by Dawn Brower
“You have a deal,” she readily agreed. “But I have one condition of my own. I’ll need time to connect with Regina, but if that fails I’d like you to do something for me.”
“What is it?”
“Write a journal with all you know about me for them to find in the future. At the very least, I’d like Trenton to know where I am and what became of me.”
That was something she could easily do. She wrote in a journal daily. When she managed to find her way back to England she’d start writing down everything she’d discovered on her unplanned trip to France, and the ethereally beautiful woman she’d met there. Eve was right. Trenton should know she’d fallen through time and didn’t leave him willingly. Alys had done something similar for her family. The difference was Alys had composed a set of letters with her own hand for them to find. This was only if for some reason Eve couldn’t contact Regina; although, Rosanna wasn’t sure how she planned on doing that, and honestly wasn’t sure she wanted to.
“I promise on all I am I’ll write you into my journals. No details will be left out and I’ll make sure it’s in a place that will be easily found when the time is right.”
“Good.” Eve smiled. “That’s all I can ask. Now tell me what you know about the sisters.”
Rosanna started the tale of Alys and the day she was the maid of honor in her sister Regina’s wedding, a white rabbit, and James finding her on the beach alone and speaking of maddening things. It was a wondrous tale filled with adventure and love.
Love Rosanna envied as much as she admired—something she’d hoped to one day find herself although closer to home, and with the one man she’d always wanted—Dominic Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook. She prayed he’d somehow find her and save her. It was ridiculous, but she couldn’t help it. She loved him even when he frustrated her.
Oh, Dom, please come for me...
CHAPTER TEN
Dominic sat in the cottage he’d secured for whenever he was in Calais. It was near the harbor for easy access or escape if necessary. It was only one of a string or properties he held for times such as this one. They were owned under an assumed name so they couldn’t be tied to him. This particular property was officially owned by Monsieur Durant Kipness.
He hated waiting. Normally one of his biggest asset was his unnerving patience, but when Rosanna’s life was on the line it all disappeared. He paced the room while he waited for nightfall. He’d made many inquiries about Lady Marin’s associates. He’d come up with several possibilities for the one trying to help Napoleon escape. None of them were English citizens. The one he needed to bring to Branterberry was. Although that didn’t mean Lady Marin was incorrect. It could be the mastermind of the entire endeavor was indeed French. His cohort could be the English spy. Dom was starting to see many possibilities now that he had more information.
A knock on the door startled him out of his reverie. Who could it be? There was only one person who was aware of his location. Lady Marin wouldn’t have risked coming to his cottage if she didn’t think it was safe—or if it wasn’t urgent. If it was someone else, that was a different matter entirely. Dom stood and headed to a nearby window. He raised a curtain slightly and peered outside. He breathed a sigh of relief when he recognized Callista’s profile. He let the curtain fall from his fingers and strolled over to the door, and then cracked it open. It was always a good thing to play it safe. Just because he’d not seen anyone around didn’t mean there wasn’t. He scanned the area behind Lady Marin and, after he was satisfied she was alone, he opened the door wide, gesturing for her to come inside.
“What’s happened?” Dom asked. “Why are you here?” They were supposed to meet later that evening. There had to be a very good reason for her to have deviated from that plan.
“I’ve discovered some important information that necessitated we act quickly.”
Dom’s heart froze in his chest. He didn’t like the sound of those words. “Did something happen to Rosanna?”
“No,” she waved her hand. “Nothing quite that dire. You do have an active imagination.”
That was good. She wasn’t harmed, but it was still odd. Lady Marin had risked much coming in the daylight. Evening was several hours from setting in. “Then explain why you changed our plans. You could’ve sent a note and I’d have come sooner.”
“I couldn’t risk you coming to my home in daylight. This worked better for me.” She shrugged. “Besides, we both know you wouldn’t have allowed anyone else entrance into this cottage. You don’t trust anyone.”
Not true, he did trust some people; however, the list was very small. He barely trusted Lady Marin. If he’d not worked with her for years that might not be the case... “You’re right. I wouldn’t let anyone in I’ve not had personal experience with.”
“Now that we’ve moved past those particulars, let’s discuss why I’m here.”
He liked that about Callista. She didn’t stall or draw out anything. Her need to finish and move on to the next task had been a breath of fresh air. “Please, have a seat and tell me what you’ve learned.” Dom gestured toward a nearby chair.
After they were both seated, Callista began. “I’ve learned where Rosanna is being held. It’s on the estate of Ulrich Mondesi, the newly minted Comte de Dreux.”
“Ah, one of Napoleon’s reinstatements of nobility,” he said. “Does he now have an overestimation of his self-importance?”
Dom had a high disregard for some of the reinstated noble titles. Most of them were attached to land, and had the equivalent of an English entailment. That was the only way the land could actually be attached to the new French titles. Some men were given titles without land to go with them. He had no idea what was going with the new version of the French nobility, and at times he really didn’t care. As long as Napoleon wasn’t in power any longer they could fight another revolution. England might have to step in again if another tyrant came to power, but for now it was relatively peaceful.
