“Miss Carlow left for the evening stating she was going to visit with Miss Blake and her family. She did not return. This I know, as after a conversation with Leonard, the Carlow butler, I grew concerned over Miss Carlow’s actions. I sent a maid into her room. Her bed was empty and had not been slept in.”
Nathan kept his expression calm, when inside he was anything but.
“I had someone go to the Blake residence. Miss Carlow is not there, and she did not spend time with Miss Blake last night.”
“Where is she?” Nathan’s voice rose.
“Justin Logan has her, I’m sure of it,” Lady Blake said. “The man who has controlled my family’s every move for too long.”
“Leonard told me that Miss Carlow gave him this to hand-deliver to you early this morning.”
Nathan took the roll of papers the man handed him and untied the ribbon. He read the first page of what he’d just unrolled. It was written in Beth’s handwriting.
Nathan, these papers are for you to do with as you must. Forgive me for leaving you three years ago, but I had no option but to do so. I had to keep you and my family safe.
His fingers clenched briefly around the paper at the thought of her in danger. He then continued to read about what had occurred and why she’d done as she had.
My father was a spy for Russia.
Christ! He hadn’t expected that.
Tonight I am to deliver Mr. Valentine’s book to Justin Logan. It’s my hope I can convince him to release us from his clutches. If you are reading this, it is likely I have not succeeded or returned home and am in danger or worse.
“Worse? What does she mean by that!” he roared.
“Shouting does nothing to help this situation,” Gabe, who had been reading over his shoulder, said.
I need you to know I do love you, and always have, Nathan. I’m so sorry for the pain I have caused you. Yours always, Beth.
“Where is she?” he roared at Lady Carlow.
“Don’t speak to her like that,” the footman said, standing at Lady Carlow’s back once more.
“No, Lucas, it is all right. He has a right to his anger. He more than most. Beth loved him, as he did her, and because of her father’s actions she had to walk away from him, thus both their hearts were broken.” She looked up at Nathan, eyes red, face tight with fear. “I hope you can one day forgive us.”
He said nothing. Behind him he heard Gabe telling Fairfax to wake his brothers.
“Where is Logan?”
“Staying at Grillon Hotel.”
“Is your husband safe until we can get to him, my lady?” Gabe asked.
“He is unwell, having suffered a seizure. We have household staff watching over him, but I have been so worried, as I am not there to care for him,” she whispered.
“Devilles.” Everyone turned to watch Daniel and Ace walking through the door. “Lady Carlow.” Both men bowed to the woman, surprise clear on their faces at the sight of her.
“What are you doing here at this hour?” Nathan demanded.
“Returning home from a night of revelry; what possible other reason could there be? And it is not that late,” Daniel said, looking alert. “Clearly age is catching up with you.”
“This house is not on the way to yours, and the sun is rising,” Gabe said.
“Is it not?” Daniel looked at his brother, who shrugged.
“Is there a problem?” Ace asked politely, his eyes going from Nathan to Lady Carlow. “I can feel tension.”
“What were you really doing?” Gabe asked.
