The Viscount's Salvation (Honorable Rogue Book 3)

by Vikki Vaught

  Knowing he had no time to waste, he pulled his thoughts back. He must find his sister. Could whoever had tied him up killed her and Madame?

  Where was the groom that had accompanied them? Surely he had to be around somewhere. He glanced behind him and saw the youth slumped against a tree, his hands and feet were bound as well, and he had blood coming from the left side of his head. Gerrard checked Harvey’s neck for a pulse. It was there, a bit weak, but steady. He shook the lad’s shoulder, but he did not respond. They must have hit Harvey harder.

  Whoever had knocked him and the groom out had probably expected them to remain unconscious for a good amount of time. Although he hated to leave the fellow, the more pressing matter was to find Aimee and Lady Hardesty.

  Creeping out from behind the clump of bushes, he grew more sure of his steps and skidded across the pond to the other side. Kneeling, he checked the ground for signs of a struggle and soon found two pairs of footprints in the snow. It looked like someone had been dragged away, but they had not gone willingly.

  Following the prints for about fifty feet, he came across two sets of hoof marks.

  He gasped for air.

  His heart raced.

  Someone had taken his sister and the lady.

  Should I try to follow on foot? No, he would never catch them, and what could he do without any weapons? All he had was the small folding knife hidden in his pocket. He needed to return to the house and tell monsieur. He would know what to do. He raced back to the groom, but he was still out cold. Running to the gig, he unknotted the reins, surprised to find the horse still there. Either the villains were incredibly stupid, or they had thought he would not wake up before they were able to get well away.

  Climbing into the gig, he snapped the reins and the horse took off at a fair clip, following the path that led back to the house. He snapped the reins again, and soon he had the horse going at a fast trot. “Come on, you can go faster.”

  He snapped the reins once more, and the horse picked up speed. Looking up ahead, he saw the stable and made the last push to get there. Pulling back on the reins when they reached the stable yard, the gig came to a halt.

  Several grooms ran outside, but he just tossed them the reins and jumped down then ran into the house through the back entrance. He dashed to his guardian’s study and flung open the door. “Monsieur!”

  His guardian stood. “Gerrard. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be skating?”

  Gerrard sucked in a lung full of air and shouted, “Aimee and your lady.” He dragged in another breath of air. “They’re gone.”

  The captain grabbed his arms. “What do you mean they’re gone. Oh, God.” His guardian’s horrified voice cracked. “Did they fall through the ice?”

  “Non, monsieur.” He shook his head as he said the words. “Someone took them.”

  Anxiety gripped him as he watched monsieur’s face turn ashen as he asked, “How do you know this?”

  “I found hoof prints not far from the pond,” he blurted out, “We need to hurry. I will show you where I saw the struggle.”

  “Struggle?” his guardian retorted sharply. “What do you mean?”

  While Gerrard knew the captain would never harm him, his fierce expression and blazing eyes had him trembling as he stammered, “I t-think Madame m-may have t-tried to get away. Ze snow…had lots of f-footprints all over the place.”

  Monsieur cast a grim glance toward the other man in the room. “Billingsley. Will you come with me?”

  The lord nodded. “Of course, but can you ride?” he asked. “What about your injured ribs?”

  Le capitaine retorted, “I don’t give a damn whether they hurt or not. I have to find Mary and Aimee.”

  His guardian rushed from the room with the other lord on his heels. Gerrard ran after them both and reached the stable yard in time to hear his guardian barking out orders. Two grooms ran inside and returned a few minutes later leading two horses.

  His guardian looked down at him, his eyes still blazing. “You can ride with me.”

  Stiffening his spine, he tried to show no fear, although he was quaking in his boots. “As you wish, Capitaine.”

  He would do whatever it took to find his sister, even if the captain’s huge beast of a horse he called Zeus terrified him. His guardian swung into the saddle, then offered him his hand. Gerrard grabbed it and allowed him to pull him up behind him.

