“She came and begged me to spare your life,” said Falcon.
A horrified gasp went up.
Momentarily diverted, Gwendolyn said sternly, “Gentlemen do not tell tales!”
Rossiter flushed scarlet. “Gwen! Youneverdid so awful a thing?”
“Oh! What am Ithinkingof,” cried Gwendolyn, recovering herself. “Listento me! Something—”
“Besides, Iain’ta gentleman,” jeered Falcon. “And you may think you’ve spoiled our duel, my girl, but—”
“Damn you! Don’t call her ‘my girl,’” interrupted Rossiter fiercely.
“Will—you—stop?” shrieked Gwendolyn at the top of her lungs.
Cranford muttered nervously, “We’ll have the Watch here in a—” He shrank into silence as Gwendolyn’s wide eyes flashed to him.
“Naomi…” she said, turning to her brother. “Naomi…”
Falcon pushed between them. “What about Naomi?”
She looked up at him, her eyes suddenly brimming. “She has been—stolen!” she wailed, and throwing herself on his chest, burst into tears.
***
Three carriages raced across London on that cool Saturday morning, scattering traffic and avoiding disaster by a hair’s breadth. Rossiter, his sister, and Lieutenant Morris occupied the first coach. Falcon and Lord Kadenworthy followed close behind; and bringing up the rear, Horatio Glendenning and Peregrine Cranford were accompanied by Dr. Lockhart.
With his arm tight around his sister, his face pale and strained, and a sick terror gnawing at him, Rossiter asked, “Did you recognize any of them, Gwen? Did you see anything at all that might help us find them?”
Gwendolyn shook her head miserably. “We were riding, you see. There weren’t many people in the park because it was rather chilly. We heard some horses coming up behind us, and before I realized what was happening, they’d pushed in between us, and Naomi was—was sort of… swept away at the gallop! It happened so fast! At first, I thought it a mistake… I couldn’t believe…” Her voice scratched into a sob.
Scowling, Morris said, “And Lady Naomi did not cry out? She made no effort to get away?”
“No. I think she would have had no chance. She was quite surrounded. There were five men, and all wearing cloaks with the collars turned up, and hats pulled low. I—I didn’t even see one face! Oh, poor Naomi! She was so kind to invite me to ride. And—now…” Gwendolyn looked up into her brother’s drawn face frantically. “They won’t hurt her? You don’t think they would hurt her?”
That fear was tearing Gideon’s nerves to shreds. Naomi was spirited and courageous, but she was a lady of gentle upbringing, suddenly helpless and alone in the hands of a set of vicious criminals. She must be terrified—praying for him to come to her. And by God, hewouldcome! Somehow, he’d find her!
Full of sympathy for the anguish in his friend’s eyes, Morris said bracingly, “Oh, I wouldn’t be imagining such villainy as that, ma’am. You said they shouted that Lady Naomi would not be harmed if you kept away from the Watch. You’ve done that.”
Rossiter pulled himself together. “Yes. You’ve been splendid, Gwen. Tell me, was Camber with you? You surely did not ride alone?”
“He was with us at the start, but Naomi wanted to go for a gallop, since there were so few riders in the Row. She said Camber would not approve, so we—er—”
“So you gave him the slip.” Morris shook his head. “My sister was used to do hare-brained things like that.”
Rossiter asked, “How did you find us?”
“I knew about the duel,” she replied in a small, shaken voice. “And I know duels are often fought in the park, but I didn’t know where to look until Tummet came up and—”
“Tummet!” interrupted Rossiter harshly. “Was he with them?”
“No, no. I think he was following them. I was so frightened, and so glad to see him! I explained what had happened, and he said I must find you, and told me where to come.”
The eyes of the two men met. Morris said softly, “You never think—Derrydene?”
“By God, but I do! I left Tummet watching that house. He must have seen the bullies come and decided to follow them. I only pray he keeps after the filthy swine!”
“And you believe they will be in touch with the earl?”
