“Go inform Lord Dunsby of what is going on. He can help aid in the search,” Miles said.
Miss Bawden tipped her head in acknowledgement before she went to do his bidding.
Miles faced his friend. “I need a pistol.”
With a concerned look, Winston asked, “Why?”
“I do not know what we are up against, and I do not want to be caught unprepared,” Miles replied.
Winston glanced towards the manor. “My father keeps his dueling pistols on display in the parlor. Would that be sufficient?”
“It would,” Miles said.
Without saying another word, Miles strode through the ballroom as he headed towards the parlor.
Bennett stepped up to walk next to him, matching his stride. In a hushed voice, he said, “Miss Bawden just informed me that Edwina is missing.”
“It is true,” Miles confirmed.
“You don’t truly think she was abducted, do you?” Bennett asked.
Miles shrugged. “I don’t know what to think at this point, but I do not wish to cause any undue panic to Lord and Lady Dallington until we know for sure.”
“Where are you going now?” Bennett asked.
“To retrieve one of your father’s dueling pistols,” Miles responded.
As they exited the ballroom, Bennett said, “Do try to use some discretion. Edwina may be hiding in the corner of the library, lost in a book.”
Miles understood his friend’s concern. They couldn’t risk tarnishing Edwina’s reputation by spreading word that she might have been abducted.
Bennett reached out and grasped Miles’ arm, halting their steps. “Have you stopped to consider that you might be acting irrationally?”
No.
Miles’ jaw was clenched in determination as he replied, “Until I am sure that Edwina is safe, I will stop at nothing to find her.”
“Just promise me that you will search the manor before going off half-cocked,” Bennett said.
With a firm, unyielding voice, Miles responded, “I cannot promise that.”
Bennett gave him a knowing smile. “You love Edwina.” His words were more of a statement than a question.
“I do,” Miles admitted, seeing no reason to deny it.
“Then I will join you in your search for Edwina,” Bennett declared.
Miles swiftly turned on his heel and strode towards the parlor. His plan was simple- find Edwina and never let her go. He cursed himself for not realizing his true feelings sooner, but he had been too afraid to face them. He had convinced himself that loving Edwina would be a betrayal to Arabella, but he had been wrong. Fear had held him back. And it was time to let go of that fear.
Arabella wouldn’t have wanted him to stop living life. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t scared. He didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost Edwina. His heart would never recover. He was sure of that.
Arriving at the parlor, Miles walked up to the mantel and removed one of the dueling pistols. He felt the familiar weight in his hand and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what might come. He would do anything to protect Edwina, even if it meant taking a life again.
The pistol glinted in the dim light as memories flooded into his mind. Unpleasant memories. Ones that he wanted to remain buried forever. But now was not the time to worry about his past. All that mattered was his future.
Bennett retrieved the other pistol. “I am not saying that you are right, but it is better to be prepared.”
“I agree, wholeheartedly,” Miles said with a tight voice. “We will need to search each room, thoroughly, so as not to miss Edwina.”
