If the Earl Only Knew (The Daring Marriages) (17 page)

The pit in Kate’s stomach grew as the light faded. It was late and she was beginning to despair. She had hoped against hope that somehow they would be able to find her brother before night fell. It was clear now that hope was in vain.

She pretended for a while that it was only twilight, but soon she had to admit they were in complete darkness. The brief reprieve they’d had from the weather lapsed, and the snow fell hard and wet. Kate would have preferred fluffy white flakes, but this was heavy and thick. She was cold, she was wet, and they could hardly see the road before them. They could run over the body of her brother without seeing it.

After their initial successes with the toll collectors at the turnpikes, they had not found any further word of the broken coach. Her brother’s abductors could have continued down the main road or taken any number of side roads to one of the many towns or hamlets or country houses that dotted the landscape. In truth, her brother could be anywhere.

Wynbrook slowed the horses to a walk, further straining her already taut nerves.

“We cannot tarry. We must move faster.” Though move faster to where, she could not say.

“The horses are blown.”

She knew that. But still she needed to press on; they must find her brother. “We must get a change at the next posting house.”

Wynbrook said nothing for a moment. He adjusted the ribbons in his gloved hands. “It is late. And we are alone together.”

“What has that got to do with anything?” she snapped. She did not want to hear about propriety when her brother’s life was at risk.

“You must be aware that if we arrive together at this hour at a posting house—”

“We will simply tell them that we are a married couple or make up whatever story you choose.”

“Unfortunately, I have traveled these roads frequently and I am known in many of the posting houses.”

“Then go to a posting house in which you are not known. Or go to one that you are. I care not. I cannot do nothing when my brother’s very life hangs in the balance. If my reputation is ruined, it is no great loss. I was not particularly fond of society anyway.”

Wynbrook was quiet for another moment, and Kate suspected he was once again going to say something she did not want to hear. “Even with fresh horses, we don’t know where we are going.”

“We will continue to move on and ask at the different tolls and posting houses until we find someone who has seen the carriage we seek.”

“The men at the tolls generally work in shifts. By now, the night watch will have taken over. If the coach passed by before their watch started, asking them will do no good.”

Kate shook her head even as she began to tremble with the cold. “We cannot stop searching for him. What would you do if one of your sisters had been abducted?”

“I would do the same as you. And I imagine that if you were with me, you would probably be the one giving me this same advice, as unwanted as I know it is.”

He was right. She wished it was not true, but he was right. Roads crisscrossed across the landscape, and her brother’s captors could have taken any turn along the way. Without good direction, they could lose the trail and travel miles from where they needed to be. It would be reasonable to stop until daylight and begin the search again. Reasonable, but the thought of stopping, of giving up, of abandoning Robert to his fate, sliced through her heart like a knife.

“We’ll find him,” said Wynbrook, doing an impressive job of sounding confident. “He is experienced in handling himself in difficult situations. I fear more for the lives of his abductors than for him. I have no doubt when we finally find him, he will be sitting in the office of the magistrate calmly describing how he disposed of each and every one of his abductors.”

“I would like to think so,” said Kate with much less confidence. Robert could be a formidable foe and would not hesitate to act if given the chance. But he was injured, and she did not know how grave his wound may be. “I will never give up on my brother.” If she had to search down every road of Britain and ask at every estate and farmhouse and crofter’s hut in all of the British Isles, she would never stop searching until she found him. Robert would do no less for her, and she could not consider life without him.

“Of course not. But there is very little we can do for him tonight.”

The slushy snow began falling harder, and she had long ago lost the feeling in her fingers and toes. Wynbrook was right. They needed to find shelter.

“All right. Let us stop for the night,” she said through chattering teeth.

“We are coming up on a town now. I generally stay at the inn on the town square, but I believe on the outskirts there is another posting house by the name of the Prancing Cow.”

“Prancing Cow? What kind of name is that?”

