All the Things You Never Knew - By Angealica Hewley Page 0,93

have done the trick, for the footman’s eyes widened in fear and he started begging for his life.

Jack feels a tint of guilt for threatening an innocent old man like this but it’s the only option they have to get to their brother.

“Where’s Lord Lansing?” he asked the old man.

“Why is everyone looking for him?” the footman asked, struggling to get free from Edward’s grip. “Just the other day these two men threaten me to take them to him. Now it’s you guys?”

“What did you say?” Edward pulled him up to sit and pointed a pistol at him to stop the struggling.

“You said two men threaten you to take them to him? Whom, may I ask?” said Jack.

“Tell your companion to drop his gun first,” the footman replied. “You young lads never know how fragile an old man like me is. A pistol could scare the heartbeat out of me.”

“Ed, rest your aim,” Jack said, moving towards the old man. “Now speak.”

“I’m not quite sure who,” the footman replied. “But one seems to be a fine lord, though he’s a bit untidy, I don’t know why. The other is less of a lord, more of a commoner. Had on tight fitting clothes. Not much of a fashionable guy, I suppose.”

Hm…Jack wondered who those men might be. He was suspecting one of them to be Leon, but then Leon’s captured. It can’t be him. And the fine lord, who is he? Gareth Coleridge, the Earl of Longsword, or Laguna Black, the Duke of Hargate? It can’t be Laguna. He’s a duke and well known among people. It could be Longsword, but there’s no proof.

“Well,” Edward said. “Just take us to him and your life would be spare. You’ve got to be grateful for that. Cut-throats never let their victims survive.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Leon couldn’t quite seem what to make out of his friends as they rode north to Bridlington. It bothers him again to think that Laguna and

Gareth both might have interest in his sisters. He doesn’t know why but it’s something he didn’t like. They are nice men and all, but he couldn’t accept them as part of the family. Their name would be blackened and their reputation would falter. He doesn’t want them to lose their role in society. If one day they ever decide to get close to his sisters and upgrade their relationship from friends to family, then he is sorry to say that he will do whatever it takes to prevent it, even if it will break their hearts. It’s for the better. They should understand.

“Leon,” Rose said, touching his arm and interrupting his thoughts.

He looks down at her and smiled as she rubbed his arm.

“Are you okay? You’re rather quiet,” she said.

“I’m fine,” he answered, kissing her on the forehead. “Are you tired? I’ll hold you to sleep.”

She smiled and nodded her head, turning sideways to sit on his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck. “I want to savor every moment here with you,” she said, burying her face into his chest.

“We have all the time in the world,” he replied, bringing his arms around her waist. “There may be ups and downs and everything in between, but we will get through them and have our peace.”

“I…wish things were different and not so hard on us,” she answered quietly.

“If only my parents were alive,” said Leon. “If only the enemies hadn’t found us. If only I could stand up to face them at that time and save my parents. Maybe all this wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have left you. Hell, I’m such a useless fool.”

“No,” she said, bringing a hand to his cheek. “You can’t control the things that happened. Don’t blame yourself. You are the best son anyone could ever have. Always working hard, going through hell and tortures to bring justice to the dead. I couldn’t have been more proud if I were your parents.”

“You are truly the light of my world, Rose,” Leon answered, holding her closer. “I’m glad that you’re still here waiting for me and haven’t yet gotten married. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

“I had thought about getting married and erasing you from my memories, but it seems no matter what, you’re there. Always here.” She took his hand and placed it on her heart, then to her head. “And everywhere up here. I can’t simply wed a man when you’re all that fills my mind.”

Leon laughed and stroked her hair, soothing her to sleep. He was