Eloping with the Princess (Brotherhood of the Sword #3)(10)

“Precisely. If Lynford is correct,” Jason said.

Somersby shoved his hand through his hair. “Yes, but when is he not correct? He might be a pain in the arse with his high morality, but he’s excessively smart and, as annoying as it may be, he’s usually right.”

Jason chuckled. “I know. Problem is Potterfield doesn’t see it that way. He’s already warned Lynford about staying away from Thornton’s wife.”

“Potterfield will want proof,” Somersby said.

“I suspect it will take conclusive evidence to convince Potterfield that a peer is responsible for the attempt on Victoria’s life.”

“More than likely, yes, but perhaps we should go and speak to him tomorrow. Potterfield has been willing to see things more my way recently,” Somersby said with a quirk of a grin.

“I told you he would come around,” Jason said. “Potterfield has always liked you.”

Somersby nodded. “That remains to be seen, but I shall take your word as truth.” He took a sip of his brandy, then swirled the glass. “Lynford left you with the girl?”

“Yes, well, Lynford and Lady Thornton left her in my care while they went to dig up information.” He leaned forward in the chair, bracing his elbows on his knees. “In truth, they did not give me very much information, and you know me, I didn’t ask enough questions.” Jason shrugged. “Needless to say, a man broke into my house, knocked me out, and took her.”

“I was going to ask about the gash,” Somersby said, motioning to the injury of Jason’s head.

“I was fortunate enough to track her quickly and get her back. But that’s why we came here.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I want to make certain my townhome is safe before we return.”

“I know it goes without question, but you were careful in your route here?” Somersby asked. “I’ve had enough of Evie being in danger.”

“Indeed. I did not take a direct route and went nearly an hour out of my way.”

Somersby nodded. “Do you know who took her?”

“No, other than he also tried to snatch her outside of the school where Lynford and Lady Thornton retrieved her. Someone is most assuredly after her.” He leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him. “I would have stayed to question the brute who had her, but there was no way to ensure her safety while doing so. The man told her that his boss was coming to meet them. I simply knocked him out and we left.”

“Potterfield might have ideas of what to do with her. You can’t be expected to protect someone if you don’t truly know what you’re protecting her from.”

Jason wasn’t so certain.

Lynford had managed to prevent the girl’s first kidnapping attempt, while Jason had been ambushed in his own damned home. He still couldn’t believe he had let that happen.

So yes, at this point he felt strongly about protecting her. If for no other reason than to prove to himself that he could. From the moment he’d been recruited into the Brotherhood, he’d questioned whether he truly belonged. The centuries-old organization prided itself on being built upon the backs of the noblest families in England. They were serious about their bloodlines, and Jason’s were muddy. Granted, no one knew that, but it still had always left him wondering about his worth among the Brotherhood.

At least when his assignments had mostly consisted of tracking or riding, or training others in those areas, he knew he had much to offer. But protecting a woman from an unknown villain… He wasn’t so certain he had the necessary skills. He couldn’t help but think that had she been in the care of another member of the Brotherhood, this kidnapping likely would never have even happened.

Of course, he couldn’t say that to Somersby. None of those men knew his secret and, since being a member of the Brotherhood was the only true way he could make his life matter, he wasn’t about to do something that jeopardized his membership. Ensuring Isabel’s safety had become high on his list of things to accomplish.

“I definitely think Potterfield might benefit from knowing about Isabel,” Jason said. “The man knows things that most of us do not. He seems to have contacts as far-reaching as South America.”

“Whatever you need from me, you know you need only ask,” Somersby said.

“Make an honest woman out of Evie. Or else I’ll be forced to kill you,” Jason said.

“I’d have already eloped with her if her mother would allow it.”

“Ah yes, well, Aunt Marrington has always had enough personality for at least three other women. She’ll most assuredly want a big to-do. Having her daughter marry someone as impressive as the Earl of Somersby.” Jason released a low whistle.

“I do love her. In case you hadn’t guessed.”

“My aunt? Or Evie?”

Somersby chuckled. “Evie.”

“I know. I’m glad you finally found the one woman to rein you in.” He came to his feet. “I suppose I should go and make certain Isabel doesn’t need anything.” He made a move to leave the room, then paused. “Thank you.”

“It is nothing you would not have also done for me.”

At least Jason knew that much was true.

…

Isabel tried to think of something to say, anything that would make her not look so weak and foolish, but nothing came to mind. So she simply allowed Miss Marrington to take her up the stairs and down the corridor to a bedchamber. She didn’t even know why it mattered to her how Miss Marrington perceived her, but, for whatever reason, she didn’t want Jason’s friends to believe her a complete ninny.