Page 69 of Rogue’s Holiday

Chapter 14

The door opened and Chastity looked up from her book. Miss Abby stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. “Did you get a nap? You appear more rested.”

Chastity nodded. “I did nod off for a few minutes but, mostly, I think it’s feeling safe at last. Thank you for the gown. It is lovely.”

“That blue quite becomes you.” She came closer. “I have come to tell you there is a man downstairs who wants to see you.”

A cold chill ran up Chastity’s spine as the fear returned that had been her constant companion since her abduction. “Who is he?”

“His name is Sir Robert Powell.”

She leapt from her chair, the book falling to the side. “Sir Robert is here?”

“From the look on your face, I can see that is good news.”

“Oh, yes. I have been praying he would find me.”

“He has been searching all of London for you.”

“How did he know to look here?”

“He didn’t. But he has visited Willow House before.”

“It would not surprise me. He is a rogue and doubtless would find your ladies attractive.”

“My ladies are effusive in their praise of his kisses,” Miss Abby said with a subtle smile.

“I can well imagine that,” she said, her cheeks flaming at the memory of his last kiss.

“Chastity, he says his intentions are honorable. You can be sure I asked. He told me seeks your hand in marriage.”

She frowned recalling their last conversation. “He has not asked me to marry him, more like informed me.”

Miss Abby chuckled. “Yes, I can see him doing that. Sir Robert is a bold one, but a gentleman for all that and, in this instance, quite sincere, I believe.”

Lifting her chin, Chastity said, “I have not consented.”

“Are you willing to see him?”

“I would not turn him away. Besides, I must warn him. His life is in danger.”

Robbie bounded up the stairs and brought himself to a halt in front of the door. He wanted to burst in, so eager was he to be assured she was safe, but in deference to her modesty, he knocked softly.

She wrenched open the door and fell into his arms. “Oh, you came!”

He kissed the top of her head and held her tightly to his chest, relieved she was safe. “Darling, I will always come. I only wish I’d found you sooner but I did not know where he’d taken you.” He kissed her then, long and hard, assuring himself she was real and unharmed, assuring her he was her defender.

She pulled back and, for the first time, she appeared vulnerable, a beautiful woman in need of a protector. “That horrible man who held me captive told me you are the reason I was abducted. He said you are a traitor to good Englishmen. How is that possible?”

“Come, let us sit, and I will explain.”

They sat on a settee. He held her hands in his, getting a good look at her face for the first time. “You are hurt!” He gently touched her bruised cheek with the back of his hand.

“The man named Augie hit me when I tried to escape.”

Robbie frowned. “He will die for that.”

“I’m all right now,” she said, squeezing his hand.