“He and Father were closeted in the bookroom for hours. Within days, we returned to England. Father went to see someone in the British government before we left London.”
“Did he say who it was?”
“No.” She sagged against him.
He slipped an arm around her waist and stood to help her to her feet. “You’re exhausted. You must go to bed. There’s nothing more we can do about this now.”
“Yes, you’re right, Jack. I only hope Uncle George is safe.”
“There’s a good chance he is,” Jack said. He didn’t believe Lord Caindale was at risk. Whatever his involvement, Jack hoped for a chance to speak to him.
*
Perhaps it wasthe freedom of leaving home and beginning a new chapter in her life. Perhaps it was Harry’s amusing company. Although careening from trepidation one minute to wild enthusiasm the next, Erina remained glad of her decision. She was pleased too that she’d not been tempted to bring Tilly along. The maid was a timid soul who could create a fuss, and without her, Erina slipped from the house unimpeded before the servants were up and was greatly relieved to find Harry waiting with the curricle at the end of the lane.
The journey proceeded without mishap, and three hours later, they had left the city far behind. Now, Harry slowed his pair of grays and threaded his curricle through the gates of Ivywood Hall. “You haven’t changed your mind?” he asked. “Not too late to await me at a hostelry.”
“No.”
As the pair drove down the avenue, the grand mansion appeared, twice the size of Erina’s home, which wasn’t small. A flotilla of gardeners labored among aged trees in leafy splendor.
She watched them working as they drove past. “The marquess and marchioness’s gardeners must lop off an unwanted leaf as soon as it grows.”
“Mm. Impressive.”
A footman in puce-and-gold livery came out the front door, followed by the butler. Behind them, Captain Ryder appeared.
He came forward as the footman assisted her down from the curricle. “Lady Erina. What a pleasant surprise. Am I to offer my felicitations?”
“Good day to you, Jack. No, we are not wed. Erina and I are on our way to Holyhead,” Harry explained. “She is traveling as my cousin, as she wishes to visit her family in Ireland.”
The captain’s dark brows rose sharply. “Your cousin and you’re traveling alone?”
“Er…yes. It is important to Erina, who is concerned about an Irish relative.”
“Perhaps we can discuss this later. I’m sure you’re both in need of a libation,” the captain said as he ushered them along the drive.
Harry jerked his head toward the mansion. “Not exactly what you had in mind when you set off on your adventure, is it?”
“Not precisely.” The captain grinned and shook Harry’s hand. He was so handsome that for a moment, she could only stare. The width of his shoulders, his height, and his eyes, like sunlight on a deep lake.
“Thank you for making a detour to provide me with evening clothes,” he said. “I was planning to stay another few days, but as the magistrate has nothing new to tell Lady Butterstone, I cannot be of any help.” He smiled. “I’ll be extremely pleased to wear these this evening, however.”
The footman unloaded their luggage, and a groom appeared from the stables to see to the curricle and horses.
Captain Ryder introduced them to the butler, who led them through the two-story entry hall into a dazzling blue and gold reception room.
“Would you send word to Lady Althea that my guests have arrived, Billings?”
When they were seated, Captain Ryder turned to Erina, startling her while she surreptitiously studied him. “So, you have family in Ireland?”
“Yes, Mr. Feather has kindly offered to drive me to Holyhead.”
The captain looked at Harry. “Remarkable.”
Harry shrugged. “Isn’t it?”
Captain Ryder rested his big hands on his knees. “I must say I’m intrigued to learn why a judicious fellow like Harry has been persuaded to take you, Lady Erina.”
