Nate chuckled, not at all put out by her question. ‘I have nothing to play with. As I told you earlier, the only thing I own is this house, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s hardly a desirable wager, and besides…’ He paused, then shrugged. ‘I care not where I end up, but I would not see my only two friends on the street.’ He waved towards Ruby, currently curled up next to the fire.
‘So, I will wager the only thing I possess other than these four walls,’ he continued flippantly, before rummaging around in the pocket of his breeches. Seconds later he pulled out a small box and opened it with a flourish. ‘The one and only trinket I ever purchased.’
From her seat, Mercy could see it was a small ring. Her gaze flew to his, but his expression gave nothing away. She bit her lip, wondering who he’d bought it for and why. Without taking her eyes from his, she touched the large gold locket lying in the hollow of her throat. ‘This came from my mother, so I will notrisk it on a gamble.’ She thought for a second, then held up a hand to slide a ring off her finger. ‘This is my wager,’ she declared, holding the band out.
‘That is not an even stake,’ he murmured hoarsely, staring at the ruby studded ring. ‘I think it is,’ she answered simply. ‘I think they were both purchased with the same sentiment.’
Nate gave a bark of laughter and shook his head. ‘I doubt it,’ he chuckled, snapping the small box shut and tossing it onto the floor between them. ‘The person I bought it for many, manymoons ago, took one disdainful look before declaring in no uncertain terms that she wouldn’t even get out of bed for a stone smaller than a pigeon’s head.’
***
Reinhardt had no choice but to begin packing. Despite extensive enquiries, no one had seen the chit leave. And the only other carriage hadn’t departed until early afternoon. He was beginning to regret not questioning the priest, but still believed the risks had far outweighed any potential rewards.
He gritted his teeth in frustration. Why the hell hadn’t he stuck with his original plan? Acting rashly never paid off – he of all people should have known that. Now, he’d alerted Stanhope not only to his presence in England, but to his intentions. What would have been a simple snatch had he waited until the chit was in London was now going to be so much more difficult.
But the discovery that Mercedes would be travelling alone but for two elderly chaperones had seemed too good an opportunity to miss. And when his informant in Cottesmore had learned that accommodation in the Black Swan had been arranged, Reinhardt had believed the abduction would be easy. Especially when he discovered there was even a damn preacher staying at the same inn. He could have wedded and bedded the bitch before Stanhope had known anything about it. Instead, he’d made a complete mull of the whole thing. Starting with his impulsive conversation with the bloody priest who’d turned out to be one of the elderly chaperones his source had mentioned.
Reinhardt threw the last of his clothes into his bag. He knew Stanhope would come for him and he needed to be long gone before the Earl got here. He’d revert back to his original plan to snatch her in London during the season.
Unless of course Stanhope decided not to attend.
Reinhardt swore savagely and fought the urge to throw something. His hands clenched and unclenched as his rage threatened to get the better of him. He didn’t dare lose control now. He couldn’t fail. If he did, he’d lose everything. He took a deep shuddering breath as the anger finally began to dissipate. Stanhope wouldn’t cancel what was likely his daughter’s final chance at making a good match. She was three seasons in and well on the way to being a permanent fixture in his house. His younger wife would almost certainly want to be rid of a tiresome stepdaughter.
No, Mercedes would have her season - Stanhope was arrogant enough to believe he could protect her. But no matter how vigilant, her father couldn’t watch her every minute of every day, and that was exactly when he’d strike. By the time Stanhope got his head out of his arse, the two of them would be halfway across the Atlantic and well on the way to securing her mother’s legacy. But for now, he needed to lay low. As soon as the priest mentioned his name, Stanhope would wait only until he was assured of his brat’s safety before coming after the man he believed had murdered his child’s mother.
Chapter Nine
‘Start at the beginning if you please, Augustus. And explain to me slowly and carefully exactly why my daughter is not in the carriage with you.’ While the Earl’s voice was entirely devoid of emotion, there was a small tick in his right jaw that did not bode well at all. Indeed, the Reverend very much feared that underneath the icy exterior, his son-in-law was visualising him roasting slowly over hot coals.
Swallowing, Augustus Shackleford started the story from the moment they left Tewkesbury. As soon as he mentioned the name of the American man he suspected was behind the kidnapping attempt, Christian lost all semblance of calm. ‘You’re sure that was the man’s name?’ he shot back savagely.
The Reverend nodded. ‘He even told me how to spell it.’ Abruptly, the Earl swore softly then groaned, his face ashen.
‘Do you know this man, Christian?’ Chastity asked, unable to hide the fear in her voice at the sight of her husband’s look of horror. He nodded and climbed back to his feet.
‘I take it you won’t say no to a brandy, Augustus?’ He didn’t wait for a response but went straight to the decanter on the sideboard.
‘Could you pour one for Agnes and me?’ Chastity added to his back after a quick glance towards the wilting matron.
After handing everyone a glass, the Earl pulled the servants’ bell before picking up his own brandy and knocking it back in one fiery gulp. Then pouring himself another, he returned to his chair. As he sat down, there was a knock at the door, and seconds later, the housekeeper entered. She took one look at the sober faces around the room and shut the door behind her.
‘Mrs. Scott, would you ask Joseph to ready the carriage with fresh horses and bring it round to the front within the hour? Have him rouse John and Thomas with my apologies if they are already abed. Unfortunately, I will need their services again.
‘Has something happened, my lord?
Christian sighed. ‘Mercedes is missing,’ he answered shortly, ignoring her small gasp and holding his hand out to forestall further questions. ‘I’m afraid I know very little more than that at this point in time, Mrs. Scott, but your help – and your discretion - would be very much appreciated.’
The housekeeper nodded, giving a quick bend of her head. ‘I’ll speak with Joseph immediately, my lord.’
As she went back through the door, Christian turned back to the Reverend. ‘Pray continue, Augustus. Once you’ve told me everything, I will give you the bare facts about Oliver Reinhardt.’
It took another fifteen minutes for Reverend Shackleford to provide the full story as he knew it. ‘Perhaps I was wrong not to accept this Harding’s assistance in the first place,’ he finished. ‘Mercy certainly thought so – that’s why she took matters into her own hands.’ He indicated the note, now lying innocuously on the table.
Gripping her husband’s hand, Chastity shook her head. ‘Much as it surprises me to be saying this, I really don’t think you can blame yourself, Father. You did what you thought was best.’ She looked over at Christian who nodded reluctantly.
‘Mercy may be pragmatic, but she’s also headstrong when she gets a notion into her head.’ He grimaced. ‘Tossing blame around benefits nobody. What matters now is to get Mercedes back. You are sure this Harding will not harm her? You do not believe him to be in league with Reinhardt?’
‘I believe him to be an honourable man,’ the Reverend answered vehemently. ‘He will keep her safe.’
