Mastering The Marquess (Bound and Determined #1)(96)

She pulled the filthy rag from her mouth, relieved to be free of the lingering flavor of fish. Had the man used it as a napkin? She rather hoped so, given some of the other possibilities. She spit the clinging veils from her mouth. Should she remove them?

The air filling the carriage was rank with the smell of sweat and … sewage? Where exactly were they traveling? Despite the foulness, she pulled deep breaths into her lungs, trying to clear her head. It had been hard to breathe with the lummox sitting atop her. Leaning back on the seat, letting her head rest against the hard cushion, she tried to find some sense of calm. Panic would not help anything.

They must have made a mistake. There was no reason to abduct her.

Again her mind turned to the lady. It might be useless to argue with them if they were under someone’s employ, but … “Can you tell me why you have taken me?” That sounded reasonable.

“We were told to—and paid to,” the second man, who had not been sitting on her, answered.

“Why?”

“Don’t know.”

“Then how do you know I am the woman you were meant to take?” She reached up and removed the pins that held her veils in place.

The men eyed the pins, evidently judging their threat as weapons.

She placed them with deliberate action on the seat beside her and removed her covering. “Surely I am not who you meant to grab. Why don’t you take me back and we can forget this.” Despite her determination not to argue, she could not help herself. She wanted to be home.

“You’re who was pointed out to us. She said you’d have brown eyes, brown hair, and a large mouth. The description seems to fit.”

“Pointed out to you?”

“Her man followed you, told us who to get. And that’s enough talk. We just deliver and help out as needed, however she needs.”

Somebody had been following her. Her mind stopped at those words, her fear growing. She fisted and relaxed her hands again and again, took deep calming breaths. None of it helped.

If they had been following her then it might actually be her they wanted. It made no sense. Why?

Money?

She did have funds, and Swanston had access to even more. If it was ransom they wanted then perhaps this could all be resolved quickly.

The thought did not bring the reassurance she had hoped.



“Mayberry knows nothing.” It was several hours later that Duldon stomped back into the library. “He says Lady Ormande only wished to talk with him about trout fishing. How likely does that seem?” It was almost possible to see the black fumes swirling about him. “I did find out about several London properties the woman may have an interest in, but—”

“Rest easy, my friend. Bliss has been found.” Swanston leaned back. It had all been a worthless worry. He wondered if Bliss had planned it as repayment for being told to stay away from the Countess.

“Explain.” Duldon marched to the desk and stared down at him.

“Yes, it was Ormande’s coach, but Bliss was merely borrowing it. I don’t know why she didn’t use one of my father’s coaches, but I would not be surprised to learn she was attempting—with some success—to stir the pot. She is spending a few days with her friend, Lady Carolyn Winters, who is preparing for her first ball. Apparently a note was sent to my father, but he tossed it aside along with everything else for his secretary to deal with. The letter was found when I directed that the house be searched. I have sent inquiry to Lady Winters, Carolyn’s mother, and apparently the two girls are there, giggling and as happy as can be.”

“Then why …?”

“I do not know. I cannot believe it is as simple as it appears, but I can see no other reason. Bliss might enjoy a joke, but I have never known her to act with malice.”

“Neither have I.” Duldon sank into a chair across from the desk, his body limp with relief. “Can I have a whiskey? I feel in need of refreshment.”

“As do I.” Swanston summoned the maid.

“I will be talking to your sister. She should know better than to cause such worry. Can you imagine if we had gone to Richmond and not found her there?”

“You will be talking with her?” Swanston could only question his friend’s involvement.

“Do you take issue?” Duldon stepped forward, his shoulders braced.

“I take it this is your formal offer? I was not sure if you were in jest when we discussed Bliss earlier.”

“I intend to marry her.” There was no question involved in the statement.

“For the land?” Swanston raised a brow. He’d never seen Duldon’s hackles rise over a financial dealing.

“Why else would I choose her?” Duldon stared out the window.

“Why else indeed?” Swanston found he rather liking seeing this possessive quality about Duldon. He loved his sister, but it would be nice to have somebody else worry about her. He did, after all, still have two more to marry off.

The slightest of scratches sounded at the door, and his porter entered. “Forgive me for interrupting, my lord, but her ladyship has not returned and Cook wishes to know if she should hold dinner back an hour. Her ladyship does like time to wash and dress before eating.”

A cold knot formed in Swanston’s chest. “Did she send word?”

“No, my lord. No one has heard from her since she departed.”