Loving a Rogue (How to Love Book 3)

by Marie Higgins

  Mrs. Jones chatted with the dowager. The topic so far had been about yesterday’s fire and the constable’s visit. Last evening when he’d come to the manor, he and Gavin had searched for any evidence on what started the fire. The constable had mentioned how fortunate it was for the rainstorm the day before. If not, the whole stable would have been ashes. As it was, only the back end of the structure on the inside had been terribly burned.

  “Nobody saw anything?” Mrs. Jones asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

  The Dowager Duchess of Englewood shook her head. “Nothing. All the stable workers saw were other servants going in and out of the stable all afternoon.”

  “Does that mean...” Mrs. Jones’ throat jumped as if she swallowed hard. “It’s someone here at the manor?”

  “Oh, I pray not.” The dowager waved her fan faster in front of her face. “I’d hate to think one of my devoted servants was responsible for this.”

  Mrs. Jones nodded. “I will keep alert for anything suspicious with the staff. You can count on my assistance, Your Grace.”

  “Of course, I can.” The dowager duchess smiled and patted the other woman’s hand.

  Suddenly, the coach jerked to the side. Being the only one sitting on the front bench, Priscilla slid to the other wall. The dowager and the housekeeper braced themselves. Mrs. Jones released a panicked squeal. The coach came to a stop, still tilting heavily on its side.

  Priscilla struggled to climb toward the door. “Your Grace?” she asked in a strained voice. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m am for now.”

  Thankfully, Mrs. Jones’ rounded body kept the dowager from being squished against the side.

  “I’ll climb out and see what happened.” Priscilla struggled to reach the door. “I’ve been in this situation before, and what I think happened was that a wheel came loose.”

  The coach made another jerking motion, and tipped again, but this time, she could tell they were sliding down a hill. Both the dowager and the housekeeper screamed. Priscilla held onto the seat the best she could, but she was certain the floor might make a better spot right now.

  Once she fell to the floor, she curled in a ball. Squeezing her eyes shut, she said a silent prayer that the coach would stop soon. She prayed that no injury would come upon the dowager because the woman had been through enough hardship already.

  When the motion of the coach finally stopped, she opened her eyes and looked toward the dowager. Priscilla sat up on her knees and touched the elderly woman’s leg. The dowager’s eyes opened and she looked around.

  “Are you all right?” Priscilla asked.

  “I... think so.” The woman peered at her housekeeper. “Bea? Look at me.”

  The woman’s face was pale, but she opened her eyes and glanced around. She sobbed a sigh as tears came to her eyes. “I’m fine, thank the good Lord.”

  Priscilla listened closely for voices – or anything to let her know that they weren’t trapped in this broken vehicle. But she didn’t hear anything. “Is anyone there?” she shouted. After a few moments of silence, she steadied herself in the overturned coach and stood, reaching for the door. She pushed with all of her might, and thankfully, it opened. The tops of trees and the blue sky was all she could see. “Someone... help us!” she called out at the top of her voice, silently praying someone would hear her and come to their rescue.

  When she was around ten years old, she’d been in a carriage accident with her mother and father. They had pushed Priscilla out to go and find help. She prayed she could so the same now as an adult.

  She pulled her dress up to her knees and shimmied up the wall. Reaching the opening, she used all the strength in her arms to pull herself up out of the coach. She remembered this being easier when she was ten, but she didn’t stop trying. Soon, she was out and sitting on the edge of the coach.

  Immediately, she saw the slope their vehicle had slid down. The ground was still muddy because of the rainstorm. She sighed. It would be hard enough for her to climb that, let alone try to help an old woman who was crippled.

  In the distance, she heard the neigh of a horse. Since their horses were missing, it could be one of them that she heard. Or... maybe the Lord was answering her prayers. “Help us!” This time she tried to yell louder.

  “Do you hear someone?” the dowager asked.

  Priscilla glanced down into the coach. “I heard the neigh of a horse, but I don’t know if it’s one of our missing horses or not.”

  Both the dowager and the housekeeper wore dejected expressions. Priscilla glanced back up the hill. In between some trees was a movement. Her heartbeat quickened. Please, Lord. We need help.