  Le capitaine pointed to a groom. “You, there. Saddle another horse and follow us as quickly as possible.”

  The man ran inside to do his bidding, while Gerrard wrapped his arms around his guardian’s waist; he hung on tight as they raced out of the stable yard toward the pond.

  The other lord kept pace with them and soon they arrived at their destination. Gerrard called out, “Over there. Ze groom was out cold when I left to get you.”

  They dismounted and the captain checked for a pulse on the still-unconscious youth. “He’s still alive,” his guardian’s commanding voice rang out. “When that other groom catches up to us, he can ride for help. Right now, I want to see where you saw those hoof prints.”

  Gerrard pointed to the far side of the pond. “They’re over there, Capitaine.”

  “All right. Billingsley follow us.” Weaving through the thicket of bushes that lined the pond, they finally reached the spot where he had seen the markings.

  They dismounted, and Gerrard ran to the spot. “See? This is where they dragged someone. That’s why I think your wife tried to fight them off. These footprints are smaller than those.”

  His guardian examined the ground. “You’re absolutely correct. Now, show me where you found the hoof prints.”

  ****

  As Gerrard took off running, Cortland followed behind, his heart clogging his throat. Oh, God, please let Mary be all right. The earl must have had her abducted, but why? He’d given the man everything he’d asked for. Why take his wife and his ward?

  The reached an area covered in slush and snow. There was no doubt there had been two horses, along with two good-sized men, based on the depth of the larger footprints. As he examined the smaller footprints, she had put up one hell of a struggle.

  His chest grew tight and his heart raced as he envisioned the men doing unspeakable things to his gentle Mary. He had to find her and Aimee. That poor child must be frightened to death.

  He searched for a clue as to what direction they were headed. As he walked around the area, he found more hoof marks leading north. Where could these villains be taking them? He searched his mind for some any bit of information that could be a possible lead. Mary’s estate was near Northampton. Her property was about forty miles north. That had to be it. While he would try to follow the trail, at least this gave him a destination that was a real probability, in case he lost it.

  The earl had given him a map of the property and told him where it was located. He turned to Billingsley. “I believe I know where they’re going. I think those men are taking them to my wife’s estate. It’s a five-hour ride if we push our mounts to the limit. Will you go with me?”

  His friend nodded his agreement. “Certainly. We should go back to the house and gather provisions. We’ll also need our greatcoats.” He glanced toward the dark sky. “Those clouds look heavy with more snow.”

  What Cortland wanted to do was gallop off after the trail immediately, but Billingsley was right. They needed to prepare and gather more men to go with them. “You’re right. Let us make haste and return to the house.”

  After mounting and making their way around the pond, as soon as the path was clear of the brambles, they rode hard toward the manor. When they made it to the stable yard, he ordered the head groom to prepare their horses for the journey north while they went inside to gather supplies.

  There was a commotion in the entryway as they entered. Anissa and her family had arrived. His sister and Kathleen were embracing each other. He strode toward them as his brother-in-law stepped forward to offer his hand.

/>   He had no time for niceties and declared, “My wife and my ward have been abducted.”

  Anissa gasped and covered her mouth. “Oh, Lord, when did this happen?”

  He tried to keep his fear at bay as he explained. He looked over at his brother-in-law. “Will you come with us?”

  “Of course. I’ll need to borrow a mount,” he replied. “I also have two outriders that can accompany us, if you have mounts for them.”

  He turned to Billingsley. “Will you tell my stable master to saddle three of my fastest horses?”

  “Right away.” He rushed toward the back of the house and disappeared from sight.

  Cortland heard a knock at the door and Wallis opened it. Lord Robert stepped inside. He inclined his head. “Obviously I’ve come at a bad time. I shall take my leave and return at a more opportune time.”

  Relieved to have another person who might be willing to help, Cortland told him, “Actually, my good man, you could be of assistance.” He quickly filled Lord Robert in on what was going on.

