Never Dance with a Marquess (The Never Series Book 2), Maggi Andersen [best short novels of all time TXT] 📗

too, and the doctor for Jerry. They laid Alex in his bedchamber. If I’m not back by the time they arrive, will you deal with them? I’ve explained everything to Abercrombie. He and Giles are armed. They won’t admit anyone into the house, except these three men my butler knows. I hate to ask it of you, Carrie, but there’s no one else. Lady Penelope is not up to dealing with any of this. And it will be better for Gwen to go home today as she planned. Make sure Bella and Jeremy remain indoors, give them something to occupy them. I don’t care what it is, as long as they don’t go to the kitchen looking for biscuits and annoy Armand. Heaven help them if he’s cooking a souffle for luncheon.” He looked at her, his smile strained. “He might chase them out with the carving knife.”

She was glad of his confidence in her. Carrie returned his stiff smile with a tremulous one, appreciating his attempt to lighten the moment. She wanted to hug him, but eager to be gone, he resembled a coiled spring.

“Warren and I are about to ride out to look for a trace of these devils before rain washes away any sign of them.”

“You think there’s more than one person behind this?”

He gave a helpless shrug. “I suspect whoever it is doesn’t act alone, but I really don’t know.”

She held out her hand to him. “You will be careful?”

He took her hand and pressed it gently in his. “I will. If we fail to find them, I’ll ask the constable to send more men.” He released her hand. “Try not to worry. I don’t want the others upset.”

“You can rely on me.”

He stood. “I know I can. Go to breakfast. They will be wondering where you’ve got to.”

She couldn’t eat a bite. “What shall I tell them?”

“Only that Warren and I have gone out. I’ll explain later.”

“Gwen will want to say goodbye.”

“I’ll speak to her before I leave. I don’t want her to return here until it’s safe.”

“Very well.” She rose and went to the door. When she glanced back at Nicholas, he had returned to his letter, his shoulders slumped. She had the peculiar feeling that she had lost him. Odd, when he had never been hers. She shuddered with distress as she stood outside the library door, wanting to go back, to ease his suffering somehow, but knew it to be the wrong time.

After another shaky breath, she hurried to the breakfast room. They would all be there, except for Lady Penelope, who had a tray sent up to her bedchamber.

They’d notice the changes in the house, the absence of the footmen and the nervousness of the staff, but she must make things appear as normal as possible. It was all she could do to relieve the burden he carried.

Carrie didn’t fully understand what he was going through but suspected, although the tragic death of the young footman affected him profoundly, something else troubled him. She’d been aware of the deep sadness in him from the first. This was the barrier which stood between them. Of this, she was sure. She was determined to find out when this was settled.

Chapter Twenty

An odd hush settled over the house after Abercrombie gathered the staff together in the servants’ quarters to tell them what occurred and warn them to be vigilant.

In the library, Nicholas described the villainy which had been afoot on the previous evening. Gwen gasped, her hands forming fists against her cheeks. “But this is beyond imagining Nicholas! To attack a marquess’s property? How could they expect to get away with it? Can Winston help? He could bring extra men. I’m sure he’d want to.”

“No, thank you, Gwen. I intend to find these devils today. And I won’t have anyone else placed in danger. The constable and the magistrate will be here this morning. If I fail, I’ll send for the Bow Street Runners. It depends on what Warren and I discover today.”

“Please be careful, Nicholas. They’re murderers.”

“We were soldiers, Gwen. Out of practice maybe, but we haven’t forgotten how to flush out the enemy and deal with them.”

“Of course. I know you do.” She stalked across the carpet, her skirts swaying. “I hate to leave Carrie saddled with all this,” she said, spinning around. “I shall stay.”

“No. Go home until this is over. The fewer people I have to worry about, the better.”

“But…”

“No buts, Gwen, I insist.”

She sighed and came to kiss his cheek. “Remember, we are only a few hours away. Winston will come if you send word.”

“I know he would. Have a safe journey. An armed groom will travel with you in case you strike trouble.”

“Surely there’s no need.”

“There’s every need.”

She gave a nervous nod. “Perhaps you’re right.”

After she left, Nicholas went in search of Carrie. He found her with Miss Scotsdale, Bella, and Jeremy in the morning room, where they worked on a puzzle. The children were laughing.

Carrie rose and came to greet him.

Miss Scotsdale stared owlishly at him but said nothing. Bella and Jeremy seemed mercifully unaware of what happened during the night.

Jeremy stared at him, his eyes bright with expectation. Nicholas gestured to silence the boy before he could make his usual demands. “You and Bella must be patient and remain indoors today. I will be very angry if I hear you’ve caused Carrie and Miss Scotsdale any trouble.”

“Can we play with our puppies, Nicholas?” Bella smiled sweetly at him.

He had expected this. “You may. But in the schoolroom. I’ll have the rug taken up.”

Carrie accompanied him to the front door. Outside on the drive, Warren waited with the two horses. “Please don’t take any risks,” she urged him, her eyes wide and troubled. Her hand on his sleeve