  “Help!” she cried out until her voice squeaked.

  The sun shone on the horse as it appeared, but she detected a rider. She waved her arms. “We’re down here.”

  The hopeful gasps of the other two ladies ripped through the air, but Priscilla kept her eyes on the rider who maneuvered the horse down the slippery slope. Finally, when the rider moved out of the sun’s brightness, a happy sob clogged her throat.

  “Gavin!” she cried out as tears stung her eyes.

  The other two women cheered, and loudly praised God.

  Concern etched lines in his handsome face as he assessed the accident. He reached the side of the coach and stopped. He reached his arms out, and she practically jumped into them as he pulled her from the wreckage and onto his horse.

  “Oh, Gavin.” She wound her arms around his neck and buried her face against his chest, sobbing with relief.

  He stroked her back and long hair. “Shh, my love.” He kissed her head. “Is everyone all right?”

  She nodded and lifted her head to look at him. “We’re just frightened.”

  “Gavin?” The dowager’s voice shouted from the vehicle. “You might need help. You’ll be pulling two women out of this overturned coach, and trying to get us to safety.”

  “Grandmother? Don’t you have confidence in me?” He grinned at Priscilla. “Because I think my fiancée does.”

  Priscilla’s heart fluttered. “Yes, I do,” she whispered. “However, you can count on me to assist.”

  “As always.” He stroked her cheek. “What more can a man ask for besides a sweet woman by his side?”

  The strong urge to kiss him soundly right here and now came over her, but she pushed it away. This was definitely not the time to show her appreciation for him.

  “I hope I don’t lose your admiration,” he said to her, but in a loud voice so that the other women could hear, “but I did bring help.”

  Curiously, she glanced back at the top of the hill. Now she could clearly see another coach and the man who was unbridling a horse. He didn’t stand directly in the sun’s light, so she could see him slightly better, and he seemed familiar...

  “Who is it?” she asked, but seconds later, the man mounted his horse. Surprise bolted through her. “Adrian?” She met Gavin’s endearing gaze. “You brought my brother-in-law?”

  “Indeed. I ran into them an hour ago, and I invited them to the estate. I knew you would want to see your sisters.”

  “My sisters?” Priscilla’s voice rose happily. “They are here?”

  Gavin nodded. “Well, only your older sister and one named Lizzie.”

  “Oh, Gavin.” She wrapped her arms around his neck again, hugging him tightly. “You are incredible. Thank you. This means the world to me.”

  She loved the way his arms held her so gently against his body.

  “I’m in hopes that you’ll think differently about me now?”

  She pulled back and looked into his glorious eyes. “Differently?”

  He winked. “We’ll talk later. Right now, I have some women to save.”

  She couldn’t believe how breathless she felt, and yet, how excited she was that he cared enough about her feelings to invite her family to the estate. Indeed, she would have to find time – alone with him – to show him how grateful she really was.

&nb
sp; NINE

  Priscilla had never changed clothes as fast as she did at this moment. Her sisters and brother-in-law waited for her downstairs, and she didn’t want to keep them waiting any longer. They’d had a joyous moment of hugs after Gavin and Adrian brought Priscilla, the dowager duchess and the housekeeper up the muddy hill and into Lyndsey’s husband’s coach, although Priscilla hadn’t wanted to get any dirt on her sisters’ clothes.

  A soft beige gauze overlaid her burgundy gown, tied with a burgundy sash. The maid who’d been scampering around, helping Priscilla dress, had insisted on fixing her hair. The maid pulled back the bulk of Priscilla’s hair into a loose coil, leaving a few tendrils around her ears and the back of her neck.

  Once she was satisfied, she hurried down the stairs to the sitting room. When she entered, she stopped and held her breath, focusing on her sisters that she’d missed so very much.

  Two pretty, oval faces with bright blue eyes looked toward Priscilla. Lyndsey and Lizzie were the sisters who shared the same dark brown hair.

