Andrews Brothers 02 - The Rescue Page 14

  “Lord Mountjoy,” she offered.

  The footman stepped aside and they entered. Rowena handed Chadwick’s greatcoat and her pelisse to the footman. “Where is Bennington?”

  “Umm, I don’t know, my lady.”

  “I see.”

  Chadwick peered over the footman’s head. The corridor was empty of persons, yet the echo of raised voices reached his hearing. “It sounds like someone is having a party.”

  “Oh, no, not a party, my lord, more like an argument.”

  “Ah.”

  The footman continued, “You see the young mistress has taken off, and they’ve all gathered in the library to discuss her whereabouts. The staff has a pool going. It could be she left for the coast where her original love has secreted himself to the sea, or it could be she returned home. That’s where I’d go, or it could be—” The footman stopped suddenly, his cheeks reddening. As if he just realized to whom he spoke, he said, “Come this way, my lord.”

  They followed him to the library and stopped at the open door.

  “Well I say I don’t know what happened to her! The Hagans haven’t spoken to the young lady since we arrived.”

  “I saw how you looked at her,” added Lucretia. “Like you wished to devour her.”

  “And we saw how you looked at her. Why, you tried to cut her up! Maybe you snuck and done it while she slept and you done buried her up on the hill,” said Cormac in his thick Irish brogue.

  Winlock buried his head in his hands and groaned. Garrett patted his shoulder and whispered in his ear.

  Chadwick searched for Devlin. He stood alone in a corner, his head bent. Chadwick pondered his actions. Should he inject into the conversation or wait until he was acknowledged?

  The wail that rent the air sent his heart racing. Rowena ran to Winlock’s side and fell to her knees. “Oh, Lord Mountjoy, I’m so sorry to hear about Farrah. If there is anything that Andrew and I can do…”

  Her words drifted away. Winlock cradled her hands and drew her to the seat beside him. Her actions had scared the crowd into silence, but only briefly.

  “What are they doing here?” asked Cormac.

  “They are our closest neighbors.” Trace nodded in Chadwick’s direction.

  “So? Do we need more people? I say we gather and take some of them thoroughbred horses from Daddy’s stable and look for the lass. She couldn’t have gone too far.”

  Trace bristled and lifted his balled fists. “I’m tired of you insulting our father.”

  Cormac laughed. “You, with your fancy speech and stuff, was still nothing more to the old man than a servant. Did you wash out his pantaloons?”

  Trace lowered his fists; his face transformed a bright red. “At least I was allowed in his presence! You were sent to live with a maid!”

  Insults volleyed back and forth. Devlin didn’t move. Garrett didn’t move. Winlock didn’t move. Chadwick had to do something.

  “Stop this foolishness!” The authoritative tone bellowed from Rowena. Everyone gazed with wide eyes as she rose shakily to her dainty feet. “One thing we know for certain is that Farrah isn’t in this room. Now get outside and look. She could be freezing to death.”

  The lot of them rushed to the library door, fighting to get through the exit first. Rowena sighed and Chadwick fought a rising tide of laughter. The room cleared, and Rowena returned to Winlock’s side. Chadwick attempted to move closer, but was thwarted.

  “I don’t know what is happening and it doesn’t matter to me, but I know you know something.” Devlin’s accusation struck him the wrong way and he fought to control his rising temper. If he gave away the game, Farrah would really be in danger.

  Voice neutral, brow arrogantly cocked, Chadwick crossed his arms over his chest, and said, “I don’t know what you mean. Garrett came to the house looking for Farrah, and we rushed over to offer our assistance.”

  “Of course, that’s why you’re here. It has nothing to do with the fact you have a fondness for the young lady yourself.”

  “I didn’t say that,” said Chadwick his lips twitching at the thought of Farrah and her loveliness.

  “You won’t have her.” The words were stated in a matter of fact way with no emotion.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Devlin leaned in close. “Sometimes things aren’t as they seem.”

  Devlin moved away, and exited the room. Chadwick’s cravat tightened around his throat, and sweat broke upon his brow. What did Devlin know that he didn’t?

