“Pray do not concern yourself. He will not get past the gatehouse. And by now my mother will be in the curricle, on her way to Lady Jacobs’s party, where she will remain until I have returned and can collect her myself.”
“But he will not give up, even then.” Alex could hear renewed anxiety in her voice and had to suppress the almost overwhelming urge to comfort her in the manner which spontaneously sprang to mind. By some extreme effort of will he resisted taking such an improper course, making do with stroking her slender back, soothing her as though she were a fractious child. “He will undoubtedly set about quizzing your staff, or more likely get his man to do so.”
“And what will he discover?” Alex lifted his shoulders. “That I have removed to London, that is all, and there is nothing remarkable about that. I visit the capital on a regular basis.”
“But he might also learn that you were accompanied on your journey by a lady who has been a guest in your house.”
“Perhaps, but only if there is someone in my employ who values his position so little that he is prepared to reveal that information. I have given specific orders that your visit should not be mentioned to anyone and I seriously doubt that those orders will be disobeyed. But even if he does somehow gain that intelligence, what then?”
“Well, he might look for me in your London home.”
“Where he will have no better luck than he did here.” He transferred his attention from her back to the trembling shoulder resting on his knee. “Have courage, Estelle. I know you are fearful of him and I comprehend your anxiety. But take comfort from the fact that he cannot get near you or force you to do anything against your will when you are in my company.”
“And when you are not with me?”
“I shall not leave you unprotected until this matter is resolved.”
“That is not what I meant.” She popped her head up, only for him to push it sharply back down again. The only sounds inside the carriage as they passed through the outskirts of the village were the wheels gliding over the rutted road and Estelle’s anxious breathing.
“It is all right,” he said after a moment or two more during which no words passed between them. “We are beyond the village now and it is safe for you to get up.”
“Thank goodness!” Bonnet askew and face drained of all colour, she lifted her head, her insecurities on plain view as she gazed at him through trusting eyes.
Alex cursed beneath his breath. It was beyond his ability, would likely have been beyond any man’s power, to resist her as she appeared at that moment. Her eyes were wide with anxiety, and he was mesmerized by the sweep of her extravagant lashes as they fluttered to rest against her pale cheeks. The rise and fall of her breast as she struggled to contain her fear only added to his dilemma. To Alex she had never appeared lovelier or more vulnerable. His arm was still resting on her shoulder and he pulled her head against his chest, intent upon reassurance. Her eyes opened wide with surprise and he thought she was about to object. But she made no attempt to evade him. Encouraged, Alex’s free hand moved to set her bonnet straight and then pushed a springy curl behind her ear.
“You worry too much,” he whispered. “It is not at all flattering that you set such little stock by my abilities to protect you.”
“It is not that, it is just that I—”
“Shush, no more talking.”
She was looking directly up at him, her lips plump and so achingly tempting that Alex gave up all efforts at restraint. Slowly, giving her ample opportunity to object, he dropped his head, angling it to avoid colliding with the now straight peak of her bonnet. With infinite gentleness he covered those lips with his own. Savouring the sweet taste of her mouth, he gradually increased the pressure. His body pulsated with desire when he discovered that she did not have the slightest idea how to return his kiss. The knowledge both heartened and infuriated him. Her brute of a husband had clearly not taken the time to allay her very natural fears about her marital responsibilities with soothing preliminaries before forcing himself on her.
All to the good, Alex decided, putting his heart into pleasing her. He teased her lips apart with his tongue and lazily explored the contours of her mouth. As he drew her closer and deepened the kiss she let out a tiny sigh, whether of outrage or pleasure he was not entirely sure at first. But when her arms wound their way round his neck, a feeling of triumph ripped through him. That she was following her instincts and actively seeking to prolong the moment became apparent when she pressed her body more closely against his side. It was a headily sensual gesture underlined with a sinuous grace that left him breathless and aching for more.
Her action, and the sensations that threatened as a direct result, brought Alex to his senses. Disciplining himself to ignore his growing need, he reluctantly lifted his head and released her. Another cry, and this time it was definitely one of protest, passed her lips.
“Better?” He raised a questioning brow as he removed his arm from around her shoulders and settled her back in her seat.
“Is that how you resolve all the problems with the females under your care?”
Alex’s lips quirked. It was too late for her to pretend disinterest. Her cheeks were scarlet. She put up her chin in a belated attempt to appear dignified, looking everywhere except at him. Her response to his kiss had told him far more then she could possibly imagine. He would wager his fortune that she had never before acted so impulsively and was doubtless overwhelmed with guilt for enjoying the experience. She did not yet appreciate that she possessed a passionate nature and was clearly embarrassed by what had passed between them.
And so she was attempting to place the blame at his door, which was indeed where it belonged. It had been most ungentlemanly to impose himself upon her when she was so totally dependent upon his patronage. He should not have given way to his impulses and vowed that he would not do so again.
