The Prince & The Rogue

by Skyler Grey

  Catherine slipped to the far side, away from him.

  She was relieved when he sat across from her, instead of beside her.

  As the carriage began to move, a small amount of panic resurfaced.

  As if reading her thoughts, he gave her a reassuring smile. “You’re safe, My Lady; you’ve my word.”

  Catherine looked at him warily. Leaning back, she furrowed her brows. “Just who are you?”

  He gave her a dashing smile while removing his jacket, tossing it onto the seat next to him. As he unbuttoned the top of his shirt, exposing a smooth, bronzed chest, she inhaled sharply.

  “What do you think you’re doing? Put your clothes back on immediately!” Catherine hissed with fury.

  He looked at her roguishly with a slow, easy grin. “Mayhap you need glasses my lady, for I’m far from being undressed. I’m sure I’ve not scarred your delicate eyes by baring a slight peek of my chest.”

  Settling back comfortably, he took a deep breath, ignoring her indignant glare. “My name is Eric. I only recently arrived back into town. It has been a long time since I’ve been home. But I have to say, I’m certainly glad to be back.” He gave her an appreciative grin.

  She blushed as she felt his gaze sweep slowly over her.

  Desperate to change the direction of conversation, she asked, “Eric? Eric what? I’ve never seen you before. How long have you been away, and where have you been?”

  He laughed. “I’ve been gone for about eight years now. And the reason you’ve probably never seen or heard of me is one: I despise these gossipy, obnoxiously boring soirées. But I had to make an appearance due to the demands of propriety and to make my aunt happy. And two, you were probably only a babe still suckling off your mother’s tender breast, too young yet to be noticed.”

  Catherine felt the blood drain from her face. She leaned back to look out the carriage window, hoping her response would escape his notice, before suddenly becoming quiet. She felt her stomach flip as the evening’s events replayed in her mind. Glancing at the carriage door, she contemplated jumping out.

  Reading her intentions, Eric leaned forward. “Don’t be foolish. I’m only taking you to my home to have your injury treated. Then I’ll take you to wherever it is you wish to go. It’s my understanding that you would rather keep what happened quiet, so by allowing my nurse to attend you, you’ve nothing to worry about.”

  Catherine relaxed only slightly. If her aunt caught wind of what she was doing, her life would be over. Have I lost my mind, agreeing to get into a carriage with a complete stranger? Shaking her head, she tried to clear the fog that clouded her thinking. She glanced out the window again. It was becoming harder and harder to keep focused as the pain in her foot now spread up her leg. I must have consumed far too much wine, she thought.

  It wasn’t long before they rolled up a smoothly graveled road to stop in front of a magnificent house. Instantly, the door swung open and there stood two footmen, dressed crisply in smartly cut liveries.

  Jumping out, Eric turned, offering his hand. Catherine hesitated for a moment before sliding across the seat to place her hand in his. As soon as she stood, she began to swoon, and instantly, strong arms wrapped around her, cradling her against a hard chest.

  She faintly heard Eric call out as he gently laid her on something soft. Blinking, she struggled in and out consciousness, but then gave in to the darkness that engulfed her.

  Catherine moaned in protest as a searing pain pulled her slowly up from the dense fog that consumed her senses. A deep voice from far away called out, but she couldn’t make out the words. Crying out, she swung her arms until they were pinned tightly to her sides.

  She pleaded for them to stop. Finally, the pain began to ease and she slowly relaxed, allowing sleep to claim her.

  Eric looked down at the sleeping girl and felt a strange emotion fill him. Beautiful women were nothing new to him, so what was it about this girl that seemed to captivate him?

  He glanced at Martha. The old woman had been his nurse since he was an infant, and he was extremely fond of her for she had been like a second mother to him.

  She smiled. “She’ll be fine, young Prince,” she whispered as she quietly began to clean up the instruments used to stitch the girls wound. “It is a deep cut and she has lost herself a bit of blood, but I’ve stitched it neatly closed and cleansed the wound so she won’t get an infection. But she’ll have to stay off it for a week or so for it to heal properly, or she’ll break open the stitches and we’ll have to start all over again.”

