A Most Noble Heir

by Susan Anne Mason

  Bert nodded. “Sometimes we have to hear God’s message several different ways before it finally takes root.”

  “Especially in someone as stubborn as me.” Nolan laughed again, marveling at the lightness of his soul.

  “Would you like a bowl of stew, Master Nolan?” Franny asked. “We’d just finished our meal before you arrived.”

  “Thank you, but I’ve eaten as well. Though I’ll take a cup of tea, if you have it.”

  “You know the pot’s always ready in this house.”

  She soon set a steaming mug in front of him and freshened her husband’s cup as well.

  “How are you getting on with the earl?” Bert asked as he stirred his tea. “Have you come to terms with your new station in life?”

  “I believe so. Things aren’t perfect with Edward, but at least now he understands that Hannah will always be part of my life. Of course, giving him a grandson has made a huge difference in his attitude.”

  “Aye. I imagine his lordship must be busting his buttons.”

  “You’re right. I’ve never seen a man so smitten with a babe before.” Nolan took a long swallow of tea. “I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten our conversation in the smithy. As soon as things settle down, I plan to speak to Edward about increasing the workers’ wages and possibly starting a retirement collection for the more senior servants. Then I’ll look into how to improve things for the tenant farmers.”

  Bert gave him an approving nod. “Just knowing you’re on our side is a great comfort.”

  A loud rap on the front door interrupted them.

  “Who could that be?” Franny frowned and went to open it.

  “Is Nolan here?” Molly’s anxious voice drifted inside. “I need to speak to him right away.”

  Nolan rose from his chair as the girl entered. “Molly? How did you know where to find me?”

  “Hannah sent me.” An expression of terror haunted her pale features. “You have to come quickly, Nolan. The baby is gone, and Hannah is beside herself.”

  A bolt of alarm shot through Nolan’s body, but he struggled to remain calm. “I’m sure everything’s fine. The nanny likely has him.”

  Molly shook her head, tears standing in her eyes. “Nanny said she left Teddy’s room for only a few minutes, and when she came back, he was gone.” Molly held out a crumpled piece of paper. “She found this in his bed.”

  Cold chills raced up Nolan’s spine as he took the note.

  If you want to see your son again, stable boy, come to the gatehouse on the Wexford estate at dusk. Don’t contact the authorities. And come alone or the baby is dead.

  The words swam before him, the sinister meaning sinking in.

  Someone had kidnapped his son!

  Chapter

  35

  Hannah’s knees ached from the time she’d spent on the floor at her bedside in desperate prayer, her eyes almost swollen shut from her storm of weeping. She still couldn’t grasp the enormity that someone had stolen her child.

  How could she have left him in the care of a nanny who clearly didn’t have the same diligence that his own mother would have? And how could God allow this to happen after everything Hannah had been through to have her baby?

  She squeezed her hands together so hard that her nails bit into the flesh of her palms, breaking the skin.

  Dear God, please keep Teddy safe and bring my baby back to me.

  The heaviness of her breasts told her that her child would be hungry by now. Hungry without her to feed him. Crying, missing his mama.

  Oh, Lord, how will I bear it?

  She stifled a sob, barely taking note of the door opening. If the kidnappers had come back, they might as well kill her, for without Teddy, she had no desire to go on living.

  “Hannah.” Nolan swept her up from the floor, hugging her tightly to his chest.

  She clutched the fabric of his shirt, shaking with the force of her grief. “He’s gone. Our baby is gone.”

  His arms tightened around her. “Not for long. I’m going to get him back. I promise.”

  “Y-You’re going to do what they ask?”

  “Yes, but I had to see you first.”

  She pulled herself upright, drawing in a long breath to calm her quivering body. Purpose filled her and renewed her strength. “I’m going with you.” She reached for her shawl at the foot of the bed.

  Nolan placed his hand on hers and turned her to face him. “No, Hannah. I’m going alone. I won’t subject you to such danger.”

  “But I can’t stay here doing nothing.”

