Page 41 of The Thorn and the Rose

“Suit yourself,” his lordship said, shrugging.

Rosemarie did not move, but she was too anxious to relax now. Her own desires were revealing themselves rather too forcefully for her to dismiss them any longer, and the risk she was running was becoming increasingly apparent. The reality of the danger she had put herself in had firmly replaced the illusion of safety she had felt in his arms. She had put her reputation on the line, perhaps even her life, and the idea of being given lodgings amongst women who had been lovers and mistresses of the owners of a club her brother had sought to destroy was not a happy one. Perhaps Lord Thomas had an old lover there, perhaps a child too? Maybe more than one. Her stomach lurched.

Well, she was committed now. She must simply get the information she needed and get out as fast as she could.

Chapter 14

When I get my hands on you, sister dear, I shall make you sorry you betrayed me and left me to rot in this festering pit. I shall make you sorry you were ever born.

―Excerpt of a letter from The Right Hon’ble Everett Branagan, Baron Childe to his half-sister, Miss Rosemarie Fortesque.

12th February 1847. Gillmont, Hampstead Heath.

It was rather too late to regret the fact he’d borrowed the carriage and horses from his father’s stable in town rather than renting something. Thorn was only glad it was dark as they navigated the lanes that led to the remote location of Gillmont, so the gilded crest on the door ought not be remarked on.

At least he knew that the fellow who had been set on doing them harm was safely behind bars, and so the danger to this place ought to be no more than the usual worry about gossip.

Thorn climbed out of the carriage, stretching his aching limbs, which were protesting the many hours of immobility. He’d not wished to move, though, not with Marie sleeping so trustingly in his arms. Until she woke up and seemed as nervous as a cat. He wished he knew what she was up to, for he did not doubt there was something going on behind those beautiful eyes. As desperate as he believed she was, there was a hint of steel in the slender creature that stepped down from the carriage. He had sensed it in her from the start. She might be bent by the way fate and her brother ill-used her, but she would not let it break her. Marie was fighting for survival, but what side did she think he was on? Was he the enemy? How far might she go to save herself? Thorn did not believe for a moment she was about to put herself into his keeping, not that he would even allow that. The idea of taking advantage of a woman’s desperation made his blood run cold, but she did not know that. Why was she here?

“So, this is Gillmont,” she said, staring up at the large, handsome brick farmhouse. It was an attractive prospect on a chilly night, golden lamplight glowing in the windows.

“It is. Come on, you must be tired and hungry.”

Thorn picked up her bag, went to the front door and knocked, noticing her look of surprise. Had she expected him to march in without a by your leave?

Noise behind the door and sliding back of the bolt confirmed the knock had been heard and a moment later, it opened.

“Evening, George,” Thorn said, taking his hat off.

“My lord!” George replied, eyes wide, as well they might be. Thorn had not been here since they had first begun the place, though he took as much interest in the wellbeing of the house and its inhabitants and paid his share of the upkeep. “This is a surprise. Come in out of the cold.”

“Thank you, George, and may I present to you, er… Miss Marie Smith,” Thorn improvised, belatedly realising Marie really needed a last name.

George nodded and held out her hand to Marie. “Evening, Miss Smith, welcome to Gillmont.”

“Miss Smith is in need of a safe place to stay for a while, George, so I hope you will all forgive me for arriving without a word. I’m afraid it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

“Think nothing of it, my lord. If the young lady is in difficulty, she’s come to the right place. You’ll be safe here, miss,” George said kindly. “Everyone is very welcoming, and you timed it right, for Joanie has made toad in the hole. My guts have been grumbling in anticipation, I can tell you.”

Thorn laughed and then looked at Marie, appeared pale and anxious. “Well, that sounds perfect, but I think perhaps Miss Smith is too tired to meet everyone tonight. She’ll take dinner in her room. There is a room available for her, I hope?” he asked, handing her bag into George’s care.

“Oh, yes,” George said blithely. “We always keep a room ready, just in case. For you never know who will turn up needing a bed. Don’t worry, Miss Smith, you come along with me, and I’ll show you the way, and then I’ll get one of the girls to bring you some dinner, how’s that?”

“You are most kind, Mr…?” Marie began, regarding George curiously.

George chuckled and shook her head. “Nah, just George, miss. Come along.”

Marie turned, giving Thorn a panicked look.

“Go on,” he said gently, for despite his suspicions as to her motives, she was clearly tired and afraid. “You really are safe now. I shall see you in the morning when you’re rested.”

“You… You’re not staying?” she asked, appearing surprised.

Thorn frowned. “No. I shall return home. I’ll come back tomorrow. Goodnight, Miss Smith.”

Having little other choice, Marie nodded.

“Goodnight, my lord,” she said, and followed George up the stairs.