When Nic finished, Jonathan asked, “What assistance do you require?”
“I have a dozen men who are searching the surrounding roads and villages. We believe they are southeast of Bristol. I have placed a few to guard the cottage, and others continue to inquire about these rogues’ whereabouts within the city. In addition, we are searching the docks to see if they have booked passage.”
Jonathan shook his head. “There must be something I can do. I could spare a few servants who may be able to assist. And I offer my own services in the search.”
A feminine voice came from behind him. He turned to see Seanna standing at the doorway wearing men’s breeches with tall boots and a man’s shirt. “Lord Butler, my sister holds you in high regard. I believe a visit from you on the morrow would ease her spirits. She has been given an infusion and I am most certain she will sleep through the night.”
Jonathan took a deep, satisfying breath. A glint of a smile touched the corner of his lip. “It shall be done.”
Nic took a drink from his goblet and set it back on the table. “My lords, since each of you wishes to assist my men in the search, we must discuss our approach.”
Jonathan glanced back over his shoulder. Seanna had left the room. He was somewhat shocked at the state of Seanna’s dress, yet, thankful Bethany had warned him. If nothing else, he knew anyone who attempted to break into the house would have to deal with her. He turned his attention back to Nic to determine their course for the evening.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Bethany bolted from the bed. She could hear the ringing of steel against steel in the distance. The sound was coming from below. She held her breath, her heart pounding against her chest. Where was everyone? She was alone. She heard the ring again, and then a crash. She couldn’t run. The door was secure with a small lock James had installed the night before. Whoever was downstairs couldn’t get in. Where was Seanna? Suddenly the sound of a woman’s scream filled the air.
Then a pounding at her door.
“Bethany! Unlock the door!” She heard her sister’s voice.
Bethany couldn’t move. Her body froze. She could barely hear Seanna’s voice over the woman’s screaming. Then she realized it was her own voice. She took several deep breaths and struggled to calm herself.
“Bethany!” Seanna continued to bang on the door.
As if she were in a dream, Bethany forced herself out of bed and across the room to unlock the door.
Seanna stood outside, dressed in her tatters, holding a Florentine sword. “What is it? What ails you?”
“I… I heard a fight.”
“Oh.” The fear in Seanna’s face disappeared. She smiled. “There is nothing amiss. James and I were sparring below.”
“In the house?”
Seanna laughed. “Yes. He thought he could best me. He tripped and fell on a table. Then, we heard you scream.”
Bethany rolled her hands, then gripped them together.
“I wish you would have told me of your plans.”
“My apologies, Bethany. Truly. We did not mean to frighten you.”
“I will be all right. You only wish to look out for me.”
Seanna kissed Bethany on the forehead. “Get some rest. James and I will find a different activity to occupy our time. A game of chess, maybe.” Seanna giggled and left the room.
Bethany bolted the door and crawled back into her bed. She hated how she felt, how everyone was of the opinion they needed to protect her. If only they had stayed at her father’s estate; if only her father had found her a suitable husband sooner; if only she were more like her sister.
Truth be told, she didn’t want to enter the convent, though the idea of peace and solace would be welcome. Would she be any safer? Whoever was trying to abduct her would surely know she was leaving for France in less than a fortnight. The whole of Bristol would know by now. The convent wouldn’t have armed guards or archers hiding in turrets. She doubted the nuns could do any more than bolt the gates and pray. Bethany got out of bed and began to pace. She didn’t have the coin to take a ship and she would be discovered if she stayed in Bristol. Maybe she could travel to another town or city, someplace large enough where she wouldn’t be discovered. But where? The only large city she knew was London. What would she do? How could she make a living?
There was nothing she could do. Her future would be dependent upon a wager. If Seanna secured her a husband, she would stay in England. If there were no suitor to be found, she would leave for France. An emptiness flooded through her. Tears filled her eyes; she didn’t bother to wipe them away. Instead, she returned to the bed and curled up under the coverlet and fell asleep—her pillow soaked with tears.
* * *
Loys carried a copper dish filled with a thick, brown liquid and sat down on a large, fallen log next to Dominic. He tired of these mundane meals. With so many men, he’d think at least one of them would have killed a deer or even stolen a sheep. At least this day, the sun was shining with no indication of rain.
“I fear we will need to wait a time before we make another attempt.”
Windham glanced up from his own meal. “Had you not failed, we would be on our way to Scotland.”
Loys shook his head. “Had we not been found out, it may have turned out differently.”
“Your obsession with Bryant has diverted your attentions.”
He shook his head again. “I was not in search of Bryant. It is sheer luck the chit is residing at his cottage. You know very well where my loyalties lie. Have we word?”
Dominic shook his head. A courier had been sent to Scotland a month ago. If he had reached his destination, he would be arriving with a response at any time.
As if the spirits above heard his thoughts, they heard a high-pitched whistle.
They stood up quickly. Loys reached for his weapon. The bowl fell from his hands and its contents spattered on the ground. He grumbled under his breath. Maybe the small vermin and annoying insects which crawled upon him while he slept would enjoy their newly found meal more than he had.
