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Ravencroft waited for a while before returning. Once he reached the guard, he needed to know where the guard’s loyalty stood. At the very least, he needed to cause doubt with the guard in his position.
Ravencroft grimaced. “I hate to ask what you did to deserve this lowly position. Did you put sugar in her tea?”
The guard didn’t reply, only snarled at him. Ravencroft hadn’t taken in the guard’s build before, but the snarl was menacing enough for him to notice the brute’s strength. Ravencroft could hold his own and had spent many afternoons boxing at Gentleman Jack’s, but even he realized his limitations. And the guard before him was one he wouldn’t tangle with in a dark alley. The man’s muscles bulged out of his shirt, and his thighs were as wide as wooden logs. He wished he had taken a better look at the other guards. Still, he continued to provoke a reaction.
He shrugged. “I only ask because she keeps her best men at her side and leaves these lowly jobs for the guards she doesn’t trust.”
His comment drew a frown from the guard, but still no reply.
Ravencroft folded his fingers over his palm and tilted them back and forth, examining them. “I would know. She never trusted me either and always assigned me to jobs like these. Stuck out in the middle of nowhere with men I never trusted.” Ravencroft looked to the sky. “And the worst part, there is never any shelter during a storm. Not to mention the scraps she leaves for food.” He ended with a shudder of the conditions he described.
Then the guard did the unexpected. He barked out a laugh. “She said you would attempt this ploy. Also alleged you were a weasel of an earl who imagined himself better than he was. Not so high and mighty now, are we, Mr. Aristocrat?”
Ravencroft bowed to him. “No. I do not suppose I am.”
After taking pleasure from the guard’s surprise, he went back inside. He chuckled at how he had gotten in the last barb. While the guard meant to attack his character, he only helped Ravencroft determine the guard’s loyalties. After a few more interactions, he believed the guard would sway to their side.
With a newfound determination to help them escape, he was eager to share his findings with Noel. She still sat on the sofa, lost in her thoughts, staring at the letter in her lap. While he worried about what her siblings wrote to her about him, he also couldn’t care less. His attitude gave him the courage to face his demons and allow no one to come between them. Caring siblings or not. It only mattered how Noel cared about him.
“I hope the letters helped,” Ravencroft said.
Noel raised her eyes, focusing on Ravencroft. She hadn’t realized he came back inside. “Yes. Well, at least Graham’s letter.” She raised the other letter. “I’ve yet to read Maggie’s note.”
“Do you want me to leave again?” He gestured toward the door.
“No. ‘Tis unnecessary. I feel my sister’s missive is only to torment me.”
Ravencroft’s brows drew together. “How so?”
“Graham so much as hinted at it in his letter. It seems my family has found humor in the attire I wore when I snuck out of the house. Their torment shall be endless upon my return.”
Ravencroft almost made a comment about their insincerity, but the smile gracing Noel’s face showed how she would endure their teasing with a friendly nature. Her family was a far cry different from his own. When he and Dracott gave each other a hard time, it was done with layers of sarcasm, but the Worthingtons always held mischief with their comments. Even Lady Worthington joined in occasionally with the teasing. If not, she always sat back, smiling at their antics, enjoying herself while her children found amusement at each other’s expense.
Ravencroft shrugged instead. “Perhaps not read it and wait for the inevitable.”
Noel laughed. “No. It is best if I read it now. So I can at least prepare a few comebacks of my own and be ready to surprise them.”
Ravencroft lost himself in her laughter. The twinkling melody soothed his worried soul. Noel never ceased to amaze him with her ability to adapt to whatever circumstance she found herself in. Most ladies would remain in tears over their capture and the conditions forced upon them. But Noel sat before him, smiling without a worry at their predicament. He sensed it troubled her, but she didn’t allow it to consume her.
He held out his hand. “Would you like me to read it instead?”
Noel beamed at him, holding out the letter. “That sounds splendid. That way, it will seem as if Maggie is teasing me herself. We may as well amuse ourselves for a bit before we return to our serious conversation.”
Ravencroft cleared his throat before he began.
Dearest Noel,
Where shall I begin? I am shocked, and I mean shocked, at your choice of clothing. Breeches? Why, your display of indecency has brought shame upon our family name. A Worthington lady dressing like a boy will cause the tongues to wag and gossip unkindly. Wherever did you find such clothing to wear? One would think you were a hoyden, gallivanting around in such attire.
––––––––
OH, I HAVE MORE CLEVERones, but I prefer to tease you with those once you return. And you will, dear sister. Have faith in our brothers, Dracott, and Ravencroft. Out of all of us, you are the wisest when dealing with a crisis. Your ability to handle any situation with charm and wit will only work to your advantage.
Take care and we will rescue you soon. However, once you return, you will find yourself bombarded with so much teasing you will wish you remained captured.
Your devoted sister,
Maggie