“I have no idea. Perhaps the Prancing Pony was already taken. Or perhaps the host has a peculiar sense of humor. In any event, it is not a place I frequent, as the clientele are a bit rough, but we would be unknown.”

“Would we be able to get a change of horses?”

“I should rather let the horses rest and take the same ones in the morning than try our luck with whatever nags they may have.”

They pulled into the inn of the Prancing Cow, but no stable lad ran out to meet them. Though light shone through the cracks of the shuttered windows of the inn, it did not seem a place inviting to strangers. Wynbrook was right when he said this was not a place he was likely to frequent. Even Kate, who had much lower standards when it came to amenities, disliked the general disregard to duty.

“Forgive me, my dear. It seems I must go rouse our host.” Wynbrook handed Kate the ribbons. “A thousand pardons to leave you here in this inclement weather, but if you could hold the horses for but a moment, I will try to find a stable hand.”

Kate gave him a quick nod and tried to hide a shiver. The wet snow had soaked through her bonnet and dripped down the back of her neck. She was damp and quite cold. Where was Robert now? Was he badly injured? She was so deep in thought that she did not notice the man approach the coach until a hand grabbed her ankle.

She jumped back and instinctively kicked the man, landing the heel of her boot on his shoulder. The horses spooked at her sudden movement and pranced forward, causing her to have to pull up the reins and give a low command to be still once more. It was difficult to manage the ribbons with her frozen hands.

“I like me a girl with some fight. You’re a comely wench, you are.” The man staggered, and even a few feet away, she could smell the stench of liquor on his breath. He gave her a grin, revealing two missing front teeth. Kate reflected that this was likely due to his unfortunate habit of grabbing people by the ankle as they sat in carriages, leaving him vulnerable to being kicked in the head.

Kate refused to look at him and hoped he would go away.

“You staying here, luv? I have a nice room. Just me an’ me girl. We could use more companies like you. You look like you got a lot of fight in ya. I like me a wench with some fight. Makes it more sporting like.”

Nothing could make his speech more repulsive than the fact that he swung himself up onto the coach and sat down beside her, his thigh pressing against hers.

“Get down, you filthy bastard,” she yelled. Suddenly, the man flew backward off the coach box, landing on his face in the mud.

“Are you all right? Did he harm you in any way?” Wynbrook’s expression was one of alarm.

“No, just surprised me is all.” Once again, she was impressed by the quick thinking of the Earl of Wynbrook.

A stable lad had been found, and he took the heads of the horses, allowing Kate to release the ribbons. Wynbrook jumped down from the carriage and took the opportunity to lift her from the box and set her on the ground. Even when her feet were securely on the ground, he left an arm around her, protecting her against any and all offenders.

Once inside, Kate wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but the faces of her fellow travelers were no friendlier and only slightly less inebriated than the drunk outside. A man with a red face who must have been the innkeeper greeted them with a suspicious scowl. “We don’t get no quality here. You want to go to the inn on the green in town, you do.”

“Yes, I am sure you are correct,” said Wynbrook, his pleasant tone returned. “But the weather was so inclement I promised to stop at the next posting house I saw. Too cold to go on, you understand, for the lady.”

“Very well then,” said the innkeeper with as little hospitality as possible.

A woman Kate guessed to be the landlord’s wife stepped up with an equally disagreeable frown, crossing her arms over her ample bosom. “We only got the one room left. Who are you, anyways?”

“Mr. White, if you please. Glad to make your acquaintance.” It was perhaps the least sincere thing Wynbrook had ever said, yet he delivered the line with a pleasant countenance.

“And the lady here. She be your wife or your sister?” asked the landlord’s wife with suspicion.

Both Kate and Wynbrook spoke at the same time. “Wife.”