A man rushed into camp and called out, running straight toward them, “A ship approaches!”
Loys shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. They were to keep hidden and not call attention to themselves. Of course, it had worked thus far, but he wondered if it was more luck than design.
Once the boy was within speaking range, Dominic asked, “A ship or a boat?”
The boy’s face reddened. With his head bowed, he kicked the dirt at his feet. “A boat.”
Loys and Wyndham glanced at each other, then raced toward the water. It was quite possibly the courier they had waited for.
Loys recognized the man in the boat who waved his full arm at them from across the water. Loys scoffed—as if they would not see him without such an exorbitant gesture. News had finally arrived. He wondered what their orders would be: to remain here, capture the girl, or to leave? With the hot sun bearing down on him, he mopped the beads of sweat from his brow, then sheathed his sword. He could’ve sworn these were the longest minutes of his life.
The boat neared the shore and both Loys and Wyndham rushed into the water to pull the boat ashore. Loys cursed under his breath. Now his boots were soaked and it would take quite some time for them to dry.
Wyndham called out first. “What news have you?”
“I’ve spoken with the bishop and the lady. They are both pleased you have escaped and wish to continue with your service. They requested you and your men meet them in Edinburgh immediately.”
Loys felt his face flush. “Did you inform them of our intentions? Of the girl?”
“Aye. I did. Men have been sent to watch the Maycott Estate and when ’tis appropriate, search it again.”
Dominic glared at Loys. “You are to blame for our nearly being found out, yet again.”
“Nay. It was your men, not me. It is my belief you will need her. We know the girl is bound for France in a short time. Dominic, you and your men go to Scotland and conve
rse with the bishop. I shall return to France and wait for the girl to arrive. It will be easier to locate her when we know where she hides. Then I will join you.”
“It is agreed.”
The clasped each other’s forearms.
Loys returned to camp and gathered his meager belongings. His first order of business was to go to the docks and discover where her ship would port. Finding the letters Baillie carried was paramount.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Jonathan sat across from his father in the grand library. He rubbed his eyes and tried to focus on the dozens of books neatly placed on bespoke shelves. He’d spent last night visiting half-a-dozen taverns to see if he could find any information about the men who had tried to abduct Seanna, to no avail. The last innkeeper he had spoken with pointed to a man across the room. It was then Jonathan realized he didn’t even know what the men looked like. It was a fool’s errand, considering no man would rightfully admit that he’d been bested by a woman. It was dark when he had returned home.
His father leaned forward on his elbows on top of the highly polished, oak desk. “It surprises me you have not spoken with Master Arden. It is his belief he could supply wool at a deeply discounted price.”
“I have heard a bit of his proposal. However, I do not like this man.”
His father laughed. “What is there not to like? His papers are in order. The wool is legal. It would increase our profits.”
Jonathan sighed. “Before you decide to pay him, I would demand delivery.”
His father sat back. “I understand your reservation, but he will require a small token to show good faith in our coming transactions.”
“I would like to make further inquiry regarding Master Arden prior to this small token, as you call it. It would ease my conscience.” There was something about Gil Arden Jonathan didn’t trust; he had yet to put his finger on it.
“He wishes to have our decision soon.”
“Of course he would, Father. I will let you know of my decision posthaste. However, there is something I must do this day.” He looked back up at the books. Maybe, one day, he could fill this library with hundreds of volumes.
He stepped onto the balcony on his way to the stables and halted immediately. Several men worked by the perimeter, digging holes to plant additional hedges. He barely remembered instructing Avery to tell the gardener before he left last eve. He saw the boy across the grounds pointing out a bare spot to one of the men. The man nodded, acknowledging what Avery had said.
Avery raced across the yard. He stopped and gave a deep bow. “M’lord, I has done as you requested.”
Pride filled him. “I must say, I am impressed. Once the shrubbery grows in, it will be difficult for anyone to sneak past them.”
Behind Avery, Nic walked toward him with a grim expression on his face. “Lord Butler, I was not certain if you were here or had called upon Bethany.”
“I was just leaving.”
“Very good. I have secured an appointment with Master Vawer. He wishes to meet with you.”
Jonathan creased his brow. He recognized the name, but could not place it.
“The Merchant Venturers. Do you not remember our agreement?”
“With all that has transpired this past week, I must admit, it was forgotten. Pray tell, do you have news?”
Nic shook his head. “I received word my men found an abandoned camp near Bath. However, they are uncertain if it belonged to the men we seek. I have my best men searching the countryside.”
He shrugged. “If you need anything…”
“I will not hesitate.”
Jonathan took his hand in a firm shake. “I best depart. I believe I am expected.” He took two steps and turned. “Do you have information on Gilbert Arden?”
“The wool trader? I am afraid I have heard nothing. Why do you ask?”
“I do not understand why, but I fear I do not trust the man. It may be nothing. Good-day, Master Mattingly.”
