She had to find a way out of this. “Bernie, I need to step outside, I simply must find a privy.”
13
Chris stood in Lizzie’s room surveying the damage. Blankets and pillows were strewn everywhere, while chairs were turned over and items knocked off the top of their tables.
Alex rubbed his jaw. “We’re assuming that Sinclair did this?”
“It’s the only room in the house that has been damaged?” Chris crossed his arms.
“Yes. But why do this? Was he looking for her?” Alex asked.
“He wouldn’t need to knock all the perfume bottle off the dressing table to find her, he--” Chris stopped. “He wanted to make a diversion.” And then he set back towards his room at a run.
Alex was hot on his heels. “What do you mean? I’m not the spy you are, I need you to explain.”
“He did this so we would come investigate and he could grab Lizzie.” Chris moved faster.
“Where is she now?”
“Safely locked in my room.” Chris still wanted to get there as quickly as possible. Bernard could be trying to break down the door.
But as he rounded the last corner, it wasn’t Bernard but Piper and Barrett that met him. Fear lumped in his stomach. His bedroom door was wide open.
“May is missing.” Piper’s hand reached up to her throat.
“Missing?” He stopped dead in his tracks.
“She was with the nanny in the nursey and then she was just gone.” Piper’s voice was strangled with tears.
Chris closed his eyes. Sinclair had them both.
Taking a deep breath, he opened them again. “Alex, search from here to the servants’ entrance, I’ll head to the front door. Barrett, assemble the staff. See if anyone saw anything.”
“But--” Barrett started.
“Just do it. There’s no time,” Chris barked as he headed towards the front door. This time he didn’t run, though it was a struggle. He wanted to tear every brick down until he found her. But he had to be smart and look for any evidence that might have been left behind. As he moved down the main staircase a flash of sparkly light danced on the foyer floor. Moving towards it, he saw a lady’s pin. Exactly like the ones he had pulled from her hair the night before.
Crashing out the door, he could see three sets of prints in the new snow. Racing down the drive he caught a flash of color. Ribbon matching Lizzie’s dress.
He grabbed it and then kept going. Not far ahead were the tracks of a carriage. It couldn’t be more than ten minutes. He hadn’t been gone from the room that long.
He set off at a sprint towards the house but veered off at the barn. “Saddle up three horses, quickly,” he commanded, then went back to the house.
* * *
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER ALEX, Barrett, and Chris left on horseback. While Bernard had the lead, they were on horse rather than in a carriage. With luck, they would catch him. They had to do it soon. It was easy to track them now but as the snow melted, it would be much more difficult. And the more times the road veered…
The ride was endless, but they reached a small town just after nightfall.
Chris’ heart contracted in his chest. There were multiple roads that led into and out of the town, they could have taken any one of them. With so many wagons, it would be impossible to find the tracks. His only hope now was that someone had seen which way they went. But it was slim at best.
They had to stop to change horses and get food so the inn and the barn seemed like likely places to start.
Chris and Alex went to the barn first, while Barrett walked into the inn. Finding the groom, he tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, sir. Did a man come in within the last half hour or hour looking to change horses for a carriage?”
“Aye, who’s askin’?” The man looked his clothes up and down. Chris was still simply dressed, he hadn’t updated his clothing to reflect his new status. But Alex stepped up next to him. “This is the new Lord Rothenberg.”
Surprise lit his feature before he dipped into an awkward bow of sorts. “Forgive me, me lord. A short man came in not half hour ago. Rented a driver too. Headed north towards Cleary, he said. Thought for sure he was headin’ on towards Gretna Green. Made mention of gettin’ hitched.”
Chris nodded. “Thank you, kindly.” Alex pressed several coins into the man’s hand. “We’ll be needing fresh horses as well.”
They stepped out into the cold night and began crossing to the inn. “He couldn’t be easier to follow. Is he doing it on purpose?”
