did to me. I cannot see him pushing you away, Margaret. When you have him meeting you regularly, I will tell you what to do next.

Why is he so important? It’s his wife who holds any sway within society, Margaret replied softly. I could never get her into my bed, so don’t ask it of me.

Jonathan rolled his eyes, nodding. He has a ward. She is the daughter of one of his former friends. She is currently away at school. She is quite lovely, I’m told. She inherited both her father and mother’s fortunes when they died. I want her for myself, and before she is presented to society. You will make that happen.

You already have a wife, Jonathan! Margaret pointed out sharply. What do you want with her?

Let us just say, I’m planning my next marriage. You will encourage the man to accept my suit or you threaten to go to his wife.

Margaret shook her head emphatically. He will refuse! He will endure his wife’s wrath! That won’t work, Jonathan! I know these people well. With your poor standing in society, he would never agree to marry his ward to you.

Get the man into your bed in the meantime. I’ll come up with something.

Margaret looked away, biting her lip. Why are you doing this, Jonathan?

I’m merely helping a dear friend be launched within society. With your efforts, he should have no problems, Jonathan replied silkily.

No, I meant, why do you insist on this girl becoming your next wife? Lady Charlotte still walks among us. You’ve just admitted to me that it might not be the case in the future, Margaret said in a halting voice, her face paling in obvious dread. Why do you tell me of your plans?

Jonathan smirked slightly, making her shiver. Why indeed? Don’t look so startled, my dear. You can hardly tell anyone. Someone with all of your sordid little secrets can only keep mine.

Margaret stifled a cry of denial as she watched him get out of the coach, saluting her fondly before the conveyance moved away. She cursed ever seeking the man out as a lover after she became bored in her marriage. She thought him a safe choice, knowing his family was fairly ostracized by most of society.

How wrong she was.

Jonathan Bane only used her and her father’s considerable social connections to lay this trap she found herself within. She had no doubt he would destroy her if she refused to do as he asked.

While he had nothing to lose, Margaret cringed to know she risked losing everything. For her son’s sake, she had little choice to do what he said, seething to know no way out of this.

CHAPTER ONE

Two men met discreetly in Hyde Park. A light drizzle was falling that morning, a deep mist enveloping the trees. The park was deserted save for them. They walked towards each other from opposite directions. They approached one another looking warily about to be certain they weren’t observed.

Lord Wingate smiled pleasantly to put the man at ease, offering to share his umbrella for a time. They walked near the pond before he spoke.

All has been arranged. Lady Rossdale has cleared the way. You won’t be seeing her again, Jonathan informed him crisply.

Ronnie was the one sharing her bed these last few weeks, not me, Alastair disclosed with a dark frown. What does this have to do with me?

Lady Margaret will make sure your brother is accepted into every circle that I see fit to place him into, thanks to your efforts. Necessary for our plans, don’t you think?

Why tell me? Ronnie is the one to benefit, was his resentful response.

Jonathan glanced at him sidelong, detecting suspicion in the man’s tone. I have an offer to make you, Alastair. How badly do you wish to be out from under your brother’s thumb?

Alastair stiffened at the pointed question, his brow furrowed. As badly as you can imagine, but I’m afraid my purse a bit too light.

Keeps you on a tight allowance, does he? Jonathan clicked his tongue in sympathy. Being my father’s heir with no brothers, I failed to see the plight of a second son.

Being a second son has some benefit, Jonathan. I am not as pressured as my brother to marry and procure an heir since our father died, Alastair defended tightly.

But you aren’t your own man, nor will you ever be. You will likely take your marching orders from your brother. That can hardly please you, Jonathan pointed out reasonably. Your present success rather hinges upon your brother’s own, as do your future fortunes. I would offer you something more.

Alastair eyed him curiously. Ronnie doesn’t know about this meeting, does he?

Jonathan shook his head. No, I thought it best to keep this between us.

