The Playful Wanton by Farmer Merry

Author:Farmer, Merry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-09-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

It was because the house party had already wreaked havoc on his emotions, robbing him of the ability to keep himself in check. That was why Adolphus turned to the cook with every fiber of his being bristling with anger and alarm and bellowed, “She’s what?”

The poor cook stumbled back with a terrified groan, clutching a hand to her heart, losing all color, and stammering instead of giving an answer.

“Steady on, man,” Rufus told him in a patient voice.

Eliza rested a hand on his arm. That was, perhaps, the only thing that truly steadied him. Shame over the strength of his reaction rushed in as his anger diminished, but it wasn’t enough to silence his fury entirely. After everything Eliza had confessed to him, he was more determined to bring Ward to justice forever. He was determined to smash the man’s balls open with a cricket bat. But he needed Ivy to identify the bastard in order to give him the excuse.

“Where has she gone?” he asked in a quieter, though still demanding, voice, marching up the hall and back into the kitchen.

Rufus’s staff must have heard his reaction. They were only pretending to do their work as they peeked at him, craning their necks to get a better look as he strode through the kitchen and into the downstairs hallway. He was somewhat satisfied when Moss, Rufus’s butler, strode down the hall toward him with a look of concern that matched the situation.

“She was reported missing three hours ago,” Moss said in a grave voice. “We have been searching high and low for her ever since.”

“Why was I not informed?” Adolphus demanded.

Moss flushed and cleared his throat. “You were otherwise engaged, sir.”

A completely incongruous feeling of sheepishness cut through Adolphus’s rage. He’d been enjoying himself with Eliza and cleaning up in the aftermath while his key witness slipped out of everyone’s grasp. Chances were, she’d seen Ward arrive and had bolted. He damned his own hide for losing focus and damned Ivy for losing her nerve and failing to trust that he and Rufus would protect her.

“Right,” he said, taking charge of the situation. “We must find her. The sooner the better.”

“Yes, sir.” Moss nodded. “I have as many footmen as can be spared searching as we speak. Supper needs to be served—”

“I don’t care about supper,” Adolphus snapped. “Miss Ivy is our first priority.”

“The rest of my guests may disagree with you, mate,” Rufus said uncomfortably.

“He’s right,” Eliza added.

Adolphus puffed out a breath, running a hand through his hair. He had to admit that he wasn’t in London, with a devoted cadre of Runners at his beck and call. He was at a salacious house party, full of hungry guests who would want their soup on time.

“The more we make it seem as though everything is sailing on as smoothly as usual, the more likely Henry is to stay put and let his guard down,” Eliza continued in a quiet voice.

Adolphus studied her. He hated hearing her use the bastard’s given name.

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