Dinner that night was a far more formal affair than any other since Emily's abduction. Prior to Evangeline's arrival, all propriety and formality had been banished where the five lords were concerned. Now they observed every single point of etiquette, even though Evangeline wasn't present. Libba had told Emily that Godric had ordered his former mistress to take her meals in her room. That, at least, gave Emily a tiny sense of comfort, knowing that Godric wouldn't allow her to dine with them.He sat at the head of the table with Emily directly to his right. The rest of the men ranged down on either side according to titled order. Well turned out, each gentlemen wore black knee breeches and well-tailored black coats. Emily wore an ice blue silk gown overlaid with a layer of silver netting. Pale stars were embroidered on her matching slippers and pearls threaded her hair like frozen dewdrops. She couldn't believe the results Libba had wrought. She'd never looked so beautiful, never felt

The house was rid of Evangeline Mirabeau long before breakfast was even set. Someone had seen to her early departure, and the rest of the house was none the wiser as to who it was. It would seem that, having played her role, she had wisely chosen to leave lest she still be around when Blankenship's men arrived. The relief among the lords was tangible. Breakfast became a cheery affair, and despite Emily's plans to depart, she took advantage of these last few hours with her friends. For they were just that. She'd miss Ashton mothering over the others. She'd miss Lucien's attempts to hide behind his newspaper while teasing the others. She wouldn't get to fish or hunt with Cedric, nor listen to Charles's outlandish tales.And Godric She would miss life with him, but she had no choice."Toast, Emily?" Charles offered a plate of toast as it came her way, breaking through her dark thoughts."Why, thank you, Charles," she said."You're welcome." The earl winked, and when she fetched a slic

Godric left Cedric alone in the drawing room to check on Emily. She'd looked decidedly pale and he was worried.I'll read to her! She'll like that.His eagerness surprised him, the temptation to abandon his friends and seek her out was great. But she probably needed some time alonewomen often did; they were quite mysterious creatures. Knowing this didn't make him miss her any less. He snatched a book from his study and hurried upstairs.On his way to her room he passed by a chamber he'd not entered in years. Strangely tempted, he opened the door. The nursery was a lovely room, even when muted by afternoon shadows and warm with its buttery yellow walls decorated by various painted scenes. Scenes painted by Godric's father a month before Godric was born.He remembered his father pointing to a mighty frigate, guns blasting at a pirate vessel, deep voice rumbling as he spoke of age-old tales.Godric's gaze fixed on another scene, one of a babe in a basket nestled against a wall of ree

Emily stirred, her breath shallow.Heavy rocks lay on her chest. It was harder and harder to fill her lungs.Panic surged through her, making her body shudder. Glass shards seemed to be embedded in her throat when she tried to swallow. She needed to cough, but no strength remained. The rasp of her indrawn breath sounded like an ominous death rattle. "Emily!" A man's voice. Low, hoarse, and grating to her ears. She winced as she tried to swallow again, and finally managed a weak cough."Emily?" The voice was a familiar one, a warm hand on her forehead.Where am I?Sensations crept back on her, the soft slide of bed sheets beneath her bare skin, the aroma of sandalwood. Men were nearby. Who? Though she couldn't see it, she could feel the pulsing rhythm of a candle nearby."Quick, Charles, the water." Cedric, her mind finally recalled. She was at Godric's estate, in his bed. Once again a captive of the League of Rogues."Godric"Cedric shushed her, then raised a glass of water t

Ashton woke the next morning with a horrible crick in his neck. He had fallen asleep in a chair outside Godric's door. He yawned and rubbed the tight muscles on the back of his neck. What a night.Ashton dared to peek into Godric's room and found his friend cuddled up with Emily as though the two would never part again.He shut the door and returned to his chair. Godric, you will marry her. There's no other way to keep her safe and yourself sane.No one had woken him to change the guard as scheduled. Rather than let anger rise up in him, he merely smiled.How strange it all was that an act of abduction born of Godric's wounded pride would end up like this? With Godric hopelessly smitten by a singularly unique young lady every bit his equal.Simkins came up the stairs carrying a tea tray, which meant he must have wanted to have a private word with Ashton without the other servants overhearing."Would you care for a cup of tea, Lord Lennox?" Simkins asked."Yes, thank you." He too