Page 48 of To Defy a Highland Duke

She found herself grinning back at the charming rogue.

“Shall we see what succulent morsels our host has provided for our enjoyment?” he asked, his gaze following Lacy Constance’s zigzagging progress.

Marjorie doubted Keane had anything to do with the food. Likely, the ever-efficient Mrs. Dunlap had undoubtedly overseen the preparations.

Mr. Brixtone stuck his arm out in an exaggerated fashion and waggled his eyebrows. “I have a particular fondness for rumdlethumps, though why they call potatoes, cabbage, and onions such a ridiculous name baffles me.”

She burst into laughter. “Yes, indeed.”

Just as she placed her gloved palm on his forearm, a red-faced maid plowed across the grounds, her brow stitched with worry.

“My lady,” she said in a breathless rush as if she’d ran some distance. “There ye are.” One hand to her belly, she sucked in great gulps of air. “I feared I’d never find ye in this throng.” Her troubled gaze nervously hopped and skipped over the large crowd. “There are twice as many people this year, I swear.”

“What is it?” Marjorie didn’t know this maid’s name. “Is something amiss?”

Had one of the girls taken ill?

Cora had seemed a trifle warmer than usual when she’d kissed her goodnight, but she’d attributed her heated cheek to her bath and romping with the cats.

“I’m Manny, my lady, and aye, there’s a wee problem.” Her eyes round as saucers, she nervously wadded her apron.

Tempering her impatience, Marjorie prompted, “Which is?”

Manny cut Mr. Brixtone a nervous glance before licking her lips. “Sphynx needed to go outside, ye see. So Phemie took her below and asked a footman to let her out.” She paused long enough to suck in another great breath. “She swears she wasna gone more than five minutes, but upon returnin’, when she peeked in on the lasses…”

“Yes?” Would she get to the point?

Manny swallowed reflexively before whispering in horrified tones, “Cora’s bed was empty.”

Cora and Elana were not above shenanigans or other harmless devilry.

“Have you looked for her?” Well, naturally they had, else why would this maid be out here?

Manny nodded vehemently, her face waxen and pale brown eyes pools of worry.

“Aye, my lady. Phemie immediately called for two footmen and another maid—me—to look for Miss Cora.” She swiped at a tear leaking from one eye. “But we’ve searched for a half an hour and canna find her.” Her tone had taken on a plaintive quality, causing more than one guest to glance in their direction. “So, Phemie sent me to find ye. “

Marjorie’s heart stopped for an instant and then stampeded out of control. She was already moving toward the castle.

Don’t panic, she admonished herself.

There was a reasonable explanation.

“Thank you, Manny. You may go.”

With a sniff and a nod, the maid hurried away.

Perhaps Cora had awoken and, finding the cat gone, went in search of it.

Yes, that was likely what had happened.

“Is there anything I can do?” Genuine concern puckered Mr. Brixtone’s forehead as he fell into rapid step beside her.

Marjorie strove to keep the dread from her voice and respond calmly. “Please find my brothers-in-law and Roxdale. Tell them I need them at once.”

Keane had just lit the bonfire, the flames quickly encompassing the masterfully stacked logs and kindling, when Brixtone urgently demanded his attention.

“Your Grace. Your Grace!” Brixtone said, his tone low and compelling. He’d dropped his air of affected fop, a tapestry of seriousness woven across his features. “A word, please. ’Tis of utmost import.”