Seduced By A Devil (The Deville Brothers #1) - Wendy Vella
Prologue
The year was 1709, the monarchy was under threat, and the queen’s advisers worried. Danger came from many different quarters and something had to be done. A council was formed by Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and she gathered ten of her most powerful nobles. Men she trusted to pledge their allegiance to her and none other. Each was given a ring, the gold band forged from goblets said to be used by William the Conqueror in 1066 when he won the battle of Hastings and took the throne. The men would protect the ruling monarch, and the council would be known as Alexius. The Defenders.
Over the years their numbers would grow as members would be enlisted for courageous acts undertaken, or loyalty to the throne. Others inherited the position. Brothers, cousins, all united in their quest.
Veritas scutum tibi erit would be their pledge. The truth will be your shield.
Chapter One
Gabriel Deville, Earl of Raine, glared at the hapless individual who had told him no.
“This was the address I was given for her.”
“No, sir, Miss Brown no longer lives here.”
Tall, with a shock of red hair, the boy looked no older than twelve.
“But she did live here?”
“Aye she did, but no longer. He didn’t want her here anymore.”
“He?”
“Her brother. He forced her out of her home.” The boy’s face twisted into a snarl. “It was wrong of him, it was.”
Dimity Brown was not high on Gabe’s list of people he tolerated. She expressed her views too freely and had no respect. In fact, she was a mouthy, opinionated shrew, and yet here he stood on what he’d supposed was her doorstep with the night settling around him while rain ran off the brim of his hat. Sisters, Gabe thought, could play hell with your best laid plans.
“Do you know where she may have gone?”
Gabe may not like Miss Brown, but he did like his sister, who was concerned for her friend. Plus, there was that little niggling thought in the back of his head that while Miss Brown annoyed him, he had no wish for her to be sick or distressed.
“Her brother said he’d promised her to a man.”
“I beg your pardon?” Gabe was sure he’d heard those words wrong.
“Miss Brown’s brother. Said she’d been worthless her entire life, so she could pay his debts now.” The boy’s face twisted into a grimace. “Said a man—can’t rightly remember his name, but he said this man would take Dimity to clear his gambling debts.”
“You are not serious?”
“I am. Got a bit nasty after that. I heard a sound, like something hitting something, or someone. As I was outside the door, I rushed in. He had a terrible black eye forming.”
“The brother?”
The boy nodded. “Miss Brown punched him. Squealed like a piglet, he did. Miss Brown told me all was well and that I was to leave.”
The thought of her brother treating her with anything but respect and love enraged him. Yes, Gabe could be a trifle high-handed with his siblings, and especially his sister, which actually had led to Abby directly disobeying him and throwing herself into danger, but there was never any doubt he loved them.
Sisters were to be protected, not sold or tossed out of their homes by brothers.
“What happened then?” Gabe was sure the boy would know, as clearly he’d made sure he witnessed the entire incident.
He sucked in his bottom lip in a gesture that was more befitting of a man triple his age, without teeth.
“She left with only a single bag and didn’t tell me where she was going.”
“Where is her father?” Gabe asked, remembering Abby had told him he too was a teacher.
“Her father passed away suddenly. Miss Brown found him ill in bed. She called the doctor, but nothing could be done. He died the following day, and not long after, he came home—her brother. Right cold fish he always was too, and mean as a snake. Felt he was better than everyone; always walked about with his nose in the air. Me ma said he’d end up down a drain if he wasn’t careful.”
“Back to Miss Brown.” Gabe looked at the sky as the drops of rain grew heavier.
The London weather had turned from warm sunshine to frigid cold in the blink of an eye. It was cold enough to turn his nose red, and he’d much rather be home with his feet up before the fire. Or playing billiards with one of his brothers.