  “You must.” He brushed the stray hairs from her cheek. “I swear by everything in me, I won’t fail you. I’ll find Teddy and bring him home.”

  Hannah looked into his determined face and nodded, forcing herself to be strong. “Aye, Nolan. I trust you with my life. With our son’s life.”

  He pressed a fierce kiss to her cold lips and strode to his dresser where he took out a pistol from the top drawer.

  Shudders whipped through her. Since when did Nolan keep a gun?

  “Be careful,” she whispered. Hannah didn’t know what she would do if she lost him too.

  “I will. Stay here with Molly. If my father returns, let him know what’s happened. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With a last intense look, he rushed from the room.

  Banking down his irritation, Edward entered the front hall and removed his hat and gloves. His fingers and cheeks still stung from the raw wind and sleet on the trip back from Derby.

  “Dobson,” he barked as he shrugged out of his greatcoat.

  Where was the man when he needed him?

  If Edward were being honest, he’d have to admit it wasn’t only the bad weather that had him out of sorts. His sour disposition had more to do with missing Iris. Had it only been a few days since they’d left Hartford Hall? It felt more like years. Without her, he already felt himself slipping back into the curmudgeon he used to be.

  His thoughts turned to their parting. When he’d taken her hand in his, he’d been shocked at the emotions swimming through his system—especially his regret at having to leave the woman who had become as vital to his life as air to his lungs.

  “I’m sorry you have to go,” she’d said. “I’ve enjoyed our time together.”

  “As have I. More than you know.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “I hope you’ll come and visit us soon.”

  She smiled, and a trace of pink colored her cheeks. “With my new grandnephew as enticement, I’m sure you’ll soon tire of my visits.”

  “I doubt that very much.” Edward captured her lips in a lingering kiss, wishing he could find some way to delay his departure, or to entice her to Stainsby for an extended stay. “Until we meet again, I wish you good health.”

  “Godspeed, Edward. You’ll be in my thoughts and my prayers.” Her eyes shimmered with emotion.

  If he concentrated, he could still feel the warmth of her kiss. Did he dare hope she might feel as strongly about him?

  “Here I am, my lord.” Dobson rushed into the hallway.

  “About time. I need coffee in my study right away.”

  “I’m afraid a situation has come up that I need to apprise you of first.”

  “Can it not wait five minutes?”

  “No, sir. It cannot.”

  Edward came to an abrupt halt. He peered at Dobson, taking in his pinched features. The unflappable butler looked decidedly perturbed. “What is wrong?”

  “Something terrible has occurred, your lordship. I don’t know how—”

  Pounding footsteps echoed from the staircase. A wild-eyed Nolan raced into the hallway and snatched his overcoat from the hat stand.

  “Nolan. Whatever is going on?” Edward demanded. He’d only been gone a few hours. How had the household fallen into chaos so quickly?

  Nolan shot a desperate look over his shoulder as he slid his feet into a pair of boots. His mouthed formed a grim line. “Someone has taken Teddy. They’ve left instructions for
me to meet them at the Wexford estate.”

  The blood drained from Edward’s brain. His mouth flapped open, then he snapped it shut. “A kidnapping?”

  “It appears so.”

  A cold ball of rage formed in Edward’s stomach. “How much did they ask for?”

  “They didn’t.” Nolan thrust a crumpled bit of paper at him.

  Edward scanned the scrawled message and looked up. “I’m going with you. But we should bring some money just in case.” He turned and marched down the hall.

  Seconds later, Nolan entered the study behind him.

  “Close the door.” Once Nolan had done so, Edward crossed to the safe in the corner behind his desk. He glanced at Nolan. “I suppose this is a good time to show you where I keep a sizable amount of cash for emergencies.” He took a key from his desk drawer and unlocked the safe. Edward reached in, grabbed several stacks of bills, and closed the door. He brought the cash to his desk, where he withdrew a leather satchel and began stuffing the money inside.

  Nolan watched silently, his eyes wide. “I can’t let you come with me,” he said at last. “You saw what the note said.”

