Page 64 of Juliet's Touch

“When did she leave?”

“Late morning.” The maid twisted her hands in her skirt.

“How is she getting to London?” he asked.

“The man I fancy took her. He delivered a new horse to his lordship and was taking an older horse back to Mayfair. Walter ain’t in trouble, is he? Because I asked him to take her. ’Tis my fault.” A tear dripped down Esther’s cheek. “Lady Emily said I ain’t in trouble. But he isn’t either, is he?”

Eric had no idea how to respond since he was a bloody by-blow with no authority. He doubted either of the well-meaning, meddling individuals was in trouble since the sisters had theChesterhill men worshipping at their feet. But if something happened to Juliet… Good God. He’d hold Esther, this Walter bloke, and Emily personally responsible. For right now, he had to stay calm and get to London as fast as possible.

He shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t know, but Juliet may be in danger.”

The maid’s eyes went wide, and tears cascaded down her cheeks.

Although shocking, the letter was also precious because Juliet had confessed that she was falling in love with him. He’d dwell on this beyond delightful news later. Taking care not to tear the stationery, he folded it, then slid it into his pocket. Storming past the whimpering Esther, he threw the door wide and continued down the hall.

“Son,” Lord Chesterhill called as Eric passed the drawing room.

Thunderation.He didn’t have time for this right now. And why was the blasted man still calling him son despite his earlier request?

Fists balled by his side, Eric stepped into the drawing room.

“How delightful that you’ve had a change of heart and will be joining us.” Grinning, the marquess held up a half-full glass of amber liquid. “Join us for a libation.”

“Is something amiss?” Alexander raised his brow. “You look as though you’ve just lost a championship fight.”

Her jaw drawn tight, Emily grimaced as she stared at the ground.

Eric didn’t give a whit that these people were above him in station. The woman he was falling in love with might be in grave danger, so he didn’t have time for aristocratic subtleties.

“My lady, why did you hide the truth from me? I should have gone with her.”

“I’m truly sorry,” Lady Emily mumbled. “But she wanted to be the one to tell you. She asked me to stop treating her like a child and allow her to make amends for her mistakes without interfering.” She slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. The pain he saw in those hazel eyes echoed his own. “Sitting here doing nothing while she faces our parents’ displeasure is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.”

Facing her parents was the least concerning part of Juliet’s gambits.

“What in the devil are you two yammering about?” Chesterhill asked.

“I believe that Juliet left Chesterhill Manor without telling anyone but my wife,” Alexander said. “And I gather from the look on Stone’s face and the desperation in his voice that he has romantic feelings for Juliet.”

“Hear, hear.” Chesterhill held up his glass. “I approve.”

Bloody splendid.Eric snorted. “I’m taking one of your horses, Chesterhill. And just so you know, you have an inconsolable maid in your guest wing.” Thereupon, Eric sprinted from the house to the stables, all the while praying he didn’t slide from the saddle and break his neck before he found Juliet.