The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(10)

“We have at least another two hours or more.”

With luck, that would be enough time for them to be too far for her abductors to catch them, even if they did give chase.

“Here.” He passed her a metal object. “When I tell you to, blow into the small end.”

She turned the thing over. It had a large open part at one end and it narrowed to a tiny hole at the other end. “What is it?”

“You’ll know when you blow on it. Now.”





Chapter Four


Taking a deep breath, Lady Charlotte blew through the small end. “This is what our coachman uses.” She sounded astonished at the discovery. “And to think I had never even seen one before.”

“It’s called a horn,” he added.

“Yes, I know.” She studied the horn some more. “What is it made of?”

“Mostly tin.”

He had slowed the pair, and waited as the toll keeper, dressed in breeches, nightshirt, and night cap came out of a small house. Con tossed him a coin, and started the horses again.

“How did you know how much the toll was?” Lady Charlotte asked.

“There is a fee schedule,” he explained. “Once one has traveled outside of Town often enough, one learns it.”

“I have not traveled much at all. Only from home to Town once. Although, I would like to travel much more.”

Despite himself and his expectations, Con was having a pleasant time. Lady Charlotte really was a remarkable young lady. Even after all she had been through, she hadn’t given a hint that she would dissolve into vapors. In fact, the only sign of tension she had exhibited was the grip of her hand on the basket in her lap.

He let the conversation lag until they had traveled another mile or so before asking, “You mentioned Miss Betsy. I have not heard that name in a few months. I thought she was in Newgate.”

“You know about Miss Betsy?” Lady Charlotte turned to face him, her eyes widening.

“Er, yes. Some of what happened got around.” He should not have asked at all. He wouldn’t have, except she seemed to know about the bawd.

“From what Worthington told me, she escaped,” Charlotte said. “However, I know he never expected her to attempt revenge on him. That is all this could be.”

Con knew of the former brothel owner from snippets of conversation he’d overheard from his mistress and a few of her friends. “She is not a woman to cross.”

“So I have been told. However, I do not have any personal knowledge of her. My brother, cousin, and friend helped in destroying her.” The lady pulled a face, causing her nose, which turned up a bit at the end, to wrinkle. “At least, that is what I was told. She would have been more sensible to leave the country. However, it appears that she is still causing problems.”

With her golden beauty and innocence, Lady Charlotte would have made Miss Betsy a great deal of money in an auction. If that was her intent, she’d probably not try to abduct her ladyship again. But if Lady Charlotte was correct and the woman wanted revenge or ransom, Worthington would be better off removing his family from Town at once.

For some reason Con wanted to know more about his charge. “Do you always carry a pistol with you?”

“No.” Her voice was full of suppressed laughter. “I was going to Worthington House to practice shooting and have another session of teaching my kitten to walk on a lead. She has been doing quite well, but she can become distracted.”

Con had been going to ask what Worthington’s neighbors thought of the noise, but . . . No, it wasn’t possible. “Don’t tell me you have a cat in that basket as well.”

Now Lady Charlotte did laugh. The sound was light, and tinkling, and completely enthralling. “I do, indeed.”

“Every cat I know would have been screeching by now.”

She opened the lid of the basket and stuck her hand inside. “She is a silent cat. The only noise she makes is a chirp.” Turning her head slightly toward him, she grimaced. “It is not a very pretty sound.”

“You said something about a breed.” Con wanted to encourage the lady to continue talking. Not only did he like the sound of her voice, but sooner or later, despite the courage she had displayed thus far, shock could set in, and talking might keep her from thinking about all that had occurred and could have occurred.

“She is a Chartreux. They are an old French breed. My friend Lady Merton rescued them from some boys who were trying to drown the litter. I was fortunate enough to be given one. Collette doesn’t like strangers. I think that is the reason she has not even tried to climb out of the basket.” They fell quiet, and a few minutes later she covered her mouth and yawned. “Thank you for all your trouble.”

“It was my pleasure to be able to assist you.” He turned his head toward her, bending it, and her lips touched his.

Lady Charlotte had probably only meant to change positions or to make another comment. Yet once their mouths met, he could not seem to stop himself from moving his lips over her soft plump ones. He quickly trailed his tongue over the seam of her mouth, tasting what little of her he dared. Still pursed together, her lips softened, and he moved to encourage her to open to him.

The ribbons jerked, causing him to break the kiss. Damnation!

When he glanced at her she was gazing at him as if confused. A few moments later she yawned again. Her long, dark blond lashes lowered and she slumped against him, her soft breast brushing his arm.