“Good, but we mustn’t dwell on that now. We have far more important things to discuss,” Fredrick said.
The butler stepped back into the entry hall and announced, “The coach is out front, my lord.”
They both didn’t need to be told twice and they quickly headed towards the coach. Once the coach was rolling down the street, Fredrick glanced out the window. “Please say that you are a better shot than when we were younger.”
“I have improved,” Harred said.
“Have you ever shot anyone?”
“I have not.”
Fredrick’s eyes held something he couldn’t quite decipher. Remorse, perhaps? “It is not something you should ever do lightly,” he said. “Every death will stay with you, pricking at your very soul, until you begin to wonder what type of person you truly are.”
It was evident that Fredrick spoke from experience and he didn’t dare ask any questions about what he must have gone through during the war. It wasn’t his place to do so. But it definitely had taken a toll on him.
As quickly as those emotions entered his friend’s eyes, they disappeared and he continued. “Whoever took Octavia made a big mistake. Whatever he does to my sister, he will suffer a similar fate. I can promise you that,” Fredrick declared.
Harred found himself to be exceedingly anxious, knowing nothing could be done for Octavia until midnight. What kind of conditions was she forced to endure right now? Was she cold? Frightened? How he wished he could be there to hold and comfort her. He would tell her it would be all right and he would do whatever it took for her to return home, even sacrificing his own life.
Harred didn’t bother to wait for the footman to open the door after the coach had come to a stop in front of Lord Rushcliffe’s townhouse. He had no time for such luxuries since time was of the essence.
The moment his foot was on solid ground, he headed towards the main door and pounded on it.
Fredrick’s voice came from behind him. “You need to calm down.”
“Calm down?” Harred repeated in disbelief. “Why aren’t you more upset? Your sister has been abducted.”
“I am well aware of that, but going off half-cocked is going to solve nothing. If anything, it will make the situation worse.”
“Well, I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”
“We are doing something,” Fredrick asserted. “You must trust me if you want to keep Octavia safe.”
Before he could respond, the door opened and the butler asked, “How may I help you?”
“We are here to see Lord Rushcliffe,” Harred said with urgency in his voice.
The butler gave them a look of regret. “I’m sorry, but that is impossible. Lord Rushcliffe is having dinner with family. If you would come back later—”
Harred placed his hand on the door and shoved it open. “No, we must speak to Lord Rushcliffe now!”
The butler staggered back. “If you do not leave at once, I will be forced to send for the constable.”
“Good,” Harred replied as he stepped into the entry hall. “Rushcliffe! Where are you? I must speak to you at once!”
Fredrick placed his hand on Harred’s arm. “This is not the way to get Rushcliffe’s attention,” he warned.
Harred knew he was acting irrationally but he neededGreydon’s help and he needed it now. He would do whatever it took to get Octavia back, including making a complete and utter fool of himself.
Greydon’s voice came from a doorway off the entry hall. “What is the meaning of this, Kendal?” he demanded.
“I need your help,” Harred rushed out.
Fredrick shook his head. “We need your help, and I’m afraid it is rather urgent. Do you have a moment to speak to us?”
Greydon frowned. “Why is it so imperative that you speak to me right now?”
“Octavia has been abducted,” Fredrick revealed. “And the only way to get her back is to trade Kendal for her at midnight.”
