Page 32 of Sweet Hellion

“Aye,” Rhys grunted.

“You cannot believe she will hold you responsible?”

“Of course, she will.”

“You do realize that by carrying him off the battlefield, you saved his life.”

“What? How do you know that?” Rhys demanded.

“Bamfield told me. It’s likely that had you realized he was alive and tried to save him, that someone would have killed you both.”

He was probably right, which only made Rhys all the angrier.

The carriage came to a halt and Stirling eased the window curtain aside and looked out. “We have arrived at Miss Bamfield’s home.”

The door opened and Rhys followed Stirling from the carriage. A woman walking up to a house on the right slowed to stare. Rhys locked gazes with a man who approached from the shop.

“Angus,” Stirling greeted the man as they neared.

They stopped when they reached one another. “Stirling,” Angus said. “She isnae here.” He handed Stirling a small piece of paper. Rhys read the note:

Ewan,

I am working at the infirmary today. If you arrive and I am not here, please look for me there. I will return this afternoon.

Emma Bamfield

Stirling looked at Rhys. “Is it not late for her to be working at the infirmary?”

“They have the fundraiser ball tonight. She was to work in the kitchen for the party.” Rhys shook his head. “I do not know where the party is being held.”

“Munro’s mansion.”

“Bloody hell,” Rhys cursed. “Surely, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to work in Munro’s kitchen?”

“I suppose I shall be attending the party after all,” Stirling said. At Rhys’s questioning look, he added, “I received an invitation, but had a conflict.”

“You may see to your other engagement. I will fetch her,” Rhys said.

“John will be there, as will Munro. Perhaps the time has come to settle the accusations against you.”

“At a ball? For all to see?” Rhys paused, then nodded. “Let us make haste, man. If Munro learns Emma is there, I may end up in jail again, this time for the crime of murder.”

Twenty minutes later, Rhys entered the ballroom at Munro’s mansion with Stirling. The orchestra played a minuet. A year ago, if anyone had told him he would be attending a ball at Munro’s home, he would have decried the idea.

Candlelight blazed so brightly, Rhys had to squint. “I am surprised he hasn’t burned the house down.”

“William does like to flaunt his wealth,” Stirling said.

Rhys looked sideways at the man. He was coming to like Stirling.

“It might be best if we find the major general first,” Stirling said.

“You find the major general. I want to be certain Emma is well.”

“As you wish.”

“Stirling,” a female voice called.