  Eric nodded in understanding. “Thank you for assisting her, Martha. In the morning, please tell my aunt that we’ve a guest, one who looks to be staying on for a few days.”

  Martha smiled and then curtsied, leaving him alone with the mysterious young woman.

  Sitting back on the edge of his bed, he studied her. She was stunning, to say the least. Her golden features had caught his attention the moment he saw her.

  He began to think about the evening’s earlier events and chuckled softly. Albert Ashbury, a clumsy young man whom he had only met earlier that night had come barreling down the hall as Eric was in search of the water closet. Eric found the gentleman annoying and had managed to avoid him up until then. It wasn’t until Albert began to angrily explain his situation that Eric became intrigued and hid a grin behind his hand. The young fop was beside himself when his discreet romp was rudely interrupted.

  It appeared that in his haste to set out and find the nosey busybody, he’d forgotten the woman in the other room until her alarmed voice cried out in panic. That’s when Albert had pleaded with Eric for help to find the intruder and see to it not a word would be said, even if the cost to ensure their silence was high. Stepping closer, Albert had lowered his voice and whispered in earnest that the Lady Hilary’s reputation was at stake.

  Not giving a care about Hilary Montgomery, Eric was about to shake his head and walk away until Albert mentioned that he was sure the intruder was a woman. In a last desperate attempt to enroll his aid, Albert reminded him of the gentleman’s code of silence, adding how women loved to gossip and how he was in a very uncomfortable predicament, especially since he was already married to another.

  If the man had not looked so desperate and Eric not been so bored, he might have scolded Albert, telling him that he should not have chosen a tart to sample. Instead, he agreed to do what he could.

  Regardless of who the nosey little snoop was, she was sure to be light entertainment to a promisingly dull evening, one to which he had just arrived and from which he was already contemplating escaping.

  After Albert’s details, it had been an easy enough trail to follow; all he had to do was follow the smudges of blood along the marble flooring to see who among the guests was limping.

  Stepping back into the dance hall, he’d soon found Albert’s culprit. And she was chatting easily with, of all people, his aunt. He knew by their body language she was making her good-byes and quickly left to wait for her by the carriages.

  A loud voice came from the hall and he stood; his aunt was home and she was demanding answers.

  Sure enough, she popped in the doorway, her eyes darting from him to the girl resting in his bed before entering his room.

  “Eric, I demand to know what is going on, and why is the Lady Catherine in your bed?”

  Eric smiled. So the little minx was named Catherine. Cat. He quickly recalled their conversation earlier and chuckled. Looking over at her, he whispered, “Curious little cat.”

  “What? What was that?” his aunt asked.

  Eric turned back to his aunt as he smiled, not answering her immediate question. “Aunt Lavinia, you’re home earlier than expected,” he remarked casually. “But before you make assumptions, let me remind you that though I may have the reputation of a rogue, I have been known to be a complete gentleman as well. In this case, I give you my word I was the latter. The poor girl cut her foot on something as she was leaving the Montgomery’s soire
e’ and I just happened to be there. Not sure how bad it was, I brought her here to have Martha tend to it. And it’s a good thing, for she had lost quite a bit of blood and wound up passing out. I had to carry her inside. Martha had to put in several stitches to close the deep gash and has ordered that she not be on her feet for at least a week.”

  Shrugging his shoulders, he gave her a sympathetic look. “So what could I do but be the complete gentleman you’ve raised me to be and offer her my bed for comfort?”

  Then, giving his aunt a playful grin, he kissed her cheek. “And being the kind lady that you are, I know you’ll be happy to send her family a note, explaining that she’ll be staying on with us until she is better and can travel.”

  Lavinia walked across the short distance to the foot of the bed and raised a suspicious brow at her cocky nephew, smacking his arm with her hand. “You scoundrel, how is it you seem to manage, in less than twenty-four hours, to get yourself caught up in a web of mayhem? Of all the girls at the Montgomery’s party, you seem to have played champion to the most colorful one.”

