The Lady's Christmas Proposal (Honorable Rogue Book 3.5) by Vikki Vaught

Author:Vikki Vaught [Vaught, Vikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Sensual Story Theme, Honorable Rogue Series, Novella Length Story, Family & Domestic Life, Young Child-Daughter, Marriage of Convenience, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather
Publisher: Enticing Pleasures Romance
Published: 2017-12-12T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

Robert followed the rescue party with Hardesty in the lead, stopping along the way, seeking information. At the second inn, the viscount learned that two men with a woman and a young girl had passed through. The stable lad had heard one of the men mention Winston Hall. Relief swept through Robert. He’d feared the viscount might be on the wrong path. At least they knew Hardesty was right in his assumption.

After that, they didn’t stop again until they changed the horses. There, Robert overheard the viscount speaking to a groom, and the man told Hardesty about a landmark that would help them find the property.

At last, they reached the estate and stealthily entered the residence through the kitchen. Using caution, they reached the entryway. Hardesty and Hawks captured and bound one of the cohorts. The viscount turned to Robert. “Will you watch out for anyone who shows up, and make sure they’re detained while we go upstairs?”

Robert nodded, pulled out his knife, and slipped into one of the empty rooms, leaving the door ajar. A scream tore through the house as Hardesty and the others pounded up the stairs. Before Robert could react, he heard a shot. Should he go upstairs and investigate, or remain at his post? With one man bound and gagged, that only left the other thug.

Coming to a decision, he raced to the next floor. Hardesty, Hawks, and Billingsley knelt beside one of the fallen men. Robert rushed forward as another scream came from a room up ahead.

Hardesty dashed forward with Hawks at his side. Billingsley turned to him. “Help me carry Melton to a chamber.”

Devil take it! Mildred’s brother. He grabbed the man’s feet as the baron lifted his shoulders. Fortunately, the door to their right was a bedchamber. They carried Melton inside and laid him on the bed.

Rage warred with compassion as the earl moaned.

He grabbed Robert’s sleeve.

Another shot rang out.

“Oh, God,” Melton gasped, “not Mary.” He struggled to sit, but he grabbed his chest and fell on the pillows behind him, drawing in a ragged breath.

By that point, Billingsley had run from the room. Robert sighed. As much as he wanted to find out what was happening, he had to stay with Melton. He checked the man’s pulse; it was weak. The man tried to grab his arm again, his breath, coming out in rattling gasps.

Robert looked at Melton’s ashen face as the man spoke again. “I…” another gasp, “need to…” the man clutched his chest, “Mary…talk to…her.” The man’s eyes fluttered then closed.

“I’ll see what’s happening.” He rushed from the room and met Hardesty carrying his wife. By the way she had her arms wrapped around her husband’s neck, she didn’t appear to be hurt.

Thank God. Mildred would have been devastated if she’d been harmed. Robert grimly told them, “The earl’s fading fast, and he’s asking for Lady Hardesty.”

“Where is he?” she asked, struggling out of her husband’s arms.

“He’s in there.” Robert point to the open door behind him.

Mary rushed to her father’s side and leaned over him.

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