The Thief and the Rogue

by Rachel Donnelly

  Of all the rotten luck!

  She’d planned to stay in Paris for several days, but now that was impossible. She could hardly enjoy herself while constantly looking over her shoulder, expecting to be discovered at any moment.

  The longer she paced and fretted, the more the gilt-furnished room resembled a shrinking cage. The tick of the marble clock above the mantle bore into her brain with torturous regularity.

  Then, the sound of a door shutting down the hall brought her up short.

  Vivian.

  Praise the Lord and let the bells ring!

  If ever she needed a friend to confide in, it was now.

  Kay raced to the door, opened it, and took a cautious look down the hall.

  Nothing.

  She tip-toed down the hall, snatching quick glances over her shoulder as she went.

  But, to her dismay, her knock on Vivian’s door went unanswered. The click of another door closing made her heart leap. She hastened back down the hall toward her room. But, when she reached it, the door knob would not turn. Damn! She’d locked herself out.

  “Ohhhh!” she groaned in frustration, slamming her fist against the door.

  “Why don’t you try the window,” A familiar voice drawled behind her.

  Kay spun round, a guilty flush igniting her cheeks.

  The Duke stood, arms crossed, a skeptical sardonic look on his face.

  She snatched her hands behind her back, then remembered she’d already taken the ring off. Gulping down the steadily rising lump of guilt in her throat, she drew herself up and croaked. “I’ve locked myself out of my room.”

  He placed his hand on the wall above her head. “Are you sure it’s your room?”

  “Of course it’s my room. Who else’s would it be?”

  His lips curled into a slow wolfish smile. “Oh, I don’t know… mine perhaps.” His gaze raked her up and down with a slow thoroughness.

  Every part of her tingled in reaction.

  She backed against the door.

  He lifted one dark brow. “A very innocent costume, but so often the covering contradicts the true character, don’t you think?”

  This was so close to her own earlier observations and derisive thoughts, it took her aback. Stung by her own criticism, she lashed out without thinking. “Oh, I don’t know, in your case the costume suits you very well.” Her gaze flitted over his black pirate’s attire with scathing contempt. “An accurate reflection of the unscrupulous blackguard you are.”

  His mouth flattened.

  His gold-flecked eyes held a dangerous glint.

  Fresh sparks of fear darted through her in irregular leaps.

  He leaned closer, pressing her backward until every part of her body molded against the door. “Yet it seems I’ve failed to inspire the fear necessary to prevent you from breeching the sanctity of my home.”

  “I’ve already explained and apologized,” she gasped, more from the assault on her senses from his masculine proximity than fear of being locked up in Newgate for her crimes. “What more do you want from me?”

  “I want Lord Galloway’s plans compromised the way my life has been.” His gold eyes held a hard glitter. “And you, are going to help me.”

  Laughter, along with an orchestra of voices floated up from the lobby below—revelers returning from the masquerade at the embassy.

  A door closed down the hall.

  “I don’t see how that’s possible.” Kay licked her parched lips. “How can I help you?”

  “By marrying me.”

  Chapter Six

  “Marry you!” Kay repeated his words with little comprehension.

  The Duke flashed a grim smile. “A rather drastic step, but none the less necessary. The marriage will last only as long as it takes to accomplish my goal and then we will quietly separate.”

  She stared at him aghast. “Whatever would make you think I’d agree to such a scheme?” Was he mad? Her reputation would be ruined, all of society lost to her forever.

  His eyes narrowed. She saw no warmth in those tawny depths, only cold determination. His tone came just as frigid, slicing through her flesh like shards of ice. “Then you leave me no choice. I shall have you hauled before the magistrate and you’ll find yourself languishing in Newgate. Is that what you want?”

  Kay swallowed hard. Panic snaked through her, making her voice come barely above a whisper. “You have no proof.”

  He smiled thinly. “That may have been true the first time, but the second time you broke into my home there was a witness.”

  All life seemed to drain down her limbs and out her extremities.

