Noble Scoundrel - Amy Sandas Page 0,103

to Katherine. “Like your father, the prior marquess left behind some journals. During his extended exile to the Continent, his loyalty to the brotherhood became a rather fluid thing.” His jaw clenched. “He revealed a great many secrets in his writing, including a detailed explanation of the rules that govern the brotherhood. Rules that had exiled him from so many of the pleasures he enjoyed.”

As Warfield’s words settled into the room, Foster intoned from the doorway, “Pardon the intrusion, but there is a man here who insists on speaking with Mr. Hale. Immediately.” The butler’s expression made it clear what he thought of the impudence of such a suggestion as he settled a hard gaze on Mason. “He claims you’re expecting him, sir.”

Katherine looked to Mason, wondering what this was about, but the man was already on his feet and halfway across the room. He did glance over his shoulder at her, however, to offer a quick smile. She didn’t miss the light of expectation in his eyes.

“It’ll only take a moment,” he noted.

She looked to Frederick questioningly, but he gave a shake of his head. The nature of Mason’s unexpected departure from the room triggered an awkward moment of silence as they all waited for his return.

It was barely a few minutes later before he stepped back through the doorway. His gaze found hers right away as he strode swiftly to the sofa. He held a black woven sack in his hands.

“An important delivery, Mr. Hale?”

“The most important,” he replied with a tilted grin as he reclaimed his seat beside her.

Before she could ask what it was, he reached into the sack and pulled out three slim volumes. She recognized the binding immediately.

An overwhelming feeling of astonished relief washed through her, clogging her throat and shortening her breath. “Father’s missing journals,” she gasped.

“Every bloody one.” Mason set the short stack of books in her lap. “The dates all line up.”

Smoothing her hand over the cloth covering of one journal, she looked at Mason in stunned wonder. “How did you...”

“I had my mate fetch them before they could be found by anyone else.” Fetch. As in burgle. He flicked a glance at Warfield. “In case Shelbourne had associates who might step in and take on what the lord had failed to do.”

Surprise and overwhelming gratitude twisted her tongue for a moment as she looked to Frederick then back to Mason. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Then don’t,” Mason replied gruffly.

Turning the books over in her hands, she considered what they meant. The contents had brought about such tragedy and ruin. Their father’s heartbreaking demise, the loss of their home, and the deaths of possibly countless others.

Lifting her head, she met Frederick’s heavy stare and saw the same emotions in his eyes that she was experiencing. Then he gave a stern nod.

Rising to her feet, she took the journals to the fireplace. And without hesitation, tossed them into the flames. As she watched the fire consume her father’s work, she released a long-held breath.

Turning back to the room, she lifted her chin and smoothed out the wrinkles in her gown. “Now, they’re destroyed. As Father intended.”

Mason’s eyes, as he looked at her then, glittered with admiration and respect. It was such a contrast to his usual mocking humor that she stilled as her heart began to beat heavily in her chest.

“Well done, Lady Katherine,” Warfield noted quietly. “You cannot realize how many victims may have been saved by such a simple, brave act.”

The marquess rose to his feet. His expression was grave as he bowed his head toward Katherine then to Frederick. “My focus on bringing an end to the brotherhood has caused me to be greatly remiss in my duties as guardian. I’d like to rectify that in any way you require, but I have no desire to interfere in your lives unnecessarily.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Frederick replied, his tone warm but firm. “My sister and I have done well enough since Father’s passing, and I’ve no doubt we’ll continue to do so. But it will be nice to have family in town.”

Though the marquess appeared to stiffen at the reference to family, his next words sounded nothing but sincere. “Please know, myself and all the resources of the Warfield estate shall be available to you both should you ever need them. In regard to this matter or any other.”

Warfield turned to Mason. “If, for some reason, I’m wrong in believing there is no longer anything to fear from