“I am not leaving without my daughter!” Voss snapped.
Captain Hamilton cleared his throat. “In the interests of law and order, may I state that His Grace has the right to order you off his property, and if you refuse, the offense is trespassing and disturbing the common peace. As an officer of the law, I would have no choice but to prosecute.”
Selina watched her father turn puce and then turn and stride back towards his coach without a backward glance. Marcus turned away without a look back of his own, as though immediately forgetting Voss’ presence.
“Follow me,” he repeated over his shoulder.
CHAPTER35
Marcus could feel the jaws of the trap closing about him. He and Selina took their horses to the stables, removing saddles and bridles while Hamilton waited in the yard. Selina looked stricken, biting her lip, tears close to her eyes. Marcus smiled, wanting to reassure her.
“Don’t fret. All will be well.”
“I’m sorry that I’ve brought you to this,” Selina said miserably.
They were currying and brushing their horses after the night’s riding. Marcus stole a quick look over his shoulder and saw Hamilton watching. Then the man reached into the pocket of his coat, took out a notebook and a stub of pencil, and began writing something.
“This plot goes beyond your father, I fear. He might have been able to begin making plans when he realized that you had fled to Valebridge, but it would be extraordinary in those few weeks for him to find an heir and then supposed evidence that I am not Arthur Roy. No one could be that lucky. The plans for this trap were laid before you and I ever laid eyes on each other, I will wager my fortune on that.”
“And yet my father is involved. He prevented us from marrying and now seeks to remove me. I have no doubt he will pursue any legal means he can,” Selina said.
“There are none. I will not give up my wife. I don’t care what the law says on the subject. You are my wife and I will die before I lose you,” Marcus said fiercely.
He meant it. If Captain Hamilton produced some article of law that said Sawthorne had the right to remove his daughter from Valebridge against her will, if he produced bailiffs to help him do it, then Marcus would commit murder to protect her. Selina’s hand found his while it rested on the flank of his horse, brush momentarily stilled.
“What are you going to do?” Selina whispered.
“That depends on our Runner out there, doesn’t it? We must still search for any evidence to prove my identity.”
“I could find Dai…I mean Arthur. He mentioned Wilmington. Perhaps he can help?” Selina suggested.
“Your father’s men will be watching the roads and country around Valebridge. I will not risk you being abducted,” Marcus said firmly.
“I evaded them once, remember?” Selina said with a grim smile, “I escaped him with nothing but the clothes on my back.”
Marcus looked into her bright blue eyes and loved her all the more for her courage and fortitude.
“Nevertheless, I cannot countenance it. Besides, who is he to them? An old poacher with a birthmark. They would believe him to be Arthur Roy even less than they would believe me.”
“Forgive me, Your Grace, but do you have no people to do that kind of thing for you?” Hamilton inquired from across the yard.
“My horses are important to me. I take personal care of them. They are valuable beasts,” Marcus called out.
Hamilton nodded and made another note, waiting patiently. When the horses were stabled, Marcus and Selina crossed the yard together and led Hamilton into the castle via the back door, through the kitchens.
“I should like the opportunity to talk to all of your household staff, Your Grace,” he said.
“Of course. I have nothing to hide. I will make sure that Beveridge knows,” Marcus replied.
“And, with your permission of course, I should like to get this investigation done as quickly as possible. I could speak to your staff this evening after they have completed their duties for the day and be on my way by morning.”
They were heading up into the main portion of the house and Marcus nodded brusquely. “That sounds tremendous. And when should I expect an invitation to the Regent?”
“The invitation is already made. And when I say invitation, I mean command. It is the Regent after all,” Hamilton said matter-of-factly.
“So soon? Are we not to be allowed more time to prepare for a royal audience?” Selina asked, sounding nervous.
“The Regent commands,” Hamilton said simply.