What do you offer me, Jonathan?

Jonathan smiled in satisfaction as he took the bait. I would offer you the hand of my ward.

Alastair cursed savagely. I thought it was already decided!

Plans have since changed, Jonathan interjected smoothly.

Changed? How so? Ronnie said nothing of this to me! Alastair stopped on the path, regarding his half brother with open mistrust.

Lady Celeste told the little man more than we thought, Jonathan disclosed quietly. The agent is looking into a particular court case Hereford’s brother filed years ago. Harry has been ousted as one of my father’s bastards. For that reason, it cannot be him who marries Rose.

Alastair grimaced. Why do you not ask Ronnie to do it? He would enjoy it! He seems to lean towards the perverse! Why must it be me who marries my sister?

Rose is your half sister, Jonathan argued reasonably, seeing it didn’t change his militant expression. It’s but a formality. I didn’t ask you to consummate the marriage. As to the other, our brother is meant for something else.

I could easily change places with Ronnie!

If only Ronnie was willing to allow it. He is not. As it is, he is the only one who can pass Iverleigh’s inspection. He is a lord, after all, while you are merely a second son.

I was the one making all the progress! Alastair fumed angrily as they walked on. I gained her interest first! Not Ronnie! He wouldn’t have lasted this long courting her on his own!

Be that as it may, you will wed Rose when she’s brought back, Jonathan countered coolly. There is no one else! I cannot afford to have Iverleigh contest the marriage! Think, will you? The moment he learns his daughter wed Harry it would only be dragged into the courts. What the little man holds over Lady Celeste will come out. I’m certain it was only that which kept her out of prison after my mother’s arrest. It would keep Rose’s inheritance from being released. It won’t work for that reason!

What do Harry and the others say?

Jonathan sighed in angry frustration. They want their money! They’re too bloody stupid and greedy to listen!

You haven’t told them, the man concluded sourly.

I thought it better this way. I will deal with them. I am Rose’s legal guardian, after all. I have all the say in who she marries.

Alastair glanced at him quickly. How will you deal with them? I cannot see them going along with this quietly. Not by far. They have waited years for their portions. This news will not go over well.

They will all fall into line.

Alastair stiffened, shaking his head. Ronnie will be furious, Jonathan! He will see this as a betrayal! He will question our trusting you!

Ronnie will believe whatever I wish him to, Jonathan assured him quietly. You know that this needs to happen, Alastair.

Her family isn’t going away just because you are the chit’s legal guardian, Jonathan! I can expect when they learn of her marriage they will seek to inquire into her new husband’s background. What then? The man bristled angrily as they continued to walk.

We will simply come up with a suitable background for you. Lady Rossdale owes me a great many favors. She could claim that you are her eldest cousin.

Alastair gritted his teeth. The little man is an agent of the Crown, Jonathan! If the person doesn’t exist, he will know!

Lady Margaret’s cousin does exist. He is an avid hunter, I’m told. He’s been gone for years. Nobody would question it, Jonathan replied dismissively.

Alastair fumed. How do I go about hiding from Iverleigh until her inheritance is paid out to me?

You will simply take Rose on an extended honeymoon until she is of age. Stay abroad. Move about so they cannot track you. As soon as she reaches her majority, make it appear she took her own life. It’s a simple enough task.

Alastair made a face, shaking his head. There is a funeral to consider, Jonathan. I can hardly avoid them then!

Simply have her buried wherever she dies. The family will understand that you were too overwhelmed with grief to arrange transfer of her body back to England, so much that you decided not to return for a time. You go through Mr. Putnam to wire you the funds, half to you, and half to me. Then you may go wherever you like, Jonathan concluded quietly.

Alastair regarded him in surprise. This is why you didn’t tell Ronnie! You don’t plan to share Rose’s fortune with him either, do you?

Why should I share it? It’s mine! He and the others get a portion of the wealth when he marries Lady Cassandra. He will have to be content with that, Jonathan countered irately, bristling from the man’s censure.