  “You don’t expect me to sit here doing nothing while—”

  “I expect you to protect my wife and Molly in case the thugs come back.”

  Edward latched the case, then reached into a drawer for his pistol. “Don’t be foolish, Nolan. It’s suicide going there alone.”

  “Some of the stable hands are going to hide in the woods near the gatehouse. I’ll have help if I need it.”

  “You think you’re better off with stable hands than with me?” A wave of frustration washed through Edward. Why wouldn’t his son accept his help?

  Nolan closed the distance between them. “You’re the only one I trust to keep Hannah safe. Will you do that for me?”

  An untold emotion clogged Edward’s airway. He stared into his son’s anxious face and saw absolute trust. “Very well.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Here. Take the pistol.”

  “I have the one you gave me. You might need yours here.” Nolan glanced at the window. “I have to go if I’m to be there by dusk. I’m not sure how long it will take.”

  Edward fought the rush of fear that filled his chest. This might be the last time he saw his son alive. He handed Nolan the satchel. “Be careful, son. Bring our boy home.” He pulled Nolan to him and clapped him on the back.

  Nolan cleared his throat. “I’ll be back with Teddy as soon as I can.” He paused. “Give me an hour’s head start, then send word to the authorities. By then it shouldn’t matter if they show up.”

  Once Nolan had gone, Edward went upstairs to find Hannah and Molly. Both women were red-eyed and grim. He convinced them to come down to the main level, saying they would be safer near him. Now the pair sat huddled together on the sofa in the parlor, watching him as though he held the answer to their dilemma.

  As soon as things settled down, he’d fire that nanny for leaving Teddy unattended. He didn’t care that he was being irrational. Someone had to pay for losing his grandson.

  How Edward wished for Iris’s calming presence. She’d know what to do, what to say to comfort these girls. All Edward could do was murmur platitudes and pace in front of the hearth, watching the minutes tick by on the brass mantel clock.

  When the maid arrived with the coffee he’d ordered, he found he had no stomach for it. Instead, he excused himself and went across the hall to his study to write a message for the constable. He’d have one of the footmen deliver it as soon as possible and pray that the man would understand the need for extreme discretion. If the kidnappers discerned the presence of the authorities, heaven only knew what would happen.

  Edward’s hand shook as he wrote, smearing the ink, and he had to start the note a second time.

  Quick footsteps sounded in the hall. For a moment Edward’s heart leapt in the hope that Nolan had returned, even though he knew it unlikely.

  Seconds later, a boy rushed through the open doorway. Snowflakes glistened on his cap and jacket.

  “Your lordship.” The lad’s breathing came in gasps.

  Edward jumped up and came around from behind the desk, just as Dobson appeared, frowning. “I’m sorry, my lord. He ran past me.”

  The boy came forward, holding out an envelope. “An urgent message, my lord. From Lady Evelyn.”

  Edward took the envelope and peered at the lad. “You’re Langley, from our London house.”

  “That’s right, sir. Lady Evelyn arrived last night, very upset. Gave this to me. Said to deliver it straight to your hands and no one else. Been traveling since then. Had to change horses twice.”

  “Dobson, take the boy below and get him something warm to drink and some food. And see that his horse is being cared for.”

  “Very good, my lord.” Dobson led the boy out of the room.

  Edward sank onto one of the armchairs. With unsteady hands, he broke the seal and slid out a note in his daughter’s handwriting. He scanned the page, barely comprehending what he was reading until one line jumped out at him.

  Father, you have no time to waste. Nolan’s life is in jeopardy.

  Sitting atop King on the crest of the hill that overlooked the Wexford mansion, Nolan patted the weight of the pistol in his overcoat pocket. When Edward had insisted he keep a weapon in his chambers, claiming that men in their position couldn’t be too careful, Nolan had balked at the ridiculous idea. But then he’d remembered the threatening notes he suspected were from Timothy Bellows and realized Edward had a point. Having the gun with him now gave him added courage. As did the leather satchel of cash. If the kidnappers wanted money, he’d gladly give them the amount Edward had provided. But somehow Nolan’s gut told him this had nothing to do with money and had everything to do with the threats he’d received.

