‘Stop! Stop!’ a voice called off in the distance. The carriage shifted, causing Hattie’s head to bump against the window.
‘Ouch,’ she mumbled, opening her eyes. She glanced around, trying to wake herself enough to determine what was happening.
The woman next to her pointed out the back carriage window. There was a man on horseback shouting at them and riding up to the side of the carriage. ‘Reckless young man,’ the older woman scoffed and shook her head. ‘The young are always in such a hurry,’ she added, clucking her tongue.
‘Go round!’ the driver shouted back, the carriage shifting slightly as he slowed a bit, to let the rider pass.
‘Stop!’ the man called again as he eased alongside the carriage. When his gaze turned towards them, Hattie gasped.
‘William?’ she said aloud, her words came out in a confused whisper.
He caught her gaze and the relief she saw as he sighed and slowed his pace was palpable.
‘You know this man?’ the older woman said.
‘I do,’ she stammered. ‘Something has happened… I do not understand…’ she babbled. She knocked on the top of the carriage above her. ‘Driver! I know this man. Please stop!’
She heard a curse and then the driver slowed the horses to a stop. ‘This will cost you extra, Miss. I have no time for stops.’
‘And I will pay it,’ William replied, as he dismounted. ‘She is needed. Gather her belongings. Now!’ His words were fierce and tight. It was unlike him to be so harsh. He pulled the carriage door open.
‘Hattie, come with me,’ William ordered, his gaze wild, his features taut. She recoiled into the squabs of her seat.
‘Not until you tell me what has happened. It was only a short time ago that you sent me away. Why are you here now?’ she argued. ‘And why should I go with you anywhere, Your Grace?’
‘Your Grace?’ the older woman said, eyeing William with suspicion before looking back to Hattie.
‘I do not have time to explain myself. You are needed,’ he said, his desperation and impatience increasing.
‘I will go nowhere with you without an explanation,’ she replied, lifting her chin.
‘It is Millie. She is gone.’
Everything stilled around her. Buzzing filled her ears. ‘When?’ she asked.
‘After you departed. We cannot find her and I cannot lose…’ He paused, holding her gaze. ‘And I cannot bear to lose her. Please. Help me find her.’ His gaze bore through her, but Hattie was frozen, torn between hurt, longing and uncertainty.
The women across from her were wide-eyed and their mouths gaped open. ‘That is the Duke of Wimberley,’ one whispered.
His gaze did not falter, but held her own, transfixed, as if there was no one else but the two of them. ‘I am sorry, Hattie. Please. Help me. She is all I have.’ His voice was husky and full of emotion. He reached out his hand to her.
‘Go on, lass,’ the older woman said, gripping her arm gently. The touch jolted her out of her indecision.
‘Yes, yes,’ Hattie said. She slipped her hand into his and her body reacted, sending a tremble through her limbs, making her almost weak in the knees. He steadied her.
‘Where are your belongings?’ he asked, scanning the carriage.
‘Leave them,’ she answered. ‘Let us find Millie first.’
He closed the carriage door and thrust coin in the driver’s hand along with orders of some kind. Hattie took that moment to focus on the ground beneath her feet and the wind in her hair. She closed her eyes to steady herself.
Focus on Millie. Focus on Millie. All else can wait.
‘Ready?’ he asked. He was somehow already atop his mount. His hand was outstretched. She hadn’t thought abouthowthey would be getting back to Blithe Manor. The carriage pulled away slowly.
‘Yes,’ she lied, eyeing the single horse and how they would have to ride together.
‘Just put your boot in the stirrup, take my hand and I will pull you up.’
