Lord Warwicke appeared beside them, his brow knit in concern. “Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside.”
Evander took her hand in his. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“You’ll hear no protest from me,” she murmured.
Inside, Evander immediately gave instructions for tea, a bath, and a doctor. She tried to object, but he silenced her with a look.
She didn’t argue again.
In the drawing room, Lord Warwicke’s tone was all business. “Start at the beginning. Tell us everything.”
She recounted what she could about the inn and the escape. When she revealed the name of the tavern she was being held in, Lord Warwicke sucked in a breath.
“The Dragon’s Head?” he repeated sharply.
With a nod, she said, “The sign was above the main door.”
“That’s where the reformers meet,” Lord Warwicke said grimly. “It’s where I last saw Lord Luca.”
Evander’s jaw clenched. “Then Lord Luca’s behind this.”
“Maybe. He didn’t speak at the meeting. He just observed.”
“Then he might at least know who orchestrated it,” Olivia offered. “But why would he target me?”
“Because the reformers are getting desperate. They want Westmere out of India.” Lord Warwicke began pacing, thoughtful. “But why make the effort to kidnap you… only to let you escape?”
“They didn’t let me,” Olivia said, indignant. “I climbed out of a window, and it wasn’t an easy feat.”
Evander pulled her close again. “They underestimated you.”
Lord Warwicke shook his head. “Something’s off,” he muttered. “Why would Lord Luca align himself with reformers? He is the son of a duke.”
Evander dismissed the speculation with finality. “All I care is that she’s home. And she stays here, until this is over.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” Olivia said.
He smiled down at her. “Care for that bath?”
She sighed. “Desperately. I must look a fright.”
Lifting a hand to her cheek, Evander said, “To me, you’ve never looked more beautiful.”
The warmth in his eyes threatened to undo her. Did he mean it? Was this love?
Before she could speak, Lord Warwicke cut in. “I’m going to speak with Luca. Westmere, would you care to join me?”
Evander looked conflicted. “I don’t want to leave her, but…” He stopped. “I would like to be there to beat him to a bloody pulp, should he confess.”
“You should go,” Olivia encouraged. “I’ll be here when you return.”
“Promise me?”
The vulnerability in his voice sliced through her. She longed to sayI love you. But fear kept her silent. So instead, she nodded. “I promise.”
“Before I go, I will assign footmen to guard your every move. I won’t let anyone hurt you… ever again.”
The conviction in his tone sent a tremor through her. “Thank you.”