It was without question that Kate and Wynbrook preferred to avoid the common room. A short time later and a few more coins than Kate thought necessary, Kate found herself in a small, private parlor sitting across from Wynbrook at a lopsided table with a greasy tablecloth. The roaring fire, provided for a few more coins, and the surprisingly appetizing fare were a welcome relief. The food was simple but flavorful, the bread was still warm from the oven, and the hearty stew amply filled her growling stomach. She would have enjoyed it more, however, if her mind had not constantly been focused on her concern for her brother.

“I’m sure he will be fine,” said Wynbrook, understanding her silent worry. He put the finishing touches on a letter to Tristan.

She nodded her head, for anything else was too awful to consider. Her brother was all she had left. She had faced the possibility of losing him before, but she had been unprepared for it today.

“I knew every time he sailed off, especially with his work as a privateer, that there was a chance I might not ever see him again. But this is different. We were not supposed to be in mortal danger traveling through the English countryside. We were unprepared.” It was the worst thing one could ever be.

“Do not blame yourself. You could not have predicted such an occurrence.” Wynbrook sanded and sealed his letter. “Tristan is going to find a way to repay me for this, you can be sure of that.”

“I am sorry I got you into this mess.” She prided herself on being prepared, organized, and resourceful, but despite her best intentions, they now found themselves facing some unknown threat by some unknown adversary. Even worse, she had dragged her friends into her troubles.

“Not at all. Everyone needs a little adventure,” said Wynbrook kindly.

This was one adventure she would have gladly missed. She stared into the fire as it started to wane. She was not afraid of action; she rather preferred to be able to do something. At least in war on the high seas, you had a known enemy. There was an honor to it, two ships blasting at one another. “I want to do something. I feel I have let Robert down by not coming to his aid. How can I be of help to him if I cannot even find him?”

Kate pressed her fingers to her temples. Her head was starting to throb.

“It has been a very long and difficult day,” said Wynbrook. “Let us get some sleep.”

“How can I sleep when Robert is out there somewhere, possibly bleeding to death? I must do something.”

Wynbrook reached across the table and took both her hands in his. “Earlier today, you prayed for guidance. Perhaps we can pray now for protection for Dare and his swift return to us.”

Kate shook her head. Given her unfortunate history, she was of the opinion that the Lord was unconcerned for her welfare. “I am not much for prayers. I do not believe I am or have ever been in His good graces.”

“Perhaps God allows trials so that we will turn to him.”

“That’s just cruel.”

Wynbrook squeezed her hands. “Before the accident that killed my parents, I thought I was invincible. I suppose I may have been a bit arrogant.”

A bit? Kate said nothing but raised an eyebrow.

“After they died so suddenly, I was lost. I remembered the prayers of my mother and made them my own. It gave me a peace I could never have found relying on myself.” Wynbrook took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, looking up in thought. “I still miss my parents, but I hope I am a better man for having experienced what I did.”

Kate stared at Wynbrook. This was not the polished facade he showed the world; this was real, raw, and intimate. “You are a better man.”

Wynbrook met her eyes, and their gazes locked together. She leaned toward him, unable to stop herself. She wanted… No! She pulled back and turned away. “I mean, you were a pretty arrogant arse to start with.”

Wynbrook laughed. “I will not deny it.”

“Would you pray we find Robert?” said Kate, quickly changing the subject. She could not reject any opportunity to find help. Perhaps Wynbrook’s prayers would be better received than her own.

“Of course.” He lifted up a prayer for Robert, and Kate prayed along with him. It seemed asking for a miracle was their best chance.

“Thank you,” she said when he was finished.

“He will be all right. This is Dare, you know.”

Kate nodded, the aches and pains of a difficult day catching up with her. There was nothing she could do now, and allowing herself to become exhausted would do her brother no good.

“We should rest a few hours before beginning the search again,” she said, resigned to giving up for the evening.

Wynbrook nodded. “Go up to the room and I will find the landlord to post this letter. You may be concerned for your brother, but I am more worried over the wrath of Tristan!” He smiled at her and Kate could not help but return it. Somehow, Wynbrook gave her courage that all would be well. She needed to cling to this hope.

