“Dutton,” Anthony whispered.
“I was sitting here, in front of the fire, and I heard footsteps,” the boy added. “So I blew out the candle and curled up small.”
“Did you see who left?” Anthony asked.
“There were two of them. I’m sure it was the man, but he had another in front of him, and he pushed her toward the door. I saw her hair. It was long. She turned, and looked right at me, but then they were gone.”
Evie.
“Your help has been invaluable. Thank you,” Jamie said, pressing a coin into the boy’s hand.
“Calthorpe left last night, according to Hampton. He had an appointment but said he would be back in a few days,” Toby said entering the kitchen.
Anthony handed out more money to the butler, and then they left by the kitchen door.
“It has to be Evie. I saw her last night, and her hair was loose. It had to be after she came back to the house. Someone was waiting in her room,” Anthony said.
“When did you see her?” Toby asked.
“Does it matter?” A slither of dread ran through him, but Anthony tamped it down. He would get her back, and someone would pay for what they’d done.
“So you believe now she did not leave with someone else?” Toby said.
“I do.”
“I say we ride to Greville’s estate. We’ll pass through Brawley on the way,” Anthony said.
“Yes, Cavendish has the main motive, and we know he and Greville are close, along with Calthorpe,” Jamie said.
“What if we’re wrong?” Anthony said, as desperation gripped him. “What if there is someone else involved—”
“Everything points to Cavendish,” Toby said with a calm he wasn’t sure he’d ever feel again. Would he get a chance to tell her she was right? That he had been a coward to push her away instead of telling her the truth about his feelings?
“Let’s go,” Toby said.
“I think Toby is right, Anthony,” Jamie said as they ran to the stables. “Cavendish is the only person with motive.”
“He is, but is he foolish enough to take this step? To remove Evangeline from a house party?” Jamie asked.
“He hates Anthony enough to lose what little sense he has,” Toby added. “Especially after that night you punched him.”
“She is missing because of her association with me,” Anthony said. “And when I catch Cavendish, I will kill him this time,” Anthony said mounting.
Minutes later they were galloping toward Brawley.
Stay safe, Evie. I will find you.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Evie was jostledawake. Opening her eyes produced a dull pain in her head.
“I’m glad you are back with us, Miss Spencer.”
The hideous masked face was swimming into view as Evie blinked several times to clear her vision.
“Who are you? What do you want with me?” she asked slowly, attempting to collect her scattered wits. “What was that vile stuff you pressed to my face?”
“Merely something to help you sleep.”
