Page 4 of Abducting his Duchess

Even now, my thoughts stray to her lying in the grass, her limbs spread wide as I take in the vision of her naked beauty. My cock pulses again, bringing that delicious image to an abrupt halt. Time slips by in agonizing slowness. Yet, for her, I will suffer a far greater multitude of agonies.

CHAPTER 3

CATHERINE

The chill is the only thing keeping the nausea at bay. The incessant prattle of my new sisters helps with the panic. They verbally spar with each other, reminding me of my sister back at Overton. Tears prick my eyes, but this time it's happiness.

Seeing her those short weeks ago reassured me she was well. Despite Mr. Beaumont’s lies, my sister grows stronger each day. In truth, her health has always been on my mind. She still looks so frail, so delicate despite the hearty timber in her voice. Deep in the recesses of my mind, I wonder if it’s all for show.

Could she be putting on a brave front for Mother and me? I sincerely hope not. However, it is quite possible being so secluded in the countryside has made it possible for her to recover. It is, after all, the reason the dowager duchess is making her way toward home.

“You have a sister, do you not?” the matronly woman asks, her eyes kind. “I saw her briefly before leaving your wedding breakfast.”

“Yes. She is a few years younger than me.”

“She has your mother’s eyes and your sense of spirit. I can tell these things about people you know. One might say I’m near clairvoyant.”

“Oh, Mama,” Lady Margaret chides. “You are not. No one says you’re clairvoyant. Meddling, perhaps.”

The older woman narrows her eyes. “It will be my meddling ways that secure you a good match. Come now, how can you doubt my abilities? Did I not say William would succumb this season?”

“You did,” the younger sister pipes up. “But you also said Robert would take an arrow to the knee. And yet, there he sits astride with nary a projectile to be seen.”

“Silly child. That’s what you get for listening at keyholes. To take an arrow to the knee simply means-”

“Halt!” Blackport’s voice rings out. “Who goes there?”

My heart thumps painfully in my chest as my vision wavers. It’s happening again. That same sense of dread which clung to me like a shroud when Mr. Beaumont had me in his grasp now covers me, suffocating me. I reach out into the bond to alert William that something is amiss. However, there’s nothing but silence.

In all honesty, that worries me far greater than whatever threat is coming. He never shields from me unless he himself is in danger or needs to concentrate. What could be happening to him to cause this disruption, and does it have anything to do with the peril at hand?

“Oh,” my brother-in-law continues, his voice taking on an oddly stilted quality. “It is but a highwayman bent on causing harm. However shall we defend ourselves from such a farce- I mean force.” Blackport bends low and looks into the landau. “Steel yourselves, women, for we are about to be beset. But worry not. For I shall defend you.”

There’s something peculiar in the way he speaks to us. It’s as if he’s bored by the whole affair and putting on some act. In truth, I’ve seen many plays with far better acting, even at a discounted price.

It’s reminiscent, in fact, of how some of the women at The Rose and Thorne used to talk about their conquests. They played them out with the same aplomb and gravitas, only to dissolve into a pile of giggles. The Duke of Blackport, however, does not seem so inclined to fall into a fit of laughter.

In fact, I’ve only seen him smile a handful of times. There must be something else at work. Perhaps he’s putting on a front to lull the ruffian into a sense of ease before striking? None of this makes sense.

All it does is twist my insides as thoughts and counter-thoughts collide, leaving me breathless and nauseated. Running my hand over my stomach, I command the small breakfast I had mere hours ago to stay put. Casting up my accounts will not aid this situation in the slightest.

Across from us, the sisters sit huddled together, the acrid stench of fear rolling off of them. The governess, though clearly frightened herself, holds herself in front, acting as a shield for whomever is set to attack. Her limbs tremble as she holds her arms out, making herself appear larger than she is.

Next to me, however, the dowager duchess seems almost amused. Her eyes glimmer as she cranes her neck to look outside. How can she be so calm at a time like this?

Sliding my fingers up and over my corset, I dip them inside to where the small knife lies sheathed against my breastbone. If need be, I’ll be the one to keep a clear head. Ever since William got me out of the clutches of that madman, he’s been instructing me on basic self-defense.

Right now, touching that metal hilt is the only thing keeping me from spiraling out of control. My breaths still come in ragged gasps, but at least I’m still coherent, cognizant of what’s going on around me. In fact, if William could see me now, I’m sure he’d be proud.

Turning my way, the dowager duchess gives me an affected frown, the mirth in her eyes not matching the seriousness of her expression. “Whatever shall we do? What if poor Robert cannot defend us? Why, the highwayman might strip us of our jewels or worse, our-” she pauses, glancing over at her daughters as they hang on every word. “Or our… dignity. Yes. Dignity is an appropriate word.”

Dignity, such a small word compared to the enormity of what she’s implying. I’m no longer naïve or innocent like they are. I am quite capable of comprehending what she’s not saying. If this highwayman finds us lacking in the treasures department, then our flesh might suffice.

I can’t do this again. I cannot go through with another man taking a part of me he has no claim to. When Mr. Beaumont marked me, I longed for death. Could this blackguard do the same or worse?

Gripping my fingers into fists, I allow a small bit of madness to take over. Just for a moment, enough to give me a modicum of relief from the present situation. As my vision hazes over, I rest in the soft hum of the bond.

Whatever may happen, William will find me. He always does. Besides, if I can handle the agony of a shattered bond, I’m sure I can live through another. Shaking my head, I pull myself out of my stupor. I cannot allow myself the freedom to drift away from the situation. Not when there are other, far more innocent women who can be taken advantage of.