Jacquie D'Alessandro by Whirlwind Wedding

Author:Whirlwind Wedding [Wedding, Whirlwind]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Robert stood in the drawing room at Bradford Hall, his ears still ringing with the shocking news the magistrate had brought. Half his face was blown off impossible to identify, but he was clearly a Runner. Wore the red vest of Bow Street. Looks like a robbery, but we ’ll have to conduct an inquest. Gave your groom quite a turn, finding the body like that. We ’ll need to notify his grace immediately.

“I cannot imagine why a Runner would be at the ruins,” Robert said to Miles, who stood near the mantel. “But whatever the reason, the entire episode has given me a bad feeling.”

“Perhaps Austin knows the man,” Miles said. “We’ll find out tomorrow when we arrive in London.”

“Yes. I’ve arranged for the coach to be brought around at first light. I didn’t tell Mother or Caroline why we’re going, but they are always eager for a trip to Town, thank God.” Robert dragged his hands through his hair. “I couldn’t very well tell them Mortlin discovered a dead body in the bushes and there may be a murderer on the loose. Of course, Mother balked at interrupting Austin and Elizabeth’s wedding trip, so I appreciate your inviting us to stay at your town house.”

“My pleasure,” Miles said, tossing back his brandy.

“I’m relieved that the last of the guests, including Lady Penbroke, departed this morning,” Robert continued, “so it wasn’t necessary to make awkward excuses to them.”

“Indeed,” Miles said, pouring himself another brandy and downing it.

Robert stared at him. “Are you all right?”

“Fine. Why do you ask?”

“Because you’ve practically emptied the brandy decanter in the last five minutes.”

“Just a bit unnerved, I suppose.”

Robert nodded. “I understand perfectly.” He glanced toward the mantel clock. “It’s almost midnight. I’m going to retire. I suggest you do the same.”

“I’ll be along shortly. Good night.”

The instant Robert left the room, Miles poured himself another hefty brandy. Leaning against the mantel, he stared into the flames, trying to figure out what a Runner was doing at Bradford Hall and why someone killed him. Nothing was clear other than the fact that Robert, his mother, and Caroline had to leave here until the mystery was solved. His stomach turned over. If anything happened to Caroline—

He swallowed half his drink and squeezed his eyes shut. No. No harm would come to Caroline. He would personally see to it. But first he would have to survive the five-hour journey facing him tomorrow.

Five hours in a coach with Caroline. Five hours of her sitting close enough to touch, five hours of breathing in her delicate fragrance.

Five hours of pure torture.

His guts tightened at the very thought. It was one thing to avoid her in a crowd, but how the hell could he hope to pretend indifference in a carriage? And with her brother and mother looking on, no less.

Damnation, when the hell had she grown up? He’d looked at her a thousand times and had never seen her. She’d always been “Little Caroline,” until that night two months ago when he’d waltzed with her.

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