Savage Deception (Liberty's Ladies) by Lynette Vinet Page B

must admit that you’re quite different now.”
    Tanner inclined his head. “Maybe.”
    “Well, you are. Tell me, how did you become so wealthy?”
    “What makes you think I’m wealthy?”
    “Your clothes and the townhouse, of course. A poor man couldn’t afford such things. But what interests me is how you made your money and how you are close enough to Lord Rawdon that you can arrange David’s release from the hangman’s noose — that is, if you can do what you said,” she reminded him.
    For a split second, Tanner looked quite uncomfortable. He glanced down at the garden and then shrugged when he turned his attention back to her. “Since leaving Briarhaven, I’ve not been idle, Diana. I’ve worked hard and made a number of investments that have paid off handsomely.”
    “What sort of work and investments?”
    “You are a curious kitten, but what I’ve done isn’t your concern. Just know that I have plenty of funds to keep you in the grand style to which Kingsley allowed you to become accustomed.”
    Goodness! Tanner made it seem as if she were a fortune huntress who’d married him for his wealth. How dare he imply such a horrible thing when he damned well knew why she agreed to marry him. “Your money isn’t my…”
    “There’s Curtis,” Tanner broke into her sentence and pointed as a plain dark carriage stopped on the opposite side of the street, allowing them a clear vantage point from their elevated position.     
    In the fading twilight, Diana watched while Curtis went to the door and opened it. He spoke to the occupants, and when David and Anne emerged, followed by the three children, something tugged at Diana’s heartstrings. They looked rather confused, but all of them were safe.
    “I must speak to them,” she told Tanner, and turned to run through the french doors. Tanner stalled her with a strong hand on her waist.
    “Our agreement was that you see they’re safe, not that you speak to them.”
    “But I have to talk with Anne—”
    “No.”
    “Tanner, please!”
    “No.”
    Before Diana could say anything else, Tanner whistled and Curtis ushered the Richmonds into the carriage and then they were off. The steady clip-clopping of the horses’ hooves over the cobblestones was a clear indication that her family was gone. She had no one now. No one but Tanner.
    Tears burned her eyes and abject misery shrouded her features when she shrugged off his hold of her. “You’re a cruel man, Tanner Sheridan. Anne must wonder about me.”
    “Anne knows you’re safe.” His voice sounded as controlled as he looked. Not a flicker of an eyelash betrayed the fact that he might feel remorse for not allowing her to bid her sister farewell. “Curtis is transporting them to safety tonight. You need not worry about them any longer. I promise you that no harm shall befall them.”
    What could she say to that? Tanner had kept his word and had David released from prison, there was no reason not to trust him further. Yet she was alone now, very much alone and at Tanner’s mercy. Frustration and anger warred within her, her eyes shooting sparks of fire. “I intend to hold you to that promise, Tanner.”
    “I have no intention of breaking it.”
    “Good. I hope you don’t since I’ve lived up to our agreement by marrying you.” Diana struggled with the need to berate him but gave up, knowing it wouldn’t do any good. “I’m suddenly very tired. Tell Cammie I won’t be eating, that I’d appreciate some help in undressing for bed.”
    Diana swished through the doorway that opened into the bedroom from the piazza. She thought she had closed the doors, but when she began to take off her cloak she found that Tanner was standing inside the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.
    “I told you to get Cammie for me.”
    “Cammie’s gone for the evening. I dismissed her.”
    She was more alone than she thought. “Then I shall undress myself. Good night, Tanner.”
    Shrugging off her cloak,