by Vikki Vaught
Robert held his breath, hoping she would behave and not make any outlandish statements. To ensure she didn’t, he interceded, “Thank you for sending round the note asking me to bring Melissa. She’s looking forward to meeting Hardesty’s wards. Lead on.”
Millie smiled at him and his daughter, and it lit the room. Affection tugged at his heart. While they climbed the stairs, she told Melissa the story of how the French children became the viscount’s wards.
His daughter’s eyes widened when she heard how they had saved Hardesty from his captors. Melissa peppered her with several questions before they reached the schoolroom. When they entered, the governess stood and greeted them.
Two children came forward. The boy Gerrard, gave his daughter a courtly bow, and his sister executed a perfect curtsy. To his surprise, Melissa managed to return it without falling. After the introductions, the youngsters started chattering, especially the little girl Aimee.
Since the meeting was going splendidly, and the governess agreed to supervise, he and Millie returned to the drawing room for refreshments. Once they were seated, she smiled. “That went well, did it not?”
“Very well, indeed,” he replied, then chuckled, “Once the children showed Melissa their pets, I knew it would. I told you she loves animals.”
Millie’s eagerness to have the youngsters become friends bode well for a possible future with her. By the easy interaction between her and the French children, they must spend time together on a regular basis.
She handed him a cup of tea. “It was nice of Miss Allen to offer to supervise.” They discussed the children for several minutes, then she said, “Tell me more about your position in Parliament.”
As he told her about his work, her thought-provoking questions further convinced him to move forward with his plans. Millie was highly intelligent. Her understanding of the issues their government faced regarding the war with France impressed him. The conversation turned to music, and he learned she enjoyed singing.
“Would you like to see Hardesty’s music room?” she asked.
“I would.” He stood and offered her his arm. When she slid her hand in the crook, the physical contact had his loins tightening. The attraction he was experiencing for the woman was a little unsettling. It had been years since he’d felt such strong desire.
Once they were inside, she closed the door and moved to the pianoforte in the center of the room. He asked, “Do you play?”
She sighed. “A little, but poorly, do you?”
He grinned. “I actually do. Shall we find a piece we both know and play a duet?”
She opened the piano bench and pulled out the sheet music. Once they settled on something they could both play, they sat side by side, their arms touching. Pinpricks of awareness raced through him.
They placed their fingers on the keys and began playing. When they each reached for the same one, she giggled. “I told you I’m not any good. Why don’t you play, and I’ll sing along?”
Since the piece they had selected had a vocal arrangement, he played an introduction. Her melodious voice filled the music room, and he had a hard time concentrating on what notes to hit. When she reached the last stanza, her voice soared, and the hairs on his arms stood up.
After she finished, she laughed. “Oh, how much fun. You play beautifully.” She cast her eyes downward. “It’s been years since I sang for anyone.”
He tilted her chin upward. “Your voice is incredible.” Unable to stop himself, he gently kissed her, truly planning for it to remain light. He nipped at her lips, and she parted them, allowing him entry. She shook under his assault, which enflamed his passion. The kisses grew heated, and his body tensed. He had to stop before he lost all control.
“Oh, what you do to me.” He groaned. “You make it extremely difficult to behave as a gentleman ought.”
Her cheeks blushed a delightful shade of rose. “While I enjoy your kisses a great deal, you were right to stop. Anyone could come in.”
He stood, then helped her up. “We’ve spent more time in here then we should have. It’s time to return to the schoolroom. I must retrieve my daughter.”
“As you wish, my lord.” Her voice wavered, and she blinked several times.
Devil take it. She’d taken what he’d said the wrong way. When she went to draw away, he pulled her to him. “Forgive me for my blundering words. There’s nothing I enjoy more than kissing you, and I’m glad you like mine. I just don’t want to rush you. My intentions are honorable; I assure you. I’m not looking for a dalliance, but something more. I shall speak with the viscount tomorrow, and let him know I want to formally court you.”
