Nevertheless, he joined the others in the parlor. Perhaps Mara might be able to shed more light on the situation and relieve his sudden unease.
But when he walked over the threshold, he stopped. Before him stood a handful of servants trying to keep a large yew tree upright. The top nearly reached the ceiling, while its branches spread out like giant, needle-covered fingers as the trunk was fitted into its base. It easily took up a good corner of the room.
Once it was finally settled, Lady Eversleigh clapped her hands together in delight. “Oh, it’s magnificent! Look B, it’s our first Christmas tree!”
The former pugilist-turned-professional-gardener looked at Mara with an expression bordering on tenderness and decided annoyance. He made a gesture with his hands, to which to she merely waved a hand. “It’s not too big. It’s perfect.” She turned to Roarke, who stood to her other side, and was staring at the forest in front of him. “Don’t you think so?”
“As long as you’re happy, my dear.” It wasn’t until he turned away that Alister saw him grimace.
Roarke noticed his arrival and came forward. “Thank God that monstrosity is only going to be here for one day,” he murmured out of his wife’s earshot.
Alister’s lips twitched, though he said nothing.
Mara exclaimed cheerfully, “Isn’t it glorious, Your Grace?”
“Indeed,” he concurred, while Big B rolled his eyes.
“I do hope that Lyra doesn’t keep me waiting much longer. She already missed out on wrapping the candies to decorate the branches!”
Alister instantly froze. “Exactly how long has she been at Weston House?” he asked calmly, although his pulse was starting to race with renewed vigor.
Mara glanced at a nearby clock and frowned. “I suppose it’s been about three hours. I really wouldn’t have thought it would take so long to gather a few belongings.”
“I understand you both had a busy day, so she likely just fell asleep,” Alister interrupted smoothly. “But I’ll suppose I better go check on her.”
Mara was in the process of offering her thanks when he turned on his heel, already on the move.
* * *
After borrowing a mount from Roarke’s stables, Alister walked up the steps to Weston House at a decided clip. Barton answered the door looking a bit frazzled, and Alister knew he’d been right. His instincts seldom failed him, although he’d hoped in this instance that he had been wrong.
“Your Grace! Thank God you’re here. I was just about to send a messenger to Eversleigh House.”
“Where is my wife?” He tried to keep his tone civil, but worry made his tone sharp.
Barton didn’t seem to take offense, for he appeared just as concerned. “She was here not thirty minutes past, but she left in her landau that she’d asked me to prepare for her upon her arrival. I was confused, for she’d arrived alone, but she departed with her sister-in-law, who I certainly don’t recall inviting into the house.”
“Sister-in-law?” Alister murmured. “Do you mean Elise Coventry?”
“The very same.”
Alister felt his stomach sink even further as his veins turned to pure ice. “Do you know where they went?”
“Unfortunately not. It never occurred to me to ask at the time. It wasn’t until they were gone that I started to grow suspicious. It was only a few moments ago that the housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins discovered the driver unconscious in the stables.”
Alister clenched his fists. “Is he alive?”
“I…can’t say, although we have summoned the doctor,” he returned grimly, obviously fearing that the prognosis wouldn’t be good.
Alister clapped a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You’ve done well, Barton, but I must ask a favor of you.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“Would you have anyone to spare who could send a message to Lord Sussex for me? I need to return to Eversleigh House.”
“I will summon a footman right away.” The butler bowed.
“Thank you.” After he scribbled a quick note for Drayven, Alister ran a hand through his hair and watched his future pass before his eyes. A life without Lyra was just not acceptable. If he had to, he would move heaven and earth to see her restored to his side. Or die right along with her. “I fear my wife may be in serious danger.”