I don’t know about this, Jonathan, Alastair grumbled moodily, staring out over the pond.

With the death of Rose’s former husband and the child’s disappearance, it would be readily believed she took her own life. Especially after I forced her to remarry, Jonathan stated smoothly. You would be long gone should Iverleigh seek to question it. He will not be looking for you, but the man you claimed to be, who is likely in Africa at this moment chasing wild game.

Do you not see Iverleigh questioning everything when she dies, Jonathan?

Jonathan shrugged dismissively. Iverleigh has no legal right to question or demand anything. Once the monies are released, you will never return to England. Is that not what you always wanted?

Alastair grimaced, thinking of the night he drank with this man well into the wee hours, confiding his discontent. Jonathan never forgot that conversation to his chagrin.

Too much can go wrong! It already has, Jonathan! The woman is not easily managed! Rose continues to elude you! By year’s end, you have lost any chance of gaining her inheritance! Alastair muttered harshly.

Jonathan’s hand went up to ward off further argument. My plan won’t fail! Putnam has written. He found Rose. She will be arriving as soon as he can arrange it.

What of our other plan?

Jonathan shrugged. Ronnie can handle the sister on his own.

Had you noticed, we share the same bloody face! How do you propose to keep that from being discovered?

Mr. Putnam can arrange certain papers, create this identity that none can challenge. The only thing you must do is never come face to face with any of the St. Armand family after the marriage, Jonathan explained carefully. How hard could that be?

Alastair’s dark eyes narrowed. Why are you keeping this from Ronnie?

Jonathan glanced at him sidelong. We can agree your brother would argue your doing this? He would say it carries too much risk.

He would be right in that, Jonathan! Alastair stared out over the pond, frowning. I must think on it. I don’t relish going to prison, much less hanging for murder.

Iverleigh will never be looking for you, Alastair, Jonathan assured him. By the time he could raise any alarm, the monies will have been dispersed.

Are you prepared to deal with the others? Alastair glanced at him quickly. I can see them all turning upon you if they should ever learn of this!

Jonathan rolled his eyes. Allow me to worry about them. They will do exactly as they’re told if they wish to receive anything. I am weary of this game. It’s gone on much too long. I fear I cannot trust them the longer we wait.

Alastair regarded him with a shuttered expression. I would never trust any of them.

I don’t, Jonathan countered in a measured tone. They would all cheerfully stab me in the back if given half the chance, and take all for themselves.

Alastair raised a disbelieving brow. You would trust me? Please! We both know better!

Jonathan chuckled under his breath. Let us just say that you are the only one of my siblings I’ve decided to trust going forward. Do not disappoint me, Alastair.

Ronnie is not to know until after I’m gone, Alastair insisted coolly after a time. You know how he is. He would only seek to stop me from leaving.

You have my word. He’ll not know anything until Putnam wires you the funds, he agreed, eying him curiously. Your brother is quite possessive of you. I can see why you wish to leave him.

Alastair’s lips twisted bitterly. It has always been this way. He was the heir, I the spare. He has never let me forget that our whole lives. I would have my own life! Not live in Ronnie’s blasted shadow! I cannot even have a damned woman to myself without having to share her with him! He needs a bloody pimp, not a brother!

Soon, you will have all that you could ever wish for, Jonathan promised solemnly. After you leave, there is to be no further contact with your brother. I want your word, Alastair.

Alastair gave it without delay, leaving the park, pulling up his overcoat lapels. He kept his head down as the rain began to fall in earnest. He wondered if he could trust Jonathan Bane.

He often questioned what he and Ronnie were doing by aiding Lord Wingate and the others. They were not in the same dire financial straits as Jonathan, Harry, and Mina. They weren’t in hiding and believed dead like Glorianna.

