Page 2 of Ruthless, But for Her

“I agree,” Ryker said. “The extra coin could come in handy.” He nodded past the docks, past the men pulling rigging and the multitude of ships that called Mere's End home.

They stood in silence at the harbor that had always been home... a life for the three of them that someday could kill them.

He wasn't sure how long Ryker had been gone when he finally noticed the quiet. He should follow, go to Margot's, speak with her, get it done. Instead he stayed, scanning the horizon for problems no one else could see yet. Considering what might go wrong. How they could keep this from being the day their luck ran out.

Eventually he left the docks and disappeared into the unpaved streets of the harbourside, the only home he'd ever known.

Neither English nor Scottish. Its people loyal to no one but themselves.

A place the daring visited and the desperate stayed. Where a man could disappear.

As his mother had.

CHAPTER 2

Cassia

“At least I'll have my books.”

Cassia placed the last of them in her trunk, one of three she'd been told to bring. Her husband's instructions had been clear. Three trunks. No more. Her maid could come, but no other members of the household.

“Your father bid me to escort you to the evening meal.”

She looked around the small but well-used sitting room that had served as a library while she was growing up. Cassia hadn't realized how much she'd missed this room.

“My lady?”

Nell watched her as she always had. Expectant, as if Cassia knew the right thing to say. Perhaps her mother had, when Nell was her maid. Perhaps if she had lived longer, her mother could have taught Cassia to do the same.

She could have taught her to navigate all of it. The marriage. Her father's lie. Nell's silence.

From the corner of her eye, a deep blue book with gold etching caught her attention.

“I nearly forgot this one,” she said, picking up the manuscript her father had purchased for her so many years ago. Despite their modest means, he'd engaged a tutor, and so the French text was one she had devoured, not just the day he brought it home, but many days after.

Nell came up behind her. “I will carry this one for you. The trunks are packed full.”

As she handed the tale of impossible love over, Cassia looked into Nell's brown eyes. She had never expected them to hold secrets. Not from her. Nell had loved her like a mother, and she was certain she still did.

So why didn't you tell me?

As it had been so many times this past year, the question formed in her mind but never crossed her lips.

“Thank you. I should go before Father becomes impatient.”

Nell didn't disagree, but nodded and took the book instead.

“So that you are forewarned, Cook has prepared quail for your last evening here.”

Cassia returned the half smile, imagining her father's expression when dinner was served. Indeed, as she joined him in their small dining hall, the raised dais with room for only three, she greeted him properly.

After all, as he had said to her many times: ‘We may have little means, but you are a lady, Cassia.’

“Good evening, Father.”

“Good eve, Cassia.”

She sat. The hall was filled with retainers, some of whom she'd known her whole life. Perhaps coming here first before heading north had been a mistake. It served only to remind her how happy she had been here, and she had not known it at the time. She'd been too busy feeling sorry for herself. Now she would give anything to be a young maiden in Grantchester Manor once again.