HELD CAPTIVE BY A ROGUE

Chapter One

Kathryn sat excitedly on her bed, she had just received a letter from her father this morning and was now anxious to read it. "He wants me to join him in London for the season!" She squealed. Now that she was eighteen, she was finally old enough to enjoy all that London society had to offer a young lady of quality.

"That's wonderful, honey," Mary, the longtime housekeeper said, with a smile on her face. She had been taking care of Kathryn ever since she was born. "I'll get all your things packed and ready to go as soon as possible for you. Why don't you run along now, go ride that horse of yours, this will be your last chance until you return from London."

"Thank you, Mary. I don't know what I would do without you!" She replied, as she ran out her bedroom door heading for the stables.

As the sun rose high above the hills, Kathryn waited for her mount to be saddled. Shadow, the dapple grey mare had been a gift from her father on her sixteenth birthday. Kathryn had been so happy on that occasion, tears of joy had streamed down her cheeks. For the past two years they had been almost inseparable.

John, the head groomsman shook his head and watched as Kathryn and her horse jumped the south fence. "One of these days that girl will surely break her neck!"

Since she'd not been riding for several days, Kathryn allowed Shadow her freedom and flew across the countryside. When she finally slowed their pace, she saw a lone rider approaching.

"What brings you out this early in the morning Kathryn?" Roger Chatsworth, the Earl of Somerset asked her. "For a moment there, I thought you may be in need of assistance."

"That won't be necessary, for as you can see, I have my horse completely under control and we were just out for a morning ride, milord." Kathryn replied, coldly.

"Then you won't mind if I join you?"

"That's up to you, it's your property but I was just about to head back to the Manor."

"Come now, there's no reason for you to rush back, Kathryn." Roger cooed. "Ride with me for a little while."

Kathryn shifted uneasily under the staring eyes of the Earl, unsure of what to do. "You're looking at me so strangely, is there something wrong?"

"No, no. I was just admiring your beauty, my dear. You are beautiful you know." Reaching out, he ran his finger down her cheek.

Kathryn drew back at his touch, unable to control the rising panic he had instilled in her. "I really must be going your lordship," she said, just above a whisper.

"Very well my dear, another time perhaps...."

Kathryn turned Shadow around, pushing her to the limit to get to the safety of the Manor.

The Earl sat back on his horse and watched Kathryn disappear across the meadows. How long he had waited for her to grow up so he can make her his own. "My waiting will soon be over," he murmured, running his fingers across his dark mustache.

Kathryn rode into the stable yard at a full gallop.

"What on earth...!" John shrieked, when he saw Kathryn.

"You better give Shadow a good rub down, she's pretty winded." Kathryn said, dismounting quickly.

"What's happened? You look as if you've seen the devil himself!"

"I have John, I have...."

The following morning Kathryn woke early, now anxious to be on her way to London. She had never been allowed to attend any of the lavish balls before but now she was finally old enough. She ate her breakfast that Mary had brought her as quickly as possible.