Alex gave a shake to his head. “I don’t know. His methods up to this point have not been all that subtle. We just weren’t looking.”
“I’m worried it’s a trap or he’s scheming to lose us.” Chris ran his fingers through his hair.
Barrett came out of the inn and walked towards them. “They were here. All three of them. Got some food and left again the innkeeper said.”
Chris nodded. It didn’t help him decide. What if Bernard was waiting for him or what if he actually went a different direction? Chris sighed. There was little to do now but head north and hope they ran into him and when they did, pray they weren’t falling right into his plan.
“Excuse me,” a woman called, the constable just behind her.
Chris turned. “Yes?”
“You’re not Lord Rothenberg are you?” She waved her hand, and Chris saw a piece of fabric clutched in her glove.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Oh thank goodness!” She picked up her skirts and ran towards him. “Lady Elizabeth gave me this. She told me to give it to you.”
Chris took the fabric and ran it between his fingers. “It’s a piece of her chemise.”
“It is. I sold it to her that chemise myself.” She nodded her head.
“Did she say anything else?” A small measure of relief made his knees weak. This woman had talked to his Lizzie. Maybe she could help him find her. Lizzie had been leaving a trail but in the carriage with Sinclair it would be harder.
“Just, tell Lord Rothenberg. But she looked frightened as did the child. A man was right behind her.” Her hands clasped as she spoke. “She is a good customer. She isn’t in trouble, is she?”
“She is.” He nodded.
“Do you need my assistance, my lord?” The constable asked, speaking for the first time.
“Indeed I do, sir.” Chris looked at the other woman. “Did you see which way they went?”
“Yes, they took the southern road.” She gestured towards the other end of town.
“You’re sure?” His insides came alive. Hope and fear mixed together, making him long to jump into action. If what she said was true than Sinclair had tried to throw them off their scent and this woman was foiling him. Hope bubbled inside of his chest.
With the constable now part of their party, the four men set out on the southern road. Chris was setting a breakneck pace. Part of him still worried they hadn’t taken the southern road. What if the woman had been mistaken?
After an hour, the self-doubt was so persistent, he was tempted to turn around and head north. Lizzie needed him, he couldn’t make a mistake. Then a flash of white caught his eye.
He pulled up the reins of his horse, the other men halting behind him.
“What is it?” Barrett asked.
He jumped off his horse and ran to a bush. Strewn across its bare branch, barely visible in the moonlight was a strip of fabric. He pulled out the piece that he acquired in Simpleton. It was a perfect match.
Falling to his knees, he clutched them both to his chest.
“Are you all right?” Alex had dismounted and was standing behind him.
“She’s leaving me a trail. Look at this.” He took several deep breaths to calm his nerves. “It was tied to the bush.”
“Clever girl.” Alex chuckled. “She’d make a good spy.”
“I’d perish from heart failure.” Chris pressed his hand to his temples, relief flooding his body. He was on the right path. He’d find
her soon.
“Get up,” Alex ordered. “We’ve got ladies to save.”
Chris did as he was commanded, “Thank you all for helping me.”
Barrett grumbled, “It wouldn’t be a courtship without a kidnapping.”
“What?” Chris asked.
But Alex slapped him on the back. “Let’s go.”
Climbing back on his mount, Chris kicked the beast into motion. They couldn’t be far ahead of them now. He was going to catch Sinclair and get Lizzie and May back. That odious man couldn’t keep his family from him.
With new purpose, he pushed his horse faster. He could feel the animal panting but he had to find them. Alex and Barrett were just behind him.
Alex shouted to him, “We’re losing the constable.”
“He’ll catch up!” Chris yelled over his shoulder before kicking his horse faster.
Just as the sun began to rise, he saw a carriage swaying to and fro in the distance. His heart nearly stopped. He pulled up his horse and then steered it into the woods. Alex and Barrett followed.
“What do we do?” Barrett’s brow drew down in an even deeper scowl than he normally wore.
