“Lady Langston, what a pleasant surprise,” Henry added.
“Mr. Worthington, Mr. Crampton.” Daphne’s tone was clipped. Elias continued to glare. “Mr. Worthington, do you know where my daughter is?”
Broderick frowned. Worry started to grow in his chest. “No, my lady. I thought she was with you.”
“She was with us earlier today, but then suddenly she stated she had to see you and rushed out of the house before I could stop her.”
“When was that?” Broderick asked.
“Not more than an hour ago.”
“I assure you, I have been in my room at the inn until my uncle and I left for a walk.” He studied their worried faces before glancing at Henry, who wore the same type of expression. Panic filled Broderick completely.
Elias stepped up to him, and the lad poked his finger into Broderick’s chest. “I demand you tell me what you have done with my sister.”
Broderick held up his hands. “Whoa there, Elias. There is no need to get testy. I assure you, I have done nothing with your sister. I have not even seen her today.”
“You are lying!” Elias accused.
“Pardon me,” Broderick snapped as the worry to find Emiline expanded, “but why would I lie? I love your sister and want to protect her.” He switched his attention to Daphne. “Tell me what happened. I need to know so I can find her.”
Lady Langston studied Broderick for a few silent moments before her face relaxed and moisture coated her eyes—eyes that looked so much like Emiline’s that it tugged at Broderick’s heart. Helplessness settled in his gut, and he didn’t know what to do about it.
“I wish I knew, Mr. Worthington. My daughter and I were having a most serious discussion, and I could see how upsetit made her. I bade her to rest in my room for a little while. After several minutes, she came back down in a fit and said she needed to find you posthaste. Before I could discover what was wrong, she ran out of the house.” Her lips trembled as she placed a shaky hand on Broderick’s arm. “Please help us find my daughter. I cannot lose her again.”
He grasped her hand and squeezed. “I assure you, I will locate Emiline. I love her, and I don’t wish to lose her either.”
“You do not love her,” Elias snapped. “You only want to use her.”
Broderick released Daphne’s hand and glared at the boy. “Why are you saying such lies? What have I done to make you hate and distrust me?”
“Because… Well, I know about you.” Elias narrowed his eyes. “I know who youreallyare.”
Broderick’s heart sank like a boulder in the sea. He glanced at Henry, and the color on his face had disappeared as well. His eyes were wide with fright.
Broderick swallowed hard and looked back at Elias. “And who do you think I am,really?”
“Two men told me you were Captain Hawk.”
He licked his suddenly dry lips, his mind scrambling for something intelligent to say. He snuck a peek at Daphne, who, thankfully, didn’t look as condemning as her son.
“From the stories I have heard about Captain Hawk for many years,” Broderick began, “the man would well be into his eightieth year, wouldn’t he?” He swept a hand around his face. “Do I honestly look like I’m that old?”
Slowly, the angry expression on Elias’s face changed. No longer was he cocky and assured—now doubt snuck across his creased forehead and tight lips.
“Well, I suppose you aren’t that age, but the men assured me—”
“Who were these men?” Henry said. “Why do you trust them over the man your sister loves?”
Elias shrugged. “The naval officer was so convincing.”
Fear clutched Broderick’s heart once again. “A naval officer, you say? What did he look like?”
Elias shrugged again. “A middle-aged man, I assume. Freckled face, with an abundance of burnt-orange hair.”
Sickness rolled in Broderick’s stomach, making him want to throw up. Somehow Mercer had connected the pirate to Broderick. But how? And that still didn’t explain why the lieutenant would take Emiline. Was it to bring Captain Hawk out of hiding?
Taking a deep breath to control his fear, Broderick nodded. “Tell me everything these men said. I need to find Emmie. She is in grave danger.”