  Chapter Eighteen

  While the Hagan brothers, Trace, and several footmen searched the grounds, Devlin marched through the gardens, tapping the end of his cane hard against the path. Weeds grew through the mulch and he stomped them. He bit his lip. Something wasn’t right. Discreet inquires had revealed that Rowena Ravenlowe was barren. She’d never had a son, nor had her husband.

  In an out-of-the-way spot, Devlin sat. The cold from the stone bench permeated his clothing. Wind whistled and howled lifting the hem of his greatcoat. Ignoring the weather and his level of discomfort, he tapped his finger to his chin. Most everyone accepted the new son of Rowena without question. Words were whispered, but no one spoke their doubts aloud.

  Whoever this Andrew Ravelowe is, he is good. He’d fooled an old woman into believing she had a son! How many swindlers can enact such a feat?

  He couldn’t let Andrew’s success distract him. He could analyze Andrew’s tactics later, after he’d won and sold all of Clovis Flannigan’s property.

  Devlin massaged his forehead. If only he had convinced Clovis to play the game before the wedding then none of this would have been necessary. He needed to visit his employer and see if she had any suggestions. Waiting for Gaston Gouge to make a decision in his favor seemed wrought with peril.

  While men busily searched for Farrah, Devlin commandeered a horse. The journey wouldn’t be quick, but it had to be made.

  ****

  Chadwick and Rowena arrived at Ravenwood late that afternoon. Their meal languished in the kitchen, and the staff rushed to bring it to the dining hall. Satisfied, Chadwick leaned back and patted his stomach.

  “Ah, that was delightful. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

  “Yes. Consoling the bereaved can take a mighty toll.” Rowena burped, and snickered.

  Chadwick rushed to hide his smile. More food sat on the sideboard and he studied it. It seemed there was something he should do. He slapped his head. “I haven’t fed Farrah!”

  He jumped from his seat, filled a plate, placed it on a tray, said a hasty goodbye to Lady Rowena, and rushed from the room. Halfway up the stairs he heard the knob rattling and whispered pleas.

  “Someone please help me. I need to get out of here. Please…”

  Chadwick balanced the tray on his leg and grabbed the key from a hidden panel next to the door. Pushing inward, he was surprised to find Farrah lying against the doorfacing.

  He lowered the tray to the floor and lifted her into his arms. Carrying her to the settee before the fireplace, he set her down before retrieving the tray. When he returned to her side, he held a glass to her lips and waited.

  “Ah, thank you. I thought I would die before anyone came.”

  “I’m truly sorry. I should have told Kingsley to minister to you.”

  She waved the words away and took the glass from his hand, drinking greedily. Finished, she plucked a biscuit from the plate and shoved it into her mouth. Rolling her eyes, she moaned with pleasure.

  Chadwick settled on his haunches.

  She consumed the entire plate of food then frowned. “Is that all?”

  “Do you want more, my lady?”

  “Oh yes, please. And do bring more biscuits, and if there is a sweet for dessert, that would be heavenly.”

  He restrained his laughter at her dramatics and hurried downstairs to do her bidding. When he returned, she hadn’t moved. The back of her hand lay over her eyes. She peeked through an eyelid, sniffed the air, an
d exhaled.

  The next fifteen minutes all she did was eat. Every crumb consumed, she patted her stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.” He had been sitting cross legged next to her chair, but now he scooted back. A smile tinged her lips. “Perhaps I overdid. Give me a moment.”

  Chadwick stoked the fire and added an extra log. Flames licked the wood. In the rising smoke he imagined two figures running hand in hand. Children laughed and trailed along behind them. He reached out.

  “Andrew!”

  He twisted.

  “What are you doing? You almost stuck your hand in the fire.”

  “I-I—” Heat infused his cheeks and he backed away and sat on the sofa. He didn’t reply, and prayed she would forget the incident.

  Silence pervaded the room. The sound of his rapid heartbeat echoed in his ears. He drummed his fingers against the chair arm. They needed a topic of conversation. “So how was your day?”

