Broderick groaned. He had forgotten about that. “That is the very reason I hesitate on the matter.”
“Oh, but you must see the positive side of that. Being an aristocrat will give you ample opportunity to gather information that would help in your cause.”
“Yes, but it would also bring me closer to the enemy, and getting caught and hanged for treason is not what I want to happen at this point in my life.”
Henry shook his head. “You are an intelligent man. I highly doubt anyone could catch you.”
Broderick brushed a hand through his hair. “Regardless, I still have much to ponder on that subject, which I would rather not do at this time. However, I think we need to discuss Lady Sarah and why those men came looking for her.”
Henry’s forehead creased in puzzlement. “I still cannot fathom why they came. Do you suppose her father sent them?”
“No, Uncle. If her father had sent them, they would have mentioned it first, and they would have waited for Lady Sarah to return.”
“Very true.”
“So here is what I propose we do to keep her safe.” He urged the animal closer to his uncle. Broderick explained how he’d asked Levi questions about the men who came, and what he realized. “We need to take Lady Sarah—and Miss Emmie this time—to another town, just for a visit. You cannot let the servants know where we are traveling. Lie if you must, but they cannot know. I don’t want them to find us.”
Henry’s head bobbed. “I understand. Where shall we take them?”
“Brighton.”
His eyes widened. “Why there?”
“It’s just enough out of the way from your home, yet close enough that I can have some of my crew meet us there in case these men know where we are.”
“I do believe that is a wise decision.”
“But remember, don’t let any of your servants know of this plan.”
“You can count on me.”
“And Uncle, I shall inform Lady Sarah and Miss Emmie about our journey. I plan on taking them for a picnic this afternoon.”
Henry studied Broderick closely as he rubbed his chin. “Tell me, Broderick, why are you so willing to protect the enemy’s niece? If this cause is what you feel strongly about, you probably loathe the earl as well as the man’s wicked brother.”
“Indeed, I do, Uncle. But as much as I cannot stand—nor trust—these men, I want to protect Emmie—uh, I mean Lady Sarah and her companion. Unfortunately, I have another motive in mind while keeping them protected.”
“Let me guess.” Henry grinned. “You want to woo Lady Sarah?”
Broderick rolled his eyes. “Actually, I want to ask her questions about her uncle. The more I know about that man and what he has planned, the more I can assist my country.”
“Nowthatsounds more like the nephew I know.”
Chuckling, Broderick turned his horse and continued their ride. He didn’t wish to further the conversation by going into more detail, especially when it came to Lady Sarah and Emiline. For certain, his uncle would be able to see how smitten Broderick had become with Emiline already. And until he could figure out this infatuation himself, he didn’t want to discuss it with anyone.
*
Emmie was nervous,yet excited, to be traveling to Brighton. True to Broderick’s promise, he arranged their journey, and they left the Cramptons’ home without many servants knowing. The few servants who assisted in packing and loading the carriages also went with them.
To Emmie’s surprise, they all left early in the morning. It was quite comical to see Mrs. Crampton and, especially, Rebecca sluggish and with puffy, sleepy eyes. Even Anna acted like she didn’t want to get out of bed that early. Irritation for the maid’s actions of late stung Emmie. How long had Anna been the maid? Yet now, after only a few short weeks, she was performing like a pampered, spoiled little rich girl. Emmie was put out, especially whenshehad never acted in such a way.
Although most everyone was tired, there was no way Emmie could sleep. Excitement pumped through her, and she couldn’t wait to find her mother. She and Broderick had previously discussed how they would find her mother. Even though she hadto argue with the man who made her heart flutter, she had finally convinced him that she would dress as his footman and go with him during his search.
She also couldn’t wait to be with Broderick, alone. But this was the only way.
Curiosity niggled her mind, suddenly making her want to find out more about him. Whatever he did for a living must be successful, since his clothes were fancier than a mere farmer’s would be. And his manners and intelligence proved he was far from being a mere farmer’s son.
Emmie watched out the window as the morning sun brightened the trees and flowers, making them sparkle. Anna slumped against the corner with her head resting against the coach’s wall, as heavy, sleepy breaths escaped her slightly parted lips. Across from them sat Mrs. Crampton. The woman’s husband and daughter rode in the other coach, thank goodness. Emmie didn’t think she could stomach being in close confinement with Rebecca for very long without voicing her thoughts, especially since she figured the other woman had put something in the tea to make her sick the other day.
