Thief Steals Her Earl

by McKnight, Christina

  She looked at him, her eyes questioning his words—and their meaning. For a brief second, Jude feared her heart had stopped. She wanted nothing more than for him to stop talking, for if he did that, the damning words she feared were coming would never be spoken. She could hold this moment in her memory forever, banishing all that followed. She looked to where his lips once against brushed her knuckles.

  “Look at me, Judith,” he commanded.

  “I cannot risk it.” She didn’t want him to say anything further. Her heart would continue to beat with all he’d said previously, but if her love was not returned, his words of dismissal would crush her—it was a thing she’d never recover from. Her will would be gone, her flame extinguished.

  “I will say what I have to say regardless, Jude.”

  “Does it have to end this way?” she asked.

  “Judith,” he sighed. She would never, in all her life, tire of her name on his lips, and she feared this would be the last. “Your intent may have been dishonest, but the consequences are pure and sincere…and completely out of your control.”

  “I cannot hear more—“

  He released her fingers and tilted her chin to look her in the eyes, but she shut them tightly. “But you will, you owe me that much.”

  She could not disagree with that as she opened her eyes once more to see his intense stare.

  “The consequences are that I have fallen deeply in love with you—every part of you. The part that makes me question every decision I’ve made in my life. The part that terrifies me at the prospect of things taking over my life that aren’t routine or even vaguely known to me. The part that dispels all my previous notions about love and its power over people. I will gladly give love the influence to control my every move with you.” He finally paused, a tenderness entering his gaze. “You—and this love I am dedicated to explore—are worth more than any antiquity or artifact.”

  Jude knew the vast meaning behind his words. Not only was she more important than any of his precious collectibles, but he was also telling her she was far more significant than the scandal created by her transgressions. He was willing to put all of their troubles behind them and face the future—whatever it entailed—together, side by side.

  “What I am trying to tell you, Jude, is that I will gladly give up everything I possess to have you by my side.”

  He was running out of words to express all he wanted to say, Jude knew. It was, by far, the most she’d ever heard him speak when it had nothing to do with his passion for objects and collecting.

  “Lord Cartwright.” Jude blinked several times to banish the pesky tears that threatened to overwhelm her once more. “Never will I command you to give up anything.”

  For the first time since arriving in the office, his confidence shook and Jude saw the doubt in his eyes.

  “I will fight my way through everything and everyone to remain at your side from this day forward.”

  Obviously, it was the only thing he need hear, because the words had barely left her mouth before his lips were on hers—sealing their pact.

  A life together.

  An unbreakable love.

  An eternity in each other’s arms.

  Epilogue

  Jude entered Cart’s home for what felt like the first time—and they were late.

  “Squires,” Cart’s voice boomed as he strode confidently into the foyer to greet her and her family. “May I present Miss Judith Pengarden. Jude, this is my trusted butler, Mr. Squires.”

  They looked at one another, smirks on both their faces. Jude had visited several times and interacted with many of Cart’s staff—the last time only being the afternoon before on their way to Lord Gunther’s townhouse. But this time was clearly different.

  “Miss Judith,” the elderly man said as he bowed before her. “It is an honor to meet our future countess. We all welcome you and your family.”

  “And may I present Lady Marce Davenport, Lord Garrett, Miss Samantha Pengarden, and finally, Miss Payton Samuels.” It was a mouthful and Jude felt a measure of surprise and great satisfaction that Cart had spent the time to learn her family’s many names—and not question their inconsistencies. They still had much to learn about one another, each with their own secrets, longings, and hopes to share. Thankfully, they had many years to accomplish everything.

  The man acknowledged each in turn before motioning toward the hall Cart had come from. “Lady Cartwright and Lady Theodora await you all in the dining room.”

  “My apologies for our late arrival,” Jude rushed to say. “I do hope we have not ruined dinner for everyone.”

  “Certainly not, Miss Judith,” Squires confided. “It has been refreshing to have an evening not within Lady Cartwright’s complete control.”

  “Now, my man,” Cart chuckled, stepping to Jude’s side and offering his arm to escort her to their waiting meal. “We have had our fun at my mother’s discomfort, but let us not keep her waiting a moment longer.”

  Garrett stepped to Marce’s side to escort her, while Sam and Payton linked arms.

  “Right this way,” Squires called, starting toward the dining hall.

  Cart hesitated, allowing Jude’s siblings to precede them across the foyer.

  “My lord?” Jude questioned his reluctance to follow, dreading he’d changed his mind about their coming betrothal announcement. “Is something amiss?”

  He looked at her like she longed for him to gaze at her every day forever. “Actually, everything is perfectly as it should be—and you look radiant this evening. I cannot remember a time when my life has been more perfect.”

  She felt her cheeks redden at the pride—and love—in his words.

  “Are you certain our meeting with Lord Gunther went as planned?” She’d known she’d have to take responsibility for her actions at some point, and thankfully, Lord Gunther had agreed to meet with them the day before. “While he listened intently—and understood it had all been a misunderstanding, do you think the damage has been repaired?”

  Cart smiled, his happiness taking over his entire person. “Did you not see the Post today?” At Jude’s questioning look, he continued, “Lord Gunther spoke with the Post again—as I think he takes great pleasure in doing—and remanded his former statement, further announcing Lord Cartwright, that is me—“ Cart raised his brows in surprise. “—as his new associate for acquiring three new pieces for his collection.”

  It was all too good to be true. “And he certainly wants something in return.”

  “Partly, to see his name in the Post once again,” Cart paused, a rakish grim overtaking his face, putting Jude on alert. “Oh, and to be invited to our wedding—in hopes of furthering his acquaintance with the fair and lovely—his words, mind you—Miss Samantha Pengarden.”