“We can’t just charge up to them. He’s protected by the carriage and has ample opportunity to hurt--”
Chris slashed his hand, not wanting Alex to finish that sentence. If it weren’t Lizzie and May in that vehicle, he might do just that. Charge in and see what happened. He hated leaving them with Sinclair but keeping them alive was his first priority. “We can send the constable up to see if that is in fact the carriage. He’s the only one who won’t be recognized.”
Alex nodded. “Follow at a distance, keep out of sight.”
“Swoop in when they make their next stop,” Barrett growled.
The smallest smile touched Chris’ face. It was a good plan. “I cannot wait to see you swoop.”
Barrett glowered at him. “You’re the spy. I thought you would do the swooping.” His horse skittered and Barrett pulled it back in line. “Damn shame you became an earl. I really could have used you for security.”
“You can’t be serious. We’re chasing my countess.” Chris returned his glower. “You told me to marry her.”
“I meant it. Just hadn’t seen you in action before now. Where else will I find a man like you?” Barrett walked his horse up next to him and gave him a pat on the back.
Chris relaxed. Barrett’s praise actually bolstered his confidence in his own abilities. He could do this.
The constable finally caught up and Chris pushed out of the woods to speak to him. The other two followed. The carriage was out of sight.
“Constable Hunt,” Chris called. “We’ve spotted the carriage.”
“It’s about time,” Hunt puffed. “I’m getting too old for this.”
“I need to make sure it’s the right vehicle. Is there any way you can check?” Chris’s heart beat wildly in his chest. Please let it be them.
“Course I can,” Hunt answered.
“What will you say?” Alex asked.
“It’s my job to get information out of people. I’ll find out.” Then Hunt kicked his horse up again and headed down the road.
The other three men continued on at a slower pace. With every passing minute the urge to chase the carriage down grew stronger but Chris held back and let his horse rest.
Within fifteen minutes Constable Hunt returned. “It’s them.”
“How do you know?” Chris’ heart hammered in his chest.
“I’ve known the driver, Hank, my whole life. Told him my uncle passed and I was making my way to the funeral. Asked him what he was doing. Said it was a paid job, they were supposed to head north but veered south at the last minute. He didn’t care none, weather would be better in the south.” The constable rubbed his chin. “I didn’t ask about the passengers, I didn’t want to make anyone suspicious but it sounds like your carriage.”
“How did you get back to us?” Barrett grumbled.
“Rode ahead then cut back through the woods. You think this is my first time, my lord?”
“Apologies, Constable.” Barrett gave him a smile. “Have you ever considered leaving police work for a private company?”
The constable didn’t answer as he fell in line with the other men. “What’s your plan now?”
“Wait until they stop. Hear anything in the carriage?”
“Not a peep. Probably sleeping,” Constable Hunt responded.
“I hope so,” Chris murmured.
14
Fortunately for Chris, they didn’t have to wait too long to put their plan into action. Within a half hour, the outline of a town came into view. Chris watched as the carriage pulled up to the inn. He turned off to the side of the road but not before he saw Lizzie and May exit the carriage, with Sinclair just behind them.
A hissing breath left his throat and rage like he had never experienced in his life made his vision blur and his hands clench.
The constable looked over at him. “This day should not end in your arrest, my lord. Keep your head. I’ll make sure Sinclair goes to jail.”
Taking several deep breaths, Chris nodded as he kicked his horse one final time. The others fell in line behind him.
The constable went through the door first. Barrett headed to the back, while Chris and Alex pulled their hats low and went in just behind Hunt. Fanning out, he saw Sinclair talking with the innkeeper. May and Lizzie looked exhausted but otherwise unharmed. Chris lifted the brim of his hat ever so slightly and Lizzie glanced his way.
Tears sprang to her eyes and she visibly jumped but remained silent. “Don’t move,” he mouthed.
