“She will think that I’m behaving as any gentleman would in shielding you from looking at Gerard.”

  “I can walk without looking at him.” Ella suddenly felt chilled by the memory of his threats.

  With no strain, Sebastian carried her quickly up the steep incline. He grinned at her before placing her on the ground near Aunt Euphemia, who offered a cloak. Sebastian wrapped Ella carefully in the warm velvet, his hands stroking her arms.

  “Fetch the criminal and bring him to Lord Essex’s study through the servants’ quarters,” Aunt Euphemia directed the two footmen. “We don’t want any of his conspirators to get wind of his capture.”

  Aunt Euphemia carefully inspected Ella’s face. “You look quite remarkable after your morning. Or maybe it’s the restorative powers of Grosvenor’s kisses.”

  “That bastard held her at knifepoint. She escaped by pretending to fall, then rolling down the path.”

  “As a child, I loved to roll down hillsides.” Ella tried to make light of her escape to calm Sebastian. But she would be sore for tonight’s ball.

  “Of course, she did. I would’ve expected nothing less from her.” Aunt Euphemia patted Ella on the arm. “Come along. We must get you back to your maid before she alerts anyone about your disappearance. And Grosvenor, you remain here so no one can link you to Ella’s return.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Euphemia.” Ella smiled at the matron. “Thank you for thinking of every contingency to protect my reputation.”

  “You and Grosvenor are in no condition to think.”

  Sebastian pressed Ella’s hand to his lips. “I’ll check on you later, once this business is finished. You need to rest, my darling.”

  “A conversation with Gerard may be very enlightening.” Ella wasn’t sure if she’d ever want to hear the details. It would take quite a while for her to forget Gerard’s threat of slicing her throat.

  Aunt Euphemia took Ella’s arm and pulled her toward the path. “Grosvenor, I’ll meet you in your room once you’ve secured the prisoner.”

  Ella looked back at Sebastian, who had disappeared down the path.

  “You and Grosvenor will need my help to not cause any raised eyebrows with your fast courtship. But I think your ‘romance’ will be a great distraction from this dreadful business. It is best if no one gets wind of the ring since we want to capture the whole operation.”

  Ella stared at Aunt Euphemia’s profile with her strong chin and prominent nose and tried to digest another shock—Aunt Euphemia, like Sebastian, was a spy.

  “Cord will not be happy to lose another agent to marriage.” Aunt Euphemia shook her head.

  “Why would Lord Rathbourne care?” Ella kept up with Aunt Euphemia’s brisk pace.

  “Because unattached agents are willing to face insurmountable danger, whereas married men are much more hesitant to risk their lives. They have something important to live for.”

  Ella looked into Aunt Euphemia’s warm eyes and whispered, “They have love.”

  Epilogue

  Sebastian took Ella’s hand and placed it on his sleeve, inhaling her feminine floral scent. He fumed that on his last night with Ella, they were obliged to attend a ball hosted by Malden and his father. The ostentatious, heavily decorated room was filled with people Sebastian cared nothing about. He planned for he and Ella to make their escape to the garden as soon as the niceties were finished.

  She was radiant in her rose-tinted gown with the plunging neckline which stirred his male brain into carnal scenarios. No one looking at her beaming face would imagine that she had escaped a French spy at knifepoint earlier in the day.

  She outshone every woman at the ball. Her mass of curls was secured in a topknot, held up by matching ribbons interwoven with her shiny hair. A set of ruby earrings and a matching necklace added a sophisticated look to her ensemble. Her shining face and infectious happiness wasn’t the air of ennui so valued in society. She was a stunning combination of sophistication and wholesomeness. And she was his. Could a man be luckier?

  All he could think about was releasing her curls to watch the silky mass fall wantonly around her shoulders. All his thoughts revolved around undressing Ella slowly and initiating her into lovemaking by a man who cherished and loved her.

  “I hate travelling to London tomorrow without you.” Ella bit down on her lower lip as she stared at him.

  The hue of the reddish-pink dress magically changed Ella’s blue eyes to a turquoise like the glimmering sea on a sunny day.

