Rogues Rakes and Jewels by Claudy Conn

Author:Claudy Conn
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Romance
Published: 2012-06-14T14:51:46+00:00

~ Fifteen ~

THEY HAD MOVED Lightning to the back pasture with a makeshift ‘lean-to’, as it was closest to the house and no one would be able to get to him without putting themselves in full view of the household. In addition to that, two tall torches were set in place by the only gate to the paddock.

Jewelene smiled as she watched their trusted groom Jonas breeze him. He was absolutely the fastest horse she had ever come across, and there was no doubt in her mind that they would win at Derby.

The problem was getting him there without mishap. She had quite made up her mind that she would accompany her brother and Arthur on the trip, even though her aunt had put up some strong objections.

A voice at her ear made her shiver, and she turned to find Ryker’s bent near, so near. “Your brother tells me that you are determined to accompany us to Derby.”

“Oh … are you coming?”

“Yes, both Robby and I have decided to join your little party, for I intend to put a great deal of blunt on Lightning.”

She smiled. “Ah, you will make a great deal of money—or at least, I hope you do. I hope we all do …” A sigh escaped with the words as they trailed into the breeze.

“Jewelene … I know you are worried. Won’t you let me help?”

“No, how can I?”

He took her shoulders. “By marrying me,” he said softly.

She couldn’t believe her ears and scanned his face. He put a finger to her lips and said, “I have already spoken with your aunt and your brother … you have only to say yes.”

“I … I … oh, you are too good … too good, and I am not worthy.” She hung her head.

“You were made for me, as I was for you. Don’t you see that …?” he countered.

“You don’t know what I have done,” she cried, holding his hands. “I cannot marry you until I have extricated myself from a situation that has grown out of proportions.” She shook her head. “How can I dump all my financial worries onto you?”

“Is that because you believe me a second son without a substantial income?” He looked into her eyes. “If I were titled and wealthy … would it make a difference?”

“No, it would make no difference. What has title or wealth to do with it? You deserve better than I.” She tried pulling away from him and rushing off, but he had her by the arm.

“Stay … confess to me … let me make it better,” he said softly.

“No—you will hate me,” she said in a hushed tone.

“Hate you? I adore you. Don’t think I don’t see who you are. Don’t think I don’t know you.” He shook his head. “Would it help to tell you that I am not whom you think? Would it help to tell you that I have my own secrets to confess?”

“What mean you?” she asked in surprise.

“Oh, there you are …” said Ben Clay, coming around the corner of the house.

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