The Heart of the Rose

14

     As they were riding off in the carriage Rose paid attention to her surroundings. She was sure Ethan did not ask her brother and Rand to take her anywhere! She would wait and assess the situation herself before she lost her calm. Besides she wanted to talk with her bother. This would be an excellent opportunity to do so. He would have to listen if they were in a carriage together.

"Where are the three of us off too?"

It was Flynn who did the talking. He was worried Rand would let the cat out of the bag.

"The duke asked me to get you to some place safe. I am not sure what I am keeping you safe from but that is what he asked and as your brother it is my duty to keep you safe. Do you know what harm he thinks may come to you?"

She knew he was keeping her safe from her brother and his scheming. But she knew her brother was not behind someone trying to hurt her, his explanation could be plausible. She would see what happened. If she did not feel right she would call in the Calvary. Besides she wanted to know what her brother need for her for other than money.

"I see, after all there have been several attemps on my life so it all makes sense."

Flynn was relieved that what he told her made sense but he was not happy someone had been trying to harm his sister. They may have not been close but she was his flesh and blood. He wanted to ask who was after her, but he knew his excuse why he was taking her would no longer make sense. Maybe she would let something slip while they were on their trip to Gretna Green. Rose knew they were heading out of London when she noticed a post declaring its arrow was pointing towards Scotland. She would need to stay alert she did not want to be married off to Rand for any reason.

Ethan knew where Flynn would be taking her but would he be bold enough to leave the country straight away? Or wait till thing's died down? He was not sure he wanted to risk her passing in to Scotland. He did sent messages to several agents requesting they all head out to Gretna Green and to keep a look out for the Earl of Ruislip and the Earl of Potts and to stop them from entering Scotland. He had no idea of which route they were taking they would cover them all. He took the road towards Southall it was a good resting point and it was heading towards Rand's family estate. If someone stopped him he could claim they were heading there. No one would question that.

Twelve hours after they left London they arrived in Slough where they would spend the night. Rand and Flynn had a friend who lived in the town. It would be a perfect place to stay out off the main highway during daylight. They were planning on only driving during the evenings hoping not to be noticed. When they arrived at Abe's he was expecting them. Rose was shown to a suite where warm water was waiting for her and the men retired to the study to talk. Rose's relaxed in the warmth of the water and began to make her plans.

First she was going to have to figure out what they needed her for. She knew what the outcome they wanted was and that was marriage between her and Rand. Second she needed to figure out who was trying to kill her and why. Third she needed to know if they were still following her? If so she would need to obtain a weapon. How did she get into such a mess. No season was worth this aggravation. If Ethan did not want her she decided at that moment to stay single for the rest of her days.

Rand and Flynn sat in the Earls study enjoying a drink to relax.

"The beauty upstairs is really your little sister Flynn? She looks nothing like you?"

Flynn took a drink and shut his eyes.

"She is nothing like me. I barley made it through school she would rush through it and still beg for more. She is a bluestocking through and through."

"How borish. I did not think that would be your type Rand?"

Rand laughed. She was most certainly not his type.