Wicked Rake, Defiant Mistress (2010) by Lethbridge Ann

Author:Lethbridge, Ann [Ann, Lethbridge,]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A.
Published: 2011-01-14T19:11:55.765000+00:00

Chapter Eight

The carriage pulled to a halt. Garrick peered out. They were only a few yards into the lane beyond the farm. Matthews leaned over and tested first his ropes and then Ellie's. "They won't be getting free in a hurry."

"Good," Le Clere said, and leaned forwards to open the door. Garrick's heart picked up speed.

His uncle laughed. "Don't worry, Garrick. I'll be a few feet behind you all the way." He stepped out, followed by Matthews. The two men mounted their horses, no doubt with a view of discussing their plans in private. The carriage set off once more.

Ellie stared out of the window, her shoulders stiff, her face white and her expression forlorn.

The rage in his gut unfurled like a dragon full of fire, heat rushed up from his belly. He took a deep breath. It wouldn't help. When she didn't say anything, he fished around for a way to break the silence. "I'm sorry you got dragged into this."

"I don't suppose you have a knife?"

He didn't like the way her gaze raked the interior of the coach. "Please, Ellie, whatever you do, no heroics. Trust me to get you out of this and follow my lead."

Nor did he like the way her determined chin came up in challenge. "Do you have a plan?"

"I'll take advantage of whatever opportunity is offered."

She curled her lip. "An excellent plan." She turned her head to gaze out of the window.

"Sarcasm won't help." He huffed out a breath. "Ellie, believe me, I won't let my uncle harm you."

"He killed my brother. For you." Her voice was husky. She turned her head slowly. The glitter of tears she'd tried to hide with harsh words cut a swathe through his heart. She'd been so brave up to now and to see her spirit leach away weighed heavy on his soul. Nor could he think of a word to say in his defence.

He couldn't afford to let himself feel her pain, because if he allowed the emotions through, the anger he held at bay would take over and he'd be nothing but a raging unthinking beast.

He stared out of the window. They were approaching the crossroads beyond the village. The place where the first Lady Moonlight had ended her life on the gibbet. With a wry twist of sick humour, he hoped it wasn't an omen.

The carriage halted behind a stone wall at the edge of the common where the villagers grazed a few sheep and a scrawny cow. Garrick watched Caleb take off at a run, a musket over his shoulder, heading for a ridge to the east where scattered boulders and gorse provided plenty of cover.

Matthews opened the door, blocking his view. "Out you get. Ladies first, if you please." He bowed.

Garrick thought about head-butting the man on his way down the step, but saw Le Clere watching from a short distance off and could only watch in helpless fury as Matthews's hand clenched around Ellie's elbow. At the steward's nod, Garrick leapt down and glanced across the open tract of land to where Caleb had disappeared.

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