When a Rogue Falls

by Caroline Linden

  “You would give up all this—?“ He raised his hands, encompassing the well-appointed room surrounding them, and Adeline sensed he also meant her friends and family. “You would leave all this for a life in the country, surrounded by villagers who do not accept me and a home steadily decaying around us?”

  “My home will be where you are, wherever you determine that to be,” she replied, bringing her hands to his neck and allowing her fingers to graze the area of his scars. His eyes drifted closed at her intimate touch. “My heart never left Faversham Abbey, despite our return to London. Your people love you, they understand all you’ve done to make amends for those who were lost, and your house, the Abbey, is perfect.”

  “Certainly, you will return to London from time to time, or allow us to visit Faversham,” Josie inquired quietly, reminding Adeline that she and Jasper were not alone in the room.

  “We shall return often, and you are all welcome at the Abbey,” Jasper said, lifting his head to stare at the group surrounding them. “I will have rooms prepared for every Melton sibling if that is what it takes.”

  “I do not believe there is anything further to discuss,” Alistair said, coming back around his desk to stand before Jasper.

  Nothing further to discuss? Was her brother discrediting all that had transpired? Would he call Donovan and a footman to throw Jasper out?

  Her heart stopped in her chest as Alistair stared at Jasper.

  Surprisingly, Jasper’s gaze hardened as he met her brother’s scrutiny.

  Adeline glanced at Theo, then Josie, and finally, Georgie. None of the trio jumped to her defense or cried at the injustice about to take place. In fact, they all smiled…well, Georgie’s expression was best named a smirk.

  Could it be that her friends, the women she’d grown to love in her youth, found Alistair’s disapproval of Jasper warranted?

  No, it could not be…

  She would not allow it to be so.

  Swiftly, Alistair wrapped Jasper in a tight embrace. “It would be a pleasure to call you brother, Lord Ailesbury. Jasper.”

  Adeline’s eyes welled with tears once more, blurring her vision but in a good way.

  “It will be an honor to join our families, Lord Melton. Although, I must admit, I am the lone survivor of the Ailesbury clan.”

  Alistair stepped back and clasped Jasper’s shoulder with a chuckle. “It is lucky for you that I have siblings aplenty, and I am not averse to sharing them. Which do you prefer, male or female? The males are quite sneaky, though the females come with an entirely different set of difficulties.”

  “I appreciate the offer, and I plan to call in the promise as soon as the Abbey is renovated to Adeline’s tastes.” Jasper grew silent as everyone around them laughed at Alistair’s jest.

  She felt helpless as she noted his eyes darken, and the space between them grow, though neither of them moved.

  “I fear there is one last thing that needs to be discussed. No, there is no discussion on this topic, it only needs to be stated.”

  Her heart stopped once more, her entire body turning cold as Jasper pivoted to face her, taking her small, shaking hands in his large, warm grasp.

  “Miss Adeline Price.” He coughed to clear his throat as his gravelly voice pushed on. “You were the outer light to my inner demons, but now I recognize your inner light is enough to overshadow my outer beast. You think yourself not worthy, but it is I who will spend eternity pondering the hows and whys surrounding our joining. You have an inner light that will brighten the darkest storms—and those storms will come. They will be fierce. They will be all-consuming. However, with you by my side, your light will guide us through the worst tempests life throws at us. Adeline, your affection is more than simply returned, it is multiplied a thousand times over and cast far and wide in every direction. I love you, and you would honor me if you will have me as your husband.”

  “Truly?” Adeline’s breathless whisper echoed around the room.

  He nodded, pulling her against him and settling his lips against hers.

  It was more perfect than any answer he could have given.

  This kiss was far different than the one they’d shared on the terrace. This kiss was more than a spoken promise, more than a verbalized assurance of their future together, and far more than anything Adeline deserved.

  This kiss was a silent vow from Jasper to her—an unspoken pledge that he would care for, cherish, and love her forever.

  Her brother was correct, no further words needed to be uttered.

  As she wrapped her arms around his neck, their lips never releasing one another, Adeline vaguely heard her friends—and then Theo and Alistair—depart the room, pulling the door closed behind them.

  No doubt Donovan remained to continue making certain no one disturbed her and Jasper.

  Yet, in that moment, Adeline didn’t care if the entire ballroom invaded the room to see the love and happiness surrounding her—all made possible because the Beast of Faversham had given her his heart.

  Epilogue

  Faversham, England

  August, 1827

  ADELINE TOOK IN the majestic view of Faversham Abbey, seeing it for the first time through the eyes of her family and friends as their carriage rambled down the long drive. After much research and discussion with Jasper, she now knew the place had once been a monastery with its tall, picturesque towers protruding at precisely measured intervals. Every doorway was graced by columns and concentric aches. The narrow windows made the structure appear much like a medieval castle, readied to defend its occupants against invasion.

