Two Lady Scoundrels and a Duke - Tessa Candle Page 0,34

have a dark confession to make.” She steadied herself. He would either be shocked, or he would laugh, but she now knew they could get past anything together.

“Oh indeed? Was it you who sneaked in and ate all of Dog’s bacon treats?” He was mocking her, but looked so very tempting as he did it.

Her brow raised. “Of course not. That would be unpardonably immoral. It is only that, on that first night, when I pulled you out of the snow, it was I who had stopped you in the road before you fell off your horse.”

He posed gape-mouthed in a dramatic look of shock. “You mean, you were the second highwayman? Never!”

She pinched his arm. “You already knew? All this time? And you never let on. Deceitful cad!”

He laughed and turned her to look at the horses harnessed to the carriage. “It was the horse. He told me everything.”

Sure enough, Katherine recognized one of the lead pair. “He looks so glossy and refined now. Like a perfect gentleman. I would never know he is one to cry rope on his friends.”

“Well, in his defense, he was only confirming what I already knew. When I found that I still had my money and watch, I managed to sort things out.” His eyes were sparkling and full of his heart. “Do you know, I honestly believe that our love is stronger now than it ever could have been if we had not faced all these tribulations.”

Katherine sighed happily. “That is precisely what I believe. When I think back to the young girl I was, I cannot conceive of her knowing you the way I know you now. How could a silly creature like that ever love you as you deserve to be loved?”

Foxleigh nodded. “Well, she could never have mustered up the gumption to rob me. And you know I could never love anyone incapable of shooting me on the road.”

“It is not too late for me to give you that second head bump, you know.”

He kissed her. “But in all seriousness, I am so very glad you confessed to me, my love. Now there are no secrets between us.” He leaned into her ear and whispered, “And I brought your pistols with me in the carriage. I thought you might want to play a game of lady scoundrel on the way to Blackwood Manor.”

She gasped as his wandering fingers tweaked a nipple. “Well, that will be quite a change from chess. But it is not a long journey, and you are a very rich man. Shall I have enough time to properly empty your pockets?”

He handed her up into the carriage and growled, “We had best get started then, before Rutherford finishes his business of incarcerating Mrs. Dubois and comes to detain us further. But in case my wealth proves too formidable, I do know of a longer detour.”

Epilogue

A few flakes of snow were fluttering about their carriage as it rolled down the long, tree-lined drive toward Blackwood Manor. Katherine stirred beneath the fur blanket and looked over at her new husband. His eyelids fluttered open, and he smiled sleepily at her.

“Do you mean to hold me up again, merciless robber? I might have a couple of shillings left.”

She smoothed his disheveled hair. “Best straighten yourself. We are almost on their front step.”

Foxleigh sat up and began retying his neck cloth. “I see God has finally decided to cast white rose petals upon the bridal path.”

Katherine snorted. “I am glad He waited until we arrived at our destination. But how could you ever have been attracted to anyone so affected and pretentious as that?”

Foxleigh shrugged. “I am not sure, really.” He gave her a devilish look. “Perhaps I merely have a predilection for dangerous women.”

“If you are going to make such unflattering comparisons, I may have to start loading my pistols.”

“Oh dear.” He assumed a worried expression.

When they stepped out, Rutherford greeted them, a beautiful blond lady beside him.

“I am glad to see you safely here. I have just returned home myself. Ah, but you both look so radiantly happy!” Rutherford was beaming as he introduced her to his wife, the Duchess of Bartholmer. “She is a formidable duchess, but you must never call her your grace.”

“No indeed!” The duchess smiled so warmly at Katherine that she felt she was rejoining an old and dear acquaintance. “You must call me Tilly. All my friends do!”

“Tilly it shall be, then.” Katherine took Tilly’s proffered arm. “And I hope you will call