For lack of anything else to occupy her mind, Mara turned away from the window where Roarke had ridden out of sight and decided to go downstairs to the kitchens to see if there was something she could do. But the sound of a carriage pulling up the drive caught her attention.
She immediately rushed downstairs. Mara hit the bottom step just as the butler opened the front door to admit Lady Eversleigh, Lady Weston, and a man who looked vaguely familiar.
Lyra was the first to speak. “Mara!”
As the countess came forward to envelop her friend in a warm hug, she didn’t see the curious glance that Carter shot them. But when his gaze lit on Mara, she knew her suspicions about downstairs gossip had been correct.
Heknew. And now they all would.
Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do about it now but weather the brewing storm.
“I assume Roarke is here too?” Lyra went on to ask, not realizing that she’d kicked over a hornet’s nest.
“He is,” Mara said evenly. “Lyra, I must speak with you—”
Lady Eversleigh piped up. “Weallneed to have a chat. Immediately.” With that, she led the charge into the parlor like a general commanding her troops.
“Shall I have refreshments brought in, my lady? No doubt you are weary from your travels from London—”
“No, thank you, Carter.” Lady Eversleigh interrupted, “We don’t wish to be disturbed. However, if my son makes an appearance, please send him in at once.”
“Yes, my lady.” With that, the butler bowed and took his leave.
As all four of them settled in various places about the room, Mara and Lyra sat on the settee facing Lady Eversleigh in one of the wingback chairs by the fireplace, while their companion stood near the mantle. Mara didn’t feel any of their faces boded well for the conversation to come. She just hoped it didn’t concern Bentley.
“What’s this about?” she asked hesitantly.
Lady Eversleigh lifted a haughty brow. “You don’t know?”
Lyra shot her an impatient look. “Mother, please.” With a roll of her eyes, she turned to Mara. “Mr. Davis,” she nodded to indicate the silent sentry. “Is a Runner working for Bow Street. As you know, my brother hired a team of investigators to find Bentley.”
When Mara’s face must have gone as pale as it felt, Lyra was quick to reassure her. “As far as we know, he is still missing, but the man who had taken him has returned to England and Mr. Davis’s superior, Mr. Andrews, believes that we may be in danger. That’s why we’re here, to warn you and Roarke.”
“But why would we be in peril?” Mara asked numbly.
“Because, as usual, trouble follows in your wake,” Lady Eversleigh snapped.
Since it wasn’t a claim she could readily deny, Mara allowed the barb to hit its mark. “What does he want?”
“Money, of course!” Lavinia retorted in disgust. “It’s what people like him are always after. That’s just more of my son’s money wasted on—”
“I guess I can spend my funds on whatever the hell I want.”
All four heads swiveled around to see Roarke stride into the room with all the force of a gale wind. The hard look in his expression brooked no argument as he pinned his mother to her seat with a firm glare. In turn, he ignored Mara and Lyra completely as he strode over and shook the investigator’s hand.
“Mr. Davis. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you. I was out riding, but I turned back upon seeing the carriage coming up the drive. I must say it’s good of you to come all this way to protect my family and warn me of any dire developments.”
“You pay us well for our loyalty, Lord Eversleigh,” the man returned evenly. “But I’m afraid I have some rather distressing news to impart.”
Once he’d informed Roarke of the new developments, the viscount frowned. “I see. So Mr. Larkin intends to take charge of his destiny by forcing my hand in the matter.”
“It appears so,” Mr. Davis agreed.
“Do we know where he is at this point?”
Mr. Davis glanced at the women before he lowered his voice slightly. “I am given to believe that he may be headed here.”
Roarke nodded. “I will make sure and put all the servants on high alert for anything suspicious.”
“Is there anything we can do?” Lyra asked.
For the first time since he’d walked in the room, he acknowledged his sister’s presence. “Stay inside.”
He turned back to the investigator and said, “Come. Let’s take the rest of this nasty business to my study and leave these ladies to their own devices.”
As Mara watched the two men depart, she had to swallow against the heartache boiling up in her chest.
Not once did Roarke even look at her.
