The Scandalous Lady Sandford (Lost Ladies of London 3)

Lillian’s heart shot up to her throat.

Tense seconds passed.

Vane emerged. He was on his knees, his chest heaving. Another wave smashed against his shoulders and yet somehow, he scrambled to his feet.

Lillian ran towards them. She reached Mackenzie first, gripped his cold hand and rubbed it affectionately. “Thank you, Mackenzie.”

“You’re welcome, lass.”

She ran into Vane’s arms. “I thought I’d lost you.”

Vane brushed the stray tendrils from her face. “I failed you once, twice if you count what happened at Vauxhall, but I swore I would never fail you again.”

“You have never failed me. You have always been the most loving and loyal brother a lady could want.”

His blue lips trembled. “And you are far too forgiving.”

Her smile faded when her gaze dropped to his bare chest. Other than in their youth, she had never seen him without a shirt, but the scars shocked her. “What happened to you?” He had one slash mark across his ribs, one across his bicep, two smaller nicks on his chest.

“It doesn’t matter. It is nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

“Who did this to you?”

“Pay it no mind.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her to the safety of the beach.

Doyle lay stretched out. Fabian checked the man’s pulse and peered into his eyes. He turned him onto his side and thumped his back but to no avail. Fabian stood and shook his head. “He’s dead. One of us will need to head to the mainland to alert the authorities.”

Ursula’s gasp spoke of relief.

“I’ll go,” Mackenzie said. “But first, I’ll take the body to the warehouse on the dock.”

“Wait. Check his pocket.” Lillian’s pulse raced at the prospect of seeing the precious necklace again.

Fabian bent over the lifeless figure and rummaged in his trouser pocket. He withdrew the chain and delved deeper to find her treasure. Clutching the items in his hand, he strode over to her and placed them carefully in her palm.

With trembling fingers she tried to open the clasp, but her hands were too cold.

“Allow me.” Fabian prised it open. He stared at the image before handing it to her, and then he cupped her cheek and smiled. “She’s as beautiful as her mother.”

It took Lillian a moment to rouse the courage to look. Water had seeped inside to wet the edges, but the image remained intact. She closed it quickly and clutched it to her chest.

“We should all head back to the castle,” Fabian said. “We need a hot meal, a roaring fire and dry clothes. We can alert the authorities tomorrow.”

Ursula hung her head. “What about me?”

“You will come with us for now until I decide what to do with you.”

Vane threw his wet shirt over his head and shoved his feet into his boots. “I’ll help Mackenzie move the body and meet you back at the castle.”

Fabian inclined his head. “As you wish.”

“I’ll go with Mackenzie, my lady,” Mary said, “unless you have need of me tonight.”

Lillian smiled. “No, after a hot bath, I shall be fit for nothing but my bed.”

Fabian stood beside her and took hold of her hand. “Come. We shall reconvene in the morning and discuss how best to proceed then.”

Mackenzie hauled Doyle’s body over his shoulder and, with Ursula following sheepishly behind, Vane and Mary accompanied him to the dock.