The man they always believed to be their father left Ronnie a modest but reasonable income after he died. If not for their considerable excesses upon the man’s death, they wouldn’t have ever considered joining the others in this sordid business.

Their father never knew that Lord Lyndon raped their mother on their wedding night. He was drugged by Lyndon, passed out by the end of the evening. It happened at a ball held at the man’s ancestral estate.

Lyndon boldly claimed their mother that night. The lady never spoke of it, fearful of Lord Lyndon’s power within society. She only wrote of it within her diary to be found after her death.

Ronnie was devastated when he discovered the truth, afraid if it ever became known, burning the diary. He seemed to come apart at the seams when Jonathan confronted them a few months ago. He was fearful of blackmail, often arguing that Lord Wingate had them both by the short in this.

Alastair had no real stomach for what needed to be done when told the plan. His older brother could handle that himself. Only Ronnie was known to be sloppy on occasion, increasing the chances of discovery. He hoped Jonathan had a plan there.

Alastair dismissed whatever happened then. He would be long gone from here. He would have his own life, with enough wealth to never have to take scraps from Ronnie again.

His brother was truly on his own then, without him to manage for him as he always did. Their separation was inevitable if not soundly rejected by his brother.

Ronnie insisted they were bound by more than merely sharing the same womb. He often said they were two sides of the same coin. Alastair rejected such a premise. He wished to have something of his own for once. This pact made with Jonathan assured that.

Ronnie seemed to know what he was thinking before he did of late. He could almost hear his sardonic voice in the back of his mind, chiding him not to do this, to stay with him forever.

Alastair was determined to leave.

Ronnie was only being selfish.

His twin wasn’t capable of creating a lasting bond with anyone, much less a woman. His brother relied upon him to establish the relationship. He would join in later, the people almost never realizing it. Not one soul would ever know when Alastair slipped away, allowing his brother to take his place.

CHAPTER TWO

The coach was forced to stop near dusk. Another conveyance blocked the road up ahead.

Rose was distracted, still seething over Yarborough’s defection, dwelling upon his abrupt ending of the relationship.

She refused to cry over him, feeling pathetic for the hurt she felt in increasing waves. Something told her that Rory would only find such sentiments amusing.

For whatever reason he refused to name, he cast her aside. She knew well that it had nothing to do with her son being found. She burned to think he replaced her with another, her feminine pride stinging smartly.

She looked out the window just then, her eyes filled with sudden alarm to see the other coach ahead. Jonathan Bane’s agent Mr. Putnam stepped down from the cab.

When she made to open the door of the coach and flee, a large, uncouth man was already standing there, blocking her flight.

Armed men now held Liam and the coachman at bay with pistols. Bridget and the nanny looked on in fear. Rose was dragged from the coach kicking and screaming by one of Putnam’s henchmen. The nanny clutched the baby fearfully while Gideon began to cry.

Let me go! Unhand me I say! Rose was flailing wildly as the man dragged her towards the other conveyance.

Mr. Putnam smirked with satisfaction as his man quickly tied her up and gagged her, tossing her into the back of his coach. He walked towards the fearful servants, his expression filled with warning.

Lady Dunleavy will not be harmed. I merely return her to her guardian in England. If any of you seek to stand in the way of that, know that these men were hired to facilitate the law of the Crown, Putnam warned them all, eyeing Liam particularly.

They all watched as the man returned to his coach while his hirelings kept them from following, holding their weapons trained upon them until the coach was out of sight.

When the men retreated, Liam glanced at the coachman urgently. Ye need ta find Mr. Lavery! Go! We will go on to Dunleavy Hall! Ye must hurry!

The coachman quickly turned the conveyance about, headed back towards Belfast in all haste. The wagon bearing the servants moved on.

Liam worried over his mistress, wanting to go after her.

Bridget finally interceded. Ye saw those men, Liam! Yer no match for Putnam’s thugs! We go on ta Dunleavy Hall and tell Lord Harwycke what’s happened! He’ll know what ta do!