Her answer was to close her eyes and drop her head onto May’s. She wrapped her arms around the girl as though shielding her from whatever was to come.
Now that he could see Lizzie, his worry was replaced with a new calm. Sinclair was outmatched, outnumbered, and surrounded.
Lizzie lifted her head and began to shuffle May behind her. Sinclair, who looked up suddenly and saw Lizzie’s movements, glanced behind him.
Gasps filled the air, as Sinclair, spotted them and raised his pistol. The constable dove toward him but it gave Sinclair a clear shot at Chris. He could see the other man squeezing the trigger as though it were happening in slow motion.
Reaching for his own holster, he jumped to the side just as he saw Lizzie grabbing Sinclair’s hand and wrenching it down. The shot fired into the floor.
A moment’s relief filled him before Sinclair raised his hand and smacked Lizzie hard across the face. “Damn blasted woman,” Sinclair yelled.
She stumbled back and knocked into some tables, falling to the floor. Her hands flapped wildly but they caught nothing and he heard the sickening thud of her head hitting the wood.
For one second he was torn between killing Sinclair and racing to Lizzie’s side but May’s cry brought him to his sense.
“Lizzie,” the girl wailed, diving for her cousin as a trickle of blood fell down Lizzie’s smooth cheek.
Without thought to Sinclair, he dashed toward Lizzie while the constable and Alex wrestled Sinclair to the ground.
Gathering her to his chest, he barked at the innkeeper, “Fetch the doctor!”
The man scurried to do as bid while Chris gathered Lizzie in his arms. Resting her in his lap, he reached a hand out to May. “It’s all right,” he soothed as he cradled Lizzie in his arms and held May’s hand.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” May cried. “I was frightened.”
Pain stabbed through Chris’s chest. He had let them down. It was his duty to keep them safe and he had failed them. May scooted next to him and placed her head on his shoulder.
“I should have kept you safe. I’m sorry you went through all of this.”
She gave him the tiniest smile. “I knew you’d come. Lizzie knew it too.”
Never again would he let anyone hurt them. They were his to protect and he would give his life for them. But his love… he feared it had cl
ouded his judgement, allowed them to be hurt.
The doctor arrived and Chris carried Lizzie up to a room, tucking her in bed. All they could do was wait for her to wake. Chris kept vigil next to her on the bed, holding her hand and telling her about his life before he’d lost his family. How he’d missed the love and had found that with her. He promised to cherish and protect her always, provided she’d just wake. “I’ll take care of May, of course. No matter what. But I want you by my side. I can’t lose my family again. Please, Lizzie.”
All that day and night, he talked but her eyes remained closed. Close to dawn he fell asleep in the chair, still holding her hand.
* * *
***
* * *
A THROBBING PAIN thrummed in Lizzie’s head. Her mouth was pasty and she could only manage to open her eyes into thin slits. But a smile graced her cracked lips as Chris’ sleeping face came into focus. “Chris,” she whispered.
He didn’t stir. She tried to squeeze his hand but her muscles were too weak. Shifting slightly, she pressed her lips together several time in an attempt to relieve the dryness. “Chris,” she repeated managing to speak a little louder.
“Uh whaaat?” he slurred, shaking his head. His eyes cleared. “You’re awake!” Then he leaned over and kissed her, cracked lips and all.
She would have grinned if it wouldn’t have hurt so much. “Is there water?” she rasped between her parched lips.
“Of course.” He reached for a pitcher and poured her a glass.
Bringing his hand under her head, he lifted it and then brought the cup to her lips. It was achingly gentle and she wished she could lift her arms and hold him. But the water tasted fresh and sweet and it eased the throbbing in her temples. “Oh, that’s good.”
He set the glass and her head down and then hopped up, striding to the door. Yanking it open, he grunted, “She’s awake. Get broth.”
“What happened with Bernard?” she asked as he closed the door.
Taming a Rake into a Lord: Taming the Heart Series Page 10