Two of a Kind by Sasha Cottman

Author:Sasha Cottman
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Cottman Data Services Pty Ltd

Chapter Twenty-Five

“Do you think that is wise for us to take so long to travel to Mopus Passage? What if my father has followed and is waiting for us when we reach my grandfather’s house?”

Leah’s question was a sensible one, and it had kept James awake late into the night. Lying beside Leah as she slept, he had made them both a silent promise. He would do everything in his power to protect her from the rest of the Shepherd family. He was not by nature a violent man, but even good men when faced with tyranny would take up arms. Leah should have the right to choose whom she married.

He knew himself well enough to acknowledge that there was more than a small amount of self interest in that promise. While Leah remained unwed, there was still a flicker of hope for his heart to be granted its greatest desire. For her to love him. For her to choose him.

James’ plan involved him driving the private carriage he had hired the previous night. They would travel the main road during the day, but instead of staying at the coaching inns en route at night, they would find lodgings at smaller out of the way villages.

Leah was right to question the plan. It would mean they would take longer to reach Mopus Passage. James had weighed up the options and decided that it was the overnight stops where the greatest risk of Tobias Shepherd trying to reclaim Leah lay. He could call upon the services of the innkeeper and his staff to help secure the release of his wayward daughter from the blackguard who had spirited her away from her lawful guardian. James would be powerless to do anything to help Leah if the situation eventuated.

“Once we reach Mopus Passage you can remain hidden at the village tavern while I travel onto your grandfather’s house. If your father or anyone else has reached there before us, I can send word to you,” he replied.

Only when he was certain that Leah could arrive at her grandfather’s house safely would he come for her.

“And if they are waiting for us, what then?” she replied.

“Then I shall return for you, and we shall have to come up with another plan. My uncle is the Duke of Strathmore and my father the Bishop of London. I have powerful family members I can call upon if needed.”

Leah took a sip of her coffee before setting the cup down. James could tell she was not convinced of the merit of his plan. In the cold light of morning she seemed less at ease than she had the night before.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

James looked across at her. “What are you apologizing for?”

If anyone should be offering up an apology, he knew it was him. Every day he should be telling her how sorry he was for leaving her to face Guy and her father alone.

“For doubting you. You have had ample opportunities in the past day to tie me up and throw me in the back of a London bound coach.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.