Ye heard the man! He’s takin’ her back ta England! We have ta stop him!

Bridget regarded him sternly. We tell Lord Harwycke where the man took her. Ye heard what he said. We would only be charged for breakin’ the law if we try ta stop him.

In the end, Liam deferred to Bridget. They arrived at Dunleavy Hall late in the evening. The estate steward made them welcome, informing them Lord Harwycke was away on business. They told the man their mistress was accosted by Mr. Putnam on the roadway.

Brian O’Neil had no idea where to find Lord Harwycke at that moment. He had been gone for days in the south to reclaim his nephew. He set out for the port alone, returning to inform them the ship sailed hours before. He was too late to stop the man from taking Rose away.

They could only wait for Lord Harwycke to return, the hours that passed carrying their beloved mistress even further away.

~ ~ ~

Mr. Putnam regarded his drugged companion with a satisfied smirk as they set out to meet the Hereford coach in Liverpool. When they were well underway, he pressed smelling salts under her nose, saw her eyes flutter slowly open.

I am truly sorry it had to be this way, Lady Dunleavy. It was not my intention to have to go this far to gain your compliance, the agent lamented regretfully.

L-l-let me go! Y-y-you don’t understand what you’re doing! He’ll kill me! Rose pleaded hoarsely.

Putnam frowned deeply, shaking his head, staring down his beak-like nose in sympathy. His Grace, Lord Wingate, told me you were highly delusional, that your mental state is severely impaired. How right he was. Your guardian merely means to get you the help that you need.

He’s lying to you! If you take me to him, he will kill me!

Putnam rolled his eyes. Nobody seeks to harm you, Milady! There, now, calm yourself! I have no wish to gag you, but I really must insist you be silent!

Rose was aghast at the man’s belief she was insane, knowing he wouldn’t listen to a word she said. She tried in some of her more lucid states to appeal to him during the journey, to no avail.

Putnam was also taking no chance that she would try to escape. Her hands were bound in her lap. He was promised a large bonus to deliver her, claiming he more than earned it by having to remain on in Belfast so many weeks for this opportunity.

Rose cursed the timing of the abduction. Rory wouldn’t be looking for her. Cullen wasn’t expecting her arrival. She could only hope that her servants had the sense to return to Belfast to find Yarborough. And then, she could only pray she meant enough to Rory for him to come after her.

~ ~ ~

Rose swallowed hard as she was forcibly dragged out of the coach by Lord Hereford’s male servants. They arrived at his estate in Yorkshire.

She trembled as she was brought inside the residence, taken to a room upstairs and promptly locked inside. She went to the window, seeing guards stationed below, cursing under her breath to have no means of escape.

Her eyes suddenly lit up. She pulled a pin from her hair and approached the door, kneeling down to apply it to the keyhole, determining the servant who locked her in didn’t retain the key. All she need do is push it out and drag it under the door when it fell.

But first she needed answers.

Answers came in the form of a young woman who entered a short time later. She was wearing a pastel silk gown. She had short, sandy-brown curls, a ribbon tying them back from a piquant face. The eyes that met hers were startling, a deep blue.

Rose stared at her, trying to discern her intentions, backing away fearfully.

You have nothing to fear, Rose, she stated evenly, smiling warmly. I was merely curious about you. You gave Jonathan quite the dash this last year. It was very impressive how you evaded him.

Rose eyed her warily. Who are you?

My name was Glorianna Granville when I was alive, she announced casually, seeing her half sister’s eyes widen. I’m not dead as you can plainly see.

You don’t have to do this! Please! Let me go! Rose stared at her, seeing her shake her head sadly.

Your fate has already been decided, she replied in a regretful tone. They want your money, Rose. It isn’t personal. It never was.

I don’t want it! They can have it! I’ll sign it over to them! I swear it! Rose meant every word. No amount of money was worth her life.

Glorianna raised