Page 26 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“Exactly.” Hawk filled his plate from the dishes on the table. “My theory is once the Home Office uncovered her location, Loverly’s cohort sent someone here to kill her before I could bring her back. Since the missive had been sent first to London, and then forwarded, they had no way of knowing I was already here.

“Do you have an idea where she might have gone? I have to find her before whoever is interested in doing away with her does.”

His cousin thought for a moment. “I have no idea. I can question Leah. She might have some information.”

“Do governesses generally befriend each other? Is there some type of gathering or organization for them? Maybe she made friends with another governess to whom she might turn.”

Wycliff shook his head. “No. In fact, we invited her to several events over the two years she’s worked for us, but she always declined.”

“No doubt afraid of someone recognizing her.”

They finished their meal in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Hawk wiped his mouth, then pushed back his chair and stood. “I am going after her, and when I find her, I will bring her to Hawkins Manor. My mother can act as chaperone while I investigate what is going on.”

He rested his hand on Wycliff’s shoulder. “I hate to depart with your governess since you are both so happy with her, but I do not believe she is safe here.”

“That is probably for the best, since whoever tampered with her saddle would not know where she’s gone.”

Hawk nodded. “I will have my man pack everything up and travel to London in my carriage, which is where anyone watching the house will expect me to go. If the carriage is being watched, Macon can take care of himself. My driver and tiger are also equipped with firearms. With your permission, I will take one of your horses and see that he is returned as soon as I find Lizzie, I mean Lady Elizabeth.”

Wycliff nodded. “I am sorry your visit was cut short. I am even more sorry that Miss Moore—rather, Lady Elizabeth—will no longer be in our employ. We were, indeed, quite satisfied with her.”

“Yes. I understand, and deeply regret that. Please give my regards and apologies to Lady Wycliff.”

Hawk spent the morning questioning every shop in the village. He had checked earlier with Lennon and determined no horses were missing, which meant Lizzie was on foot. What a risk she was taking with someone attempting to do away with her. He pushed aside the guilt at that, since right now the poor girl was probably more terrified of him than she was of some unknown assailant.

His first break came when he spoke to the owner of The Purple Cow, where he and Lizzie had shared ale a few days before. The proprietor told Hawk he’d seen a young woman, dragging two satchels, climb aboard the stagecoach that stopped at the pub twice a week. It had left several hours ago. The owner could not say for certain it was Lizzie whom he’d seen, since the woman’s face was covered with a veil, but his description of her pelisse and figure fit Lizzie, so he was quite sure it was her. Tossing the man a coin after he gave him a list of the towns the coach visited, he thanked him and mounted his horse to head after her.

Hawk switched out horses at the first inn the stagecoach had stopped and arranged for Wycliff’s horse to be delivered back to his estate.

At the second stop he

ate a meal and confirmed the stagecoach had a young lady with a veil over her face on board. Feeling confident that he would have her in hand before the end of the day, he pressed on.

A few hours later, he jumped from his horse at The Boar’s Head Inn and handed it over to a young groom. “Please see about hiring a private carriage.”

“Not sure if I can get it for you today, my lord.” The boy scratched his head. “I might have one for you tomorrow.”

“Excellent. See that you do.” Hawk had been overjoyed to see the stagecoach parked right outside the inn, most likely for the dinner stop.

Not wanting to alert Lizzie that he was here and take a chance of her trying to escape again, he pulled down the brim of his hat and entered the inn.

The stagecoach passengers were all seated on a long table in the common room. Lizzie sat between an older woman and a man who was busy drinking his meal. Hawk took a seat at a small table in the corner where the lighting was dim, so he could observe Lizzie without her seeing him.

No food sat in front of Lizzie, and the man in his cups next to her kept leaning in her direction. Whatever he was saying caused Lizzie to speak to him sharply. He kept it up until Hawk could no longer ignore the situation. Hopefully, he could rescue Lizzie without causing too much attention.

Hawk walked up behind the man and clamped his hand on his shoulder. “My good man, I suggest you leave the lady alone. She does not wish your attention.”

Lizzie’s head jerked toward him. Behind the dark veil her eyes grew wide with panic. She started to rise, and he said, “Do not rise, my dear. I will take care of this piece of fustian nonsense.”

“Hey now, the gel’s traveling with me. Go find yer own woman.” The drunkard yanked his shoulder, attempting to shrug off Hawk’s hand.

“I think not.” Afraid a lengthy altercation with the man might give Lizzie leave to escape—although there really wasn’t anywhere she could run—he pulled the man up by his jacket collar and shoved him away. The drunkard stumbled and landed facedown on the floor.

Hawk gripped Lizzie’s elbow and pulled her to her feet. No one paid them any mind as he walked her to the innkeeper, who stood behind the bar, serving an ale to a customer. “A room for the night for myself and my wife, please. Also see that her belongings are unloaded from the stagecoach and sent to our room.”

…

Lizzie thought her heart would stop when she turned to see Hawk standing behind her, peering at her with those dark brown eyes. She almost considered throwing herself on the drunk man to escape, but her common sense prevailed, and she allowed Hawk to walk her over to the innkeeper.