  Likely similar to the way Jasper must be feeling with the entire Melton family descending on him, with Georgie and Felton, and Josie, in tow. Arabella and Ainsley would be the last to arrive on the morrow when Alistair and Theo set off at first light to collect them from Miss Emmeline’s School.

  And the following day…she and Jasper would be forever wed in a late-morning ceremony, followed by a feast for all. Every villager, servant, and plant worker had been delivered an invitation, personally written by Adeline, their soon-to-be countess.

  While it had been a shock to Jasper, Adeline hadn’t been surprised in the slightest that each and every invitation was met with a confirmation.

  Every door would be thrown wide to welcome all and sundry to the Abbey.

  Adeline’s heart warmed at the thought of all of Faversham coming together to bless Jasper’s marriage.

  “Are you ready to see your betrothed once more?” Josie asked.

  Adeline stared at the woman across from her, taking in her subtle beauty: the way her dark hair highlighted her pale skin, and her reserved interest that most took for a weakness, though Adeline knew firsthand was one of her greatest strengths. Soon, very soon, she prayed Josie would find the happiness that she, Georgie, and Theo had been blessed with. Until that day came, she could always depend on her friends.

  “It has been nearly a month since Jasper came to London last, and I’ve missed him tremendously.” Adeline paused, smiling to herself. “Distance does make the heart grow fonder, I can assure you.”

  “Well, let us hope all of us housed in one building does not diminish your fondness,” Georgie laughed as she stared out her window toward the Abbey. “Lord Ailesbury is out front and prepared to greet his betrothed.”

  “He is what?” Adeline leaned out her window, joyous to see that Jasper, indeed, stood in the drive, awaiting her arrival.

  “And I must say, this carriage ride has me missing my dear Felton ever so much.”

  “He resides in the carriage behind us, Georgie,” Josie retorted.

  “And we stopped for a meal with them in Rochester only a few hours ago,” Theo added.

  “Be that as it may, Felton finds it hard to be separated from his love,” Georgie said with another laugh.

  Adeline settled back in the plush squabs of the carriage interior as they traveled ever closer to her heart. Yes, distance was difficult, far harder than Adeline had e
ver imagined it would be. But she was at the Abbey now, and never would she depart again without Jasper by her side.

  At times, it was still nearly impossible to believe that she’d found love and everyone who mattered to her had come together to see her wed. Even now, two carriages followed the one she and her friends traveled in. Her brothers, Abel and Alistair, along with Felton were tucked safely in Felton’s traveling coach. Thanks to Jasper’s generosity, Alfred, Adelaide, Amelia, Adrian, and her maid, Poppy were ensconced in the newly repaired Melton coach.

  And they were all making the journey for her.

  It had felt close to a century since Adeline had been at the Abbey, but at the same time, only moments.

  Her carriage rolled to a stop, and Maxwell pulled the door wide and set down the steps for the women to disembark, but Adeline needed no assistance down, only the strong, muscled arms that appeared in the open doorway.

  One moment, Adeline was sitting in the carriage; and the next, she was wrapped securely in Jasper’s arms, where she belonged, as he swung her around and around, placing kisses on her forehead and cheeks before setting her on the ground.

  “I am home—“

  “You are home—“

  They both spoke at the same time, laughing all the while.

  Looking up into Jasper’s shining eyes, Adeline knew that it wasn’t so much the Abbey that brought her the overwhelming sense of home, but the man standing before her.

  And Jasper’s words from several months before were never truer than in the moment of their reunion, knowing they would never need be parted again. There would be dark, tumultuous storms and shining, happy days to come in their future, but they would face them together, as one.

  “I love you—“

  “I love you—“

  This time, their laughter was joined by that of her dearest friends as Adeline threw herself into Jasper’s arms once more. For the last time, because she never planned to leave them after this moment.

  Author’s Notes

  the Lady Archer’s Creed series, turn the page!

  Thank you for reading Adeline

  (Lady Archer’s Creed, Book 3).

  If you enjoyed Adeline

  be sure to write a brief review at any retailer.

  * * *

  I’d love to hear from you!

  You can contact me at:

  Christina@christinamcknight.com

  * * *

  Or write me at:

  P.O. Box 1017

  Patterson, CA 95363

  www.ChristinaMcKnight.com

  Check out my website for giveaways, book reviews, and information on my upcoming projects,

  or connect with me through social media at:

  Twitter: @CMcKnightWriter

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinamcknightwriter

  Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ChristinaMcKnight

  * * *

  Sign up for my newsletter here:

  http://eepurl.com/VP1rP

  Lady Archer’s Creed Series

  A love of archery brings four young girls together to form The Lady Archer’s Creed. Through their mutual love of the sport, they solidify an unbreakable bond, and each woman has a unique quality that adds to their dynamic friendship:

  * * *

  Theodora, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book One)

  Lady Theodora with her sharp mind and love of academics becomes the perfect archery coach. Despite being the last to join their group, and the obvious outcast, she will risk her future for her friends.