Her blue eyes shone with hope. “I would like that.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “I’m glad it pleases you. Now, let me get Melissa. I shall see you tomorrow after I speak with Hardesty.”
When he arrived the next day, he stepped into bedlam. The entryway was filled with people. The viscount’s strained countenance foretold something dire. “Beg your pardon. I’ve come at a bad time. I shall take my leave and return later.”
“Actually, my good man, you could be of assistance.” The viscount quickly filled him in on what was going on. His wife and his ward Aimee had been kidnapped.
God’s teeth, no wonder the man’s eyes screamed turmoil. He glanced at Millie and took in her terror-filled expression, her eyes red and swollen from weeping. “I would be happy to assist. I rode over, so my horse is fresh.”
The man grabbed his hand and shook it. “Thank you. I need all the able-bodied men I can find. Let me introduce you to the others.”
The great brute of a man standing next to Hardesty was one of his brothers-in-law, a Mister Hawks. He had two outriders with him. The viscount told him his other brother-in-law, Baron Billingsley, should be returning any moment.
While they awaited the baron’s return, Robert stepped beside Millie and touched her arm. “I’m so sorry. I shall do everything in my power to help find your niece.”
She wiped at her eyes and whispered, “Thank you, Robert. I’m terrified for her, and for Aimee. Hardesty needs all the assistance he can get.” Another man rushed into the room. “There’s Lord Billingsley now.”
The viscount asked, “Are the horses ready?”
“They will be by the time we get to the stables,” the baron drawled.
A woman bustled in with a basket. Clearly the housekeeper, since keys hung at her waist. “Cook packed food for your journey. We’re all praying for your wife and your ward’s safe return.”
“Thank you. I will bring both of them home safe and sound.” Hardesty turned to the men gathered around. “Let us depart. Too much time has already passed.”
Robert squeezed Millie’s hand. Although he desperately ached to hold her and tell her all would be well, he did not have the right…yet. Turning from her, he joined the rest of the men, who were pulling on greatcoats and scarves.
The viscount strode out to the stable yard, and Robert followed the others. When they reached the horses, everyone mounted, and with all haste took the path to the spot where the French boy had last seen the viscountess and Aimee.
From what was discussed, Gerrard had been knocked out and awoke tied to a tree. He’d managed to free himself, and once he realized his sister and the viscountess were gone, he’d raced back to tell Hardesty.
The viscount picked up the trail. They rode for ten minutes and found more hoof prints. Based on the northerly direction of the trail, Hardesty told them he believed the kidnappers were headed toward his wife’s small estate, Winston Hall.
Robert prayed the man was right.
* * *
After the men departed, Mildred turned to the housekeeper and made sure chambers were ready for the viscount’s sister. Lady Billingsley took Mrs. Hawks upstairs amidst several crying children and an infant.
Marjorie had collapsed, and two footmen carried her to her bedchamber. Mildred went with them to make sure she was all right. Her friend had ga
ined her decorum by the time they reached her room.
Mildred remained with her while the maid helped her get settled, then she returned to the drawing room. Soon, Lady Billingsley arrived with Mrs. Hawks. Although she’d met the woman on more than one occasion, she didn’t know her well.
Only God knows what she thinks of me.
Mildred tentatively said, “I’m sure the men will bring Mary and Aimee back to us unharmed. In the meantime, let us have some refreshment. I’m sure you’re famished from your journey.” She arose and summoned a servant.
Mrs. Hawks took a seat on one of the settees. “I pray you’re right.” She dabbed at her eyes.
“I trust the children are settled?” Millie asked.
“They are,” she replied. “It was good to see Gerrard again. He told me he relished having them to take his mind off Aimee while we await news. Thank you for making sure my chamber was ready.”