He held open the small parlor door for her, and she went upstairs to the room they had taken for the night. The room was small, though clean. Their luggage had been brought up, leaving little space for the occupants. One glance revealed a problem. There was just one bed.

One bed
.

* * *

Wynbrook let out a long sigh once Kate had left the room. His day had certainly taken a turn into the unbelievable. He was the Earl of Wynbrook. Such things did not happen to him. Yet here he was in a questionable inn, with a young lady to whom he was not married, on a search for the villainous abductors of the Earl of Darington.

How had his day gone so wrong?

He reviewed his options. He felt the need to inform the local magistrate of such evil doings but he could not quite overcome the obstacle of informing the authorities without revealing Kate’s involvement. He was not sure if he could be of any help to Lord Darington, but he could at least protect the man’s sister. If Dare had been there at that moment, he was sure that Kate would have been foremost on his mind.

Wynbrook well understood the looks of derision thrown his way upon entering the humble inn. Quality did not frequent this establishment. If a man with no less than seven riding capes on his greatcoat came looking for lodging with a young female in tow, one could be sure they were up to no good. The only fortunate thing was that Kate seemed not to notice. She was so consumed with worry over the fate of her brother, she did not concern herself with her own reputation.

No, her place in society was going to be his concern. He leaned a shoulder on the edge of the doorway and pondered what needed to be done. No matter what angle he looked at it, there was no way to inform the magistrate without involving Kate and that must be avoided at all costs. Besides, what could the local magistrate serving the location of the original kidnapping do? The men who had captured Darington had presumably moved into someone else’s jurisdiction, but whose? These local law enforcers had no assets to search the country looking for stolen aristocrats.

The only force with the ability to do that would be the Bow Street Runners and they were back in London. By the time Kate and Wynbrook made their way back to London to inform the Runners of the crime committed, the men who abducted Robert could be anywhere.

No, there was nothing to do but stay the course, search for Robert, and keep Kate out of anyone’s notice as best he could. When this was over, he would have to attend to another serious issue.

He broke the seal on his letter to Tristan and reviewed the contents. It read like the lurid novels he secretly enjoyed. He had briefly explained what happened and gave instructions how to notify the authorities of the corpse left on the side of the road, had it not already been discovered.

Wynbrook took up the quill and paused. Was he really going to do this? Lady Katherine was simply the most amazing, most unusual lady he had ever met. They were totally unsuited for each other, and yet, the thought of her with anyone else made his blood boil. Somehow, when looking at them separately, they were wrong for each other, but together, they worked. He added one last instruction to the letter.

Go to Doctors’ Commons. Buy a special license.

Wynbrook stared at the words, letting their meaning set in. He was asking his brother to obtain a marriage license. Surprisingly, he was not at all displeased with this turn of events. How he could bring the thing about was another matter.

He resealed the letter and called for the landlord to post it. Unfortunately, the landlady came instead, giving him a withering frown.

“Do not think I don’t know what you’re up to,” she said accusingly. “This is a Christian inn!”

“My wife and I are happy to hear it,” said Wynbrook mildly, wishing he was dealing with the husband and not the wife.

“Wife? Ha!” she snorted with derision.

“If you would see this letter posted, I would be most grateful.”

The woman folded her arms over a generous bosom. “I’ll be no party to such goings-on.”

“I assure you there is nothing nefarious in this letter. Please allow me to pay to have it special delivered tonight.” He handed the woman a generous sum.

Her eyes widened at the amount and he could see the internal struggle being worked out in her mind. “Fine then.” She snatched the money and the letter from his hand. “But you won’t so easily bribe your way past Saint Peter at the heavenly gates!”

Wynbrook gave her a winning smile. He did hope Saint Peter would take his side in the affair. His duty discharged, he walked up the narrow stairs to the bedrooms. Whatever happened next, perhaps it would be best if Saint Peter turned a blind eye.