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The man looked at Emma intently. “Of course, the angel is innocent.”
“Do not call me that,” Emma said tightly.
“Hush, dear.” Louisa approached the desk Mr. Kingsley had taken refuge behind. “I am only here for one thing, and then we shall leave you in peace.”
He smiled in almost a feral manner. “I do like you, Miss Drake. Ever so direct in your speech. Go on then, what is your question?”
“I need to know where Worthington went, and I believe you know.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Mr. Kingsley leaned back in his chair in a position that reminded her of Harry. The man must look far more like his mother than the late duke as there was little physical resemblance. Except, those hard eyes reminded her of Harry the few times she’d seen him truly angry. And their mannerisms were remarkably similar.
“Why would you believe I know where the duke is?”
She leaned forward and stared at him. “Because Jenkins told me you would know.”
“Bloody butler! He should know better.” Mr. Kingsley held her gaze. “Why do you want to know?”
“I need to tell him something.” She finally broke away from his stare. “Something of great importance.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her with those piercing blue eyes. She could have sworn his gaze would steal her soul away. No wonder Emma disliked the man.
“Do you love him, Miss Drake?”
Louisa closed her eyes and nodded. “Most desperately, Mr. Kingsley. I fear he may not love me in the same manner, though.”
“I see.”
“Will you help me?” she pleaded.
He paused for a long moment, deliberately Louisa assumed to agitate her. “He is at Worth Hall. Send your sister home in your family carriage. I shall provide you with a comfortable coach for the trip. It is unmarked, so no one will know I lent it to you.” A slow smile lifted his lips. “And do tell my brother that I assisted you. I am starting to enjoy v
exing him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kingsley.” She turned toward Emma, who stood near the door staring at Mr. Kingsley with a touch of panic in her eyes. “Emma, will that suit you?”
“Yes, I will tell Mamma you decided to stay with Tessa for a few days.”
Louisa ran to her sister and embraced her. “Thank you!”
“Come along, Miss Drake,” Mr. Kingsley said to Emma. “I shall escort you home.”
“There is no need, Mr. Kingsley.” Emma opened the door and raced down the hall.
“I don’t believe she likes me,” Mr. Kingsley said with a low laugh. “Smart girl.” He turned toward Louisa. “Do you have a valise, or will you need clothing?”
“I have a valise in the carriage.” She did wonder for a moment how he would procure clothing for her if she hadn’t brought hers. No, she decided. She did not want to think about that.
“I shall order my best coach for you and have my cook pack you some cold food. It is only a few hours’ drive, so you should be there around nightfall.”
“Thank you again.”
Within a few minutes, she was packed into the carriage with some food and heading out of London. Having not eaten all day, she dug into the basket and discovered a ham sandwich, an apple, and a jug of wine. In no time, she had a full stomach and sleepiness overcame her.
HARRY ARRIVED BACK at the estate just after ten. After spending the day with Mr. Fernwood, his estate steward, they had stopped for dinner at a tavern in Worth. He entered the house through the side door closer to the stables. Passing a footman in the hall, he requested a bath then went to his bedchamber.
Three days had passed since he left London during the height of his sister’s soiree. All to get away from Louisa and somehow stop thinking about her. He’d hardly been successful, although, today was slightly better. He’d only thought of her half the day instead of the entire day.
The footmen filled the copper tub in the adjacent bathing room. His body ached from all the riding he’d done since he arrived. A few weeks in town and he’d become soft already. The hot water would ease his body, and brandy might ease his mind. He poured a snifter and then slipped into the tub.
