Page 110 of A Single Obsession

Reed stood, twitching her hands, but gave a weak smile at her return. “Are you ready, miss?”

“I can’t find my maid…”

“Then we’d better leave without her, or we might be too—”

“Yes, yes, of course. Let’s go. I don’t need her, anyway. There can be no impropriety in travelling without her if you’re with me.”

After leaving the letter for her sister with the butler, she hurried down the steps and into the carriage, which was waiting for them. The footman closed the door, and a moment later, they were on their way.

Eliza realised she didn’t know where they were going. The need for speed had swept away all other considerations, fearing any delay might be disastrous.

“Tell me what happened, Reed.”

“It was a riding accident, miss, just like his father. That great brute of a black horse of his threw him.”

Eliza ignored the disparaging remarks about Beau’s stallion and instead latched onto the unlikelihood of the event. She hoped foul play was not at work.

“Are you sure? Jet would never throw him without provocation. I cannot believe it.”

“Sorry, miss. I know little about horses.”

“And his injuries?”

“His head. He was unconscious when they took him back to the house.”

“What house? Where did it happen?”

“In the woods, close to Langcroft Park.”

Eliza inhaled sharply. Then Beau hadn’t returned to town. He was still on his estate in Beddington, and it would take them an hour or more to get there, following the route that her poor love had taken several days before. She hoped they would be in time. She must be.

One thing puzzled her. If Lady Harting had been called to Beau’s bedside, why hadn’t she sent word to her sister to cancel their meeting?

“When did the accident happen?”

“I’m not sure. Some hours ago, I think.”

“And his mother went straight to him?”

“Yes, miss.”

“Is she with him now?”

The maid looked down at her hands, as if embarrassed to answer Eliza’s question.

“Reed?”

“His lordship hit his head, so you mustn’t blame him.”

“For what?”

“Sending his mother away.”

Eliza blinked hard as her eyes watered. Even on his deathbed, he was asserting himself. Dare she hope he was doing it to please her?

“The doctor said her staying might cause him more harm than good, so she did what he asked and left. We drove back to London, and her ladyship sent me to fetch you and take you to him, as the man believed that would calm him.”

Eliza hoped he was right.