Finally, the color in her face finished fading. He knew he had her now.
“Mr. Macgregor,” she said with a shaky voice, “I really have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Indeed you do, Miss Watson.”
“Please move out of my way or I shall run you over.” She shouted a command to the horse and flicked the reins again.
“I shall give you twenty-four hours to decide,” he called loudly as the curricle rode off.
Rubbing his hands together, he snickered as he walked toward his horse. His plans were unfolding nicely. Once again—after a few weeks of uncertainty—he had control of his life.
*
The sun dippedlow in the horizon, bringing shades of pink to the sky. Trevor rode his steed hard as he headed back to the house before dusk settled over the land. Anticipation drummed inside of him with each pound from the horse’s hooves. He couldn’t wait to tell Louisa what he’d discovered. Hopefully, she’d be overjoyed, and maybe she could even remember something about her past—anything that would lead them back to the identity of her family.
He had now helped two boys whom Featherspoon had told were orphans, but Trevor found the families and reunited them. Certainly, this would be happy news for Louisa’s situation.
He hadn’t seen her in a couple of days, and although he’d been kept busy, he missed watching her care for his children. He missed her smile, her infectious laugh, and her dreamy gaze when she looked at him. Another thing he longed for was feeling the warmth of her soft body while in his arms, and the sweetness of her tender touch. And heaven help him, he missed the desire stirring inside of him whenever they kissed.
More than anything he wanted to help Louisa discover her past. He wanted her family to be alive. She might be the Danvers’ daughter, but if that were the case, then she’d be engaged to Lord Wellesley. Although, the man was within weeks of marrying another. It didn’t matter. Trevor loved Louisa and he knew she returned his affection, and everything else could be worked out.
He reached the manor just as the sun disappeared and night’s shadows took over. After dismounting and tossing the reins to the groomsman, Trevor darted up the steps and hurried inside his house. Hobbs came out of the parlor and greeted him with a bow.
“Welcome home, Your Grace.”
He smiled. “Hobbs, have you seen Miss Louisa and my children?”
“I believe they finished their dinner not long ago and are now in the nursery.”
“Splendid.” Trevor nodded. “I shall go see them right away.”
Taking the stairs two at a time, he sprinted toward the nursery, anxious to see his children—but especially Louisa. He reached the door and paused, taking a deep breath. He didn’t want to appear like he’d run the whole way.
Slowly, he opened the door and peeked inside. Louisa sat on a chair with the twins on her lap, reading them a bedtime story. The children—already in their night clothes—focused on the pictures, but every so often looked up at Louisa with spellbound expressions.
A grin stole across Trevor’s face. The love Adam and Amanda had for her shone in their eyes. Trevor’s heart melted. He knew how the twins felt since he had had the same emotions inside him for quite some time.
When he lifted his gaze to peer into Louisa’s face… His heart dropped. Something was wrong. Dreadfully wrong. Gone was the sparkle he enjoyed watching dance in her eyes. Gone was the beautiful smile that lit her face. Even the tone of her voice seemed forlorn.
Although she’d been distant since their trip to the circus, the way she looked today was so very different. As if there was nothing inside her—no energy, no happiness. Nothing. As if despair had taken over and left only a shell of a woman.
He needed to speak with her, but couldn’t have the children around because he was certain Louisa would become emotional and that would only upset Adam and Amanda. Quietly, he pulled the door closed then went in search of Mrs. Smythe. He found her in the kitchen and motioned for her to step into the dining room.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” she said after leaving the kitchen. “It is a pleasure to see you home early today knowing how busy you have been.”
“Indeed, Mrs. Smythe, I have been quite busy. Could you go upstairs and ask Miss Louisa to come to my study? I need to speak with her posthaste.”
She nodded. “She just returned home herself a half hour ago.”
“She did?”
“Yes. This morning she needed to go to the place where you hit her with your curricle to see if she could force her memory to return.”
“And? Did it return?”
Frowning, the housekeeper shook her head. “I don’t believe so, Your Grace. Miss Louisa has been very quiet and is keeping to herself.”
“It sounds like I definitely need to speak with her, then.”
