Love's Misadventure (The Mason Siblings Series Book 1) by Cheri Champagne Page B

there was a stipulation in his godforsaken grandfather’s will. And he needed Annabel’s dowry. It was the largest of all the unmarried ladies in London, and his father’s debts were great, indeed. Annabel was the female he required as his wife.
    Anthony raised the door’s knocker and let it fall with a clunk .
    He had come by the Bradleys’ home yesterday, but Major Bradley had said that Annabel had the headache and refused him entrance. He did not for a moment believe the bastard’s tale.
    The front door opened, and the Bradleys’ butler, Tim, stood in the opened doorway.
    “Good evening, my lord.”
    “Good evening, Tim. I am come to inquire after Miss Bradley’s health.” He didn’t give a rot about the chit’s health.
    “Miss Bradley is not at home, I’m afraid, your lordship.”
    Anthony heaved a sigh as sharp annoyance jolted through him. “Might I inquire as to her whereabouts?”
    “Miss Annabel has responded to an urgent letter from her grandmother in the country and left directly to her aid. The remainder of the family have gone to the Massingale ball this evening and are not expected to return for several hours.”
    Rage began to burn its trail through him. “Thank you, Tim. Good evening.” He turned and mounted his gelding, Nightmare, and brought him into a gallop down the drive.
    That fat bitch ! How dare she leave town without so much as a word to him? He would not stand for this unruliness, just as he would not accept any disobedience or rebelliousness during their marriage. He would find out exactly where she went, and he would ensure that this did not happen again.
     
    * * *
     
    The hack jolted along the rutted dirt road, Lane, Anna, and their captors jostling with each roll of the wheels. The curtains had been pulled closed, creating muted light in the interior of the equipage.
    Lane clasped his hands in his lap, fearing that if he moved them separately, their abductors would realize that they had forgotten to tie them again.
    They swerved in a turn, and fear spiked in his gut. He’d thought on several occasions over the past few hours that they should reduce their speed, but despite his advice, Frenchie continued to hit the ceiling with his fist, demanding the red-haired, scarred driver increase his speed.
    He had scarcely slept the night before, his thoughts warring with his need to sleep. It had pained him to see Anna so distraught, so fearful for her future. He had not realized how very much it meant to her, being regarded well in society. He should have, of course; it was a terrible oversight on his part. Naturally, being kidnapped, such as they were, would ruin her in the eyes of the ton .
    It was a quick decision he’d made last evening that he’d meant to discuss with her, but for Billy threatening him with a pistol. He could not see Anna hurt, could not witness her destruction by society’s hands. So while he may not be able to bed her, or father her children, he would most certainly give her the protection of his name.
    Abruptly, the hack lurched as it sped in a turn, interrupting his thoughts. Lane pressed his feet to the seat opposite, pressing his shoulders deep into the squabs and wedging himself as securely as possible.
    There was a strangled yell, several crude exclamations, and the frightened whinny of horses before the hack lurched again. He reached for Anna, wrapping his arms tightly around her, and prayed that she wouldn’t get hurt.
    The horrifying crack of wood and glass rent the air as the hack flipped.
    Their three kidnappers were thrown across their seats in a mass of tangled limbs, but Lane pressed his shoulders deeper into the cushions and held Annabel tighter to resist the force of the roll, one arm across her shoulders and one around her hips.
    Garbled shouts and dreadful curses were lanced through the air as the men tumbled about.
    They rolled twice, the roof crunching and cracking before the hack made its last roll and settled on its side. Lane caught