  They both laughed, the sweet, unrestrained melody echoing through the halls of the Cartwright townhouse.

  As they both sobered, Cart took in her exquisite dress, his eyes traveling from her head to her toes and back again, clearly admiring the gown Marce had insisted she commission for her younger sibling in celebration of her betrothal dinner.

  Jude had chosen a dress of a bolder color than was her normal custom. The satin was a vibrant, deep green that made her auburn hair appear on fire and her eyes glow. It had never been her choice to stand out within a crowd, but with the ruby and diamond ring bestowed upon her by her future husband, Jude knew no other color would do it justice.

  “Are you ready to meet the formidable woman that is my mother?” he asked.

  Jude straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin a notch, hoping to convince not only him but herself that she was up to the challenge of meeting her future mother-in-law and Theodora, another sister to add to her growing list of admired and cherished female relations.

  “But remember,” Cart leaned close and whispered. “I love you, I adore everything about you, and you are the one I chose for my future.”

  His proclamation seemed to hold some meaning Jude could
n’t entirely grasp, but when he placed a chaste kiss to her cheek—the meaning made no difference.

  He loved her. And more than anything, she loved him.

  Nothing else mattered. Not how this evening played out, nor how society reacted to their sudden betrothal and upcoming marriage.

  “A house of ill repute?” a voice shrieked from the direction Squires had led her siblings. “You are a what? Simon! This is unacceptable and not proper…you live in a den of iniquity?”

  Cart raised a brow in question.

  “Craven House is not what it appears, but certainly something we have yet to discuss, my lord.”

  “Then I look forward to many days—and nights—exploring all the topics of conversation we have yet to converse about.” His smile returned, quick and sure, something she was rapidly getting used to seeing. Gone was his pensive, distant nature—replaced with a man who was constantly present, no longer lost in his own thoughts, but living each moment for her, with her. “Shall we, my love?”

  She inclined her head and they moved toward the dining hall as Cart’s mother’s call for assistance continued. Payton’s and Sam’s laughter drifted to greet Jude and she knew, with Cart by her side and the support of her siblings, she and Cart would live a life full of love and happiness.

  Far more than a common thief such as she deserved.

  But her final—and most important—task was complete.

  Miss Judith Pengarden had successfully stolen her earl—Simon Montgomery, Lord Cartwright.

  But many would suggest that it was Lord Cartwright who’d stolen Miss Judith’s heart long before she’d taken his.

  * * *

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  Other Books by Christina McKnight

  A Lady Forsaken Series

  Shunned No More, Book One

  Forgotten No More, Book Two

  Scorned Ever More, Book Three

  Christmas Ever More, Book Four

  Hidden No More, Book Five

  A Lady Forsaken Box Set (Books 1-5)

  * * *

  Standalone Novella

  The Siege of Lady Aloria, a de Wolfe Pack Novella

  * * *

  Craven House Series

  The Thief Steals Her Earl, Book One

  Coming Soon:

  The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis, Book Two

  The Madame Catches Her Duke, Book Three

  The Gambler Wagers Her Baron, Book Four

  * * *

  Lady Archer’s Creed Series

  Theodora by Christina McKnight

  Coming Soon:

  Georgina by Amanda Mariel

  Adeline by Christina McKnight

  Josephine by Amanda Mariel

  Connected By A Kiss Series

  A Kiss At Christmastide: Regency Novella (Book One)

  By Christina McKnight

  How To Kiss A Rogue: Regency Novella (Book Two)

  By Amanda Mariel

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Book Three)

  By Dawn Brower

  About the Author

  Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since. Currently, she focuses on historical romance.

  Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books . . . don’t forget her books! Most days, she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

  @CMcKnightWriter

  ChristinaMcKnightWriter

  www.christinamcknight.com

  christinamcknight.author@yahoo.com

  Author’s Notes

  Thank you for reading The Thief Steals Her Earl, Craven House Series (Book One).

  If you enjoyed The Thief Steals Her Earl, be sure to write a brief review at

  at one of your favorite retailers.

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  I’d love to hear from you!

  You can contact me at:

  Christina@christinamcknight.com

  * * *

  Or write me at:

  P O Box 1017

  Patterson, CA 95363

  www.ChristinaMcKnight.com

  Check out my website for giveaways, book reviews, and information on my upcoming projects, or connect with me through social media at:

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  * * *

  There are several people I’d like to thank for staying with me through the emotional journey of writing this book.

  * * *

  To Marc, my amazing boyfriend, who continues to stand by my side through the utter chaos that is my creative process. Thank you…your love and dedication never ceases to amaze me. I hope to one day be as selfless and compassionate as you are.

  * * *

  To Lauren Stewart, my critique partner and best friend, you pushed me to explore new avenues of thought I never dreamed possible. If we were in a true relationship, it would be one based on co-dependency, but in a good way. My writing would not be what it is without your comments, criticism, suggestions, and guidance.

  * * *

  I’d also like to thank the wonderful women who’ve supported me in both my writing career and life, including (but not limited to): Debbie Haston, Angie Stanton, Theresa Baer, Roxanne Stellmacher, Laura Cummings, Dawn Borbon, Suzi Parker, Jennifer Vella, Brandi Johnson, and Latisha Kahn. I know I’m forgetting people…You have all been very patient and wonderfully supportive of my eccentric ways.

  A very special thank you to my editor, Chelle Olson with Literally Addicted to Detail, your skill and professionalism surpass all that I expected. Chelle Olson can be contracted by email at literallyaddictedtodetail@yahoo.com.

  * * *

  Also, a special thank you to historical editor, Scott Moreland. Welcome to my team!

  * * *

  And to my proofreader, Anja, thank you for embarking on yet another journey with me.

  Cover and wraparound cover design and website design credit to Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs.

  Finally, thank you for supporting indie authors.