  The American!

  It had to be him. A servant might not make a credible witness, but he would. A denial stuck in her throat, so seized by the horror of her situation, she couldn’t speak. But, what choice did she have? Hang, or marry him—a known debaucher of women—an unconscionable rake who took pleasure at the expense of innocent women. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Oh, but I am.”

  “Please, if you would only listen to what I have to say—”

  “There’s nothing you can say that will change my mind. You’ve already chosen your side of this battle and let me assure you, it is the wrong side,” he bit out. “Believe it or not, I’m doing you a favor.”

  The sound of voices grew louder, breaking Kay from her trance. “I need time to think.”

  “You have until morning.” He gave crisp nod, then strode off down the hall.

  Kay collapsed against the door, her heart beating madly in her breast.

  Sweet merciful heavens! What was she to do? All she could think of was gaining the safety of her room. But first, she needed to go downstairs and procure another key from the desk clerk.

  She did this with all speed, finally shutting the door to her chamber with utter relief.

  After, she paced the room in panic. This couldn’t be happening! He couldn’t force her to marry him. If only Fabian were here. He’d know what to do. And what did he mean by he was doing her a favor? How could he threaten her one moment and declare himself a savior the next?

  Perhaps he was just trying to frighten her. Yes, that must be it. He was trying to frighten her to find out what Charlie had been looking for in his study.

  The trouble was, she didn’t know what he’d been looking for. While she was in London, Charlie had avoided her like the plague. Damn! She had nothing to bargain with—nothing to get her out of this mess.

  ***

  The lobby appeared deserted. Not a breath. Not a sound. Kay hastened to the front desk to leave a message for Lady Marjorie and Vivian. In her hastily scrawled note, she informed them her Grandmere’s condition had declined, and she regretfully had to cut her visit short.

  A long restless night had convinced her to vacate the hotel as quickly as possible and return to the chateau. She would be safe with Grandmere. After all, if the Duke couldn’t find her, he couldn’t force her to marry him.

  Vivian would be disappointed, as Kay had promised to accompany her to enjoy the Fete du Roi that evening, when all of Paris was illuminated and outdoor music could be heard everywhere. Kay would have loved to have seen the fireworks, but there would be other summers in Paris.

  The city lay in slumber as her carriage rolled away from the hotel in the gray-pink of dawn. Kay sank down in the seat to rest her head on the cool black leather cushion. But, though she was exhausted, she couldn’t sleep. Whether her eyes were closed or opened, all she could see was the handsome, unyielding features of the Duke of Wallshire.

  What she could not comprehend was why he wanted to marry her. How would marrying her thwart Lord Galloway? Was Lord Galloway’s wish for her to marry Charlie the plans he spoke of? If so his scheme was pointless. She had no intention of marrying Charlie.

  If only she’d thought of that last night! If only she’d explained. But, then he might not have believed her. He thought her a liar and a thief. Yet he still wanted to marry her! He spoke of revenge
, but in her mind ‘twas Lord Galloway who was owed the debt since Wallshire had despoiled his daughter and left her reputation in tatters.

  Egads!

  It was all madness!

  Despite her inner turmoil, she must have eventually succumbed to sleep. After barely a wink the night before, she was exhausted. Even the shifting and bouncing of the carriage could not keep her awake.

  Then, she was jerked violently awake.

  The carriage gave a fearful lurch and she was bounced high in the seat, her head almost colliding with the roof. She had just regained her senses when the door was wrenched opened and she found herself staring at a wide torso. Her first thought was that they were being robbed.

  But she wasn’t to be that fortunate.

  “Good morning, Gorgeous,” the Duke drawled as he climbed within the vehicle. He seated himself across from her, legs spread, hands behind his head. He’d shed his pirate’s garb for a dark blue frock coat and a silvery blue waistcoat, but he appeared just as ruthless. His brandy eyes held a predatory glitter. “There’s nothing like a ride in the country to calm one’s nerves. I’ve told the driver about your pre-marital jitters. He found it rather amusing and agreed to give me some time to plead my case.”

