“As quickly as possible,” he said. “I want this done with.”
The driver nodded, accepted the piece of paper, and examined the words written on it. He tucked the paper into his pocket. Levi made his way back to the carriage and climbed in.
Caroline, seated opposite him, was staring out the window, but she turned her attention back to him as he embarked.
“I hope she’s all right,” she said, and Levi saw that her hands were fisted together in her lap. “I know Gregory said she was, but I can’t help feeling nervous.”
“I don’t think we have anything to worry about. I think we’re going to find her in good shape. In fact, I’m anticipating that she’ll be pretty pleased with herself for having evaded everyone for so long.”
Caroline looked at him carefully. “You don’t really know my sister, do you?”
“Not well at all,” Levi admitted. “We met only a few times.” He frowned. “Why do you ask?”
“I ask because you’ve perfectly captured her character,” Caroline said. “I’m nervous for her, of course, but what you’re saying is exactly right. She’ll be very proud of herself for having tricked everybody. She’ll be pleased with the fact that she was able to elude us for such a long time. She’ll think it means she’s very clever.”
“I thought so,” Levi said.
“But how did you know that?” Caroline asked. “Since you don’t know my sister well, how were you able to capture her so perfectly?”
“Because it isn’t really her I’m describing,” Levi said. “You must realize that, Caroline. When I talked of a lady who is clever and takes pride in it, who wants others to realize the value of her wit, I’m talking about you. I speculate that your sister has the same qualities I see in you. That’s why I was able to guess how she might respond when she sees us today. I’m actually guessingat how I think you would respond if you were in a similar situation.”
Caroline’s lips parted slightly. She didn’t seem to know what to say to that.
Levi leaned back in his chair and regarded her, feeling a sense of satisfaction. There was something pleasurable about taking her by surprise like that.
Caroline looked out the window, then darted a glance back in his direction. She seemed not to quite know what to do with herself. And that made Levi feel even more satisfied.
What they had to do today was serious business, and he knew he needed to keep his attention focused on Lady Prudence and on bringing her safely home. But he had discovered something new. He had come to realize just how enjoyable it was to keep Caroline on the edge of her seat. To keep her guessing. And he intended to take further advantage of that in the days to come.
The carriage continued down the road. Neither Levi nor Caroline spoke again. But the air between them was tense, and Levi couldn’t help feeling certain they were thinking similar thoughts. And that made him feel closer to her than he had so far in all the time the two of them had been married.
He couldn’t wait to get back home and spend more time with her in less dire circumstances.
CHAPTER 22
“This is where she is?” Caroline looked up at the manor house before her. It was smaller than Mowbray and a newer home. “Whose house is this?”
“It belongs to Lord and Lady Sheffield,” Levi said. “According to the rumors, your sister was seen walking with Lady Sheffield, and they left together in a carriage.”
“So, we don’t know that she’s actually here.”
“We don’t, but it’s the best lead anyone has been able to find so far,” Levi said. “And what we do know is that Lady Sheffield has the most recent information about Prudence. If she isn’t here, it’s likely that Lady Sheffield will be able to tell us where she is.”
“I hope you’re right,” Caroline said.
“I feel sure that I am. Now, remember, you promised to do exactly as I asked.”
“You don’t need to keep reminding me of that,” Caroline told him. “I’m not going to forget our agreement.”
“Good. Follow me, then, and don’t say a word to anyone we might encounter,” he told her firmly. “Let me do all the talking. Stay right with me—no wandering off. If you see something you think is worth looking into, you may bring it to my attention, but otherwise, I expect to have you quiet and by my side.”
She scowled, but she nodded, and the two of them made their way up the path to the front door.
Levi lifted the knocker and let it fall.
He looked over at Caroline. He could see the nervousness—the anxiety—etched on her face, and he knew that she was worried about what they were about to find. He wished he could reassure her that the news would be good, but of course, there was no way of knowing that.
The door creaked open slowly. A man stood on the other side, dressed in a servant's uniform. He frowned at the two of them. “Good afternoon,” he said. “Are you expected, sir?”
