Thorne froze.Burial arrangements.“Of course. Have the vicar stop by the main house tomorrow.”
“Hadn’t heard of any unusual activity on Kimpton. Have ye?”
“No.” Just Maudsley’s unpleasant visit. Thorne glanced to the open window and strolled over to it. Darkness had settled, and cool air poured in. Odd, that. He ran his fingers over the framework. There, he’d found it. Near the latch was evidence of someone’s hasty exit in the form of splintered wood. “Has there been any in the village?”
“No more than the usual. The overexuberant drunkard, the missin’ dog, and such.”
Another forty-five minutes passed before the magistrate finally made his way out, promising a quick return to remove Rowena. Thorne would prefer that no one witness that scenario. Perhaps he should relocate her to a room near the servant’s entrance.
He started for the library where he’d left Lorelei, dodging the same maid who’d announced the magistrate. He glanced into the room, but the candle was gone, leaving it in complete darkness.
He turned to the maid, who was now tripping up the staircase. “Where is Lady Kimpton?”
She paused halfway up. “Overseeing the packing, my lord.”
“Packing!” Of course she was. No doubt Miss Hollerfield would reside in one of the nicer chambers at Kimpton Hall.
“Aye, sir. She’s readying Miss Hollerfield for transport now.” The girl stood there, wide-eyed, obviously waiting for him to yea or nay the action.
“Where might I find Lady Kimpton, er…?” He stopped, irritated that he couldn’t call the girl by name. He didn’t know it.
“I’m Agnes, my lord. And she’s upstairs with Bethie, seeing to Miss Hollerfield’s comfort.”
“Carry on, Agnes. I’ll find her.” It didn’t take long. Lorelei rounded the corner just as Agnes hurried away. Her perfect hair didn’t look so perfect, as loose tendrils escaped their confines. She was delectable. He caught her by the arms before she could rush by. “Lorelei, do you really think it’s wise to move her?”
Lorelei glanced quickly about. “Keep your voice down,” she commanded. “We cannot possibly leave her here. Not in her current condition. Most especially so now that her mother is… is—”
Thorne pulled her into his arms, touched his lips to her forehead. “Never mind, love. I see your point. How much longer do you need?” Nothing but disaster lay ahead if the magistrate arrived to remove Rowena’s body and the rest of the household were departing at the same time.
“We’ll take what is necessary for now. Andrews and Agnes can return for the remainder tomorrow.” The look she bestowed on him was so grateful, he would have carted the entire house on his own shoulders if need be. “What of Miss Hollerfield’s—”
“I’ll take care of Rowena. The magistrate is due to return any moment. Just keep everyone up here until I return.”
Lorelei backed away out his embrace. “Yes. Yes, of course.” She moved to the open door of a nearby lighted chamber, but turned to him before entering. “Thank you, Thorne,” she whispered. “Thank you.”
Edward lit a lantern he’d retrieved from the cottage stables. He found Sarah several feet from where he’d left her, her red locks hardly discernible in the depths of the woods. If she hadn’t been crying, he might not have located her at all. The gods were smiling on him. Ah, well. Such was his fate.
He lifted the light. “Hello, my dear.” Leaves rustled at her attempt to scramble away. He chuckled.
She tried to stand, but her balance was precarious. She put her hand out for the tree, but it was out of reach, and she tumbled forward. He caught her by the arm.
Her trembling lips made him smile. “Surprisingly, I find myself in need of your assistance,” he whispered against her mouth. He hoisted her over his shoulder and took his horse by the reins.
A little later, keeping his ears open, Edward deposited her near the gates and made his way back to where he’d hidden his horse just inside the trees. His timing was close, as Kimpton’s steward was making his way up the drive. Grinning, Edward plunged his hand in his pocket to finger his lucky coin.
It was gone.
Fifteen
W
orry surged through Lorelei. Corinne Hollerfield had been moved to the main house and put to bed, but her face was gray with pain.
“Rowena?” Corinne whispered.
Startled, Lorelei met Bethie’s eyes. Lorelei lowered herself into the chair next to the bed and took Miss Hollerfield’s hand. “I’m Lady Kimpton, Miss Hollerfield—Corinne.”
Her eyes fluttered, then opened. “Lady Kimpton? Brandon’s sister?”