  The man met his gaze with a serious one of his own. “I would be happy to assist. I rode over, and my horse is fresh.”

  “Thank you. I need all the able-bodied men I can find.” Cortland turned to his sister. “Gerrard will need your support and understanding. He will not be pleased he can’t go with us.”

  Kathleen interjected, “We’ll both watch out for him. He must be worried sick over his sister’s disappearance. I wish I could go with you—”

  Her husband entered as she spoke. “You will not even consider going along.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I know it’s not possible, but Mary is my dearest friend. And anyway, Arianna has a cold, so I would never leave her when she’s sick.”

  Cortland interrupted, “Are the horses ready?”

  “They will be by the time we get to the stables,” Andrew replied.

  The housekeeper bustled in with a basket. “Cook has packed some food for your journey. We’re all praying for your wife and ward’s safe return.”

  “Thank you for taking care of this. I will bring both of them home safe and sound.” He turned to the men. “Let us depart. Too much time has already passed.”

  After donning greatcoats and scarves, Cortland and the others strode out to the stable yard, mounted, and with all haste took the path back to the spot where the markings were. They picked up the trail and rode for about ten minutes and found more hoof prints when they made it to the road. Cortland believed they were on the right track, and it confirmed his suppositions that they were going to Winston Hall.

  They rode as fast as they dared without damaging the horses. Thank God, Zeus was strong and could travel great distances before growing fatigued. He just hoped the rest of his mounts were as strong.

  At each coaching inn, they questioned the innkeepers and grooms, asking whether they had seen a woman and young girl traveling with two men. At the second inn, one of the stable boys told them he has seen the party. “Did they happen to say where they were going?”

  The helpful lad nodded. “One o’ ’em mentioned somethin’ ’bout a place called Winston Hall. They was supposed t’ meet some lord there, and they was running late.”

  Every nerve in his body twitched, and a glimmer of hope stirred. “How long ago were they here?”

  The youth scratched his head, then muttered, “Be ’bout an hour ago.”

  Cortland slapped his beaver hat against his thigh and swore, “Deuce take it. I had hoped we were gaining on them.”

  “Look on the bright side.” Hawks drawled. “At least we know where they’re headed for sure. We won’t need to stop to ask questions. We can ride straight through.”

  “Good point.” As he mounted, he called, “Men, it’s time to ride hard. If the weather holds, we should be there in three hours.”

  The group rode out, no longer in doubt of their destination. Nothing would stand in his way. He must reach his loved ones before they were harmed.

  Please God, keep Mary and Aimee safe until I can get there. Lord, I pray it’s her father who is behind this, and not that reprobate Worthington. Please let it be the earl. Guard her from the vile marquess. Protect my gentle Mary.

  ****

  Mary’s pulse throbbed in time with each hoof that vibrated the ground as their captors carried them away. Immobilizing fear ate at her stomach as they rode further and further north. Fortunately, Blakely and the thug who had taken them did not seem to be very bright, and so far, they had not hurt them. Either these men were told to leave a trail so her husband could easily follow, or they were too stupid to cover their tracks.

  Obviously, Blakely and his minion were hired by the true culprit. Her father must have found it easy to persuade the fired steward, since the man had sworn to take his revenge.

  From what she had overheard, they were going to Winston Hall. Any doubt that her father was not behind this vanished when she learned that piece of information. The knowledge that her own father could do this sent gut-wrenching pain searing through her.

  Aimee remained silent, obviously too scared to make a sound, but her eyes spoke volumes and tore at her heart. On one of their stops, she tried to comfort the child, but all she earned from that was a slap across her face from Blakely, and a warning that if she tried anything, it would go badly for Aimee.