“Indeed,” Callista said. “But that will work in our favor since his title is attached to his land. He has quite the overinflated ego. Tonight he’s throwing the ball of all balls.”
“How will that help us?”
Dominic didn’t understand how a ball would help him rescue Rosanna. They likely wouldn’t have an invitation to get inside. He didn’t know this comte’s estate, and it would take a while to locate her. If he had time to do some reconnaissance on the property, it might be helpful. Still, if they were recognized, they wouldn’t be able to escape unscathed. One of them could become injured—or worse.
“Because, my dear friend,” she said. Her lips tilted into a knowing smile. “It’s a masquerade ball.”
Her plan was starting to make sense. With all those masks—no one would realize who they were. “That—could work...”
“I’ve worked out all the details.” She tapped her fingers together. “I’ve even secured an invitation.”
The more she talked, the more excited Dom was becoming. “Do you know where she is inside the house?”
“I will know by the time we arrive at the ball. I have an inside person who was hired on as last minute help for the event.” Callista tilted her head and studied him. “Don’t worry. This will work. My contact is also going to provide Lady Rosanna with masquerade attire. We should be able to slip out unnoticed. I don’t foresee any problems with rescuing her.”
After a few moments, Dom nodded. “Tell me what you need me to do.”
Callista told him her plan, where they were supposed to meet, and when they were going to rescue Rosanna from the locked room she was being held in. Soon, he’d be heading back to England with her safe in his arms...
***
Rosanna paced. She lost track of time being cooped up inside the room. Her stomach gurgled, and she held her hand over it. Were they ever going to feed her? She couldn’t recall when she’d last eaten.
“They’ll probably bring some food soon,” Eve said. “They don’t like to starve
me—I suppose it’s us now—too long. It’s a tactic of Comte de Dreux’s—as if I’d fall for him. I’m not the Stockholm syndrome type.”
“The what?” She waved. “No, don’t tell me. I assume it’s something from the time you’re from since I’ve never heard of it. I don’t have the patience to understand its meaning. I’m starving.”
Rosanna had elucidated, in detail, everything she’d known about Regina and Alys. Eve had closed her eyes and sat in silence for hours. It almost drove Rosanna insane. She didn’t understand how she could’ve sat so still for so long. Eve had explained it was a form of meditation and helped her concentrate. In order to breach through time it would take all of her energy to reach Regina. Why Eve believed she could—it flabbergasted Rose. She didn’t know if she truly wanted to understand it. If she were to be honest with herself, she found it rather frightening. Eve seemed capable of doing so much...
“I’m not sure I could properly explain the syndrome either way. The easiest explanation is that you fall for or trust those that held you captive to the point of defending their actions. I’d never do that. Comte de Dreux can rot in hell.”
Rosanna understood her point. She agreed wholeheartedly, especially in light of her rumbling stomach. “I haven’t met the man, but I already hate him. Has he been starving you, or rather nearly so, for long?” Her biggest issue was with Bivens. Why would the stable master at Weston Manor have kidnapped her? Did he work directly with Comte de Dreux? She has so many questions and no answers to speak of. The most logical conclusion was that Bivens and Dreux were working together, but she’d like confirmation.
“It’s been his tactic for the last month. He feeds me enough to ensure I live, but weakened. I don’t have the energy I used to have. The smallest activity leaves me winded.”
Rosanna frowned. She had to find a way out of the room and help Eve escape as well. She couldn’t stay locked up much longer. Comte de Dreux appeared to be capable of anything, and she feared what he might do next. The door opened, startling her out of her trance. She jumped back and turned to face the entrance.
“How are my two girls?” A man with dark hair and equally dark eyes entered the room. Rosanna couldn’t tell if his eyes were black or a very dark brown; either way, it was eerie. Almost as eerie as Eve’s light blue eyes—which were near white. They were almost opposites, as fair as Eve was, this man was dark. Maybe that was what attracted him to her. Rosanna didn’t like how he referred to her as one of his girls. She wasn’t his, and from what Eve said, neither was she. The man had to be Comte de Dreux.
“Go away,” Eve demanded. “I don’t want to see you.”
“But, my dear, I so want the pleasure of your company. It’s time for our walk around the garden. I’ve plans for the evening, and this is the only opportunity for us to be together.”
Eve lifted her chin, defiance pouring off of her. “It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if we had to cancel that little tête-à-tête. I’m perfectly fine keeping Lady Rosanna company.”
What she didn’t say was she’d rather stab herself in the eye then stroll in the garden with the comte. Rosanna had to suppress a laugh. The comte stared at Eve with barely suppressed rage. “I insist. If you don’t come with me, I’ll make sure your new friend never receives another meal—or perhaps you’d rather she was beaten.”
Rosanna gasped. He wasn’t serious... She studied him and realized he was. It dawned on her that the comte wanted Eve pliable, and Rose was expendable. She’d been installed in her room so Eve would do as the comte demanded. She gulped down a lump in her throat. The evil man couldn’t be allowed to hold her fate over Eve’s head.
“Don’t go,” she said to Eve. “He’s likely to do as he says no matter what you agree to.”
“No,” Eve said quietly. “He’ll keep his word. Swear you will send her food after we leave, or I’m not stepping a foot out of this room.”