  An unexpected squeal broke free from Priscilla as she ran toward her sisters. They, too, laughed with happiness. They hugged each other again, but longer this time since Priscilla wasn’t worried about soiling their gowns.

  “I cannot believe you are here,” Priscilla said in a tight voice.

  “It was pure fate, I tell you.” Lyndsey grinned, making her eyes sparkle. “When Adrian ran into Lord Englewood and then introduced us, I was overjoyed to be able to ask about you and how you’re adjusting to being the dowager’s companion.”

  Priscilla paused in thought. Had Gavin told her sister’s about their soon-to-be wedding? “And what did he say?”

  Lizzie giggled and elbowed her sister in the arm. “Pris, I think you have an admirer in that one.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Lord Englewood couldn’t praise you enough.”

  Warmth crawled up Priscilla’s neck to her cheeks. “Oh, I’m sure he was exaggerating.”

  “We’ll know when we ask the dowager duchess what her opinion is.”

  Priscilla laughed and shook her head. “Hopefully, she’ll say nice things about me.” She squeezed her sisters’ hands. “Why didn’t Jannette come with you?”

  “She’s in Bath visiting her friend, Charlene,” Lizzie answered. “Charlene has been married one year now, and she invited Jannette to come and stay with her for a month.”

  “How nice. I’m sure that meant the world to Jannette.”

  Lizzie snorted a laugh. “I’m sure it meant the world to Charlene, too. Have you seen her husband?” She shivered and made a disgusted face.

  Laughing, Lyndsey bumped her arm against Lizzie. “Will you be nice? Although he may not have a handsome face, he treats Charlene well, and that is what counts in a marriage.”

  Priscilla arched an eyebrow. “Not everyone can be as fortunate as Lyndsey – getting such a handsome husband and one who treats her like a queen.”

  Lyndsey’s smile relaxed as her eyes beamed with love. “Indeed, I am most fortunate.”

  “And whom do we have here?” The duchess asked in a commanding voice as Mrs. Jones wheeled her into the room. “Gaggling geese? Upon my word, you certainly squawk as loudly.”

  Priscilla laughed as she pulled on her sisters’ hands and brought them toward the dowager. “Forgive us, please, Your Grace. These are my sisters; Lyndsey Dorsey, and Elizabeth Benson.”

  Lyndsey and Lizzie curtsied. “Your Grace,” they said together.

  “What a delight to meet Miss Priscilla’s sisters,” the dowager cheered. “And you all resemble each other with your perfectly blue eyes.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Lyndsey nodded. “That was the one thing we all inherited from our mother.”

  “Mrs. Jones,” the dowager said over her shoulder. “Bring in some tea and cookies. These ladies look famished.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace,” Priscilla said. “But what about the men?”

  “Don’t worry about them.” Lyndsey tapped Priscilla’s arm. “My husband and Lord Englewood went to find some men in town who could bring the dowager’s coach back to the estate.”

  “Oh, good.” Priscilla was glad Gavin was mindful of the wreckage, she still couldn’t wait to see him again.

  Priscilla and her sisters moved to the couch. It didn’t take long before the housekeeper brought in the requested tea and refreshments. Although they sipped tea and chatted about what Lyndsey and Lizzie had been doing lately, Priscilla couldn’t stop touching her sisters in some way. The shock of seeing them was still buzzing through her head. She also wondered how she would tell them about her upcoming marriage. Hopefully, the dowager wouldn’t say anything before Priscilla had a chance.

  After two hours of visiting, Priscilla and her sisters walked the grounds. The rain had brought out the pink buds on the trees, and spring was in the air. Homesickness twisted in her stomach, and she missed being at home with her sisters. Their humble home in Leicestershire had many trees on the land. Springtime was Priscilla’s favorite season.

  “Tell us, Pris,” Lizzie said, grasping her hand. “How do you like being the companion of a duchess?”

  Laughing uncomfortably, Priscilla shook her head. “It’s been entertaining, especially since her grandson has been here.”

  “I heard the dowager mention that you’d been into town getting measured for some gowns. Will you be attending a ball soon?”