  While the snow-filled clouds looked dark and ominous, so far, none of it had fallen, but the wind blew hard, making it bitter cold. While both she and Aimee were dressed for cold weather, hours in these conditions was dangerous, especially when they had already spent time on the ice beforehand. Aimee had taken her share of tumbles while learning to skate, leaving her outer garments wet to begin with. If her teeth were chattering, how must Aimee be faring? She kept glancing over at the child, but the dastardly Blakely blocked her view.

  Although terrified over what these rough men might do to them, she was also concerned for Cortland. He was still recovering from his injury and did not need to be gallivanting around the countryside. Even worse, he believed he was the ultimate target. For some unknown reason, the earl wanted him dead, and there was no way her husband would not come after them, no matter the pain it might cause him.

  She just prayed Andrew would come with him. Possibly Mr. Hawks and his wife had shown up before they left, because they were supposed to arrive in the afternoon. Alex would definitely come with Cortland as well. Anissa and Kathleen would both insist. Her fiery friend would probably demand to come too. Of course, all that was wishful thinking on her part. Her luck had never been good, so why should it change now.

  As the skies grew darker, she prayed they would arrive at Winston Hall soon. If her fingers were numb, then Aimee’s had to be as well, and a child would suffer ill effects from the cold much sooner than an adult.

  At last, she saw the drive to her estate up ahead. All she could hope for was that the earl would not want her or Aimee harmed until he could do away with Cortland. While he would not hurt her, he would have no compunction over hurting the child once he had accomplished his goal.

  Oh, Lord, please let Cortland find us, and please keep him safe. Oh, please, please let Andrew and Kathleen’s brother be with him.

  When they halted in front of the house, their captors pulled them off the horses. The brute, Blakely, dragged her up the steps, while Hugo threw Aimee over his shoulder. Once they reached the entrance, Blakely pounded on the door.

  It swung open and the elderly caretaker stepped aside to let them enter. It had been years since she had visited Winston Hall, and only Mr. Clark and his wife took care of the place, since the house was barely bigger than a cottage.

  The old retainer’s demeanor shouted fear. His covert glance told her he was sorry he could not do anything to help her. At least if the opportunity arose for her to grab Aimee and get away, she would have support from him and his wife.

  She recalled the days when she had visited this house with her grandmother. Mrs. Clark would always bake gingerbread cookies for h
er. She was a sweet motherly soul with broad smiles and hugs a plenty whenever she’d come to stay.

  Shaking off that moment of nostalgia—she could not afford to be distracted—she focused on her surroundings. She heard footsteps coming toward the entryway. With each foot fall, her heart tap, tap, tapped against her breast bone. Dread filled her soul as she waited for her father to appear.

  A large figure filled the darkened hallway. The light was too dim to see a face, but whoever this was—it was not her father. The man took a couple of steps forward and the face…of the Marquess of Worthington came into view.

  Oh, God save me, not this man, please!

  The man smirked, “So…Lady Mary, we meet again. I have great plans for you, my dear. Surely you realized, I would not give up what I deemed as mine. Soon, very soon, you shall discover what it is like to have a real man take you. Your poor excuse of a husband is only an emotionally scarred cripple.

  “By the time he arrives, it will be too late. You will have already felt the sting of my displeasure between your creamy thighs. Then his last sight on this earth will be me ramming into you from behind.”

  Cold waves of anxiety rushed through her veins, freezing her insides. “Cortland is a real man, not a degenerate rogue like you,” she spat.

  Good Lord, where did that defiance come from?

  She stiffened her resolve. While she might be quaking inside, she refused to let this dastardly man see her fear. There had to be a way to stall him long enough to give Cortland a chance to arrive and save her from the marquess’ evil intent.

  Please, God, keep Aimee and me safe.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Cortland kept watching the skies, praying the snow in the clouds above would not start to fall before they made it to Winston Hall. With the weather holding, he was sure they would gain on the culprits. They had more weight on their mounts since they were carrying two riders. Of course, Mary and Aimee were both light, so perhaps it would not slow them down.