“I’ve been praying ever since I learned they were taken.” A servant entered interrupting their conversation, and Mildred requested tea. The maid departed, and a few minutes later, returned with the tea tray. Although Mrs. Hawks had married a sea captain, she was also the widow of the Marquess of Overton, so Mildred deferred the honor to her. “Would you like to pour?”
Lady Billingsley spoke up. “You can do it.”
Mildred sat on the sofa, quickly poured tea and filled plates with finger sandwiches and cream cakes, handing one to each lady. The silence was deafening as each of them sipped their tea.
After several uncomfortable moments, Ben, Charles, and Michael rushed into the room. Ben struggled as he swallowed several gulps of air. At nineteen, he still had problems with asthma. She hoped he wasn’t having an attack. “Wallis told us what happened to Mary. I wish I’d been here. I could have gone with them to search.”
Thankfully, his breathing evened out. “I’m sure you would have liked to help find her, but perhaps it’s better if you’re here to stand in Hardesty’s place until he returns with your sister.”
Ben straightened and puffed out his slight chest. “I shall talk with his steward and see if he needs anything.” Her nephew wasn’t strong, and didn’t need to be out in such wet weather.
Charles interjected, “I could have gone.”
“Me, too,” Michael added.
Not wanting a riot on her hands, she soothed, “I know you would have been a great help to Hardesty, but please don’t worry. He has five other men with him. He will find your sister. Now, let me pour you a cup of tea.”
The young men settled on an adjacent sofa, and Mildred filled three more plates with an assortment of sandwiches and biscuits. The food distracted them, thank goodness. After everyone finished their refreshments, Lady Billingsley and Mrs. Hawks went to their rooms. The boys followed Ben to offer their assistance to the steward as well.
When Mildred went upstairs, she peeked in on Marjorie, and her friend’s maid told her she was resting. She made her way to the schoolroom to check on the children. She entered, and Gerrard came to her, his face pinched with concern.
“I wanted to go with le capitaine. I need to find my sister.” The boy’s voice broke.
Mildred placed an arm around his slim shoulders. “Hardesty will find Aimee and my niece. What we can do to help is pray. Now, I’m sure you made Mrs. Hawks’ children feel welcome. I would like to meet them.”
“I will do as you ask, my lady. And I shall introduce them.” Gerrard turned to the other children. “This is Lady Mildred.”
The young boy bowed and informed her he was the Marquess of Overton. Then he grinned. “But, please call me Harry.” He playfully touched the girl next to him. “This is Melanie, my sister. The other little girl is Ariana, and the baby is my brother, Anthony.”
Mildred smiled at the children. “I’m pleased to meet all of you. Thank you for introducing me, Harry. And please feel free to call me…” She hated her name. It was time to use what her father had called her so long ago. After all, a new person, a new name. “Aunt Millie.”
Gerrard glanced her way with a startled expression on his face and she hastily explained, “Millie is the name my father used. I’ve decided to use it again.”
The boy bowed. “As you wish—” he hesitated, and cautiously added, “Tante Millie.”
Her heart leapt at hearing her special name used again. From now on, she would be Millie, at least with the children and Robert. She turned to the other youngsters. “Would you like me to read you a story?”
The little girls nodded, and soon all the children were clustered around her. Spending time with the little ones helped distract her. After she finished reading, the girls hugged her before she left the schoolroom.
By the time she made it to her bedchamber, it was time to dress for dinner. She washed her hands and face and donned another dress Marjorie’s maid had altered. This one was a dusty rose satin, and surprisingly enough, it complemented her complexion. Pink didn’t normally go well with her auburn hair, but this shade did.
While it mattered not what she looked like, she did want to make a good impression on the ladies. She nervously patted her hair, then made her way to the drawing room.
Tears threatened at the thoughts of what horrors could be happening to Mary, but she needed to be strong for her nephews. She would not let them down, so she stiffened her spine and entered the room.
