Levi shook his head. “They were arguing about something, but I couldn’t tell what it was.”
“Then what happened?” Broderick folded his arms.
“I heard one of them say Lady Sarah’s name.” Levi shrugged. “That was all I heard before the man with the evil eyes looked at me again and asked where Lady Sarah was. I told them she was with Mr. Crampton.”
“Was that all, or did they say more?”
“No, that was all they said, and they left upset.”
Releasing a pent-up breath, Broderick ran his fingers through his hair. None of this made sense, yet he needed to find out what was going on. More than likely Lady Sarah was in danger. After all, her uncle was a bad man, and their driver knew it and had probably blabbed to his friends, thinking he had killed Lady Sarah and her companion when they traveled here.
The problem was, Broderick didn’t know if Lieutenant Mercer was after Lady Sarah—or after Captain Hawk. He didn’t know why the lieutenant would want Lady Sarah, unless to kidnap her.
Things were getting more confusing by the second.
“Levi, do you remember when they said they would be back?”
“No, sir. I didn’t hear anything of the sort.”
“I thank you for your assistance.” Broderick swung around and marched back toward the house. He needed to figure out this mystery soon before Lady Sarah was taken, or before Mercer realized the fearsome pirate was staying here as well.
The more and more Broderick thought about staying low, the more he realized that going with Emiline to Brighton looked better and better. His aunt and uncle must not let their servants know of their journey in case Mercer decided to follow. It could be done. Broderick would see to it personally.
This meant he needed to let his uncle knowwhyit was so important for Broderick to stay hidden and away from Mercer. But before he did that, he must discover where Uncle Henry’s belief really lay… and which side of the ocean he supported in these perilous times.
Quickly, Broderick stopped and turned back toward the stables. Levi was still out, thankfully. “Levi, will you get my uncle’s horse ready—and one for me as well? We shall go riding very soon.”
“As you wish.” Levi rushed into the stables.
Broderick smiled. Levi had always been so obedient. That was a good quality to have in a servant.
He hurried into the house and straight to his uncle’s study. The door was cracked open slightly, and his aunt was inside discussing something with his uncle. Broderick really didn’t want to disturb them, but his much-needed conversation with his uncle couldn’t be put off any longer.
“But what if her father finds out?” Running his fingers through his hair, Henry snapped at his wife. “He will certainly blame me for not putting a stop to it.”
“You are overreacting again, Henry,” Martha replied. “She is still young and doesn’t understand the consequences of her actions. I’m quite certain her father will sympathize.”
“Truly, this is utter nonsense. I need to stop this charade—” Henry stopped in mid-sentence and swung his head toward the door.
Embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, Broderick straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and entered. Both his uncle and aunt wore wide-eyed, surprised expressions.
“Forgive me for intruding,” Broderick began, “but I needed to speak with you, Uncle.”
His aunt grinned and came to him, stopping to pat his cheeks. “You are not intruding, dear. Mr. Crampton and I have finished our conversation anyway.” She threw a final glare toward her husband before quitting the room.
Henry stretched his arms above his head and faked a yawn. “What a lovely morning it is.”
“Yes, it is, Uncle, which is why I would like you to take a ride around the estate with me.”
“Splendid idea, my boy.”
After they had retrieved their riding jackets, they met back at the stables. As promised, Levi had both animals ready. Broderick and his uncle mounted then took off.
Collecting his thoughts, Broderick didn’t know how to start the conversation. Earnestly, he prayed to say the right words to make his uncle understand.
Henry slowed his horse down to a trot, and Broderick did the same. “I must say, Broderick, you picked a wonderful time to go riding.”
A slight breeze flitted through the trees around them, and the sun peeked through the limbs and leaves. “Yes, the weather has agreed with our outing, I believe. I enjoy riding when the land is so peaceful, but then it makes me wish the whole country could be as content.”
