“You’re insane,” Talon told him. “No one will ever believe Daniel fathered this child, no matter what I do.”

“People will believe what I want them to believe.”

The maid lifted her head again and then scurried away when Sutcliffe shot her a venomous look. Sutcliffe waited until she was out of sight then turned to glare at Talon again. “I’ve changed your travel plans to insure nothing like this happens again.”

“What are you talking about?” A bad feeling took root in the pit of Talon’s stomach. Christ, could this possibly get any worse?

Sutcliffe smiled; the sudden change in his demeanor was frightening to behold. “I’ve booked the three of you on one of my merchant ships,The Shining Star. I believe you’re already acquainted with that vessel?”

Talon nodded, his pulse roaring in his ears. “I know of it.” The captain ofThe Shining Star, Joshua Percy, was an old enemy andThe Shining Starhad been one of the best prizes his crew had ever managed to take. He should have scuttled the damn vessel.

“You’ll be sharing a suite of three rooms, two sleeping berths connected with a sitting room. You’ll have to keep Kate below, since she’ll be the only woman on the ship.” The earl smiled in grim satisfaction. “No one is to know she’s aboard. That way, no harmful gossip will find its way back here.”

Talon’s question had been answered. Things were definitely going to get worse.