With considerable difficulty Alex wrenched his mind away from the alluring prospect of awakening her passions and the peculiar effect the prospect was having upon him. He had bedded more women than he could remember. What was so special about this one? He did not know and disciplined himself not to dwell upon the issue. There would be time enough for introspection when they had found her wretched sister.
But then what? It was a question which had cost him much sleep the previous night and one which he had yet to find an answer to.
“We are bound for Ramsgate but that is all I yet know. Tell me more about this callow youth whom your sister developed a tendre for and why you anticipate finding them together.”
“Mr. Porter is articled to Nesbit and Jones, the solicitors who took care of Mr. Travis’s business affairs.”
“Yes, so I apprehend.”
“Marianne was staying with me in Hertfordshire, a month or two before Mr. Travis had his accident. Whilst she was there, Mr. Porter called about some business on behalf of his employers. It detained him in Hertfordshire for several nights, which threw him into frequent company with Marianne, since he dined with us each evening. He is an intelligent and engaging young man and it did not harm his cause with Marianne that he is also frightfully good looking.”
“I daresay it did not, but I feel persuaded that your father would not have approved of a mere clerk paying court to your sister.”
“Indeed he would not have. However, he was not there and I did not think there was any harm in it. Marianne almost swooned when she first espied Mr. Porter. I could tell immediately that her partiality for the young man was returned by the way they looked at one another and the excuses they made to be together. I caught the two of them in close conversation several times, conversation that ceased when they noticed my presence. I also found them alone in the summerhouse shortly before he left.”
Alex chuckled at her expression, which failed in its effort to be censorial.
“Very remiss of me, I know. I am unaware how long they had contrived to be alone. I am not much of a chaperone, you see.” She turned dancing hazel e
yes in his direction. “And once he had left, Marianne could not stop speaking about him. She whirled around the house saying it was love at first sight—”
“She was that smitten?”
“My sister has a flair for the dramatic. But even so, I thought as you do, at first anyway. I had seen her in love before but her partiality for Mr. Porter did not wane when he left, so I was gradually persuaded that this time it was different. There was an indefinable air about her; about them both when they were together, which was impossible to misinterpret.”
“But you did not encourage her partiality?”
“No, for I knew it was useless. She was determined to wait until Mr. Porter was out of articles and could make a life for them both.”
“They had talked of such matters? It had progressed that far?”
“I believe so, from some of the remarks she subsequently made. I reminded her that she had agreed to marry Mr. Cowper. But she just waved the notion away and said she would find a way to avoid that fate.”
“Which is why Porter’s one-line response to your enquiry after Marianne makes you so sure she must be with him?”
“Quite. As I said before, I could see how taken he was by her. Indeed what man could resist such a jewel? But even if he was not, surely politeness alone would require him to ask why I was seeking her and if there was any way he could be of assistance? I cannot understand it at all,” she said, frowning. “Mr. Porter’s manners are punctilious and his attraction towards Marianne was absolutely genuine, I would stake my life on that. And that is why I cannot accept he would be so unconcerned about her welfare.”
“Which,” said Alex, covering both of her hands with one of his own, “is precisely why we are heading directly to Ramsgate now. Try not to worry. We shall soon have all the answers.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
She spoke quietly, with heartfelt dignity. Strange things happened to him as he felt the full force of her gratitude shining from the luminescent eyes that rested upon him with transparent faith in his abilities. He knew then that he would move heaven and earth, do whatever was necessary, to ensure that her trust in him was not misplaced.
“But presumably, when your sister first went missing, you acquainted your father of your suspicions in respect of her attraction towards Porter?”
“Well, no, actually I did not.”
“Really!” Alex did not have to feign his surprise.
“I suppose I should have done so but, even in my anxiety for her, I did not wish my father to know that I had allowed her partiality for the young man to develop beneath my roof. I decided to write to Mr. Porter myself, thinking that if Marianne was with him he would not be so cruel as to prolong my suffering and would confess to it. And, of course, the situation was delicate. Had she been so, well…”
“Had she been living with Porter they would have had to marry and your involvement need not have been disclosed.” He inclined his head. “I understand completely, you have no need to berate yourself. Anyone in your position, with such a parent to answer to, would have acted in a similar fashion.”
“Thank you.”
“But you still did not alert your father to Porter’s possible involvement when you received his reply to your letter?”
“No, I did not. But you must appreciate that I had just lost my husband, my baby and my senses and was not thinking coherently.”
“The fact that your father is ignorant of their attraction towards one another is to our benefit. He will not think to look for your sister in Ramsgate—or for you either, since what possible reason could you have to visit the town?”
“Indeed, that is a comforting thought, my lord.”
Alex shifted away from her, profoundly moved by her apparent faith in his ability to keep her safe. “Since we are now partners in this investigation, perhaps it would be more expedient for you to address me as Alex.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you. When we are not in company I shall, but I would not presume to do so in front of others.”
