Jaded Moon (Ransomed Jewels Book 2) by Laura Landon Page A

oceans apart.
    His long, competent fingers held the reins to the carriage as if he’d been born with ribbons in his hands. His control over the team was both gentle and masterful, reflecting hours of training by an expert. His words were elegant and refined, and his voice as he explained every detail of his proposal, cultured. She was mesmerized by him as if he had the ability to cast spells. And to her chagrin, the plan he’d formulated was, if not brilliant, at least remarkable enough that she could envision its success without question.
    If only he were someone she could trust. If only he weren’t a member of the nobility. If only he weren’t just like her father. No. She could never give up that much control to someone with his reputation.
    She was left with no choice but to keep coming up with road blocks to deter his enthusiasm. And he was, if not enthusiastic, at least confident. She could hear it in his voice. See it in the gleam of his steel-gray eyes. Feel it as if his determination were a palpable thing that had a will of its own.
    But stop it she must.
    Josie stiffened with new resolve. How could she even consider agreeing with him? This was a man who hadn’t cared enough for St. Stephen’s to take a personal interest in anything that had happened here his entire life. What guarantee did she have that before he put his plan into motion he wouldn’t tire of the country and go back to his wild and carefree life in London? What guarantee that before anyone saw even one pound of profit from the sale of the cattle, he’d decide to use his money elsewhere and leave them without notice? What guarantee did she have he even had enough capital to fund such a venture? She certainly hadn’t seen any indication of abundant wealth.
    Oh, no. She couldn’t chance putting the children’s lives in his hand. At least now she had control over the provisions that came into the orphanage. Going along with his plan would change all that. The shipments would have to end. No one would dare bring anything into the coves if there was a risk they might be seen and arrested. And if his plan failed? What then?
    She looked over at him and threw out another obstacle. “And just where do you intend to find the knowledgeable manpower you’ll need to care for the number of cattle you intend to raise?”
    “The number of out-of-work soldiers returning from the Crimea is staggering. Not all of them are city-bred. I venture a great many young men were raised on a farm and know a great deal about cattle.”
    “But who will contact them and where will they live?”
    As if he found humor in her attempt to erect another barrier, he looked down at her and smiled. The broad upturn of his lips caused matching creases to indent on either side of his mouth. They turned his handsome features from simply arresting to magnificent and Josie’s stomach somersaulted.
    “I have the means at my disposal to hire as many men as we’ll need. And there’s an old hunting lodge on St. Stephen’s not far from here that can be used as a barracks of sorts. After the conditions most of the soldiers endured in the Crimea, a roof over their heads, a warm fire, and plenty of food to fill their bellies will seem like heaven.”
    Josie clamped her mouth shut. He was right. She knew he was. Yet, every clop of the horses’ hooves took them closer to the border that separated St. Stephen’s and Clythebrook. Closer to the broad patch of land near the cliffs where she couldn’t allow him to venture. How long would it be before he discovered what the cove was being used for? How long before the authorities were summoned and they were all arrested?
    “This scheme of yours will never work, Lord Rainforth. There are no—”
    “Miss Foley.”
    He pulled on the reins and the carriage came to an abrupt halt. She had to grab onto the seat to keep from falling against him.
    “Before long you will run out of reasons why my proposal won’t work and you will have to admit