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“Did you hear that?”
“I-I can hardly believe my ears, Your Grace,” he stammered.
“Your sister and the man you refused to protect your daughter from did this…” he paused and shut his eyes, fighting to keep his composure. He felt Diana’s soft hand on his cheek, and she called his name gently. He opened his eyes and gazed down at her, the only force that could calm him, the greatest treasure he had ever had the honor of beholding. He stroked her cheek.
“Who was the woman in the carriage?”
“Annabelle. Crawford promised both her and my aunt a portion of the money he thought he would claim. Matthew, we have to act quickly because they are unconscious.”
His brows rose. “How?”
“They made me inhale something sweet-smelling…”
“Ether,” Matthew said.
“Yes, I think so, and I used it on them. The coachman is awake but I am not sure if he is still there.”
Matthew’s eyes widened. “Where is the carriage?”
“About a mile down the road.”
“Albert will arrive soon. I want you to stay here while I go and find the damned rats.”
“Matthew, I want to come with you,” she began to protest, and he kissed her.
“I cannot lose you again,” he whispered.
“Neither can I.”
“I promise I will come back for you.” He kissed her again and rested his forehead against hers. “We always find each other.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“You are my heart.” He pulled away with great reluctance. “Is the pistol loaded?”
“Yes.”
“Keep vigilant and Albert will take you back to Kendall soon.” He turned to Edgington. “I am leaving her in your care. For once in your life, do what is right for her.”
“I will,” he replied determinedly.
With a nod to Glover, they retrieved their horses and rode away. He glanced over his shoulder to see Diana standing in the middle of the road, a smile shining through her worry.
A mile down the road, they saw the carriage, and it appeared as though the coachman had abandoned it because he was nowhere in sight. Near the door was Crawford, and Glover was the first to dismount, and he quickly began to tie Crawford’s limbs.
Matthew looked into the carriage where Annabelle was slumped in her seat. She was harmless at this time, and he decided to leave her as she was. The constable he had instructed to follow them would be arriving soon; they would handle her.
A short while later, he saw two constables riding toward them, and their pace quickened when they saw him.
“I left Miss Pearson with Lord Edgington up the road. Did you see them?” Matthew asked to ensure they were well.
“Yes, Your Grace,” one of the constables replied. “They were with Mr. Kingsley when we saw them last.”
Matthew allowed a sigh, then he helped them haul Crawford onto a horse. “You will not let him out of your sight,” he growled.
“We have found the accomplice within our ranks that helped his escape, Your Grace. We assure you, he will face severe punishment and it will not happen again.”
“The woman is Miss Annabelle Windhill,” Matthew told them. “She is an accomplice and must face the law, as well.”