  “I wish I could accompany you, but I must finish this business.” Sebastian squeezed her hand.

  “You won’t be in danger, will you?”

  “No, my darling. I promise. I’ll have Ash as my backup.”

  “I’m glad that you’ll have his protection, but I wouldn’t want any harm to come to Ash either.”

  Since he promised Aunt Euphemia to be on his best behavior in public, he settled for tweaking her on the nose. “You worry too much.”

  Sebastian didn’t see Malden approaching, but he felt Ella stiffen. With the weasel’s approach, Ella pressed closer against Sebastian.

  Now that his assignment no longer restrained him, Sebastian wanted at the least to beat Malden unconscious as he had done to Gerard. Sebastian was still impressed with the self-control he exhibited in not killing Gerard after he threatened Ella.

  The benefit of Sebastian’s restraint was that Gerard was terrified of Sebastian and had given up his fellow conspirators. Gerard also confessed to the planned arrival of two more French spies in the next week. Sebastian and Ash would be prepared to greet them.

  Malden bowed to Ella and nodded to Sebastian. “Ella, you look magnificent despite the trauma you’ve been through today.”

  Sebastian gritted his teeth so hard that his jaw ached.

  Aunt Euphemia had given Sebastian a stern talking to about not causing any gossip concerning Malden. Sebastian wouldn’t have heeded her advice except, as Aunt Euphemia wisely pointed out, Ella would be the one to suffer from the scandal. If Malden tried to touch Ella, all bets would be off.

  “Thank you. As you can see, I’m quite fine.”

  Sebastian kept silent since he worried what he might say—nothing good.

  “Has my father spoken to you? I know that he is very upset by what you suffered. He is very concerned about the repercussions if the incident with Gerard were to become known. He is trying to protect you and to avoid any scandal.”

  Sebastian ground his teeth to prevent uttering a word. The earl was attempting to protect himself. No one in England at this time would think highly of a traitor’s father, no matter how lofty his title.

  “There is no need for your father to speak to me. I never plan to speak of the experience again. I have put my time at Southend-at-Sea behind me. I’ve too much joy ahead.”

  Ella’s smiled at Sebastian, her eyes gleaming with love.

  The smell of liquor was intense as Malden leaned forward. His eyes narrowed on Sebastian. “Aren’t you shocked that Gerard felt such anger toward my father? My father provided for him more than most gentlemen do for their bastards. He employed Gerard and gave him a place to reside.”

  “Gerard is his son but was treated as a servant.” Ella’s voice rose. “Is that how you plan to treat your bastards, Algy?”

  Sebastian squeezed Ella’s hand in support. Her face had flushed to the color of her dress. Sebastian might not cause a scandal tonight, but he had other means by which to make Malden pay. Once he and Ella were married, he could beat Malden with impunity.

  “Sebastian, shall we make our way to the refreshment table?” She nodded her head. “Algy.”

  “What a despicable being.” Sebastian couldn’t constrain his response any longer as he led Ella toward the punch.

  “I feel nothing but pity.” She shook her head, the blond curls bobbing in delightful motion. “Let us not speak of Algy and his father. I meant what I said. It is all behind me.”

  “Ella, my dear.” A stout gentleman with graying at his temples approached them, pulling at his cravat.

  “Father, I thought you remained in Watford.”

  Sebastian did a quick appraisal of the gentleman—dark eyes, a prominent nose, and jowls. Ella was fortunate that she must favor her mother since he saw little resemblance.

  “Didn’t the earl tell you that I planned to arrive for the ball? I wouldn’t miss seeing my little Ella at the May Day ball.”

  “No, he did not.”

  Anger erupted in Sebastian. Would Ella’s mistreatment by Malden and the earl never stop? Sebastian would feel justified in revealing the earl’s blow-by-blow traitorous treatment of Ella. The little tidbit would cause a well-deserved scandal about the earl.

  “I’m sure he forgot with how busy he is,” she murmured. The baron looked at Sebastian.

  “Sebastian, excuse my manners. It’s such a shock to see my father. Lord Grosvenor, this is my father, Baron Evans.”