  Kay stared back at him, her heart pounding wildly in her breast. “You… you can’t do this.”

  He gave her a mock-innocent look. “’Tis a simple thing. The driver was most accommodating.”

  Her voice sharpened as her temper steadily rose. “I’ll thank you to get out of my carriage this instant!”

  “Is that any way to treat your betrothed? I had hoped for at least a chaste kiss on the cheek for my efforts. Women often run, but in my experience they just as often want you to follow. Have I misunderstood your sudden flight from the city?”

  “Yes, no!” She stared back at him befuddled. “Ohhh! You know very well what I mean. You cannot force me to marry you. In fact, I will not marry you!”

  “Then you leave me no alternative.” He raised his hand as though he would pound on the roof.

  Kay pulse thundered in her ears. “Please,” she begged, her eyes pricking with tears. “Is there no other way to satisfy you?”

  He chuckled, a deep rich tenor sound that danced along her spine. “I’m not easily satisfied.”

  Her gaze strayed to his perfectly bowed lips, remembering the taste and the feel of him. Her skin went hot. What would it be like to feel the rest of his body pressed against her own—hot and hard? She squirmed back in her seat away from temptation, scolding herself for having such lustful thoughts.

  Her eyes fell to her hands clasped in her lap, while her mind grasped wildly for a way out. She seized on the first excuse that came to mind. “Look, I’d like to help you, but I can’t.” Despite her faltering voice, she forced the lie passed her lips. “Though it isn’t official, I’ve agreed to marry someone else, not…not who you think. Lord Herrington has asked for my hand.” She chanced a fluttering glance through her lashes.

  The Duke’s handsome features remained hard and impassive. “I don’t give a damn what promises you’ve made,” he said in cold clipped tones. “And neither will the authorities.”

  “But you don’t understand. I’m not going to marry Charlie Galloway. I was never going to marry him. So you see, marrying me won’t help you. In fact, there’s no reason to marry me because I’m not betrothed to Charlie.”

  “Ha! You don’t know Galloway as I do. If he’s decided you’ll marry his son, he’ll make it happen, one way or another. Look,” His tone softened, “I’m sorry it has to be this way. And right now, I know you don’t believe me, but one day you’ll understand. I’m offering you a more favorable alternative.”

  “You’re giving me no alternative!” The man was an arrogant ass. Did he expect her to thank him for his bullying? Kay’s mind raced for a way to pacify him, but there seemed no way out. Unless… he was doing this for a different reason. Unless, his real motive was to frighten her into giving the ring back. Perhaps that was all he wanted. Perhaps if she admitted she’d taken it and returned it, he’d go away—leave her be. She couldn’t be certain, but in her panic stricken mind that was all she could think of—the only lifeline in sight. She weighed her words carefully. “There’s something I haven’t told you.”

  He lifted one brow. “At last, a confession. How refreshing.” He leaned further back in the seat to give her his full attention, a wry smile curling the corner of his mouth. “I’m listening.”

  “I think I know what this is all about. I have something that belongs to you. It was just sitting there and it was so beautiful, and so, I tried it on. I didn’t mean to take it, but then, I couldn’t get it off. It was stuck on my finger,” she babbled, plucking at her white lace glove. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s the truth. I never meant to take it. In fact, I was trying to return it to you.” After a long valiant struggle and much twisting and turning, Kay managed to pry the ring from her finger. She would have chewed it off if she had to.

  “There.” She thrust it toward him. “Take it.”

  He took the ring from her, then dropped it into his waistcoat pocket, as though it meant nothing at all. “I’m still waiting for an answer.”

  “What?” Her voice rose in vexation. “But I thought that’s what you wanted?”

  “So, you’re not only a trespasser, but a thief as well—and a liar, but not a very good one, but let’s not dwell on that.”

  Kay stared at him aghast. He hadn’t even known about the ring. In fact, it didn’t seem to matter to him.