  “Not really, Lizzie. Although, I suppose there is a special occasion coming, but I don’t know when it is or even if it’s going to happen.” Her sisters stopped and looked at her curiously. “You see,” Priscilla continued, “I’m... getting married.”

  “Married!” they both exclaimed.

  Priscilla shrugged. “Yes, apparently after I’d sprained my ankle and the dowager’s grandson tried to get me out of the rain at the woodsman’s cottage, we were alone for too long and the dowager is afraid the servants will gossip.”

  Lyndsey gasped. “You’re going to marry a duke?”

  “I suppose.”

  Lizzie shook her head. “Out of all the sisters, I never thought you would be the one to cause a scandal.”

  Priscilla scowled at her sister. “Lizzie, nothing happened.” Except for that dreamy, passionate kiss. “But we put ourselves in that situation, and well... now we have to pay for the mistake.”

  “I’m relieved he decided to do the gentlemanly thing and marry you.” Lyndsey patted Priscilla’s shoulder.

  “Tell us about him, Pris.” Lizzie grinned. “Is he charming? Did he sweep you off your feet?”

  “More importantly,” Lyndsey added sweetly, “How does he treat you? Will Nettie and Lizzie have to come live with you so that you have friends for the rest of your life?”

  Stopping her stroll, Priscilla pondered her sisters’ questions. Remarkably, Gavin did treat her well – even when he was upset and had pushed himself into her room. She hadn’t been frightened of him. Not once. And, he kissed so very passionately that she’d lost her mind. “No, I don’t think Lizzie and Nettie need to come to live with me after we’re married.”

  Lizzie snickered behind her hand. “Pris, your cheeks are red. By chance, have you let him kiss you?”

  More heat rushed to Priscilla’s face and she quickly turned away from her sisters and started back toward the house. “I’m not saying any more,” she told them over her shoulder. “So don’t ask. If I feel like telling you more, I will, but not until then.”

  Priscilla just prayed that Gavin would come back soon. She really wanted him to get to know her sisters before the wedding.

  Her stomach churned from nerves. She was actually going to do this, but still, a part of her wanted to fight it. If only she knew how to feel about this, but she didn’t dare talk to her sisters, although Lyndsey might understand.

  If Lyndsey and Lizzie ever knew about the doubts going through Priscilla’s head, they’d laugh. And really, she’d be laughing with them.

  THE HOUR WAS LATE WHEN Gavin returned home
. Once he’d found men to help him with the wrecked coach, he had sent Lord Adrian Dorsey back to the estate to visit with the others. It was good to meet the lord, as well as Priscilla’s sisters, and as much as he’d wanted a chance to visit with them before they left for home the next morning, the coach came first... as well as trying to figure out why bad things were happening in his life lately.

  The constable had dropped by the wreckage as they were pulling the vehicle up, and the man inspected the broken wheel that had caused all the mayhem this afternoon. One of the spokes in the wheel had been sawed down to almost nothing. Someone who was inexperienced with saws had done this. And the reins hadn’t been securely attached to the horses, which was why the horses escaped unharmed. But still, the question came back to – who could it be?

  He was just very relieved that none of the women had been injured. God must have sent His angels to watch over them. Only the driver and the footmen, who’d been knocked unconscious in the fall, had suffered any harm.

  After his bath, he dressed in his trousers and shirt, but that was all. He wasn’t ready to retire for the night, and yet he had nothing else to do.

  Kneeling in front of the hearth, he took the poker and stirred the embers. Adding another log to the fire was pointless since the room was warm enough, and of course, he wasn’t planning on staying up all night.

  When a small knock came on his door, he paused, glancing in that direction. Why would someone be at his door? He set the poker up against the wall and moved to the door and stopped. “Who is it?”

  “Your Grace, it’s Mrs. Jones. I was wondering if you would like me to bring you some food before I retire for the night.”

  He opened the door. The plump, middle-aged woman smiled at him. “I thank you, Mrs. Jones, but I’m not hungry. Please, retire for the night. You’ve had an extremely trying day.”

  “As have you, Your Grace.”

  He nodded. “And I will retire soon, too. Goodnight.”