A Regency Christmas My Love Read Free Page A

taking that tone with me?  I have done nothing to you.”  Vicky backed into the corner of the carriage wanting to disappear from the situation.  This man was scaring her and her arm still hurt from his hand.
          “Oh, yes, you have done plenty to me”. He smirked at her then growled a low nasty sound.  “I saw you at your father’s many times before and I knew then that I had to have you.  You will fetch a very nice price and then I can use you as I wish.  It will be a profitable arrangement and will provide a roof over your head.  I cheated your father out of everything.  He was a very poor gambler not to realize my tricks.  I knew that it would be easy to get you and everything he had.  I even arranged for their accident, all because I had to have you.”  He reached for her and she slumped further into the corner of the carriage to keep his hands off her.  She shook with fright.
         “Are you insane.  I shall scream and bring the watch.  I will howl my outrage.  Keep your hands off me.”  Vicky slapped at his hands and raised her leg to kick him.
      “ Struggle all you like. I will have you.”  His smile turned into a hideous leer.  Mister Crawley grabbed her arm and yanked her into his lap.  His hands moved roughly over her chest and down her back.  His mouth was mauling hers and bruising her lips, Vicky screamed and he slapped her but she screamed again until he hit her with his fist.  Then Vicky sank to the floor of the carriage unconscious and very glad of it.
     
    ****   
         Creighton came back to Vicky’s room and knocked about an hour later.  There was no answer.  He called and nothing.  He went to the owner of the hotel, Mister Manner and made him check on his guest.  The room was empty except for Vicky’s trunk and valise.  Her only possessions were left behind. Her hat, gloves, and pelisse were still in the room. Creighton searched the whole of the apartments.  The maid he bought was told to make herself useful and hang her gowns in the wardrobe.  He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair.  Something was definitely wrong and he would find out what happened.
         “I don’t understand it. She was waiting right here for her new maid.  Do you know anything?  Was there a visitor of some kind or did you see her leave?  Mister Manner, you will answer me here or at the watch.  I will know what has happened to my charge.”
         “I did have a man, a very tall man with a really tall top hat.  He was searching for her.  He said he was from the bank and that she owed him a debt.”  Mister Manner paled.
        “What was his name? Did he tell you his name?”  “No…yes…maybe…he said a Mister Crawley from the bank.  That was it.  He was very well dressed.  I did not think there would be any wrong in telling him her room.” He swallowed hard and looked away.
          “He gave you some money for the information, did he not?” Creighton stood straighter and looked down his nose at the innkeeper.  He was all aristocrat now.
         “ I am Lord Creighton Brewster the Sixth Earl of Brawley and if I find that you have done anything improper to Miss Grace, I shall see you prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Creighton’s face was red with rage and he stood over the tubby Mister Manner with his eyes glaring.
         “I am going to the New Bank of London and ask about this man.  If I do not find him there, I will bring the watch back here with me.”  Creighton walked toward the door but Mister Manner called him back.  “Please my Lord, I meant no harm.”  He swallowed.
        “Oh no…do not do that…I will tell you.  He is a man that owns the largest gaming establishment in Cheapside.  It is called the Frolicking Fellows.  It is on the Eastside. I would not go there unescorted.  It is a vile den of thieves.  You must protect yourself, my Lord.”  He bowed low to Creighton feeling