  Shoving her nephew out of the way, Lavinia stared at the sleeping girl. Reaching down she lifted the sheet, taking a peek at Catherine’s injured foot. Her lips twitched into a grin as she counted all ten perfectly-shaped toes.

  Walking back through the door, Lavinia looked to her nephew, arching a brow. “I’ll send the message. Now be a good boy and send for Lizzy. I’m tired and need help to ready myself for bed. If not for the duke and this wonderfully refreshing young girl, I’d have been bored near to tears tonight.”

  Eric took his aunt’s hand and escorted her down the hall to her room, kissing her lightly on the forehead. “Thank you, Aunt.”

  Lavinia gave her nephew a stern look as she waggled a long finger in his face. “Eric, I will not have a young woman’s reputation sullied under my roof. Is that clear?”

  Eric laughed and kissed her again. “Goodnight, sweet aunt, and have no fear, I promise to be a complete gentleman and will not dare tarnish the Lady Catherine’s reputation. Now, sleep tight, as I know you are exhausted from enchanting that devilish rake the duke, who seems to be quite fond of you. Or is that you of him?” With a wink and a sly grin, he turned to leave.

  Lavinia watched him depart as a smile crept across her face. The rascal was just like his father. But this time she felt that this young prince just might have met his match.

  Chapter Four

  Catherine stirred, rolling onto her back. Struggling to clear her head of sleep-induced fog, she yawned, and then grumpily snuggled back beneath the soft covers. Suddenly, her eyes flew open as the evening’s events came flooding back.

  Shrieking, she shot up, clutching the thick cover to her chin, and looked around. A dull throb at the bottom of her foot quickly reminded her of her injury and she pulled back the coverings to inspect it.

  She was surprised to see it wrapped neatly in clean swathing. As she looked down at the crisp white linen, she inhaled sharply. Not only had her wound been tended to, but she was nearly naked. Someone had removed her gown, leaving her in only the thin chemise she wore beneath it. Anger filled her as she thought back to the dark stranger.

  What had she been thinking? Fear began to mix with her anger, certain her aunt was making immediate arrangements for her departure to America. Easing to the edge of the bed, she slipped her legs over and tried to stand. Intense pain shot like a bolt of fire through the bottom, causing her to wince, before she dropped back onto the bed. Lifting her leg, she laid it across the soft sheets.

  What had she done to cause so much pain?

  Tempted to unwrap it and take a look, she bit the corner of her lip in hesitation. She came to a quick decision, bending one knee, she pulled her foot to her. When she pulled the last wrap free, she cringed, covering her mouth to keep from crying out. The gash was bad, but whoever tended to it had done a beautiful job in stitching it closed. She counted four stitches, more than she would have thought. Sighing, she rewrapped her foot gently and stretched it back out.

  Just as she was about to call out, a soft knock at the door caused her to jump as it was pushed open, allowing a large woman to step through. She gave Catherine a wide grin as she carried a small tray of sweet smelling fruits and meats over to the table in the middle of the room.

  “Well look at you, all rosy-cheeked. I’m happy to see you’ve awakened, mistress. Are you feeling better this morning?”

  Catherine stared at the women for a moment. “Would you please be so kind as to tell me your name and who undressed me last night?” she asked tersely.

  The woman chuckled, noting her concern. “Why, that would have been me, Mistress. I’m ole Martha and have been employed with the Princess and her family long before you were born. Now, let’s have a look at your foot. Then I’ve a nice plate of delicious fruits, sweet meats and cheese along with a big glass of juice for you.”

  Catherine leaned back against the pillows, relieved by the answer Martha gave. While she watched the undressing of her foot and freshly applied medicines, she decided to ask a few more questions.

  “If you don’t mind, may I have the name of the gentleman who brought me here last night?”

  Before Martha could reply, a deep voice filled the room, causing Catherine to yelp.

  Chuckling, Eric bowed low before entering. “I’m glad to see you finally awake, Lady Cat.”

  Catherine didn’t miss the gleam in his eye as he raised a dark brow in teasing. His gaze traveled slowly down the length of her body. She furrowed her brows, giving him a look of disdain before lifting her nose and turning her attention back to the woman who had just finished rewrapping her foot.