  She cocked a brow. “You can’t be serious!”

  He shifted uncomfortably.

  “Perhaps you should try to change the subject to something else.”

  So she was aware of his plan. Very well, he would do as she requested. “Garrett stopped by.”

  She straightened. “He did?”

  “Yes. But you need not worry. Mother and I rode over to Norhaven and she fixed everything.”

  “How?”

  Pride swelled his breast. “Mother was meant for the stage. She put on the performance of a lifetime. She expressed concern over your disappearance and offered to assist in any way possible. Even offering our footmen and horses for the search.”

  “But why? Does she know I’m hidden in her attic?”

  “Yes, she knows.”

  She rose and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. “How can I ever thank you?”

  Chadwick gulped, but kept silent. He didn’t trust himself to speak.

  ****

  Hours had passed since Farrah had fallen asleep. He’d covered her before retiring to his own bed chamber. Now Chadwick tossed and turned. What was he going to do? The love he felt for Farrah grew daily. Simply helping her acquire her inheritance and freedom from Devlin wouldn’t be enough.

  He faced the window. A stream of moonlight flowed through the drapes and swathed the floor.

  One thing for sure, he couldn’t tell her the truth. Who would want him when they realized he was penniless? If he could just keep up appearances for a while longer then perhaps he could think of a new plan. Maybe it would be all right to remain as Rowena’s son if he proved his worth. If he increased her holdings then maybe she wouldn’t want to get rid of him when she discovered his deception.

  He flung his legs off the side of the bed and padded to the window. Horses and men returned. Stable hands shook their heads. They were asking the searchers if they’d found Farrah, and their answers of course were no.

  Away from the window, he dropped before the fireplace. What if they discovered her lame horse left behind close by in the woods? What if the furry highwayman tried to rob another and gave a description of Chadwick to the searchers?

  Farrah needed to be moved and soon. Keeping her at Ravenwood was too dangerous.

  He fell asleep on the sofa and woke as the sun rose. Dressed, he descended and enjoyed his breakfast in the dining hall. Rowena had yet to come down, so he ate alone. Kingsley carried food to the attic.

  Chadwick pretended to read the paper, but the words blurred. He needed to get out of here. Paper folded, he laid it on the table. The chair grated as he scooted it. He stood and came face to face with Devlin. Lord Greywold wore a fierce scowl. His greatcoat gaped open and his cravat hung askew.

  “I demand to know where you’ve taken Farrah.”

  Chadwick pointed to himself.

  “Yes, you! Everyone knows you have absconded with the young lady. She was last seen riding close to town on the horse of a man fitting your description. I demand to know where you’ve hidden her.”

  Chadwick crossed his arms over his chest. “What right do you have to barge into my home and demand anything of me?”

  Devlin’s scowl lifted and his lips twitched. Chadwick swallowed as Devlin drew a piece of paper from his coat and handed it over.

  Not a word was spoken as Chadwick moved to the window. His fingers trembled as he unfolded the note. Morning light struck the words and his stomach clenched.

  Chadwick,

  I do so hope that by now you’ve regained your memory. Imagine my shock when one of my minions described you to a tee and said you were the son of a Lady! I must say masquerading as the son of a crazed, wealthy woman is absolutely brilliant!

  The reason I write is to inform you I know your nasty little secret. If you want to stay hidden away from your brother and not suffer the consequences of your past indiscretions in Stockport, then I suggest you give over Farrah Flannigan to Lord Greywold.

  Do not try to harm Forster. He doesn’t know you’re secret, but I have people watching and if something happens to him you will suffer greatly.

  Thanks for your continued acts of duplicity. They have been very rewarding and entertaining.

  Lady Vonda Badrick

  Bile rose in his throat as he closed the note and threw it into the fire. Devlin leaned casually against the doorframe. Whether or not he knew the contents of the message didn’t matter. Vonda had Chadwick over a barrel. He could either give up Farrah and save his own skin, or he could doom himself and let Farrah stay hidden.

