The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(77)

Bran felt a mixture of relief and frustration. He went to Becky and knelt before her. “I’m very worried about her. I want to make sure she’s all right. Will you please tell me where she might be?” He only hoped it was more than a might and that Evie was safely ensconced somewhere.

Becky chewed her lip. She looked up at her mother, who nodded encouragingly. She returned her gaze to Bran, looking worried. “Please tell her not to be angry with me. We promised each other it would be our secret.”

Jo knelt beside him and took her niece’s hand. “It will be all right. Evie will understand.”

“We have a secret hiding place at her house. It’s in the attic. There’s a narrow staircase behind a door in one of the maids’ rooms—the smallest one, in the corner.”

Bran leapt up, but Jo grabbed his hand and held him fast before he could run out. “Thank you, Becky,” she said. “You were very brave and very good to tell us.”

Bran patted the girl’s shoulder, anxiety searing his insides. “Yes. Thank you.” He looked at Jo, and she nodded.

They hurried from the room and down the stairs. Abbott just got the door opened before they fled outside. “I only have my horse,” Bran said. One of the Kendals’ grooms stood with it.

“You can go on ahead,” Jo said, letting go of his hand.

“No, we’ll do this together.” He brushed a stray hair from her forehead and leaned forward to kiss her, his lips briefly touching hers. “We’ll do everything together from now on.”

She nodded, and there were tears in her eyes. “I love you.”

“Good.” He turned, slipping his arm around her waist and guiding her to the horse. He climbed up first, then asked the footman to give her a leg up. Bran pulled her in front of him. “It’s a bit awkward, sorry.”

“I don’t care,” she said, pressing back into his chest. “Let’s go.”

He rode the horse as quickly as he dared, and they arrived at his town house a few minutes later. He slid from the saddle and helped Jo down. Bucket opened the door. “Did you find her, my lord?”

“Not yet, but we will. See to my horse.”

Bran ran up the stairs and heard Jo close behind him. Up two more flights to the servants’ floor where the nursery was located. They passed that on their way to the corner. “Is this the right room?” he asked Jo.

“Yes, I believe so.”

He opened the door. The chamber was small and sparsely furnished. It was also empty. A narrow door was nestled into the corner. He crossed to it and pulled, but it stuck a bit, and he paused. Turning, he looked at Jo, who was just behind him.

He pulled on the door a second time. This time, it gave way.

The staircase was indeed narrow and also dark. But there was a faint light coming from above. He started up, the boards beneath his feet creaking as he went.

“Who’s there?” came a frightened voice.

Bran relaxed as he recognized his daughter’s tones. “It’s Papa.” He came into the attic. It was cold and dusty, with a low ceiling that required him to stoop.

Evie sat on a blanket with a doll on her lap and a candle burning in a lamp beside her.

“May we sit down?” Bran asked.

Evie looked uncertain. “Who’s with you?”

Bran hadn’t heard Jo on the stairs behind him. He turned and called down, “Jo?”

The creak of the stairs signaled her ascent. A moment later, she joined them, her expression tentative.

“You came back,” Evie said flatly. “Why?”

“Because I asked her to,” Bran said, sitting.

“But she doesn’t want to be a governess anymore.” Evie sent her a mutinous look that tore at Bran’s heart.

“No, she doesn’t.” He looked at her, remembering what she’d told him just a few minutes ago—that she loved him. Did that mean she would marry him? He didn’t want to presume, nor did he want to encourage Evie’s hopes only to have them be dashed. “I am hopeful she will still be a close part of our lives, however.” He held his hand toward Jo, hoping she ascertained his meaning.

She came forward and sat down beside him. Hope unfurled in his chest as he gazed into her eyes.

Her lips curved up, and she faced Evie. “Instead of your governess, I’m going to be your father’s countess. If it’s all right with you.”

Evie blinked, her gaze disbelieving. She looked from Jo to Bran. “Truly?”

Bran nodded, unable to speak through the joy clogging his throat.

Evie let out a long breath teeming with relief. “Becky and I tried so hard. We arranged that picnic and the dinner. I was certain you might be falling in love. But then I thought it was maybe just my imagination.”

Jo reached out and laid her hand over Evie’s. “It wasn’t. I’ve been in love with your father for some time.”

Bran snapped his head toward her. She had? Of course she had. And if he’d been paying attention, he would’ve known that.

Happiness bloomed in Evie’s gaze. “We are going to be a family for real, then.”

“Yes.” Bran and Jo answered in unison. They looked at each other and joined hands.

Evie clasped Jo’s hand and then reached for Bran’s. He took her small fingers in his and gave them a squeeze.