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Then he marched away and closed the door with a soft snick.
Livvie sucked in a deep breath and hurried after Tobias. His long strides took him up the stairs and it was as if the household exploded into a flurry of action as he clipped orders and they acted with alacrity to obey. She lifted her dress and dashed up the stairs. Upon reaching his chamber, she burst in. His valet, Mr. Ackers, lifted a startled glance in her direction.
“If you will excuse us, Mr. Ackers, I would confer with the earl in privacy.”
Tobias did not spare her a glance. Instead, he continued shrugging into his jacket without the aid of his valet.
“I…I am traveling with you. Francie will need me.”
He took a greatcoat from the armoire and dragged it on, then placed his hat firmly on his head. “No.”
“I must accompany you, Tobias, please.”
“No.”
“I will order the carriage and travel to Francie on my own. I cannot in good conscience abandon her now.”
His lips twitched, but she did not think he was amused. “It seems you have forgotten that we are married. Let me enlighten you, countess. I can give orders for you to not leave the estate and it will be enforced.”
Good Lord, was he serious? Livvie suppressed her outrage and glowered at him. It was important that Francie have an ally when he caught up to her. Though she had the boldness to elope, Tobias’s personality was so forceful and ruthless, neither she nor Mr. Browning would stand a chance in the face of his resolve to procure an annulment. If Livvie could convince him on the trip to Scotland that what his sister felt was genuine love and not some foolish fancy, then maybe Francie would have a chance at happiness.
“You are being wretched. Your sister…I know you love her and her heart will be greatly relieved if I am with you when you catch up with them. My presence will be a comfort to her. I can only imagine how uncertain she is at this very moment.”
“No.”
“Tobias, please—”
“I have no intention of traveling by coach. I will be taking my fastest and strongest stallion and in a few hours I shall be in Scotland. The way I intend to travel is no way for a lady.”
She steeled herself against his anger. “I am just as skilled as you at riding horses. Think of how good such a journey would be for us as well, we can get to know each other.”
“I see you have forgotten that my thoughts are filled with wringing your neck.”
She pursed her lips. This man! “I believe I know where Francie and Mr. Browning are headed.”
The intensity in his look almost frightened her.
“You are truly in denial of your position, aren’t you?” Then he took a menacing step toward her.
She backed up warily and he froze.
“Are you afraid of me?”
He held himself so still that she recognized her answer was of crucial importance to him. “You can appear intimidating, but I am not afraid.”
A soft sigh of what sounded like relief slipped from him.
“Pack lightly. I will order a coach with a team of two for you.”
A strong sense of relief washed through her. “It will only be a few hours to cross the border, I am happy to ride beside you on my horse.”
Cold eyes caressed her face, before a fleeting smile touched his lips. “Is that so?”
“Yes, do you think me unequal to the task?”
“Perhaps.”
“I have ridden past the River Eske before into Scotland with my papa before he died. I was ten. It is one of my fonder memories of him. I assure you, I am an excellent rider and that way, we shall be in Scotland in only a few hours and at the Rose Cottage before nightfall.”
