Page 78 of Rogue’s Holiday

Rose’s mouth dropped open.

“As it happened, he took me to a place called Willow House, an exclusive bordello, and threatened me, saying he would kill Sir Robert if I said anything. When I realized the madam was a kind woman who had discerned the truth of it, I told her my story. Before she could return me to Brighton, Sir Robert showed up, looking for me.”

“How did he know you might be there?”

“He and M’sieur Donet were searching all the high-class brothels in London and Sir Robert remembered Willow House, a place he has apparently patronized in the past.”

“I see,” said Rose, her forehead furrowed.

“Exactly. A rogue would know of such places, wouldn’t he? Still, he was caring of my virtue, which, by the way, is still intact. It was his idea to have everyone believe I was visiting Aunt Agatha’s good friend, Lady Claremont. When he explained to her what occurred, she offered to bring me back.”

“He is thoughtful, Chas, no matter you think him a rogue.” Rose got up from the bed and came over to embrace her. “You have been through a lot but, in time, this will pass.”

“I hope so. Meanwhile, Rose, I have changed my mind about marriage. Lady Claremont insisted I reconsider my thought to live alone and I have. I should probably tell you that Sir Robert has mentioned marriage.”

Rose, now sitting on the bed beside Chastity, took one of her hands in hers. “He has proposed?” she asked excitedly.

“No, not exactly. He has informed me that such is his intent. It was not at all romantic. We were arguing in the Pavilion gardens and I ran from him. Right into the clutches of the kidnappers, as it turned out.”

“My goodness, Chas.”

“Let’s go find ourselves a glass of sherry. Or, maybe a full bottle.”

Rose laughed. “Let’s.”

“There are two letters for Miss Reynolds and one for you, Lady Sanborn,” announced Featherstone as he delivered the mail on a silver salver to the parlor where Chastity and Rose were having tea with Aunt Agatha and Lady Claremont.

Chastity’s great-aunt took the letter addressed to her from the tray and indicated to Featherstone he should give the others to Chastity.

“I’ll read this later,” said Aunt Agatha, tucking it into her bosom.

Chastity tore open the first when she recognized the handwriting. “It’s from my mother.” Reading on, she said, “She wants me to return to Northampton for my sister’s wedding. She says the preparations are proceeding and my presence is needed for a fitting.”

“I would be sad to see you go,” said Aunt Agatha.

“Indeed, yes,” added Lady Claremont, “and Sir Robert has yet to return.”

“If you must go home, so will I, Chas.”

Chastity smiled at her loyal friend. “What about the vicomte?” Rose had not said much of her feelings for the Frenchman but her eyes, whenever he was near, had given her away.

Rose pressed her lips together. “I would miss him, but he has said nothing of his intentions and I could not bear to let you go alone.”

Chastity reached out to pat her friend’s hand. “It would mean a lot to have you with me.”

“Then I shall remain with you,” said Rose. “Who is the other letter from?”

Chastity studied the familiar writing. The letter was addressed to Miss Chastity Reynolds, No. 54 Old Steyne Road, Brighton. “I think it’s from Sir Robert,” she said, looking up. All three faces stared back at her with expectant expressions.

She skimmed the letter. “He assures me the villain, whose name is Aaron Ings, and his hired brigands are in the hands of the Bow Street Runners, but there will be some delay so that he won’t be returning to Brighton for a week.” She did not disclose the rest of the letter, the part that spoke of his love for her and his desire to be with her shortly. Were those his true feelings?

“Humph,” uttered Lady Claremont. “That is disappointing, I must say. And with your having to leave, Chastity, we have little time to spend together.”

Agatha, too, had recognized the handwriting on the letter addressed to her. She retreated to the small library, away from the others, to see what Sir Robert had to say. Breaking the red wax seal, she unfolded the note and read,

Dear Lady Sanborn,

I don’t know if Chastity has told you, but I have expressed a desire to marry her. I have come to love and admire your grand-niece and want nothing as much as to share my life with her. However, I think it would be prudent to seek her father’s blessing before I formally ask for her hand. I am certain you would approve of my doing so, assuming you favor the match. I believe the Countess of Claremont had that in mind when she first asked me to call upon you. A clever matchmaker.