Susan Johnson by Outlaw (Carre)

Author:Outlaw (Carre)
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

While bliss reigned supreme at Goldiehouse, Harold Godfrey was in London moving to curtail the newfound happiness of the Laird and Lady Ravensby.

“The papers can be drawn up here in London,” Godfrey was saying to his employer, the Duke of Queensberry, a thin, dark man of middle age. They were strolling in St. James’s Park so their conversation couldn’t be overheard by servants or retainers; it was always difficult to know who was loyal.

“Rape will be much easier to prove in court,” Queensberry declared, “although we’ll pursue the treason charge as well.”

“She’s with child already,” the Earl bitterly muttered. “And even if he marries her, we’ll contend it was a forced marriage.”

“It’s easy enough to buy witnesses,” Queensberry murmured.

“Or see to the disappearance of troublesome ones.”

“Yes, of course.” The Duke smiled. “Now tell me again the extent of Ravensby’s property. And what you foresee in terms of necessary documentation.” Queensberry’s affable manner was part art and part nature; he was the complete courtier. And while to outward appearances and in ordinary conversation he was of gentle disposition, nothing stood in the way of his own interests. He was covetous and at the same time lavish with his money, squandering much of it, gossip reported. Johnnie Carre’s estates, which would be forfeit when he was convicted of rape, would be a welcome addition to the Duke’s possessions.

“If you could get a special warrant from the Queen, we could begin court proceedings. Whether he appears or not is incidental to the verdict.”

“But you’d prefer he be brought in.” Queensberry knew the enmity that existed between the two men.

“He owes me a second debt now. Or perhaps a third, if I wish repayment for my daughter’s first abduction. It would give me pleasure to have him in chains.”

“He is a rash young man. Difficult to control. Although certainly, you better than most understand his reckless effrontery.” Rumor had it, Harold Godfrey had had a hand in the death of the previous Earl of Graden. When Johnnie Carre, only seventeen, had come home from France to assume his title, he’d ridden immediately into Harbottle, up to the gates of the castle, and challenged Harold Godfrey to defend himself.

A highly skilled swordsman, Harold Godfrey had willingly taken on the young man and almost killed him. But they’d fought for an hour, and in the end sheer physical strength prevailed. Harold Godfrey could never quite effect the coup de grace, although he had the advantage of experience. And when Johnnie Carre held him under his sword point at last, the Earl of Brusisson had vehemently denied any involvement in Johnnie’s father’s death. High-principled at seventeen, the young Earl of Graden had found it difficult to kill a man loudly professing his innocence. And he’d walked away.

“He’s been a scourge in my life,” Elizabeth’s father said, his voice cold as ice, “as his father was before him. It would give me great pleasure to relieve him of his wealth.”

“How many estates does he have?” Queensberry softly inquired.

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