Of Noble Birth
Page 35
“Entrez,” she said, steadying her voice.
The door burst open, but it wasn’t St. Ives. It was her younger brother Henri, and his face was as pale as her own.
Jeannette dragged the heavy counterpane from the baron’s bed and used it to cover herself. “What are you doing here? What is the meaning of this?”
Henri didn’t seem to notice what she was or wasn’t wearing. “Jeannette, thank God I have arrived in time. Come with me. We must leave at once.”
“But I cannot--”
“Hush! They were talking about you. The baron is not the man we thought he was. He—he has plans to dishonor you.” He made an effort to compose himself, but couldn’t quite manage it. “Never mind.” He gestured as if he could sweep the confusion away that easily. “The details are too ugly. Come away!”
Jeannette stiffened in surprise. “I understand that you are worried about me, Henri, but Maman and Papa were strangers when they married and--”
“This is different.” His lip trembled as he pushed her toward the door.
“But I am not dressed!”
For the first time, Henri seemed to realize she was dragging the counterpane. His face grew red, but he remained steadfast in his purpose. “There is no time to delay. I heard them...outside...placing wagers…”
“On what? Henri, do not frighten me.”
His chin jutted out in defiance. “You have no need to worry. I am your brother. I will not let anything happen to you.”
Grabbing his slender shoulders, Jeannette gave him a gentle shake. “Stop this. I am a married woman now. I have no choice but to stay here. You know that as well as I do.”
“Listen to me!” He gripped her elbow as though he’d drag her away if he had to. “I have learned the baron cannot father a child.” His whispered words came in a torrent. “He is bringing others to your bed, to acquire an heir any way he can. And the men he has chosen are eager for the opportunity, even placing wagers on whose seed will take in your belly!”
At this announcement, all the strength threatened to leave Jeannette’s limbs. Was that what Richard Manville had meant? Why Sir Thomas had fairly salivated at the touch of her? Were they anticipating a turn in her bed?
She knew the baron had been married before, that the late baroness had borne him no children….
“Come, vite!” Henry pulled harder, but she wrenched away.
“No! You must go back down and act as if nothing has happened. Detain St. Ives, if possible, while I leave on my own.”
“But Maman and Papa...we should all go!”
Jeannette’s heart sank. How she wished that were possible. But St. Ives would never sit idly by and allow her parents to take her from Hawthorne House. His standing and reputation would be ruined. And he could easily stop them. He had power here in England, knew everyone. “Think, Henri! I belong to the baron now. And we are refugees, paupers! All he has to do is deny our accusations and follow through with his plan. Who would stop him, except Papa? And I will not have Papa dueling over me.”
“But you cannot go alone. Who will protect you? A woman on her own is not safe!”
“I can take care of myself. You know I can. But you must promise me something.”
Agitated and still eager to grab her and leave, he shifted on his feet. “Yes, anything!”
“Do not breathe a word of this to anyone, even Papa, until I am well away.”
Warring emotions revealed themselves in the look on his face, but he finally sighed and nodded. “Where will you go?”
“To London, of course. Our cousin Darby will help me, I am sure, if only I can get to him. After I am off, tell Mama and Papa where I have gone and then the three of you can meet me at Lord Darby’s in two weeks.”
“But how will you travel so far? You have no money!”
“I will manage. Just do as I say!”
“What choice do I have?” he asked, his bravado crumbling.
“Exactly. Now go, so I can change.” She hugged him, a close, poignant embrace, then half-shoved him out the door, frantic now lest the baron appear.
“Au revoir,” he murmured softly, his somber face looking years older than his age.
Other books by Brenda Novak:
THE BASTARD: Historical Romance 11/11
Bulletproof Trilogy (Romantic Suspense)
IN CLOSE, Romantic Suspense, 11/11
IN SECONDS, Romantic Suspense, 9/11
INSIDE, Romantic Suspense, 7/11
The Heat Trilogy (Romantic Suspense)
WHITE HEAT
BODY HEAT
KILLER HEAT
The Last Stand Series (Romantic Suspense):
TRUST ME
STOP ME
WATCH ME
THE PERFECT COUPLE
THE PERFECT LIAR
THE PERFECT MURDER
The Stillwater Trilogy (Romantic Suspense):
DEAD SILENCE
DEAD GIVEAWAY
DEAD RIGHT
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue