My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

But their pasties arrived, neatly packaged, and so Tabbie stood, readying to leave. Tricia followed suit and the two headed toward the door. Tricia, for one, would be glad to leave this place. She’d explain everything once they were in the safety of Tabbie’s carriage.

“Lady Sussex,” the portly man called from his chair, rising to greet them.

Tricia’s heart thumped in her chest as she tapped her sister several times on the back to alert her to the danger. She felt Tabbie start but her voice was calm as she answered, “Yes.”

“I hope you’ll forgive my forwardness,” he gave her an easy smile. “But your husband and I are well-acquainted.”

“And you are?” Tabbie’s voice snapped with an authority that she rarely used but Tricia was impressed by.

“Mr. Stanley Winters, my lady. I am a solicitor by trade and work for several clients you would be acquainted with, including the Duke of Landon.”

If he meant that to soothe them, it had the opposite effect. Tricia immediately understood that he was behind the thefts. She’d seen him that night, he had access to Ryker’s personal papers. She touched her sister’s back again, wanting her to know the danger was still there.

“Mr. Winters, you will have to forgive us. We are late for a pressing appointment. But if you need something from my husband, I suggest you reach out to our solicitor. I’m sure you already have the particulars.”

He gave a nod even as he frowned and Tabbie turned, grabbing Tricia’s arm and leading her out of the shop.

Tricia’s heart was hammering in her chest as they stepped out onto the cobblestone street. The blasted carriage had yet to loop back for them and they stood, alone.

For a wild second, Tricia craned her neck looking for it when the bell to the shop’s door rang signaling that someone was entering or leaving. As she made to look back, something hard pressed into her back.

Mr. Winters stepped into their view. “You’ll have to forgive my associates’ rudeness,” he said, his voice still butter soft. Tricia glanced back to see the two other men from the shop just behind them. “But our business with your husband is rather urgent. You ladies will have to come with us.”

Tabbie opened her mouth to speak, but Mr. Winters made a tutting noise. “Quietly, now. What you feel in your backs it the barrel of a

pistol. We wouldn’t want to hurt either of you ladies or your precious bundle.” He flicked his wrist toward Tabbie’s belly. He’d noticed the pregnancy.

Tricia felt fear trickling down her spine as she grasped Tabbie’s hand. Pressure at her back had them moving forward as another carriage rumbled to a stop in front of them.

Without another word, Mr. Winters climbed in the carriage and then the two men behind them pressed the pistols harder until both Tabbie and Tricia followed him in.

One of the armed assailants came just behind them, and Tricia could only assume the other was seated with the driver. Just as carriage began rolling, she spotted Mr. Hart. He gave her another nod and she knew he knew what was happening.

Relief almost made her limp. They just had to stay alive long enough to be rescued.

Tabbie cleared her throat. Tricia looked over to find her sister nonchalantly assessing Mr. Winters. As though they were out walking about the park rather than being held at gunpoint, her sister quirked a brow. “So, Mr. Winters. Tell me about this pressing business.”

He gave her an appreciative smile. “I do enjoy a woman who does not fuss and cry. So much more becoming in my opinion.” He winked at them both. “Your husband and some of his associates inserted themselves into business where they didn’t belong last night.”

“I see,” Tabbie gave her the tiniest glance. Tricia’s own heart hammered in her chest. They hadn’t mentioned Ryker at all.

“We’d like to remind him to stay out of our affairs. Hopefully your visit with us does just that.” Mr. Winters gave them another benign smile that Tricia was certain hid a black heart. It made her feel even less secure than she had moments ago.

“My husband is a reasonable man. I am sure if you simply talked with him—”

“No, Lady Sussex, that will not suffice. Now, who was the other gentleman you were at the ball with last night?”

Tricia swallowed.

Tabbie’s brow crinkled as though confused. “Lord Wimbley?”

“Wimbley?” Winters sat forward then. “Never heard of him. Are you certain that was his name?”

“Quite,” Tabbie replied.

“You danced with him.” Winters turned his gaze to Tricia and her blood froze in her veins. How did he know all of this?

“I did.” Her voice was surprisingly calm. She might have patted herself on the back if it wouldn’t have been strange.