  Eric strolled to the side of her bed. “That will be all, Martha; I will entertain the Lady for a bit. Tell my aunt that our guest has awakened.”

  Catherine glared at him, her hands balling into tight fists as she clutched the sheets, snatching the covers back up to her neck. “I don’t recall inviting you in, so you may leave as well!”

  Eric feigned a hurt look. “What? Not even a thank you? I am surprised that a woman of your breeding has no more manners, kitten. To offer up a thank you or perhaps a small kiss of gratitude would suffice, preferably a kiss…on the lips.” His eyes flashed the challenge as his mouth curved into a devilish grin.

  She turned her face away, embarrassment heating her cheeks. He was right, of course; he had probably saved her from bleeding to death. It didn’t change the fact that what reputation she had left was now completely ruined.

  She looked at him, giving a tight smile before answering, “Thank you. Thank you for pushing yourself on me at the carriages. Thank you for insisting on bringing me here instead of my own home. And thank you mostly, for ruining what little reputation I had left. I’m sure by now those two-faced lying bitches Florence and Hilary have generously spread a wickedly tasty rumor about us and flooded throughout the entire nose-tipping snobs of so called polite society. I’m also sure I’ll be packed and shipped out of here by tomorrow once my aunt learns of everything as well.” Looking at him, her shoulders slumped; she gave him a grim smile. “Thank you, Eric, for ruining my life!” Then turning away, she hissed angrily. “You arrogant ass!”

  Eric’s face dropped. Was she telling the truth? Would her aunt really ship her off before learning the truth, could anyone be so unreasonable? He had heard of girls being whisked away when the slightest bit of gossip became too outrageous but never knew anyone personally. But an arrogant ass? Okay, so he might be arrogant at times, but an ass? Never!

  He’d decided that this was not to be this golden little kitten’s fate. Not if he had any say. And he was going to prove to her that she had unfairly judged him.

  Before he could respond, a noise came from the doorway.

  “My darling girl, how wonderful to see you looking so refreshed this bright morning!”

  Catherine’s mouth dropped. She sat stunned, unable to speak as she watched Lavinia cross the room with her arms open. Scoo
ping her up in a warm embrace, the Princess sat next to her on the bed smiling.

  “My, but you gave us quite the fright. My nephew said that you had lost quite a bit of blood. Thank goodness he was nearby when you injured yourself. Tell me, what exactly happened?” the princess asked as she sat studying Catherine intently.

  Catherine began to stutter, her mind completely blank as what to say. “Princess, I’m overwhelmed. I had no idea I was here in your home. Eric, uh… I mean your nephew never told me. He said this was his home.” Catherine shot him an accusing glare.

  Lavinia laughed and took up one of Catherine’s hands. “Oh, my dear, it is his home; his home away from home, actually. He has grown up here for the most part of his life, opposed to living in Dublin with his mother and father along with four other siblings.”

  Catherine looked from one to the other before asking softly, “Then he is royalty?”

  The Princess giggled. “Why yes, he’s my nephew, silly girl; my brother’s fourth son, Prince Eric. Didn’t he tell you? He has three brothers and a sister. I spoil him terribly, and he has sorely taken advantage of me for it.” She turned, giving her nephew a wink as she smiled lovingly at him.

  Eric shrugged as Catherine folded her arms angrily. “It never actually came up. Things happened so fast, I didn’t have a chance,” he said with a teasing grin. Throwing up his hands he stood. “I’ll leave you two beautiful ladies alone to gossip, er, I mean chat.” With a small cough and wide smile, he quickly left the room.

  Catherine snapped at him before he disappeared, “Coward!”

  Lavinia laughed as she patted Catherine’s hand before releasing it to stand. “Well now, what have we to talk about?” Walking to the table, she lifted the tray of food and carried it over, placing it carefully across Catherine’s lap.

  “Eat, Dear Child. I can hear your stomach rumbling from here.” Lavinia handed Catherine the small fork that rested next to a plate full of various fruits.

  Unable to resist, Catherine smiled gratefully, thanking her. Reaching for a grape, she popped it into her mouth sighing. It was deliciously sweet.