The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens Read Free Book Online

of the cliff—”
    â€œThe bodies—body, apparently—was retrieved by drovers, and those tracking them haven’t caught up with them yet. So no one connected with the family knows that there was only one body, not two.”
    â€œSo your family thinks I’m dead.” He refocused on her face. “And that’s why there wasn’t any guard watching over you.”
    â€œDead men pose no danger. Of course, my disappearance will throw the family into an uproar again.” She sipped, then added, “And eventually the drovers will be found, and the family will realize you’re still very much among the living.”
    â€œAnd then they’ll want my head.”
    â€œAt the very least. However, they still don’t know who you are.” She let a moment pass, then, trapping his gaze, arched her brows. “So why am I here?” She spread her hands, indicating their surroundings, including him. “You said you would explain.”
    His eyes fixed on hers. She got the impression he was ordering his thoughts. After a moment, he said, “I could explain the whole, but that will take hours, and for our purposes tonight, all you need to accept—”
    â€œNo.”
    He blinked. “What?”
    â€œ No .” Jaw firming, she held his gaze. “No, I am not going to let you give me half an explanation. Or even less!” She flung out an arm. “You’ve just kidnapped me from a soiree in order to speak with me, ‘privately and at length.’ I suggest you get to it, and don’t think to skimp.”
    His face locked. She couldn’t be certain, but she thought faint color touched his cheeks.
    Meeting his gaze, maintaining her own in the face of the not-so-subtle aura of power—old, aristocratic power—emanating from him, she was reminded yet again that he was a man of her class, one who ruled, whose ancestors always had.
    â€œFor a twenty-one-year-old chit, you’re a bossy little thing.”
    She smiled, falsely sweet. “Indeed. And I believe you said you needed my help.”
    Silence ensued. She knew he could move with startling speed, as he had on Lady Cavendish’s terrace, but in common with other large, strong, and very intelligent men she knew, he also had the ability to remain totally still, and often did.
    It was a ploy, but not one that would work with her. She now knew what he was, appreciated what he was capable of, but she wasn’t about to be intimidated. Ensconced in the armchair, she held his gaze and boldly broke the silence. “I would suggest, my lord earl, that this interview will go very much better if you start at the beginning.”
    After a very long moment, he drew a deep breath. “The beginning? In that case . . . what do you know of your mother’s life in the months before she wed?”
    She blinked. “Your story starts there?”
    Temper severely reined, Dominic Guisachan, eighth Earl of Glencrae, nodded. He hadn’t been looking forward to this interview, and given his captive was proving very different from the spoiled, pampered, ton princess he’d expected, he was anticipating enjoying the experience less with every minute. Spoiled and pampered Angelica Cynster might be, but she was also sharp-tongued, quick-witted, more observant and insightful than was comfortable, and he was starting to suspect she had a spine of honed steel. She’d told him no. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had . . . other than his mother.
    When she stared at him uncomprehendingly and made no reply, he gritted his teeth and rephrased his question. “What do you know of the circumstances of your parents’ wedding?”
    A line appeared between the perfect arcs of her brows. “They eloped and married at Gretna Green.” She blinked. “Is that why you had Heather taken there?”
    â€œYes, and no.” He waved the point aside.