Apparently deciding they had all the information they required, the ladies chose that moment to leave. Fletch followed warily on their heels, hand on his knife hilt. Once in the lobby, he ordered Parsons to lock the parlor as a precaution and waited for the bad news.
Bursting into the lobby, Rafe held up a big hand to prevent their departure. “Kate, we can't find Morgan. You'll need to stay in town until he's caught. We're stationing men at the farm to prevent his return.”
Fletch watched in admiration as the volcano’s heat built and the lady’s big gray eyes boiled with rare outrage, even as her family stepped in behind Rafe. His partner had intelligently brought support.
“I am not letting that madman keep me from my home!” Kate’s words weren’t loud but emphatic. “That’s just what he wants. He’ll look at it as an invitation to move in.”
Brydie hugged her. “You have to keep Rob and Lynly safe. You can stay at the Hall and we’ll join you. It’s just across the lane, and you can keep an eye on the house from there.”
Kate pushed free. “You can’t be riding into the bakery at three in the morning! Don’t be foolish. If it makes you feel better, someone can ride out with us to be certain the house is empty. I’ll lock all the doors once we’re inside. I know how to use a shotgun.”
No, she didn’t, Fletch thought cynically. She was a genteel lady, born and bred. Her younger sister was large and a hoyden and might punch a man flat, but not Miss Perfect.
“What did Miss Jameson have to say about her fall?” he asked first. “Was she pushed?”
Rafe grimaced. “She claims she was, but she was weeping and shrieking so much, I left her to Meera so I could help search for Morgan. I’ll have to question her later, when she’s more sensible. Right now, it’s Kate most likely in danger.”
What the hell. . . “I’ll go with her,” Fletch volunteered. “I can handle a shotgun, a pistol, and a knife with one hand, but I can’t cut my food.” Or get dressed, but he damned well wasn’t admitting that. He’d ask Damien’s man-milliner valet for help before he’d ask a woman. “Will that suffice?”
He’d apparently shocked Kate speechless. He took his satisfaction where he could get it.
Nine
Kate
“Why is Major Ferguson with us?” Lynly whispered, eyeing the waiting barouche where the large, rough stranger usurped the seat her uncle usually took.
“The major needs our help,” Kate told the children as she ushered them toward the carriage. “He hurt his shoulder and can’t even cut his food now.”
“Did they catch Uncle Hugh?” Rob asked more pragmatically.
“I’m afraid not.” She helped Lynly into the passenger seat and didn’t object when Rob climbed in beside the major. Driving with one good hand. . .
While Kate tucked a blanket around Lynly, Fletch handed the reins to Rob.
She took a breath and smothered her maternal instincts. Damien’s aging horses were unlikely to run away. “Rob, what did you do with your day off from school?”
“Mucked the stable,” Rob said in disgruntlement.
“He was guarding the stable from thieves while I worked on the clock,” Fletch corrected. “Adult work isn’t as exciting as one might like.”
After a day like this, Kate had to smile. “Working on clocks must improve your humor, Major, if you actually condescend to speak.”
“What does condescend mean?” Lynly asked.
“Lower myself,” Fletch replied complacently. “Officers do not converse with troops.”
“You’re not an officer anymore,” Kate remonstrated.
Small for his age, Rob struggled to turn the horses between two stone walls and down the narrow farm lane.
Fletch guided the reins with his good hand. “Doesn’t mean I have to talk. Have you heard how Miss Vivien fares?”
“Lavender sent her home. Meera said she could find nothing broken, so it must be a slight sprain. She may hobble a bit, but she’s fine, thank goodness.” Kate still wanted to know why the saucy miss was on the tower stairs, but they’d had no sensible answers from the moaning and crying seamstress.
Reaching the farm without incident, Fletch helped Rob steer the carriage to the rear, surveying her yard for intruders as he did so.
Thank all that was holy, no lunatic ran out to shout at them. “Hugh has his horse?” Kate asked quietly, once they stopped and he handed her down.
