Captivating the Scoundrel (Legendary Rogues Book 4) by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke [Burke, Darcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781939713667
Publisher: Intrepid Reads
Published: 2019-01-28T18:30:00+00:00

“The condition is absolutely splendid,” Rhys whispered with great reverence.

“How old is it?” Gideon wasn’t an expert like Rhys, but he suspected it was at least four hundred years old.

“I have a suspicion.” He glanced over at Gideon. “May I turn to the last page?”

“Of course.”

Rhys pulled on his gloves and carefully closed the book, then turned it over. He opened the back cover and then flipped to the final page.

The slight sound of his breath drawing in sharply was followed by a smile curling his lips and a light of excitement dancing in his eyes. He lightly touched the corner of the page where a small smudge marred the vellum.

Gideon knew enough to recognize that it wasn’t a smudge. “Is that what I think it is?”

Rhys grinned. “De Valery’s mark. He made a third manuscript. And since the Nash family charged him with making the others with a hidden code that would reveal the location of the Anarawd text, we must consider this manuscript also serves a purpose.”

Gideon’s heart pounded in his ears. “To find the cloak?”

“Perhaps. We must take our time investigating this book. I hope you aren’t in a hurry.”

“I am, but only because I’m anxious to retrieve the heart and the sword from Foliot. The longer he has them, the longer I worry.”

“What are you doing with his daughter?” Rhys shook his head. “I’m sorry. Perhaps it isn’t my business, but I didn’t expect you to marry again—at least not any time soon and certainly not to the daughter of a man as despicable as Foliot.”

“She doesn’t see him that way,” Gideon said a bit defensively. “Much the way I didn’t see my father the way everyone else did.”

“I see. But your eyes were opened eventually.” Rhys’s mouth formed a grim line. “She should understand what kind of man her father really is.”

“And I’m certain she will someday.” Likely soon. “I’m just not certain I’m the one who should tell her.”

“You’re her husband. I would argue there is no one better.”

“Her temporary husband.” Gideon felt the need to point that out.

“Yes, you plan to get an annulment. As I said, that will be difficult.”

“Not under the argument of fraud. We didn’t disclose my prior marriage or provide proof of Rose’s death. Plus, I led her to believe I am the Earl of Stratton.”

Rhys’s brows darted up his forehead as his eyes widened briefly. “You expect Penn to inherit the title.”

“It seems likely.” Gideon could mention Septon’s plan to obtain the proof and liberate the vicar, but until that actually happened, Gideon saw no benefit in bringing it up. There was no need to raise Penn’s hopes, and Rhys would surely tell him about it.

Rhys looked at him intently. “You don’t seem upset.”

If he dwelled on it, he would be, Gideon supposed. “I’ve plenty else to think about right now. Anyway, I can’t control what happens there. Furthermore, I am not the earl—Penn is.”

Rhys winced. “He desperately wants to avoid that.”

“I know,” Gideon said quietly. “And if there’s a way I can help him, I will.

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