  * * *

  Georgina, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Two)

  Lady Georgina makes the perfect financier. The forgotten daughter of a wealthy duke, she seeks to belong to something—or someone—by any means necessary.

  * * *

  Adeline, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Three)

  Miss Adeline is a natural leader. Having grown up in a large and often spirited family, she now allows no one to place her in the shadows.

  * * *

  Josephine, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Four)

  Lady Josephine, having a sweet and impressionable nature, strives to please everyone—and keep their bond intact, even after they return to London for the Season.

  * * *

  Adeline, Georgie, Theo, and Josie live each day by the Lady Archer’s Creed, which they developed during their school days at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality. “Friendship, loyalty, and honor above all” is their mantra. Now, as they face the challenges that come with adulthood, the creed is more important than ever.

  Theodora

  Book 1

  Now available

  * * *

  Friendship…

  Lady Theodora Montgomery departed Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality to attend her first London Season—her three dearest friends by her side. With her sharp wit and skill on the archery field, Theo is far more interested in winning a large purse prize than securing a husband. But when she is unmasked on the tourney grounds, her face exposed to all, she fears her identity and days spent gallivanting around London will cause not only her undoing, but the downfall of her friends as well.

  * * *

  Loyalty…

  Mr. Alistair Price, heir to the elderly Viscount Melton, arrived in London with his eight younger siblings in tow. He is charged with keeping his family name above reproach until the Season starts and his sister, Miss Adeline Price, is presented to society—though that proves far more difficult than Alistair ever expected when he discovers his rebellious sister climbing down the side of their townhouse and scurrying off to Whitechapel for an archery tournament. His focus remains on saving his family from the certain ruin and disgrace Adeline’s actions invited—until Alistair catches sight of another female archer, her arrow connecting with far more than the center of her target.

  * * *

  And honor above all…

  With Theodora’s future—and that of her friends—in jeopardy, will she agree to a marriage devoid of affection, or risk everything for the man who won her hear

  An Excerpt From

  Theodora

  Canterbury, England

  April 1819

  * * *

  LADY THEODORA MONTGOMERY sat stock-still before the massive table that served as the headmistress’s desk and waited for the woman to put down her pencil and greet her. She’d been shown into the inner sanctuary of the headmistress over ten minutes prior by a young woman—Miss Dires—who’d explained that she’d taught history at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality for going on ten years. The woman didn’t appear more than a handful of summers older than Theo.

  When she’d taken her seat, and Miss Emmeline hadn’t so much as looked up to greet her, Theodora decided it was in her best interests to wait patiently until the woman acknowledged her presence. To keep occupied, Theo took in the room around her—it was far more masculine than the office should be since the school proudly boasted an all-female staff with only one male groundskeeper who took no active role in the daily life of Miss Emmeline’s pupils.

  The problem Theo currently wrestled with was keeping her eyes open and her posture straight. She’d spent nearly two days in a carriage to reach her new boarding school from her brother’s London townhouse. She was dirty, exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to be shown to her bed, where she’d gladly obtain a full night’s rest. If she had the opportunity to wipe the dirt and grime from her skin, that would be wholly welcome, as well.

  “Your application states that you prefer to be addressed as ‘Theo’ or ‘Lady Theo,’ is that correct, Lady Theodora?” Miss Emmeline looked up for the first time, setting her pencil aside, and Theo was delighted to see a bit of mischief in the lady’s eyes, even though her tone was severe. When Theo nodded, the older woman continued. “Here at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstand
ing Quality, we pride ourselves on allowing our young ladies to discover who they are, and providing the time and resources to help them become the women they want to be.”

  It was in the printed brochure Cart had presented to her nearly three months prior. The name for the school was outlandishly pompous. She and her sibling had had quite the chuckle at it, but they’d quickly settled on Miss Emmeline’s school because the mission statement matched Cart’s hope for his only sister’s future endeavors and education. Their mother, Dowager Countess Cartwright—Anastasia Montgomery—had reluctantly agreed to part with her younger child at the insistence Theo write her immediately if the school did not suit her needs.

  What her mother actually meant was that she felt it improper for her daughter to be well-studied, her belief that educated women had no place in polite society was the foundation she used to justify her own lack of learning.

  She was thankful that her brother, Simon—the current Lord Cartwright, and Theo’s legal guardian—better known to his friends as Cart, was not of the same dated mindset.

  “Lodging,” the headmistress said. “My school houses four girls to each room. This allows a sense of camaraderie between students and enables each girl to seek help in a subject they are not well-versed in. Do you take issue with sharing a room?”