The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(2)

If she only knew in what direction they were traveling it might help her form a scheme to escape.

A few minutes later, a large estate situated on a hill caught her attention. “What is the building over there?”

The kidnapper across from her slammed the shade down. “None of yer business is what it is.”

“Shut yer gob, Dan. We ain’t supposed to talk to her.” Next to her the other scoundrel shoved his chin forward as if daring Dan to defy him.

“An whatcha think the mort’s goin’ ta do? Jump out and run for help?” The man called Dan sneered. “She’d haf ta get away from both of us. I only closed it so no one could see inside.”

Charlotte’s cheek felt as if it was burning, as if the blackguard next to her was staring at her face, but she did not dare return his gaze.

“We got our orders,” the man next to her said. “I don’t need you ta put us aground.”

Dan shrugged, and the burning feeling went away.

She had no idea how long they had been traveling, but surely they would stop to change horses soon. Perhaps then she could find someone to help her. She wondered how her kitten was doing, but she didn’t dare show any interest in the basket. The two villains would be bound to notice, then they would find the pistol and her cat.

The men had once more lapsed into silence. Dan’s eyelids drifted shut, but she doubted the other man would be so lax. Not that she could have jumped out of the coach in any event. The traffic had finally lessened, and they were moving along at a faster, steadier pace.

Sometime later, Dan’s foot pushed against her shoe. She moved her leg to give him more room, but the foot followed.

Suddenly, he yelped, and when she sneaked a look he was holding on to his knee. The other man must have kicked him. “What’d ye do that fer?”

“Leave the mort alone,” the blackguard next to her growled. “No talking. No touching.”

She should be relieved. Someone obviously wanted her unharmed. Yet that begged the question of who could have ordered her abduction? She was positive that she had not made any enemies. Matt kept such a careful eye on her, no fortune hunters had been allowed within several yards of her or Louisa.

She gave an imperceptible shudder. Going down that line of thought would not help her escape. All it would do was distract her. And possibly frighten her even more than she already was.

The coachman’s horn sounded, and the carriage began to slow. They must be at a toll. But before she could think what to do, they sped up again. Well, drat! She’d have to be faster the next time. A short while later she noticed a pattern of speeding up then slowing down, but not for the tolls. The driver must be sparing the horses so that they would not have to be changed.

“I have ta go ta the bog house,” Dan said in a sullen tone. “Surprised she ain’t whined about wantin’ ta go. Ye musta scared the piss outta her.” He laughed at his own joke.

The man next to her grunted.

Well, if they were going to stop somewhere, perhaps she could relieve herself and find help. Thinking about it made the urge almost too strong to hold. “I must use the necessary very soon.”

“Burt, ye can stop here. I’ll watch the mort.” Dan leered at her, turning Charlotte’s stomach.

“We’re almost to the inn,” Burt said. “If ye say a word, or try to get anyone to help ye, yer ladyship, I’ll bind and gag ye. Understand?”

Charlotte nodded. The last thing she wanted was to be constrained in any manner.

Several minutes later the coach came to a halt.

“See ta the horses,” Burt barked, and Dan jumped down quick as a rabbit. An ostler came around and let down the steps. The boy helped her out, but Burt grabbed onto her elbow and guided her into the inn.

“Sir,” the landlord said, hurrying up to them. “How can I help you?”

“I’m Smith. Ye have rooms fer us.”

“Oh, yes. Yes, indeed I do.” The innkeeper cast Charlotte a disapproving glance. “Right this way.”

Bother. The landlord had probably been told some Banbury story just as the couple who’d held her friend Dotty had been told. Two days before her wedding, Dotty, now the Marchioness of Merton, had been abducted by a man who wished to stop her from marrying Merton. She’d been taken to a house in Richmond and the caretakers had been informed she was a runaway. By sheer luck, Matt and Merton had discovered where she was, and the men had ridden ventre à terre to her aid. By the time Merton arrived, Dotty had already found a way to escape.

If only Matt were not out of Town. But he was, as were Dotty and Merton. Charlotte did not even know if anyone had seen her abducted. If that were the case, there was only one thing to do. She would simply have to find a way to escape by herself.

*

“My lord, my lord!” Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth, glanced at the crazed man in black waving to him whilst running down the street.

Good God! It was Thorton, his friend the Earl of Worthington’s butler. What the devil was going on?

Drawing his phaeton to the pavement, Con slowed the horses, bringing them to a halt.

“My lord.” With a shaking hand, the servant pointed at a black coach driving down the street. “You must go after them. They took Lady Charlotte.”

“Lady Charlotte?” He could have sworn Worthington’s wife’s name was Grace.