Derrick got into the carriage, and as Barber tapped on the wall for them to go, he arched a brow. “You think he’ll manage it?”
Derrick looked out the window at the image of their friend, damaged by war and sacrifice, disappearing in the distance. “We both know Nicholas Gillingham doesn’t fail. He gets the job done if it needs doing.” He sighed. “So we must make it worthwhile. You and I have been hunting this thief for months. We need to catch him.”
“So you’re saying more focus,” Barber said with a nod. “No distractions.”
“No distractions,” Derrick repeated. “I’m going to end this one way or another, Barber. By whatever means necessary.”
Chapter 2
Katherine linked her arm through Selina’s and smiled at her. It was impossible not to smile back, no matter how Selina’s stomach churned.
“I’m so glad you changed your mind and came down to Roseford with us after all,” Katherine said. “I love spending time with you.”
Selina blushed as her sister-in-law gave her a squeeze, then pulled away to greet the next set of guests who were riding up the drive at present. It was a funny thing. Selina had trained herself over the years not to have too strong a reaction to almost anything. She didn’t blush when it came to sex or language or behavior. She didn’t mince or preen, unless it suited whatever game she was playing.
But one kind word from Katherine and her cheeks heated. Because she wasn’t accustomed to such full-throated acceptance in Katherine’s world, she supposed. Nor to be part of a welcoming party to her brother’s guests, as if she were his full sister, not bastard half-blood.
She’d watched Robert welcome his friends. Watched closer when he greeted his dearest ones, the dukes who were in attendance for the ten days they would share at Roseford. The Dukes of Sheffield and Crestwood, Baldwin and Simon, and their wives, Helena and Meg. There was no denying how close Robert was to them. How warm their bond was, as iftheywere the siblings.
She’d been a little jealous to see it. She could admit that. Worse, she’d felt even more on the outside looking in at their little tableau.
She smoothed her skirt and tried to find some focus. This wasn’t why she was here. She had to remember why she was here.
Clearing her throat, she managed to force her attention onto the drive. Two men, one black, one white, had arrived on fine stallions, which the footmen were leading away toward the stables as their riders smoothed themselves and looked up at their hosts.
She straightened up a bit. They’d both served in the military. She’d long ago learned to recognize the stance of a man who’d once worn a red coat. Each had ramrod straight shoulders, perfect posture that spoke of discipline. Her brother extended a hand to the black man. They spoke together for a moment before they motioned the second man forward.
Her gaze lingered on him longer. Good lord, but he was handsome. Tall, so very tall, with an angled face and a hard jawline. His hair was thick and brown, not too long, not too short. Every piece of it laid perfectly, probably placed there with the same discipline that every other line of his body showed. He and the other man were talking to her brother now, talking to Katherine. They all looked serious.
They didn’t look like they belonged at a fun little garden party meant to distract bored friends with money.
Her brother motioned toward her and she stepped forward. “Miss Selina Oliver, may I present Mr. Edward Barber,” he motioned to the first gentleman he had greeted.
“Mr. Barber,” she said, shaking his hand. He was a handsome man, as well, with a friendly face and bright brown eyes that took in everything around him.
“And Mr. Derrick Huntington,” her brother added. “Gentlemen, my sister, Selina Oliver.”
As Mr. Barber stepped back, Derrick Huntington moved to take his place before her. Yet again, she was struck by how tall he was. How he moved like a tiger in a cage, all lean muscle and dangerous intent.Hisface was not kind. It was hard and angled and focused and intensely beautiful. As were his brown eyes that swept over her in one long glance.
He extended a hand, and she found herself looking at those long fingers, incased in fawn leather riding gloves. Delicious.
“How do you do, Mr. Huntington,” she said, and heard how husky her voice was.
“Miss Oliver,” he said, and his brow furrowed as he speared her with a stern glance.
She removed her hand from his, mostly because her body was reacting to this man in wild, wanton ways. Ways she’d never avoided in the past. Ways she’d celebrated, for what was wrong with pleasure?
But once again, this was not why she was here.
“Mr. Barber and Mr. Huntington served with Nicholas in the war,” Robert said, apparently oblivious to the explosive energy Selina felt pulsing through her entire body.
Energy that ceased the moment her brother said those words. Her lips parted and she looked at them differently. “You did?”
“Yes, Miss Oliver,” Mr. Barber said with a nod of his head. “Your brother is a fine man. We were both honored to fight at his side.”
She blinked. She’d never met anyone who had served with Nicholas. “Were you with him when…” She trailed off. She couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Yes, miss.” Huntington answered this time. His voice was lower now, rougher. “We were. He saved both our lives. Neither of us will ever forget it. He was kind enough to suggest we join the party.”
