Page 87 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
“Lord Peterborough, I was hoping to catch you this morning,” Aaron said, stepping out of the smoking room.
The Marquess looked up, his eyes circled with sleepless purple. “Is everything prepared for this evening?”
“It is.” Aaron paused for a moment. “How is my daughter?”
“She is faring well, considering the circumstances. I believe she is nervous, and she has not eaten much, but that is to be expected. It cannot be easy for her, knowing the part she must play this evening.”
Aaron nodded. “No, I do not suppose that it is. Has she received any further notes?”
“No, there have been none since the one that arrived by express rider.”
“And how are you feeling about this evening’s endeavors?”
Ewan smiled thinly. “I am anxious. It feels as if I am casting my wife into a pit of lions with a tenuous hope for escape.”
“My men will perform their task well, you needn’t worry about that.”
“It is the devious mind of your former manservant that worries me,” Ewan confessed. “We have maintained a level of secrecy, but he may have his ways of discovering our intentions. I only pray that he has not.”
“As do I.” He glanced awkwardly at the door. “My men and I are going to observe the location of tonight’s ball, so we may be in readiness.”
“An excellent idea, General.”
“Would you care to accompany us? It may be a welcome distraction.”
Ewan shook his head. “No, I rather think I should stay at Henrietta’s side, in case Mr. Booth decides to strike earlier than anticipated. Besides, she is unnerved enough without me suddenly disappearing. We may rendezvous later to discuss your findings, if you would be inclined to such a meeting?”
Aaron smiled. “I will do just that, My Lord. Now, I shall not keep you or my men a moment longer.” He moved towards the door of the smoking room, before glancing back over his shoulder. “May I make one further request of you?”
“Of course, General.”
“Look out for her, however you can,” he said solemnly. “She does not know it, and I am not one for shows of affection, but she is more precious to me than she realizes. If any harm should come to her, I would never forgive myself.”
Ewan’s expression softened. “I will do all I can, to keep her safe… for she is precious to me too.”
“The marriage has turned out more fortunate than you expected?”
“I suppose it has,” he said, with a soft chuckle.
“Then all was not lost in matching the two of you,” Aaron murmured. “I will speak with you again when we return. Good day to you, My Lord.”
Ewan dipped his head. “And to you, General Oliver.”
With that, Aaron gathered his men and set off towards Scampston Hall. The journey was not a particularly lengthy one, and they arrived in good time to find that the Darby family, to whom the Hall belonged, were also in the midst of making preparations. A marquee had been erected in the vast parkland, though the main ball was to be held in the garden’s exquisite ballroom, away from the main house.
There was a great deal of ground to cover, the lawns stretching toward forestry in the distance, whilst walled gardens and semi-wild parkland bordered everything in sight. It was in that moment that Aaron realized the enormity of their undertaking, his eyes scanning the landscape.
I have fought in tougher battles than this, with less favorable odds. Seth will not take my daughter this evening. He will not harm her. I will make sure of it.
However, as he surveyed the surroundings once more, he began to feel a creeping tremor of icy doubt.
* * *
After speaking with Aaron, Ewan retrieved a breakfast tray for his wife and took it back up to her chambers. He had hoped that a conversation about the upcoming evening might ease his qualms, but they had only bolstered the anxiety that thrummed in his veins. With her life potentially on the line, Henrietta had grown more dear to him than he even dared to admit.
He knocked on the main door to her chambers and waited for a reply. He had left her sleeping, but he did not wish to walk in unannounced in case she was dressing.
“Come in,” Henrietta’s voice urged.
