The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (best new books to read .TXT) 📗

next day? He would be trapped in here while his adversaries were roaming free, building the case against him.

“God, You say You won’t let evil prevail over good.” He wrapped his hands around the bars and lowered his head to lean against the iron. “Please give Sophie strength, help her to find a good solicitor, and help her not to lose faith.”

C

HAPTER

13

HER HUSBAND HAD been arrested and carted off to jail.

Not words Sophie had ever anticipated thinking.

Charles had been arrested, and for something Sophie knew he hadn’t done.

After they loaded him into the wagon, she rounded on the onlookers. “How dare you? This is preposterous. You know he isn’t guilty. And you know who is.”

The crofters, farmers, and villagers looked from one to another, spreading their hands and raising their brows. “You gentry think you can do anything and get away with it. He got what he deserved,” someone shouted. Several heads nodded, exchanging looks.

“My dear, you’re overwrought.” Reverend Dunhill stepped forward, making a gesture as if he would put his arm around her. “I’m certain we can sort this out. Though I am surprised. I never would have believed it of the earl.” He sounded distressed and disappointed.

She stepped back, glaring. “I’d like you all to leave now. I have work to do, and I’m sure you all do as well, getting rid of the contraband in your houses and barns. Trumping up more charges to make sure you get away with your crimes.”

“We ain’t the ones with a barn full of liquor,” came a voice from the midst of the crowd. “Caught proper, his lordship is.”

A carriage trundled up the drive toward them, and for a moment, Sophie’s heart leapt. Were they bringing him back? But no, it wasn’t Charles. However, when the horses pulled to a stop, she almost cried. The Haverly crest decorated the door, and none other than her brother stepped out.

It was all she could do not to disgrace herself by running straight into his arms. Marcus was here. He would help her. He would help Charles.

Such was the power of his presence that people parted to make way for him. He strode through, looking neither right nor left, keeping his eyes on Sophie. When he mounted the steps, he put himself between her and the preacher.

Tears swam on her lashes, and she blinked hard.

“What have you been getting yourself into, Sophie?” His gentle teasing almost proved her undoing. He slipped his arm around her waist, bringing her into his side and turning to face the villagers. “Disperse now. If you’re not involved in this debacle, I will expect you to support your mistress wholeheartedly.” He stopped, and an edge entered his voice. “If you are involved in this travesty, know that you will face justice. You’d best get yourself on the side of the angels, or you’ll find yourself in dock when I sort this out.”

He guided Sophie and the girls into the house and closed the door in the face of the reverend when he tried to follow them inside.

“How did you know?” She spoke the muffled words into his waistcoat as she hugged him.

He sighed. “We’ve got work to do. I’ve sent Partridge to London for a barrister, though I’m hoping we won’t need him.”

“Partridge.” Sophie straightened. “I could have sworn I saw someone in the village last week who looked just like him …” Suspicion raised its head. “Have you been spying on me through him?”

“Spying? Me?” He put his hand to his chest. “Nonsense. It would take someone more clever than I to be a spy. Didn’t you get my letter, or Mother’s? I told you I would be coming for a visit since I had urgent business in the area. Partridge came with me, as he usually does. I was in Lyme Regis this morning, ready to set out for Gateshead, when a man rushed into the taproom and interrupted my breakfast with news that the Revenue men had departed to arrest the new Earl of Rothwell.”

“He’s not guilty. The very idea is preposterous.” Anger flared in Sophie’s middle, causing her to tremble.

“Hello, Mamie. You’re looking well.” Marcus reached out a hand to clasp Mamie’s, his eyes warm. He had always had a soft spot for Rich’s mother, and Sophie loved him for it.

“Who is this man?” Betsy asked, coming to stand beside him, looking up a long way. “He has long hair.” The captain’s bicorn slipped off her head to the floor.

Marcus squatted and picked up the hat, placing it gently on her head once more. “I’m most anxious to be introduced to you as well, young miss.” He looked at Sophie. “Care to perform the niceties?”

“There isn’t time. I have to get to Charles. I’ll tell you everything on the way. Girls, you are to stay with Mamie and Mrs. Chapman and be good. I’ll be back with the captain as soon as I can.” Sophie picked up her reticule from the table in the foyer and plucked her spencer and bonnet from the hall tree.

Mrs. Chapman bustled into the room carrying a small valise. “I put a few things in here for you, milady, in case you have to stay over.”

“You’re a treasure. Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Mamie fluttered her hand. “Go, child. We will be fine.”

“I’m leaving a couple of guards here to watch the house.” Marcus took Sophie’s arm and the valise. “Ladies, I’m going to ask that you remain inside the manor until we return. My men will keep you safe.”

Thea predictably crossed her arms and shot her chin out, but Penny nodded. “We’ll stay inside. Just help the captain.”

In the carriage, Sophie gripped her hands in her lap. She was so grateful for Marcus’s presence, she felt weak, but worry constricted her throat and pressed her shoulders like a yoke.

“Who are those girls? The little one is cute enough to eat.”

“They’re Charles’s wards.”

Marcus’s brows shot up. “How did he come to have