  Sebastian nodded. He had a lot to say to Ella’s father, but this wasn’t the time or place.

  “Papa, this is my fiancé.”

  Sebastian was proud of Ella. She would forgive her father but was no longer willing to allow him to dictate her life. By announcing her engagement without asking her father’s permission, she made it clear that her father lost that authority when he abandoned her in London.

  “Euphemia told me of your plans, Ella.” The baron took Ella’s hands into his own. “I couldn’t be happier for you, my dear. I’ve been such a fool. Will you forgive me?”

  “There is nothing that must be forgiven, Papa.” Ella squeezed her father’s hands, her smile gentle.

  Sebastian heard the pain in her voice and saw how her eyes turned glassy. Ella was a more forgiving person than Sebastian, who could make a long list of everything that required the baron’s repentance.

  “I’ve shirked my responsibilities. As you grew up, you looked more and more like your mother. You’re as beautiful as she was. I couldn’t bear the pain. I was selfish. I sent you to London. It was easier for me, but it couldn’t have been easier for you. Can you ever forgive me?”

  Although Sebastian wanted to blast the man for the pain he caused Ella, he couldn’t judge the man. If he had lost Ella, Sebastian wasn’t sure how he would behave.

  The radiant smile on Ella’s face as she embraced her father softened Sebastian’s harsh reaction. As long as Ella was happy, he would eventually forgive her father.

  “Ella has told me of her time she spent with you outdoors. She is quite an avid sports person.” Sebastian addressed the baron.

  “And a remarkable marksman. Have you seen her shoot?”

  “No, I only know of her curricle racing.” Sebastian raised his eyebrows at Ella.

  She blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy pink.

  “Ella is quite the horseman. She rides like the wind.”

  When her father beamed at Ella, Sebastian could see the resemblance. And see how proud her father was of the skills he had taught his daughter. Her father had done the best he could do without his wife.

  “You’ll need to come to London for the celebrations surrounding my wedding. Are you prepared to mix in society?”

  “I won’t hide any longer, my dear. I hope you’ll allow me to spend time with my new son-in-law and eventually grandchildren.”

  “Of course, Papa. Sebastian is a wonderful man who you’ll come to love as much as I do.”

  Aunt Euphemia, modeling a mustard-yellow and purple dress with her usual feathered turban, followed behind the baron.

  She stepped around him and took hold of his arm. “Come along, Evans. I want you to meet my dear friend, Willoughby. His stable matches yours.”

  Aunt Euphemia directed an aside to Sebastian. “No scandal. Be back from your stroll in ten minutes. I don’t want to have to search for you. And I definitely don’t want to find myself embarrassed.”

  “You’ve never been embarrassed in your life,” Sebastian teased.

  Aunt Euphemia snorted.

  He took Ella’s arm, his body thrumming with desire. “We have Aunt Euphemia’s permission to stroll in the garden unchaperoned for ten minutes.”

  “Ten minutes.” Ella’s delicious chest puffed in outrage. “We can barely do anything in ten minutes.”

  Sebastian led Ella out of the open French doors. The night sky was lit with stars, the air filled with the blossoming spring flowers.

  “You have no idea what I can accomplish in ten minutes. Shall I demonstrate?”

  Ella’s laughter floated in the spring air.

  The End

  Excerpt from

  A Code of Wonder

  The Code Breakers Regency Romantic Suspense Series

  Book 8

  by Jacki Delecki

  Miss Elizabeth Louise Lyon, Eliza to her friends, needing a horse to escape, scanned the stable. A gigantic black stallion, standing at least sixteen hands, occupied the first stall—the obvious prize, flaunting his proud stance and giving an insolent flick of his magnificent tail.

  She opened the gate to his stall and scrambled up the stacked hay bales to reach him. She didn’t have a lot of time to calm him if she were to make her getaway. Now that she had three men after her, her chance of evading capture had lessened.

  She whispered to him, sensing his heroic but persnickety personality, before she swung her leg over his enormous back. The handsome fellow didn’t bolt but turned to stare at her. Whispering how beautiful and brave he was, she ran her hand along his silky, sleek neck.

