Free Twice Upon a Time (A Danby Family Novella) by Samantha Grace Page A

She clutched a large case in her hand.
    Julian nodded. “She’s the one.”  
    It had dawned on him too late that it mattered very little which woman he recommended to Pen since Julian had every intention of talking his cousin out of his plans on the morrow. He could have ended this nonsense hours ago.
    “Are you certain?” Pen asked.
    “Yes. Now I have done my part, and I’m growing impatient with this clandestine operation. I’m ready to play faro.”
    Pen rapped sharply on the roof and opened the window.  
    One of his servants moved into the woman’s path before she reached the end of the alley. “Pardon me, miss. Lord Penlow would like a word.”
    She froze like a rabbit, poised to dash away. “Step away from me, sir.” She readjusted her grip on the bag. The poor dear was probably frightened out of her wits, being accosted the minute she exited the alley, and who could blame her?
    “Make it quick,” Pen called out. “We have somewhere to be.”  
    When the footman turned his head toward Pen’s voice, she took advantage of the distraction and tried to bolt around him.
    “Stop her!” Pen scrambled from his seat and threw open the door. “Stop her now!”
    His servant lunged to grab the woman, hugging his arms around hers and knocking her bag from her hand. It hit the ground with a thud.
    “My bag!” Her panicked voice echoed off the building.
    “Quiet her,” Pen said. “Put her in the carriage.”
    “No!”
    The servant clamped a hand over her mouth before she let loose a scream and lifted her off her feet. She kicked and wriggled until he almost lost his hold. The hood fell away to reveal a cascade of dark hair.
    Julian shot out of the carriage. “What are you doing? You said nothing about abduction.”
      Her gaze darted toward him, her eyes wide, and her thrashing increased.
    “See what you’ve done?” Pen sprang forward and captured her legs. “Let’s put her in the carriage before someone discovers us.”
    Together, Pen and his servant struggled to toss her in the Berlin before Pen climbed inside. “Come on, Julian.”
    Julian hesitated a moment, then snatched her bag, and clambered into the carriage, closing the door behind him. Pen was sitting on the bench, holding his nose and oddly silent. The girl huddled in a corner, her breaths shallow and rapid. She was as scared as a church mouse. Good Lord, this might take some doing to make everything right.
    Julian placed her bag on the floor and reached a hand toward her. “No one is going to hurt you, miss.” As he leaned in, her leg shot out, and her boot struck him in the center of his chest.
    “Damnation!” He fell against the door; his side banged against the seat.
    She barreled for the exit, trying to climb over him to reach it. Her boot ground into his thigh, and she lost her footing on the slick fabric of his breeches. She dropped like a lead ball, her knee crashing into his groin.  
    Julian hissed in pain. Pinpricks of light danced in the blackness, clouding his vision. His gut wrenched, wringing every ounce of comfort from him and replacing it with excruciating torture.
    He would never trust his judgment again. He’d chosen a wildcat.
    As the waves of pain slowly receded, he became aware of her hands resting on his chest. She was no longer struggling as she sprawled atop him. Her face was inches from his, her lips parted in horror. The carriage was moving now, carrying them away from the theatre.
    “Please forgive me, sir. Did I hurt you?”
    Her large eyes glittered in the carriage lamplight and were filled with concern. His lips parted in surprise. He wouldn’t expect compassion from a woman he had just helped snatch off the street.
    “Of course you hurt him.” Pen grabbed her around the waist and hauled her off Julian. Her warmth was missed at once. Cool December air invaded the carriage through the open window. “Now do behave so we may conduct our interview and carry you to your destination.”
    She sat in her