The Lady's Daring Gambit (Diamonds of London Book 2) by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo [Sookoo, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2023-06-25T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Somewhere southwest of Windemere

Lake District

The hunting lodge wasn’t a shack after all. In fact, it was a replica of a manor house done in a classic Palladian style but on a much smaller scale. While there were two Grecian columns at the front entrance, there were also many large windows on the two-level façade, and from where it sat at the top of a hill, those windows afforded the occupants a sweeping view of the lakes and any animals that would roam through the valleys.

Though it had the air of neglect, and a handful of the window glass was broken or missing, it was a dear little dwelling. Ivy and moss had crept up two sides of the structure, which helped it blend into the background and scenery better. Long grasses and trees had encroached upon the boundaries, giving it further shrouding. Some of the stone steps leading up to the house were in disrepair and cracked, and the pathway that wound up the hill was badly overrun with weeds. One of the chimneys of the lodge had collapsed, and a portion of the roof on the south side looked in bad shape, but it would get the job done as a temporary shelter.

“What do you think happened to cause this place to become abandoned?”

Gideon shrugged as they stared up at it from the bottom of the hill. “Probably belonged to some landed gentry who perhaps lost everything at a gaming table. Or perhaps the owner died and didn’t have next of kin. There are far too many scenarios.”

With a gasp, she gripped his arm. “Why is the door open? And are those… bullet holes in the wood?” Oh, dear God! Was her father in there even now, dead from a ball to the heart? Her heartbeat accelerated and fear twisted up her spine.

Immediately, Gideon went into alert mode. To the coach drivers he said, “Look after her.” He detached Honor’s fingers from his sleeve. “Stay here. I need to do some reconnaissance.” Then he left her side to tackle the weed-choked path that led to the hunting lodge.

“You are quite mad if you think I’ll remain behind.” She took off after him, much to the amusement of the drivers. The horses stamped with impatience but were content enough to munch from the abundant grass at the side of the road.

“Why the hell do you have to argue with me all the time?”

“Why do you think to order me about like a highhanded arse?”

They reached the stone steps at the same time, but as soon as she extended a hand to the door, the unmistakable sound of a gunshot echoed through the quiet.

Bang!

“Shit.” Immediately, Gideon put his hands at her waist and tossed her bodily into the shrubbery to the left of the doorway. “Stay put, and I mean it.” He crouched down, his intense gaze scanning the immediate area while she struggled to extricate herself from the branches of the bush that snagged her skirts and hair. “I don’t see the shooter, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still lurking.

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