  What was he going to do?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Brigitta fretted over the broken wheel. “What are we going to do? Oh, Luke, we can’t just sit here. I need to reach my cousin. The last missive seemed urgent.”

  “Yes, yes, I know. But it appears circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from continuing our journey. We must consider finding a room and staying in this quaint town until the wheel is properly repaired.”

  Luke didn’t enjoy his wife’s distress, but the situation was indeed beyond his control. The first day of their journey they had been assaulted with sheets of blinding rain, which had forced them to take shelter for the night. The second day the rain had tapered but wind had rocked the carriage violently, and the driver had refused to go further than a mile before securing lodging. The third day the wind had calmed, the rain had ceased, and the sun had taken to the sky. Many days of good travel seemed possible. But rutted, muddy roads made the trek slow going. Holes, dug out by the rain, encased the carriage’s wheels. The continued strain had caused a wheel to splinter and break. Now they were stranded on the side of the road.

  The driver had gone for help while Luke, Brigitta, and a footman waited. Upon the driver’s return they would travel to the nearest town and bed down for the night. At that time, Luke would assess whether continuing the journey north was worth the effort.

  “You must stop frowning.”

  “Pardon?”

  “I said stop frowning. Whether you are happy with the situation or not, I will not turn around and return to Stockport until I’m sure my dear cousin is safe.”

  “Brigitta—”

  She held her hand up. “Do not argue with me. We both know who shall win.”

  He rolled his eyes skyward. “Yes, we do.”

  He lowered his chin. Brigitta smiled, apparently pleased by his concession. If she only knew that he fingered herbs hidden within the folds of his pocket. Tempt him and he would knock her out and haul her unconscious form back to Stockport. She would wake up and not know her whereabouts. At which time he would convince her there was no other place she would rather be.

  He snickered under his breath. A sick gut-wrenching guilt filled him. What was he thinking?

  He ran his hand through his hair. Maybe rehashing all of Chadwick’s less than stellar acts was rubbing off on him and he was turning into his younger brother. Heaven forbid!

  The rattling of wheels alerted him. The driver arrived in another carriage, his arm waving. He had arrived just in time
to relieve Luke of his memories.

  ****

  The door creaked and Farrah jumped to her feet and rushed to hide behind a row of trunks. Peering around the side, she exhaled. Andrew.

  Stepping out, she said, “I’m so glad you’ve come. I’ve been so lonely up here, I thought I would be forced to talk to—”

  She stopped in mid-sentence. Andrew wasn’t alone. Devlin accompanied him. She backed up and slammed into a stack of trunks. They toppled and struck the floor with a loud thud.

  “What is he doing here?” she wagged her trembling finger.

  “He is here to return you to Flannigan House.”

  Andrew stepped aside, and Devlin and Garrett moved forward and grasped her arms. They pulled. The heels of her shoes created a clean groove along the dusty floor. As she passed Andrew, she yelled, “How could you? You betrayed me!” Her voice lowered. “I thought you were my friend.”

  Andrew’s face fell and she almost felt sorry for him. Garrett and Devlin tightened their hold. She twisted as they descended the narrow stairwell, but it was no use. She was wedged against them and the wall with nowhere to go. Giving up, she allowed them to haul her from the stairwell, through the upstairs hallway, down the winding staircase, through the foyer, and to the vehicle waiting outside. Deposited within the confines of the Berlin the odor of sweat assaulted her senses and she drew out a perfumed handkerchief and held it to her nose. The cloth enacted a dual purpose as it hid the tears leaking from her eyes.

  “Do not be distressed, my lady. I promise to protect you.” Garrett closed the Berlin’s door.

  “And that has gone so well so far,” she muttered.

  Garrett reached in and patted her hand before leaving and climbing astride his horse. The Berlin jerked and Farrah steadied herself.

  Lord Greywold narrowed his eyes. “The best way for you to remain unscathed is to do as I say.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Is that so? And what is it you want me to do?”

  “Simple, really. I want you to step aside and let the solicitor do his work. If the man finds in my favor then I will give you the deed to your father’s land, and you can walk away.”