  He pawed at the ground, shook his head, and gave a loud snort. She felt his strong muscles ripple in defiance, but it was all for show. “You’re a sensitive and courageous fellow, and you’ll save me. Your name should be ‘Lancelot.’” Eliza swallowed the unexpected sob in her throat. Abbie, her older sister, always teased Eliza about her need to rename horses to suit their personalities.

  This wasn’t the time to have a crying fit, despite her harrowing day. She had to warn Abbie of the danger. If she hadn’t worn Abbie’s cape for her imprudent ride this morning, none of this would be happening to her. But then her sister might have been kidnapped. Although, unlike her younger sister, Abbie wasn’t so headstrong or defiant that she’d risk riding alone.

  “You have to help me. Evil men are after me. Not me, but my sister Abbie, whom I strongly resemble.” She hadn’t told the Frenchmen that she wasn’t Abbie. The fear that they might kill her and return to kidnap Abbie kept her silent.

  “The only explanation must be for ransom from Abbie’s rich husband. Or could it be her secret work? Why else would wicked men want my sweet and studious sister?” She rubbed Lancelot’s thick, muscular neck, needing comfort from the gentle beast.

  The family’s Irish stablemaster always said she had the “touch.” A high compliment that she held to her heart since her mother and her father always found her, their third daughter, wanting. As a gently bred lady, she was supposed to prefer the drawing room and sketching and sewing over spending her time in the stables filled with men and horses. She couldn’t think of her mother right now or how worried Abbie would be when she didn’t return.

  She gripped Lancelot’s mane and squeezed her thighs and knees into his giant flank to back him out of the stall. “We must be off.” Her racing heartbeat resounded in her ears as she nudged Lancelot into a canter.

  Slowing to a brisk trot at the road, Eliza searched for a sign or a landmark in the small village to orient herself. She didn’t know the way to Bonnington Estate and her sister. She had been knocked unconscious when she was taken and knew nothing before awaking in the strange inn. Nothing looked familiar, and none of the shops gave any clue to where she was. The sky was filled with ominous clouds, preventing her from identifying the position of the sun to orient herself. Even then, it wouldn’t help her to pinpoint her location. By the fading light in the cold, wintery, December sky, darkness would descend soon, and she would need shelter.

  Glancing toward the stable, she saw the man who had fought the kidnappers, jump on the gelding tied to a post. She pushed Lancelot into a gallop. She had made the right choice for her mount. Lancelot, a blue-blood goer with an Arabian head and perfect conformation, would easily outdistance the sturdy saddle horse and the stranger who appeared to be pursuing her.

  Why was this man chasing after her? By his arrogant attitude and his expensive, fitted clothes, he appeared to be an English gentleman. Because he was English, could she trust him to help her return to Bonnington Estate in St. John’s Woods? The violent manner in which he overpowered the two villains was disturbing and not in the manner of an English gentleman.

  How far before she reached the next town or a farm where she could hide until her sister and her brother-in-law rescued her?

  What about the man behind her? She turned to look over her shoulder to see him smiling just as he had done during the fight. She wouldn’t trust the handsome ruffian with her fate. Surprisingly, like her, he wasn’t prepared for the cold weather. He wore only a shirt that clung to his broad chest and riding breeches.

  Excerpt from

  Mission: Impossible to Forget

  The Impossible Mission Series

  by Jacki Delecki

  Nick followed Emily and Stella, the French Bulldog, into the apartment. He tried to not track the sway of Emily’s sweet backside. The high heels thrust her body forward, emphasizing the hypnotic motion. It took all his military training to look away. He exhaled slowly and readied himself to meet Bellisiano, the opera singer she now was involved with, and act like a graduate of the Naval Academy—the disciplined marine that he was. He could control his urges and not act like a crazy jealous asshat.

  He refused to accept that Emily was serious about this star.

  God, he hoped Bellisiano hadn’t undressed while Emily was retrieving Stella. Naked or not, Bellisiano was going to have to deal with Nick Jenkins. He didn’t give a shit if he was interrupting their hookup, because Nick wasn’t leaving until he had answers. The game had changed with her admission that she had been followed.

 

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