  As though sensing his master’s trepidation, King gave a loud snort and tossed his head.

  “Steady, boy. We’ve a ways to go yet.” With a cluck of his tongue, he guided the horse down the slope, officially crossing onto the Duke of Wexford’s property. Though they were technically neighbors, acres of woods and field separated the lands. Rumor had it that the duke never visited his country estate, and from the look of the house below, it appeared to be true. The dilapidated building cried out with neglect. What would the smaller gatehouse be like?

  Nolan would soon find out.

  His hands slicked with sweat as he reached the flat ground. He kept to the shelter of the trees to stay out of sight. He’d come alone as requested, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t take precautions and attempt to gain the upper hand on these thugs—whoever they were. Nolan was certain that Bellows must be behind it. And if so, he would make sure the lowlife never got out of jail again.

  Bert had wanted to accompany Nolan, but he and Franny had made him see there was little he could do without the use of his hands. He’d relented once he learned that Mickey and Will would keep hidden in the woods. Knowing they were there gave Nolan a small measure of comfort.

  When the rear of the gatehouse came into view, Nolan pulled King to a halt. From the looks of it, no one had lived here for some time.

  He slid from the saddle and wrapped the reins loosely around a bush, so King would be ready for a speedy departure, but not close enough that a whinny might give away his presence.

  As Nolan crept along the edge of the woods, his footsteps muffled in the soft snow, he lifted a silent prayer. God be with me in my hour of trial. Guide my steps and let me bring our son safely home. You helped David fight Goliath and be victorious. I’m asking for your help in facing this unknown adversary. Amen.

  He reached the back of the gatehouse and stopped to listen. Nerves slicked his shirt against his back. Inside, the faint cries of an infant could be heard. Nolan’s chest constricted, and he had to fight the urge to burst into the building to retrieve his son. He needed to be smart to outwit the criminals.

  Nolan moved to a small window and peered i
nto the gatekeeper’s kitchen. No signs of life. He ducked back down and made his way around the side of the building. What was he supposed to do now? Knock on the front door?

  Before he could decide his next move, the cold press of metal against the back of his neck shocked him upright, his heart slamming into his ribs.

  “No sudden moves or you won’t see the kid again.”

  Nolan’s pulse thundered, and his gut clenched. With supreme effort, he reined in the instinct to strike out. Instead, he held up his hands in surrender and awaited further instructions, concentrating on the push and pull of air from his lungs.

  He had to stay calm. Teddy’s life depended on it.

  The man patted down Nolan’s side and whipped the pistol from his pocket. With a grunt, he tossed it into the bushes. “Get inside.” The gruff voice was accompanied by a shove at Nolan’s back.

  Nolan stumbled, then regained his balance and walked toward the door.

  “Open it.” The forced roughness of the man’s voice made it difficult to recognize.

  Could it be Bellows? Until he saw his face, Nolan couldn’t be sure.

  Nolan reached for the latch, pushed the door inward, and then stepped cautiously into a narrow hall. The wails of his son grew louder. Nolan’s throat thickened. Teddy must be frantic for his mother. He swallowed hard and forced himself to scan the area for anything that might serve as a weapon.

  “What do you want?” Nolan ground out.

  “You’ll see.”

  The man shoved him down the corridor and into a sitting room. Years of neglect coated the furniture in white dust. Nolan looked around for other possible cohorts, but the room was empty. On the floor by the grate, a wrapped bundle kicked and cried.

  Teddy!

  Setting his jaw, Nolan turned to finally face his captor.

  A scruffy man with a dark cloth tied over his face glared back at him. Though he no longer resembled the man who had worked at Stainsby, there was no disguising those hate-filled eyes.

  “Bellows. I figured as much.” Nolan straightened to his full height. “You failed to mention a ransom amount in your note. How much will it take to get rid of you once and for all?” Despite his bravado, sweat trickled between Nolan’s shoulder blades. He prayed that a large sum of cash would satisfy the fugitive’s demand.