Enter The Brethren by Barbara Devlin

Author:Barbara Devlin
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2013-11-11T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Miss Douglas, I do not presume to understand whatever nonsense you and Everett are about. Really, I must find Caroline.” Trevor dug his heels into the graveled path in the rose garden. “I insist you tell me where we are going.”

Sabrina peered over her shoulder and pressed a finger to her lips. “Shh, damn fool man, do you want to announce to the whole world we are here?” She faced forward and tugged hard on his wrist. “If you wish to see Caroline, then come with me. And, blast it all, keep your voice down.”

Despite inclinations to the contrary, he followed his less-than-graceful guide around a tall hedge. In the clearing, secluded and well hidden from the main house, sat a petite orangery. As they neared the door, Trevor heard voices inside and paused.

With a haughty air of determination, Sabrina let go his arm, marched to the entrance, and turned the knob. On a backward glance, she inclined her head. “Well, are you coming?”

“I suppose I have nothing to lose.” Trevor uttered a prayer in silence and stepped inside.

Pale blue light from the moon streamed through the glass panels overhead, illuminating the diminutive hothouse. Tucked among the plants of various tropical varieties were a chaise and a tapestry frame. And making a thorough examination of an exotic orchid, while engaging in polite conversation with Everett, was Caroline.

When Everett spied him, he stood upright. “Right. Well, I believe my work here is finished.” He strolled toward the entrance and offered Sabrina his escort. “Come along, Miss Douglas.”

To wit the younger Douglas blinked. “I beg your pardon? Where do you think we are going?”

“Allay your fears, my dear.” His friend chuckled. “My thoughts were of a decidedly noble endeavor.”

“Indeed?” Sabrina appeared skeptical.

“Indubitably.” Everett grinned. “Do you dance, Miss Douglas?”

Her eyes flared. “Of course I do, you ass.”

Markham pressed her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Tell me, my dear Miss Douglas, has anyone ever mistaken you for a lady?”

She humphed. “I am sure no more than have mistaken you for a gentleman.”

As the two continued their playful banter, Trevor stared surreptitiously at Caroline. She seemed determined to focus on anything but him, and he did not know what to make of her indifference. A palm settled on the small of his back.

“Get in there, old boy.” Everett gave him a gentle nudge.

With a tentative step forward, he slipped a finger in his coat pocket and toyed with the bauble he intended to give his fiancée. Once the voices of his bickering accomplices faded, he made his move.

“That is a lovely bloom you have there.” God help him, he was discussing flowers. Could anything be more humiliating for a man of the sea? “Is it your favorite variety?”

“No.” She did not face him. “I prefer roses.”

“Well, roses are nice, I suppose.” Trevor shuffled his feet and inched closer. How he wished she would turn around. “I shall have to remember that and gift you a bouquet on special occasions.”

“Please, do not trouble yourself.

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