* * *
Robert followed the rescue party with Hardesty in the lead, stopping along the way, seeking information. At the second inn, the viscount learned that two men with a woman and a young girl had passed through. The stable lad had heard one of the men mention Winston Hall. Relief swept through Robert. He’d feared the viscount might be on the wrong path. At least they knew Hardesty was right in his assumption.
After that, they didn’t stop again until they changed the horses. There, Robert overheard the viscount speaking to a groom, and the man told Hardesty about a landmark that would help them find the property.
At last, they reached the estate and stealthily entered the residence through the kitchen. Using caution, they reached the entryway. Hardesty and Hawks captured and bound one of the cohorts. The viscount turned to Robert. “Will you watch out for anyone who shows up, and make sure they’re detained while we go upstairs?”
Robert nodded, pulled out his knife, and slipped into one of the empty rooms, leaving the door ajar. A scream tore through the house as Hardesty and the others pounded up the stairs. Before Robert could react, he heard a shot. Should he go upstairs and investigate, or remain at his post? With one man bound and gagged, that only left the other thug.
Coming to a decision, he raced to the next floor. Hardesty, Hawks, and Billingsley knelt beside one of the fallen men. Robert rushed forward as another scream came from a room up ahead.
Hardesty dashed forward with Hawks at his side. Billingsley turned to him. “Help me carry Melton to a chamber.”
Devil take it! Mildred’s brother. He grabbed the man’s feet as the baron lifted his shoulders. Fortunately, the door to their right was a bedchamber. They carried Melton inside and laid him on the bed.
Rage warred with compassion as the earl moaned.
He grabbed Robert’s sleeve.
Another shot rang out.
“Oh, God,” Melton gasped, “not Mary.” He struggled to sit, but he grabbed his chest and fell on the pillows behind him, drawing in a ragged breath.
By that point, Billingsley had run from the room. Robert sighed. As much as he wanted to find out what was happening, he had to stay with Melton. He checked the man’s pulse; it was weak. The man tried to grab his arm again, his breath, coming out in rattling gasps.
Robert looked at Melton’s ashen face as the man spoke again. “I…” another gasp, “need to…” the man clutched his chest, “Mary…talk to…her.” The man’s eyes fluttered then closed.
“I’ll see what’s happening.” He rushed from the room and met Hardesty carrying his wife. By the way she had her arms wrapped around he
r husband’s neck, she didn’t appear to be hurt.
Thank God. Mildred would have been devastated if she’d been harmed. Robert grimly told them, “The earl’s fading fast, and he’s asking for Lady Hardesty.”
“Where is he?” she asked, struggling out of her husband’s arms.
“He’s in there.” Robert point to the open door behind him.
Mary rushed to her father’s side and leaned over him. “I’m here, Papa.”
The earl opened his eyes. “I-I’m sorry, Mary. P-please forgive…me.” He gasped for air. “I never…meant this…to go so far.”
She clasped her father’s hand. “None of that matters now. You need to concentrate on getting better.”
Robert watched as the old man attempted to squeeze her hand. “Daughter. T-there’s no time. Take care…your…brothers. You’ve married…” he pulled in air, “good man. He’ll help Ben…until…reaches…majority.” Her father drew in another shallow breath. Then his chest stopped moving.
Lady Hardesty sank onto her heels as her husband comforted her. She didn’t cry out, just remained still with her head bowed. They stepped away, giving them a moment of privacy.
Things happened quickly after that. They located the little French girl in the wine cellar, safe. The magistrate took responsibility for the bodies of the marquess and the thug killed by the earl, along with the other man they’d tied up in the parlor. Hardesty asked Robert to go to Wallingford Manor and tell Millie and her nephews the earl had died.
Lord Robert left at first light, and he rode hard, determined to reach Millie quickly. While the earl was a detestable human being, he’d still been her brother. At least, he could tell her personally instead of hearing the news in a missive.
Thank God, the snow remained in the heavy clouds. He prayed it would remain dry. That would help him make haste to his sweet Millie’s side.