The mention of Thornmouth’s impeding arrival alarmed Christopher, and the sense of urgency which had been prominent within his chest intensified. Bracing himself for what was certain to be a vexing challenge, he followed the young girl inside the house.
Chapter 32
Rowena sat on the chaise by the fire as a maid lit the beeswax candles in the chandelier. She wasn’t Sabrine, but an older maid.
“It is ever so gloomy,” the Duchess said, walking away from the window. Outside, dark, grey clouds had gathered, obscuring the sunlight. Even though it had to be early in the day still, it looked like dusk outside.
The Duchess was about to take her seat once more opposite Rowena, where she had been for much of the past hour or so. While not as terrifying as being lock up in the dungeon upstairs, it had been equally as peculiar.
It seems that rather than wishing to discuss the circumstances of Rowena’s current predicament, the Duchess only want to talk about the virtues of her son. His gift of public speaking, his close relationship with Prinny, his bright future, and incredible wealth. Evidently, her part in the plan was to convince her that ending the betrothal with Thornmouth was a grave mistake.
The woman, it appeared, seemed to think that being kidnapped and forced to wed should make Rowena feel special, rather than terrified.
This woman does indeed think her son is the very incarnation of righteousness and goodness. She cannot see fault in anything he does, it appears. Even kidnapping.
“Do not fret, my dear. I have sent word to my son that you are rather displeased with your current circumstance, and I am sure he will be here shortly to address your concerns.”
She smiled and sipped on her tea. Rowena had decided her best course of action as to simply nod and agree with whatever the woman said, and hope that an opportunity to attempt an escape would present itself once more. Alas, this may prove more difficult than before, as Sabrine, her only ally, had been banished to the servant area down below. Instead, two footmen were standing at the door, guarding her.
She had resigned herself to having to bide her time, when one of the footmen stepped inside. He whispered something in the Duchess ear before leaving. Whatever he’d said caused the smile to disappear from her face.
“Excuse me,” she said and stepped out into the hallway. Rowena followed and heard voices drifting up from down below. She went as close to the door as she dared without arousing suspicion from her guards when her heart leapt as one, loud voice called out her name.
Christopher! He has come for me, at last!
Her heart jumped with hope and she rushed to the window. Indeed, down below she saw the carriage she knew belonged to Christopher’s uncle. She peered as far down as she could before she spotted him at last. To her horror, she watched as he walked away from the front door, and stood in the road, peering up. She waved with all her might and was about to bang on the window when someone entered the room.
It was the burly man who’d caught and carried her earlier. Behind him was the Duchess, her expression now filled with worry. Her mouth was pinched together into a thin line.
“You are to go with Williams. He will escort you to your room until my son returns. He will take care of you. He is my son’s most trusted servant and valet,” the woman said.
The dungeon? Her heart beat faster. No, she would not return to that room, not with Christopher so close and her rescue imminent.
“No, Your Grace, please. I will remain here quietly until your son–”
The man interrupted her. “You can come with me on your own accord, or I can drag you there myself. Whatever you prefer, My Lady.”
He stood with his arms crossed and looked at her.
Perhaps this is my chance. Perhaps if I walk quietly, I can break away and run downstairs and make it outside before the carriage leaves.
She gave the man a weak nod. “I will come. No need to drag me.”
She walked past him and stepped out into the hallway, followed by the Duchess.
“It is what is best, my dear,” the old woman said.
She set one foot in front of the other and braced herself as she approached the stairs.
As she made her way down the hall, the burly guard remained close to her side. She would have to be quick, very quick, to gain an advantage. Her heart beat faster and faster as they came to the railing. She frowned, as before her were the stairs she should have taken earlier in her rush to escape.
Without thinking, she broke into a run and made a sharp turn at the steps, jumping over several of them. She had made it almost one entire floor, as the front door was visible from the landing, when he caught up to her and grabbed her hard by the arm. She lost her footing and slid onto the floor.
“No! No! Let go of me!” she yelped as he bent down to gather her up. She fought as hard as she could, got to her feet and attempted to make it another floor when she caught sight of someone below. Christopher!
Chapter 33
Christopher followed the young girl inside the house and was about to make his way to the servant staircase when the commotion broke out upstairs. He looked up and froze when his eyes met hers. Rowena. She was one floor above him. Her hair hung around her harried and scared face, flying around wildly as she ran. He saw, with horror, how the mountain of a man hovered above her.
