Page 23 of After the Abduction

“True,” Sebastian admitted, the word eked out from a tight throat. “Tell me something. If by some chance my brother returned to England—”

“You said he went down with the Oceana,” Knighton interrupted, eyes narrowing.

“And I have no reason to believe otherwise. You saw that letter. But as a man of trade, you know that people do return from sea after years abroad, after their families have relinquished hope of seeing them again. Records are wrong, information is lost…We still haven’t given up hope.” When Knighton’s expression softened to sympathy, he felt a quick stab of guilt. “So if Morgan should return, what will you do?”

Knighton’s sympathy vanished. “Why do you ask? So you could hide him away from us? Warn him off?”

“No, indeed. You have every right to seek reparation. I merely want to know what form such reparation will take. To prepare myself, as it were.”

The gentleman’s blue gaze sharpened to steel. “I’d like him to stand trial for kidnapping.”

Sebastian could feel the noose closing around his neck—by thunder, the man had a vengeful temper. “That would mean a scandal for your family and Juliet.”

“As I said, that’s what I’d like. But she’d have to give testimony, and that would ruin her. Especially once it became apparent that she left Stratford of her own volition.”

He relaxed. “Then what else is left to you?”

“I could always call him out. That would put a swift end to it.”

Blast the man, duels never solved anything. Sebastian’s father had proved that. “You do like to fight, don’t you?” When Knighton bristled, he added hastily, “But couldn’t Morgan serve a penance that wouldn’t require having someone’s head blown off? He could marry Juliet. That would make things right.” Once Morgan was settled, there was no reason for Sebastian himself not to marry Juliet.

Knighton leaped to his feet in outrage. “My God, man, are you insane? I wouldn’t let that wretch touch her, much less marry her. What kind of penance would that be? To give him the hand of that sweet girl in exchange for his treachery! The very idea is revolting!”

Revolting was rather strong. Besides, she wasn’t a “girl” anymore, and she could make up her own mind. “She might not find it so revolting herself. She did run away with him once before.” All right, so she’d been singularly unimpressed by Sebastian’s kisses last night—but he could change that. “I’m thinking only of what’s best for your sister-in-law, you understand, and not the blow to your pride.”

Knighton stiffened. “What’s best for Juliet isn’t that she marry a scoundrel.”

Sebastian’s temper flared. “Then another penance, perhaps. A financial reparation? Because I’d happily offer that sort of recompense on my brother’s behalf—an ample increase to her dowry so she’d be able to find a husband regardless of any gossip.”

Knighton drew himself up proudly. “We didn’t come here to extort money from your lordship for my sister-in-law’s misfortune, I assure you.”

Stung by Knighton’s vitriol, Sebastian rose. “That’s not what I meant—”

“Juliet doesn’t need any funds from you.” He glowered at Sebastian. “If I ever see your brother again, I’ll take my own vengeance. I’ll make sure he’s ruined—with the navy, in society, in business, in any way I can get at him. And I assure you I know how.”

Undoubtedly. So much for Uncle Lew’s hope that Knighton might be reasonable.

“But since he’s unlikely to return and I’m to be deprived of my chance,” Knighton went on, “I must content myself with helping my sister-in-law get past this nasty affair. Which means keeping her away from you. She’s recently begun to show some spirit, but that could vanish if seeing your face starts her dwelling on the past.”

Sebastian bit back a hot retort. Seeing his face seemed only to embolden Juliet further, judging from her “spirit” last night. Her family didn’t know her half as well as they thought.

Come to think of it, that was why she’d fallen in with his plans so easily the first time. She’d been sick of being coddled and treated like a child. She’d wanted to stretch her wings, and the reckless “Morgan” had let her.

A pity that the only thing she wanted to stretch now was “Morgan’s” neck. No matter what she said about not wanting vengeance, her anger last night proved otherwise.

“So will you do your part as a gentleman?” Knighton asked loftily.

Sebastian gave the barest nod. “I’ll avoid your sister-in-law, if you wish.” Now if only she’d avoid him, he might make it safely through this until they departed.

“Thank you.” Slightly mollified, Knighton strode to the door, then paused to add, “I regret that we must inconvenience you, but it can’t be helped. I assure you that as soon as the road is clear, we’ll be on our way.”

Then he left, thank God. Sebastian had heard quite enough from Juliet’s meddling brother-in-law for one day.

But his torment wasn’t over. An hour later, a knock at his study door presaged the entrance of Lady Rosalind. By thunder, how many people intended to plague him today? Soon Knighton’s servants would be trotting in with accusations and recriminations.

Trying to subdue his irritation, he put aside an article on sheep shearing. “Good morning, Lady Rosalind.” He stood and indicated the chair her husband had vacated earlier. “May I help you?”

“I hope so.” As she sat down, she flashed him a blinding smile that lit up her plump face, illustrating what must have initially attracted Knighton to her. “You see…that is…I don’t know how to begin, but I need to speak with you about…well…”