  Rot!

  In attempting to exonerate herself, she’d only managed to further establish her guilt.

  Her heart pounded fast.

  A sickly feeling settled in the pit of her belly. He had the power to ruin her life—end her life if he wanted. She was trapped in a situation of her own making, with no way out.

  She sucked in a long quavering breath. In a hollow voice that seemed to come from a long way off she said, “Very well, since you haven’t a shred of decency or mercy, it seems I must comply with your demands.” Having said it, a shroud of calm settled over her. “But, you must give me time to explain to my family. My Grandmere isn’t well. I must return to the chateau and…” Her voice broke when she thought of her Grandmere’s disappointment at her early leave-taking. How would she explain not going to Vienna with her? What if Grandmere didn’t recover? What if she never saw her again?

  A long silence followed.

  Kay looked up to meet his gaze. Her lower lip trembled. She felt lost and frightened and very alone.

  A hot tear spilled down her cheek.

  “Bloody Hell!” he expelled. “You have this down to an art, don’t you?” Compassion lurked behind his words and her heart swelled with hope. “You have two months to honor your promise and fulfill your debt to me. I’ll have concluded my business here by that time, and I’ll expect you to have done the same.”

  She nodded slowly, too shocked and relieved to do more.

  He knocked on the roof of the carriage.

  It came to a slow rolling stop.

  As she listened to the clatter of hooves speed him away, her eyes closed against the bright sunlight. She sank against the seat, trembling with shock.

  Apparently, he meant to call on her at Butterfield Hall when he returned from France to make their wedding arrangements. Two months—her only reprieve from a forced penance. How would she possibly explain the upcoming event to her family? Her Grandmere knew nothing of the Duke or the scandal surrounding him, so it was most likely she’d be pleased. But her uncles, who’d found the sordid details of the Duke’s crimes heinous, would be outraged by the news. Well, perhaps not Fabian. He seemed inclined to give the Duke the benefit of the doubt. But surely Uncle Fergus would be shocked.

  By the time the carriage drew up in front of the chateau, Kay had managed to compose herself. She didn’t know when she’d break the news to Grandmere, but it wouldn’t be today. If she could find a
way out of her predicament her family need never know. There was always a chance the Duke would have second thoughts—wasn’t there? As long as it was a possibility, she’d cling to that hope.

  The ordeal had left her drained. All she wanted was a hot bath and some time to think through her dilemma.

  Unfortunately, she didn’t immediately get her wish.

  Directly upon her return, she was informed of her Grandmere’s recovery and was ushered into the salon to greet her.

  The Countess sat reclined on one of the crème sofas flanking the fireplace, sipping a glass of Madeira.

  Kay’s heart leapt with pleasure. How good it was to see her up and about, gowned in a burgundy day dress, looking composed and healthy.

  “Come.” Grandmere smiled. “Sit. I want to hear all the details of the masquerade, how many hearts you’ve captured, and what sort of young gentlemen will be calling. I shall need a list of yes, no, or maybe, in order to admit the right ones and make suitable excuses to the rest.”

  Kay managed a half-watered smile. She seated herself across from her Grandmere on the other sofa. “The uncles have their hearts set on me marrying an Englishman, I’m afraid.”

  “Then we must make sure you have an exceptional summer before being sentenced to such a fate,” the Countess said with mock-seriousness though the warmth never left her blinking green eyes. “Have you a certain Englishman in mind?”

  “There have been offers, but I fear no serious courtship. When I marry it will probably be a whirlwind affair.” Her voice turned brittle as she forced a laugh. “Perhaps love at first sight, like you and Grandpere.”

  “That is a rare thing. Perhaps I have led you astray by telling that tale too many times. But never mind. What will be, will be. If not love at first sight than a deeply abiding love that will grow in time. Love is love however it comes.” She tilted her head and smiled. “But, you have not found the right one yet, I think. You must know the pleasures of Vienna, and experience a little romance first.”