“Aren’t you curious as to what I’m planning to do?” he asked teasingly.
Dreadfully curious, but she was not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know. Alice raised one brow, removed the book she had, for some reason, left in her reticule, settled back into the squabs where she could not be seen, and opened it, holding the book in front of her face, pretending to read.
“Very well,” he drawled. “You will find out soon enough.” Thankfully, he lapsed into silence and seemed to fall asleep.
She discovered sitting back gave her a better view out the window. She recognized signs that they were traveling in the direction of the Great North Road. This was confirmed when they halted briefly at the Islington toll. Before Alice could call out, his hand covered her mouth as he jerked her to his side of the coach.
“I like the feel of you next to me.” He used the tone she used to think seductive. Now his touch made her feel as if bugs were crawling over her. It made her want to vomit all over him and his boots. It was a shame she could not throw up on command.
When the coach started again, he barked a mirthless laugh and let her go. She threw herself onto the other bench. Carefully ignoring him, Alice picked up the book again and opened it. Once they stopped, she would try to escape again. In the meantime, it might be helpful to see if there was anything in the coach she could use as a weapon. The holsters for the coach pistols were empty. He either could not afford a pair, or he thought she might try to shoot him. He would have been right about that. The carriage slowed. He must be sparing his horses. Alice gave herself a shake and went back to her task. The coach itself was clean, but rather shabby. The velvet was worn in places and needed to be replaced. She knew he needed money. That was the reason he wanted to wed her. Still, why abduct her? He had or thought he had the other poor girl to marry. Then again, he would think of it as sullying his bloodlines. Instead, new blood might improve his line. If he thought Alice would ever agree to wed him, he was sadly mistaken. No matter what happened, her family would stand behind her just as they had with Charlotte. Then again, she had ended up falling in love and marrying Con. But they had still protected her until he had apparently changed enough for her to want to wed him. No matter what happened, Alice would never wed Normanby.
* * *
Thorton dashed into Grace’s study followed by Williams as if the devil was after them. “My lady.” Thorton sketched a quick bow. “Lady Alice has been abducted. Williams said Lord St. Albans was following the coach.”
Having someone reliable in pursuit was helpful. Grace tugged the bell-pull for her maid. “What happened, exactly?”
“Lady Alice was going to Hatchards. A boy ran into the street. She told Williams to save the child.” Obviously, a boy who did not need saving. “While he was trying to help the lad, a footman grabbed Lady Alice and threw her into the coach. Lord St. Albans directed Williams to tell his lordship.”
“I would have shot at the coach, but I didn’t want to hurt her. Unfortunately, I was too late to hit anything but the back of the vehicle,” Williams explained.
“Thank you for keeping your head about you.” Grace rose. “Very well. I want the traveling coach and a coach for our personal servants. Bertram must make up a bag for Lady Alice and herself.” Grace’s dresser hurried into the room. “I shall need a portmanteau with clothing for two to three days. His lordship will require one as well.”
“Yes, my lady.” The maid dashed out of the parlor.
She turned back to Thorton. “A basket with enough food for at least one day.” Other than to change the team, they would not stop. “Send to Cleveland House and have Lord St. Albans’s valet pack clothing for his lordship. He will need garments for the same amount of time. His valet may accompany us. Her grace must be notified. I shall write a short note. I need four footmen to take messages. I expect to leave within the hour. If his lordship is not here by then, he can follow us.”
“He is having luncheon with the other gentlemen at Lord Merton’s house,” Thornton said.
It might be an excellent idea to have everyone join them. A story would have to be put about. Having a family excursion might do it. She resumed her seat and wrote the first note to Charlotte.
Charlotte,
Problems with A. Leaving within 1h. Pack for 1-3d.
G
She sanded, folded, attached her seal to the letter, and handed it to a footman. “Take this to Kenilworth House and give it to no one but Lady Kenilworth.”
She repeated the exercise and sent missives to Louisa, Dotty, and Augusta, before writing to the duchess.
My dear duchess,
There has been a serious incident with Lady Alice. Lord St. Albans is in pursuit. I have already sent a message to his valet to pack for a few days. I will follow shortly with servants.
Sincerely yours,
G. W.
Grace hoped that would put her grace at ease and was not too cryptic. She glanced at the footman. “Take this to Cleveland House, only to be given to her grace. Give a verbal message to St. Albans’s valet.”
“Yes, my lady.” The man strode out of the room.
“What about me, my lady,” Williams asked.
“You will come with us.”
“Thank you.” The footman dashed out of the room.
Now to change into travel clothing. As Grace climbed the stairs, she gave thanks that St. Albans had been there. God only knew what would have happened if they had had to find Alice alone. Grace trusted that St. Albans would have the presence of mind to leave messages as he went.
“Your grace.” Her maid entered the parlor holding a note. “This came for you from Worthington House. It is urgent. Gunn has been told to pack for Lord St. Albans.”
Mairead took the missive and opened it. “We are leaving in an hour for two to three days. I want to be ready as soon as possible.” If Alice had been abducted, the only place the scoundrel could go was north. And the only place Giff would take her, after he rescued her of course, was Whippoorwill Manor. Knowing the Worthington family, Grace Worthington would not be the only one following. Mairead quickly wrote a letter advising the butler at Whippoorwill Mannor to be prepared to receive her son, his betrothed, herself, and several guests. She took it to the footman stationed outside her door. “Have this delivered to Whippoorwill Manor. The rider can make as many changes as necessary, but I want it delivered as soon as humanly possible.”
“Yes, your grace.”
“Your grace.” Her butler appeared at the door. “I understand you are leaving for a few days. Do you want me to find his grace?”
Although she loved Archie, he would be of no help whatsoever in this matter. A much lighter hand was required. “Not at all. I will only be away for a few days, and I do not want him to ruin my fun.”
Her poor butler appeared confused. “What should I tell him?”
