“Is there some way we can help?” Aaron asked.
William shook his head. “I fear not.”
“Well at least tell us what is amiss.” Louisa all but ordered.
William released his hold on Elizabeth and turned to the butler. “Please have my horse saddled and brought rounds at once.”
“Right away, Your Grace.” The butler bowed.
William turned his attention back to his sisters and brothers. “Lady Olivia has gone missing.”
Catherine gasped.
“How terrible,” Louisa exclaimed.
Elizabeth stared at him through wide-eyes. “You must find her.”
“I intend to poppet.”
“And we shall assist you,” Triston said as he glanced between Aaron and William.
William forced a smile. “I appreciate your concern and willingness to help. However, you would be wasting your time.” His jaw ticked as he glanced at the door. Why was it taking so bloody long to have his horse brought round?
“Surely not,” Aaron said, squaring his shoulders. “Just tell us where to start searching.”
William rubbed a hand through his hair, pressing his eyes closed. “Therein lies the problem. I have no idea where to look. Where does one find somebody who does not wish to be found?” He opened his eyes and meet his sibling’s curious stares. “You see, she ran away.”
Catherine came up beside him and rested her hand on his arm. “When did she go missing?”
“I do not know for certain. She was here this morning, but when Pembroke sent for her a short time ago, she was gone.”
Catherine’s blue eyes narrowed in thought. “What does Lady Olivia look like?”
“How is that relevant?” William asked more than a little annoyed with Catherine’s interrogation.
“I’m more interested in knowing why she ran away. Were you beastly to her?” Elizabeth asked.
“Do hush.” Louisa swatted at Elizabeth.
“Stop it this instant.” Catherine shot them a heated glance. Once her sisters stilled, she returned her attention to William. “I saw a lady climb into the Earl of Ashford’s carriage. I found it odd as the carriage collected her from the side of the road. Now tell me what your Lady Olivia looks like?”
“There is no need for surely it was she. Lady Olivia is close to the earls’ daughter.” William bolted for the door, pausing only long enough to say, “Thank you,” before charging across the porch and down the steps.
Chapter 12
William fought the urge to shake Lady Juliet while she stared at him with feigned innocence. He drew in a calming breath and asked again, “Where is Lady Olivia?”
“I’ve already told you that I don’t know.” She looked to her father, pleading.
The Earl of Ashford shot her a slight grin before turning his attention to William. “I believe we are done here, Your Grace.”
“Not even close.” Dispensing with pleasantries, William glared at Lady Juliet. “My sister, Lady Catherine, saw Lady Olivia get into a carriage bearing the Ashford crest.”
Lady Juliet’s eyes rounded.
“She thought it odd that your family carriage picked the lady up from the side of the road rather than coming into the drive.” He pinned the earl beneath a hard stare. “I will depart when your daughter decides to tell the truth, and not a moment sooner.”
The earls face flushed. He steepled his fingers and leaned his mouth against them as he studied his daughter for a long moment. Lady Juliet squirmed beneath his attention, but she did not speak.
