Rogue's Destiny by Bancroft Blair

Author:Bancroft, Blair
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency, regency romance, historical suspense, regency suspense, regency historical
Publisher: Blair Bancroft

Chapter Thirteen

After carrying Victoire upstairs to a sunny room at the rear of the house and leaving her to the care of her maid, Jack summoned his entire staff to the drawing room. Butler, housekeeper, cook, two maids, two footmen, coachman, and stable boy formed a semi-circle before him, their eyes wide with inquiry at this unprecedented event. And not a little intimidated by their employer’s stern expression as he stood with arms crossed over his chest, waiting for them all to arrive. Lord Cheyney leaned against a doorway, watching them all.

Before speaking, Jack let his gaze roam over each face, making certain he had everyone’s complete attention. Satisfied all were aware of the gravity of the situation, he spoke quietly, hoping the servants would cooperate willingly and not solely because they were frightened.

“You are all aware we have a guest in the house,” Jack said. “A young lady of good family and her maid. I have given them shelter because the lady has been injured”—he paused for effect—“and because someone is trying to kill her.”

A general gasp from his audience.

“For the sake of her life and for the sake of your positions in this house”—once again Jack scanned the gathering, face by face—“you will never reveal she is here.” Solemnly, each nodded agreement.

“When visitors are here, even close friends, you cannot make any references to the lady. No sly looks, no giggles.” He scowled at the younger maid, who looked as if her knees were about to give way. “No whispered words to each other.”

Jack raised his voice. “Is that clear? If you reveal her presence here, the lady could die. Do each and every one of you understand?”

“Sir?” Mrs. Biddeford, a lady as pleasingly plump as her husband was lean, spoke up. “May we know the lady’s name?”

“Miss . . . Smythe,” with a ‘y’,” he returned easily, wishing he’d taken the time to think of something more convincing before calling this assembly. “Miss Jane Smythe.”

“Yes, sir, thank you, sir.” The housekeeper bobbed her head.

“Collins,” Jack said to one of the footmen, “you will fetch a doctor immediately, but he is to see me before he goes up to Miss Smythe. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” The young footman bolted for the door.

“As for the rest of you, do you clearly understand that you hold the young lady’s life in your hands?” After murmurs of assent all round, Jack nodded. “You may return to your duties now, and thank you for taking this matter seriously.”

As the last servant left the room, Avery turned to his brother, eyes wide. “Did I understand you to say you’ve kidnapped a lady of quality?”

“In essence.” Jack shrugged.

“You’re mad.”

Jack sank into his favorite wingchair before the fireplace, motioned his brother into a chair across from him. With no little reluctance, he unfolded the entire story, from his accidental meeting with Victoire to the three attempts on her life. “Her fortune seems to be the motive,” he concluded, “for neither she nor I can find any other reason for what has happened.

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