A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,46

Gold drew closer, her dark eyes, so like Annabelle’s, narrowing as she looked at his cheek. “You were injured.”

“Merely a scratch or two. Miss Gold tells me Sir Reginald is none the worse for the experience.”

Her gaze shifted to Annabelle briefly as if uncertain what her daughter had already shared. “I’m afraid his thoughts aren’t as clear as they used to be. Sometimes he pushes upsetting things from his mind as if they never occurred. However, he would like a word with you.”

“I’d appreciate that as well.”

She turned to lead the way from the room only to pause. “I do hope we can count on your discretion with my husband’s condition.”

“Of course.”

The twist of her lips suggested she was uncertain whether to believe him. Then she moved toward the doorway, leaving them to follow.

“I don’t believe your mother is fond of me,” Thomas said under his breath.

“Let us say she is well aware of your reputation.”

He’d never before cared about such things, but he had to admit he wanted Lady Gold—and Annabelle—to know he could be trusted. His interests in the past had been gambling, drinking, and women, not necessarily in that order. Now he was suddenly involved in publishing, investigations, and fending off attacks. The rapid changes his life was taking made him feel as if he were at sea, unable to find purchase on the rocking ship.

But despite the disconcerting feeling, he liked this new side of himself. He preferred to wake with a clear head and a purpose to his days.

Before he could think further on the matter, Lady Gold knocked on a door then opened it to reveal Sir Reginald seated at a desk. A fine painting of sheep grazing in a field hung on one wall, and the opposite side held shelves from floor to ceiling lined with books that suggested a wide variety of interests.

“There’s our hero.” Sir Reginald stood and stepped around his desk with a broad smile and an outstretched hand.

Thomas bowed then returned the smile and the handshake, aware of the watchful way Lady Gold continued to study him. “I hope the events of the day weren’t overly upsetting for you, sir.”

“Thanks to you, we are home safe and sound.” He turned to his wife. “You should’ve seen our Annabelle, attempting to fight off the brigand. Then this young man saved her. Saved us both, actually.”

“How fortunate.” Warmth crept into Lady Gold’s expression. “I’m pleased you both returned home unharmed.”

“Mr. Raybourne can be counted on when the need arises,” Sir Reginald said.

“I’m happy I could be of assistance.” Thomas realized he would do anything in his power to protect Annabelle and her family.

“I was acquainted with your father, though he never had anything good to say about you.”

“Father—” Annabelle reached for the man’s arm in alarm only to be ignored.

“He said you were worthless,” Sir Reginald continued. “Told that to anyone who would listen.”

Thomas clenched his jaw as old but still painful feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment surfaced. “Yes, he told me as well.”

“What kind of man tells his son that, I ask you?” Sir Reginald shook his head. “It’s no wonder you’ve wandered through life thus far with no discernible goal.”

“Father,” Annabelle squeezed his arm to gain his notice. “I don’t think we should discuss such things.”

“Why not? He has a right to know.” Sir Reginald frowned at his daughter and her efforts to quiet him.

“His relationship with his father isn’t our concern.” Annabelle sent Thomas an apologetic look.

“Very well, though honesty is always best. What say you, Raybourne?”

“Agreed, sir.” The older man hadn’t said anything Thomas didn’t already know. But Thomas appreciated that Sir Reginald thought it wrong for a father to tell his child such things.

“Mr. Raybourne can’t stay,” Annabelle said with a pointed look at Thomas.

“I must be going.” He could see how uncomfortable the conversation was making her. Odd how that bothered him more than his own unease.

“I hope you call on us again soon. We can’t thank you enough for your assistance today.” Sir Reginald glanced between Annabelle and him. “My daughter is unmarried, you know. She would make a fine wife.”

“Father, please.” Annabelle’s face flushed an alarming shade of red.

“Young men these days need a little guidance to make the right decisions.”

“Reginald, you’re embarrassing your daughter,” Lady Gold said as she caught Annabelle’s eye and tipped her head toward the door.

Annabelle appeared grateful for the excuse to escape. “I’ll see you to the door, Mr. Raybourne.” She avoided meeting his gaze as if he’d