And she would probably be even less impressed now.
One problem at a time, he reminded himself. Take Elise to Ireland. Then, see what he could do to cobble together the rest of his life.
As for his motives? Well, he didn’t wish to examine those either.
When he finished patrolling the area and was reasonably certain they were safe from the likes of Simon and Tommy, Kit returned to the oak. He glanced down at Elise. A child could not have slept deeper than she at this moment. Tamsyn didn’t move either. Instead, the two of thempresented a tableau of a moon maiden and her faithful dog.
Kit walked around to theother sideof the tree. He wrapped his greatcoat around him, and soon was lost in sleep as well.
Chapter Ten
Don’t be breaking your shin on a stool that is not in your way.
Irish proverb
Each and every time Beckett Steele saw Gwendolyn Lanscarr, he was struck anew by her grace, her unhurried movements, her regal bearing. He’d immediately noticed those qualities when their paths had first crossed. She was a true beauty, a willowy figure with raven-black hair and skin that always appeared as if the sun had kissed it.
Now, with the sounds of Lord and Lady Mersey’s ball behind her, she walked through the dark garden. She didn’t know he was there, waiting in the shadows, watching. Steele prided himself on being a mystery. His business depended upon it. He traveled through Society as easily as he passed through London’s underworld. He would make contact with her, but on his terms. He could have joined the soiree, even without aninvitation. But he held back. He always wanted the lay of the land before he made a move.
Meanwhile, he wondered what she was doing out here alone. Certainly, someone would notice her missing from the ball. Or perhaps she had an assignation?
The idea did not rest easy with him. He wondered who the man was. Morley? Lindell? Many were pursuing her. He knew. He paid attention to every morsel of information he heard about her.
She surprised him by stopping, right in front of where he stood hidden. She faced another direction. He caught the scent of her—
“I know you are here, Mr. Steele.” Her voice was cool and well modulated with just a hint of the music of Ireland in it.
Beck didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stayed in the darkest shadows—
“Youarehere,” she reiterated. She looked around. “I sense your presence.”
Sensed? Well, in that case...
He stepped onto the path. She turned, smiled her satisfaction at being right, and every muscle inside of him tightened.
However, when he spoke, his voice was distant, controlled, the way he liked it. “I was planning to go inside.” He indicated his black evening clothes.
“There are too many people in there.”
“Including Brogan. He is looking for me.” He referred to her brother-by-marriage.
“Actually, my sister andIare the ones asking for you, and we don’t have time for you to be sociable.”
That emphasis onI. He liked knowing she turned to him.
He’d once helped Gwendolyn when she was in need. That was how they’d met. He’d almost kissed her then, an unusual lapse in judgment. He was saved from making a fool of himself when one of her sisters bashed him over the head, and that neatly summed up the Lanscarr sisters for him. There was no anticipating what they would do.
“What may I do for you?” he asked.
“My sister Elise is missing. We believe she has run away.”
“Run away?” That surprised him. Hunting people is what Beck did best. He made an excellent living of it. However, Elise had struck him as being very sensible, even as she was claiming the heart of every man in London. Hers was a resounding beauty, the sort that brought men to their knees. “That seems out of character for her. Are you certain it isn’t something... worse?”
“She left a note.” Gwendolyn spoke as if he was being tiresome. “She said she was going to Ireland. She’s been very angry lately. Michael hired men who confirmed a young woman matching her description left from the Bull and Mouth two days ago. Michael wants to go after her, but hisabsence would be noticed if he left London right now. Then people might ask questions.”
“Has anyone noticed her missing yet?”
“We have put it out that she is ill. To be honest, most of the debutantes and their mothers are overjoyed Elise is not present at balls and parties.”
