Free Kathryn Caskie - [Royle Sisters 02] by How to Engage an Earl Page A

change my mind, especially now, you brute!” she snapped as she turned her head and gazed toward the street.
    But the moment the carriage door opened, and the footman’s lantern illuminated the interior, Miss Royle stopped thrashing and became utterly still.
    The color that had risen into her cheeks drained away, and she became instantly pale.
    “Except that ,” she conceded.

Chapter 6
How to Catch Spiders
    A nne stared with disbelief at the three Old Rakes sitting across from a burly, truncheon-waving Bow Street Runner in the interior of the earl’s town carriage. The elderly trio was dressed entirely in black, and, at the moment they were trussed up like hens about to be roasted over a cooking fire.
    The earl released Anne from his grip. “So, we are in agreement, Miss Royle? You will assist me until the end of the season? I don’t expect my needs will extend beyond then.”
    Anne tore her gaze from the Old Rakes and glared up at the earl standing at her side. “I do not know what this could possibly be about, but it is clear that you believe you have me at some disadvantage and that I have noalternative but to follow your dictates.”
    “You have the right of it.” The earl cleared his throat. “Though you do have two choices.”
    “As many as that, two?” Anne folded her arms over her chest.
    “We can stand here while I explain why your and your sister’s guardians are on their way to Bow Street for questioning tonight. But detailing the events for you might take some time, and who knows who might happen by.” He glanced dramatically from side to side as if searching the square for interlopers.
    “What is my second choice?” Anne huffed.
    “You may simply agree to pose as my betrothed for the duration of the season, and the Old Rakes will be set free. Choose this option and we shall all go inside to discuss my requirements of you this very moment.”
    “Oh, good Lord.” Anne called out to Bow Street Runner, “Put down that bludgeon of yours and let them go, please!” She glowered at the earl. “Now, may we all go inside the house?”
    The earl held his hand to ear. “Excuse me, I haven’t heard you say—”
    “I agree— I agree . I will do whatever you ask.” Anne looked around the square to be sure no oneof account had witnessed the exchange. “Please, my lord, let us all go inside.”
    “Absolutely, my darling.” The earl grinned, and then waved to the Bow Street Runner sitting inside the carriage. “Cut them loose.”
     
    Lord Lotharian rubbed into his chafed skin the salve that the maid, Cherie, had slathered on his rope-raw wrists. “The fault of our capture was Gallantine’s entirely. I was hoisting myself from the bedchamber window when Gallantine came swinging past, tangling our ropes like a deuced spider’s web!”
    “Do you think I did it a-purpose? Lilywhite released my line far too quickly. It was either grab for you or shatter my bones on the terrace below.”
    Lilywhite’s plump face glowed like a beacon. “It was your screaming like a schoolgirl that drew the Runners. So I agree with Lotharian. The fault is yours, Gallantine.”
    The earl chuckled at that. “Actually, the Runners were already in the garden. I engaged them to watch the house for intruders since the staff had been allowed the evening to themselves.”
    “Why were the guards there to begin with?” Anne asked.
    Lord MacLaren lowered his head and looked down at his hands, clearly not wishing to reply.
    Apsley settled his hand on his shoulder. “His father was attacked and killed just over a year ago by burglars- thugs . They ransacked the house—and then it happened again just one week ago—just before Laird opened the Cockspur town house for the season. I made the report myself. I was passing by when I saw lights inside. Thought MacLaren had come home earlier than expected, but he hadn’t. Everything in the house had been turned topsy-turvy. Bloody mess. There were papers everywhere.”
    “Wait a