* * *
Bethany sat in the parlor with her father’s cuff in her lap. It was unlikely she would finish it. At the moment, she couldn’t think about anything other than what had transpired the previous day.
She wished she could hide in her chambers, but that was not an option. James had men banging on her door frame. Though she knew he was doing as she had requested the previous night, it was distracting and annoying.
On the small table before her sat a bouquet of flowers Seanna had brought in earlier. Apparently, Master Arden had arrived inquiring as to her health. Thankfully, her sister informed him she was indisposed.
She secured the needle back into the fabric and laid it down in her sewing basket. If she were to enter the convent, Seanna would need to complete it. A chuckle escaped her. Her sister learning to sew? Bethany was certain that would never happen.
A shadow was cast upon her lap. She jumped and looked out the window. It was only Timothy walking past. She bowed her head and placed her hand on her heart, wishing its beat would slow down. She was safe, was she not, especially with Nic’s men patrolling the grounds?
She hadn’t spoken with her father about leaving Bristol. He again had left before she awoke. She would have to wait until this eve over supper.
“Lady Bethany?” a calm, low voice asked.
She turned and couldn’t help but smile. It was Jonathan.
“Good day. I have come to keep you company for a short time.”
“That is good of you.” She looked around, wondering where her sister was. At the very least, if she were to entertain a man, a chaperone should be present, and she hadn’t heard from Mistress Thayer.
Jonathan sat down across from her and held his hat in his lap. As if reading her thoughts, he said, “Your sister will return momentarily. I believe she has gone to retrieve refreshment.”
Bethany nodded. Of course, Seanna lacked propriety, yet again.
“How do you fare?” His voice was filled with genuine concern.
“I am fine.” A loud banging from above drowned out her voice.
Jonathan raised his eyes and voice toward the ceiling: “Pray tell, what is that racket?”
“They are installing a bolt on Bethany’s chamber door.” Seanna walked in caring a tray.
“If you wish, we could take another walk through the park?”
Bethany opened her mouth, then shut it quickly. She was about to take him up on his offer, but then remembered, they hadn’t received word that the bandits had been caught. “I believe it would be prudent to remain inside.”
Jonathan shook his head. “Of course. You are correct.”
There was a long silence. Bethany glanced back out the window. She didn’t know what to say. She was thankful for Jonathan’s presence, but fearful of his opinion of her.
“When will your wedding take place?”
Bethany turned. Jonathan’s attentions were toward Seanna.
“The banns have been called. It is my hope Bethany will be married at the same time. Otherwise, it will be the day my sister departs.”
She turned her attentions back to outside the window. Her sister would be wed on the day she left for France. After all, after last eve, there would be no man left in Bristol who would take her hand.
For the next few hours she quietly listened to Jonathan and Seanna talk about the wedding, and other trivial things. Every now and then they asked her opinion and she simply agreed, but at times, she had no idea to what she had agreed. By the time Jonathan left, the workmen had finished installing the lock. Bethany found her way to her chambers, bolted the door, and curled up in her bed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ruth ran a brush through Bethany’s hair. Seanna had reminded her a couple of hours ago that they were to have guests for supper. She wasn’t feeling up to entertaining, but her father insisted. It was to be a working supper for him and the girls needed to be on their best behavior.
It had been several days since the near abduction of her sister. By now, she was certain, the ent
ire city of Bristol knew of the most recent events. And even though the few people she had spoken with had shown great concern, she knew when her back was turned, they would make comments about her damaged reputation. At least her father wasn’t so completely ashamed of her that he wanted to hide her; Bethany suspected that was Seanna and James’s doing. After all, how could Seanna find her a suitor if she were hidden? At least nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Truth be told, she was feeling better, especially with Jonathan’s occasional visits.
Bethany smoothed out her peach colored gown and touched the matching jewels. She was pleased by how Ruth put up her hair. The only thing she looked forward to was seeing Jonathan. Her father said he had been invited. At least she would have someone who would not judge her, someone she didn’t have to pretend with. His concern was genuine.
Bethany entered the parlor. The guests were in conversation and no one seemed to notice her. For this, she was thankful. Her eyes roamed the room. She recognized a few faces, but didn’t see Jonathan, or her sister, for that matter. Bethany made her way to the window and looked out. The sun was setting, the sky turned a beautiful hue of violets and blues, holding a promise of a calm, peaceful night. She wished she felt that kind of tranquility.
She felt someone touch her elbow. She jumped.
“My lady.”
She smiled and relaxed a bit. “Good den, Jonathan.”
“You seem to be distracted by the sunset when there are many here who could keep you entertained.”
“Yes, well. They wish to discuss business.”
“Then we should do something that does entertain you.” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “Such as stealing away and watching the ships enter the harbor.”
Bethany laughed. The idea of stealing away with Jonathan appealed to her. “I am certain my father would not notice my absence. One day I wish to see the ships again.” She glanced over at Gil. “So many are here to speak with the wool trader.”
He smiled. “Tell me, my lady, has an eligible suitor been found?”
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