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Brave imp.

“Whatever do you mean, child?” Confusion etched Penford’s thin features.

The man was dense as a turnip—obtuse as a rock.

Aubriella obviously didn’t inherit her intelligence from her parents.

Jessamine squared her shoulders and thrust her dainty chin upward. “I’ve seen the hurt in her eyes. We take her for granted. You did it this afternoon at tea.” She made a sweeping motion with her hand to include her entire family. “We all sat together, and you were bothered that you might have to move a chair to accommodate Aubriella. She doesn’t feel loved or that she is part of our family.”

That flighty Jessamine had also noticed what Jack had observed, suggested perhaps there was more to the youngest Penford than a pretty face.

“I… I… I didn’t realize.” Mrs. Penford wept freely, a handkerchief pressed to her eyes. “My poor, dear girl.”

Mr. Penford’s throat worked, and he turned away to lift his spectacles and dry his eyes.

“You don’t include Elli.” Emmet, his hands thrust into his pockets, paced back and forth. Accusation colored his tone. “I’ve seen it and should have said something sooner. I am just as guilty. How often, Mama and Papa, have you said Aubriella doesn’t need attention and guidance? That she would be all right? That you don’t worry about her?”

“Clearly, Aubriella is not all right. Or else she wouldn’t have fled during a snowstorm.” Jack strode forward, guilt at his contribution to her flight making his words terse and gnawing at his gut.

It occurred to him that Clarence Penford had no idea what to do.

Someone needed to take charge.

“Exactly how long ago did you leave Miss Penford in Westerham, Mosely?” Jack glanced at the longcase clock situated in a corner. Nearly seven. He’d last seen Aubriella at three. Four hours’ head start. In this weather, he could overtake a slow-moving coach easily.

“Around half four, Mr. Matherfield,” Mosely said.

He caught Tellinger’s attention. “Can you be ready to ride in ten minutes?”

“I’ll meet you at the stable.” Tellinger headed toward the door.

“You have a firearm with you?” Tellinger never traveled unarmed, and he likely had multiple weapons at his disposal.

Tellinger gave a terse nod before leaving the room.

“Jack?” Emmet wobbled forward. “I wish I could accompany you, but I would only slow you down. Please bring my sister back safely.”

“I have every intention of doing so, my friend.” He patted Emmet’s shoulder.

“Mr. Templeton?” Jack mentally calculated the distance they’d need to travel and the route to take. “May I impose upon you to have horses saddled? Sturdy horses. Perhaps a bag with extra blankets, too?”

“Of course.” Templeton waved at Fredericks. “See to it at once.”

“Yes, sir.” Fredericks put aside his usual staid dignity and departed the room at an impressive sprint.

Jack pivoted to go, his stomach in knots and fear creeping along his spine.

Two pretty women traveling alone in this weather…

God.

His stomach roiled so violently he couldn’t finish the thought.

“Jack?” He faced Mr. Penford.

“Yes?”

“Find Aubriella. Please.” Mr. Penford blew his nose noisily.

Mrs. Penford lifted her blotchy face from her saturated hankie. “Yes, Jack. Do. Please. She must know how much we love her. We’ve been remiss, but we must tell her how sorry we are and ask her forgiveness.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to blurt that Aubriella mightn’t be in this perilous predicament if they’d told her sooner how they felt when the truth hit him with the force of a bludgeon to the skull.

His gait faltered, and dizziness befuddled his mind for a second.

Jack loved Aubriella.

Oh, God. I love her.

Only he hadn’t recognized the feelings for what they were. He had loved Aubriella for so long it had become second nature. He adored her uniqueness, quirkiness, freckles, hazel eyes, long limbs, and intelligence. In truth, he cherished her stubbornness, skepticism, prickliness when he teased her, and everything else about her.

And the sooner he had his arse in the saddle, the sooner he could tell her just that.

Please, Lord. Keep her safe.

He rushed from the room, the desire to find her, to make sure she was safe, more important than breathing.

I’m coming, my darling. I’m coming.