Page 38 of The Cornish Bride

“She’s what?” Lady Ormonde almost screamed, the toast falling to the ground where Dash and Duster fell on it with relish. Her hand went to her mouth and she looked at Sam where he stood near the door. “Tell me that’s not true.”

He nodded. “I’m afraid it is.”

She seized the edge of the table. “My smelling salts. Quickly.”

Kit grabbed her reticule and fished out the little jar, unstoppering it with practiced fingers. He waved it under her nose, and she revived.

“When?” she asked. “How did you find out?”

“We don’t know exactly when,” Kit said. “It must have been sometime during the night. But they’ll have headed north to Gretna Green, as she’s too young to marry without my permission. I’m assuming they have at least a ten-hour head start. Sam and I are going after her. We came to let you know, and to warn you not to worry Morvoren with the news. I don’t want her upset.”

The dowager nodded, her old astute self returning. “Very wise. But Gretna Green is a long way off—several days in the fastest of carriages.” A thought must have struck her. “Oh, my poor child. My baby. She’ll be alone with that man for several nights. What will he do to her when he has her in his power?”

Sam clenched his fists, this thought having already occurred to him.

“We’re setting out after them now,” Kit said. “They must be in a carriage of some sort, because she didn’t take her riding habit. We’ll ride, so we’ll be faster than any carriage. Don’t worry, Mama, we’ll catch them. I’m taking pistols.”

The dowager’s face paled and she reached for her smelling salts again. “Pistols? Do you envisage having to fight to get her back? Oh, heavens above. You must be careful. The man will be desperate to succeed in his endeavor, I don’t doubt.” She rose to her feet and went to Kit. “Do not put yourself in danger, my darling boy. Remember, you have a wife and child who need you.”

Kit bent and gave her a quick, fierce hug which she returned with fervor. “He is the one who is in danger, not me.” He released her and turned to the door.

The dowager turned to Sam, her hand going out to catch his. She gazed up at him out of dark, troubled eyes. Eyes disturbingly like Ysella’s. “Keep them both safe for me, Sam, I beg you. I shall rely upon your good sense to avert any danger to my children.”