“As you wish.” He leaned his shoulder against the corner of the carriage, wriggled into a more comfortable position and closed his eyes.
“We have some distance to travel yet,” he said. “It would be as well to try to rest.”
Chapter Ten
Alex fell asleep immediately, evidently untroubled by the guilty conscience that prevented Estelle from following his example. She had been relieved beyond words when he insisted upon sharing the burden of responsibility for her sister’s welfare. Watching him set about doing so in a competent manner that suggested he was unused to failure encouraged her to hope.
But that did not mean she intended Lord Crawley to take complete control of matters. She wondered whether she should wake him in order to emphasize her determination in that respect. She was on the point of doing so but the sight of his craggy features relaxed in repose, of the unruly curls falling across his brow making him appear years younger than he was, gave her pause. There would be time enough later to make her feelings known.
Estelle turned her thoughts to that kiss, her face flooding with colour as she recalled its searingly passionate nature. She should not have permitted it, of course, and certainly should not have allowed him to see quite how much she enjoyed it. But having reached the conclusion that he entertained no such aspirations she had relaxed her guard and his advance had taken her completely by surprise. Her reaction had been entirely spontaneous and for once she simply went with her feelings instead of trying to decide how she ought to behave.
And thus the elegant sophisticate sprawled on the seat beside her had, with one impulsive gesture, engendered in her an explosion of sweet sensations the like of which she had long ago despaired of ever experiencing. But the memory would have to last a lifetime. She would be more vigilant whilst in his presence in future and it would not happen again.
Satisfied that she had her emotions under control, Estelle closed her eyes and attempted to sleep, convinced she would never manage it. Which was why, when she felt the carriage slowing and opened her eyes, she was so surprised to discover that they were pulling to a halt in front of Fairlands, Susanna’s home. It was a good two hours away from Crawley Hall, which meant she must have slept soundly the whole way.
“What are we doing here?” She sat up and blinked the sleep from her eyes.
“We need to travel on in something a little less conspicuous. I do not think it likely that your father will send his spies in pursuit of me but, just in case, it is better to be cautious.”
“Yes, that is true, I suppose.” The distinctive Crawley family crest was emblazoned on the doors of their current conveyance. Estelle was grateful for Alex’s caution yet miffed because he had not bothered to share his thoughts with her before turning in the direction of Fairlands.
“I was rather hoping that Michael might loan us a phaeton. I will then send my coach back to Crawley Hall and we can travel on anonymously.”
“Do you not have a phaeton of your own? Is it really necessary to throw ourselves upon Susanna and Mr. Cleethorpe at a time when Susanna is not feeling quite the thing?”
“Of course I possess a phaeton but I could not have concealed you in it so easily. If your father was abroad, as proved to be the case, he would have seen us driving away together.”
“Oh, I see.” The stinging retort she had been formulating died on her lips.
“Oh look, here are Michael and Susanna.”
“Estelle, is that you?” Susanna broke away from her husband and tripped lightly down the steps. She embraced Estelle as soon as Alex assisted her from the carriage. “What a delightful surprise. But what brings you here, darling?”
“It is a long story.” Estelle blushed self-consciously, aware of Mr. Cleethorpe looking from her to Alex and back again, a flicker of amusement in his eye.
“Then come inside and relate it.” Susanna linked her arm through her friend’s. “And you are just in time to join us for luncheon.”
&nbs
p; “Thank you,” Alex said. “We are famished.”
The meal was a rowdy affair, attended by all of Michael’s sisters. They greeted Alex with casual affection and proceeded to bombard him with a litany of impertinent questions, which he countered with an air of tolerant forbearance. When they had eaten their fill, Alex and Michael retired to his library for a few words in private, the girls returned to their lessons, and Susanna and Estelle were finally in a position to exchange their news.
“Now tell me at once what brings you here, alone with the dashing Lord Crawley.”
“Well, he discovered who I really am, found out about Marianne and now insists upon helping me to locate her.”
“Does he indeed!” Estelle was not surprised when Susanna’s grin broadened, doubtless already drawing inappropriate conclusions. “I wonder what could have moved him to such feats of chivalry.”
“My father, most likely.” Estelle explained about his unexpected appearance at Crawley Hall.
“Fustian! Does the man never give up?”
“I have never known him to be swayed from his purpose before but perhaps he has met his match in Lord Crawley.”
“Very likely.”
“Which is why we wish to borrow a phaeton from your husband, just in case he has somehow contrived to have Lord Crawley watched.”
“Humph, I would not put it past him.” Susanna ground her teeth. “How I wish I could accompany you to Ramsgate, what fun we should have! But, of course, Michael will not hear of it.”
“I should think not, in your condition.”
“I am perfectly well but I shall go out of my mind if I must spend the time until my confinement being mollycoddled. Michael does not allow me to be alone for more than two seconds at a time. If he is not able to bear me company himself at least one of his sisters is always by my side. It is as though he does not trust me to behave myself.”
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