Free The Redemption of a Rogue (Dark Regency Book 2) by Chasity Bowlin Page A

over Lord Allerton’s untimely death.”
    Abbi met Lavinia’s gaze with a direct one of her own; one eyebrow arched imperiously. “I was under the impression it had more to do with the fact that she had attempted to seduce you and failed miserably.”
    Lavinia’s lips firmed into a hard line, the harsh expression revealing some of the damage from her dissolute lifestyle. “Always so judgmental, Abigail! But if you insist, then the answer is no, I am not pleased with the situation. In part because I had made other plans for Lord Ellersleigh, but also because of the scandal. There is no need to air our family differences for public consumption.”
    Abbi turned to Michael, whose only response was a familiar shrug. “What did you have in mind, Lavinia?”
    With a smirk, Lavinia explained, “We’re having another house party. Not our normal sort, mind you. We’ll save those entertainments for later. No, we’ll be having a formal house party with very respectable guests. Naturally, living as close as you do, you need not stay for the entirety of the party, but certainly coming for a few days should shelve most of the gossip.”
    Michael didn't wait for Abigail to respond. He knew, unequivocally that she would refuse. But if he wanted to get to the bottom of the torchlit, midnight gatherings in the woods, then getting back into Whitby Hall was a necessary evil. “We will attend,” Michael said. Instantly, he felt Abigail's censorious gaze settle upon him. Ignoring her chilling glare, he continued with an admonishment, “But, if there is even a hint of impropriety, you will rue the day you hatched any such scheme.”
    Lavinia laughed again, the sound no less chilling than before. “La, so suspicious! Guests should begin arriving within the next day or so…You will come to dinner on Friday. Most everyone should be there by then,” she called over her shoulder, as she breezed out into the bright morning sunshine.
    Quietly fuming, Abigail waited until Lavinia had cleared the door, her elegant gown sweeping behind her as she made a grand exit. With her scheming stepsister out of sight and hopefully out of earshot, she turned on Michael. How dare he make such decisions without even consulting her?
    “I have no desire to step foot in Whitby Hall ever again,” Abbi said. Livid at his high-handedness, she wondered what would come of Lavinia's poisoned olive branch. Crafting the misery of others was all that ever brought a smile to her stepsister’s lips.
    Michael sighed, “I've no wish to argue about this. I need to get into Whitby Hall, and this is the only opportunity we’ll have.”
    Abbi eyed him suspiciously. Whatever he was about, she had a sinking feeling that she would not care for it.. “Why? Why do you need to get into Whitby Hall?”
    He was silent for a long moment, one in which his internal debate over what to share was plainly written upon his too-handsome face. Abbi tapped her foot impatiently before finally saying, “Tell me, or I simply won't go!”
    He sighed heavily, resigned. “I can’t help but think there are no coincidences. Lord Allerton sought me out to play, and then played poorly even for him. I think your stepsister was behind it all… I think he intentionally lost Blagdon Hall to me so that you would be forced to seek sanctuary at Whitby Hall. I also believe that your sister murdered him, because he was too vocal in his disappointment at having to give up the house.”
    It made a convoluted sense, and if Lavinia was anything, it was convoluted. “And you believe that can be proven by visiting Whitby Hall?”
    “I think we should keep our friends close, and our enemies closer. It's all conjecture at this point. Until I know what Lavinia's and Rupert's ultimate goal is, which I do believe will be found at Whitby Hall, the other pieces of the puzzle will not make sense. I don’t like not knowing what your stepsister is up to.”
    A cold feeling of dread swept through her. Foreboding and