Rosanna had to believe Eve understood how the comte worked better than she did. Eve’s plan didn’t sit well with her—Rosanna had no actual experience with him, so she had to trust the other woman. This was their first meeting, and already she didn’t like him. She didn’t think he could do anything to make her see him in a different light.
“I’ll have a maid bring her a tray.” His lips tilted upward. “All you have to do is come with me now.”
He held out his hand to her and Eve took it. She turned toward Rosanna and flashed her a wobbly smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. We’ll see each other later.”
Rosanna nodded. “Don’t...” She didn’t know what to say. There were no words that would convey what she felt deep inside. The comte was clearly a bad man, and she didn’t want to watch Eve leave with him.
“I understand,” Eve said. “Don’t worry I know what I’m doing.”
Rosanna nodded. It was all she could do. The door clicked behind them, and the lock turned soon after. She was alone and her new friend was sacrificing herself so Rosanna wouldn’t be mistreated. She didn’t like it one bit. The comte put both of them in an untenable situation.
After the comte had left with Eve, the door opened again. Rosanna turned to find a petite woman with brown hair and matching brown eyes. She was plain and almost unnoticeable. In her hands was a dress the color of violets. Rosanna had always loved that particular shade. What she didn’t have was a tray of food. “You didn’t bring me anything to eat?” As much as she’d admired the dress, she wanted food more.
“No, milady,” she said. “I wasn’t asked to bring any. I’ve come with your dress for the evening. I’m to help you change.”
She didn’t like this. It wasn’t what the comte had promised. Had she sent the dress for her expecting she’d entertain him as well? “I’m comfortable in my own clothing. Please return the gift to the comte. I’m not at liberty to accept it.”
“You misunderstand, milady.” She placed the dress on the bed. “The comte didn’t send you these items.”
“Then who...” No one knew she was there. “Please explain.”
“A friend of yours has asked me to help you. There is to be a masquerade tonight. The ball will give you the perfect cover to escape unnoticed. After you’re finished dressing, someone will come upstairs to help you leave.”
“What about the comte?” She bit her lip. “He left with Eve, they could return at any moment.”
“Eve isn’t returning to this room. I overheard the comte telling another maid to have a different chamber prepared for her. I’m afraid you won’t see the lady again.” She frowned. “Perhaps she can be rescued at another time. I was only given garments for you.” She gestured toward the bed. “We don’t have much time. Please let me assist you.”
Dom—it had to be. He was investigating something, and it may have led him to France, then to her. She nodded her head and allowed the maid to help her change. If he was coming for her she’d not thwart his carefully laid plans. Maybe once Dom was in the room with her she could plead with him to help Eve. She couldn’t worry about it too much. The maid was right; it would take some time to properly prepare her for the ball. After she was dressed she could find an answer to the dilemma of rescuing Eve.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rosanna twisted her fingers together and paced the room. It seemed like forever since the maid had departed. She glanced down at the violet silk of her gown. It was lovely, but she still didn’t know how it would help her escape the comte. The maid had mentioned a masquerade—but hadn’t brought her a mask. They’d recognize her instantly without something to cover her face. She could change dresses a thousand times and it wouldn’t help her from being recognized. At best, it would delay the inevitable. Was Dom counting on the comte not causing a scene? She bit her lip and contemplated everything that could go wrong.
What was going to happen to Eve? The comte appeared to be unnaturally attached to the woman. Rosanna didn’t want to leave her behind, but saw no way of aiding her in escaping. All she could do was keep the promise she’d made her e
arlier. When she returned to her home, she’d write down everything in her journal. She’d not written in it since Elizabeth’s birth. She’d probably have written something about the twins at some point, but there’d not been a lot for her to document her thoughts on. In earlier journals, she’d have lamented on her love of Dom—she shook that thought away. It didn’t matter what she’d once felt for the marquess. He’d made his feelings clear. It didn’t matter that he’d kissed her recently, and she didn’t want to consider what his actions meant. He was toying with her for some reason and she wasn’t going to give into any hope he might have changed his mind. It was best for her to move on and seek someone else to spend her life with. The dream of being with Dom ended when he’d broken her heart years ago.
A soft click caught her attention and drew her gaze to the door. It opened slowly and a woman with dark brown hair piled on top her head in an elegant chignon stepped inside. She wore an ice-blue ball gown with elaborate beading, and her features were obscured by a matching mask.
“Who are you?” Rosanna asked.
She’d been expecting Dom. Perhaps that was foolish of her, but she’d had a lot of faith in him. Whatever he was embroiled in had to have something to do with her predicament. She shouldn’t have been eavesdropping, but she’d never been able to help herself. Her curiosity, once peaked, couldn’t be abated.
The woman removed her mask and set it on the bed. “Lady Rosanna,” she said. “It’s been too long.”
She gasped. It was Lady Callista Lyon, the Countess of Marin. Rosanna hadn’t laid eyes on the countess since Edward’s death. She’d not taken it well. Lady Marin had loved her brother and had been prepared to marry him, if he’d not been killed in a freak accident less than days before their wedding.