Page 8 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Amelia stood and paced across the drawing room. “I could not countenance your attachment to such an odious man, Lizzy. We must think of something. Do not fret. If your parents have not yet spoken with you it could very well be that they will allow you to have your season before making the final decision.”
Amelia was ever the pragmatist.
“What are you thinking, Amelia? I can see that devilish gleam in your eyes,” Eleanor cautiously asked.
Amelia held one hand in the air and snapped her finger before she spun around to face Elizabeth. “Well, there are many a night in a season, and who knows what could transpire. We shall not leave it all to chance.” Amelia’s face was a picture of strength and determination.
Eleanor stared. “What do you have up your sleeves Amelia? Pray tell.”
Elizabeth managed a smile for she felt a sense of relief now that she had shared her burden. She knew that she could always rely on her friends when she needed them most, and it gave her a sense of comfort.
Amelia poured Elizabeth another cup of tea. “Let me think on it for a spell, Lizzy. Suffice it to say the duke will not be the only eligible bachelor this season. Let us go to the freak show and put this matter out of our minds. We will revisit it when I have had a chance to mull it over.”
Elizabeth sipped her tea and thought with abrupt clarity that a solution must be found. A thoughtful smile curved her mouth. “I do not know what I would do without you both.”
She decided to take Amelia’s advice and put the sorry mess from her mind, if only for a few days. If Amelia said there was a solution, then she was confident they could find one.
As Elizabeth raised her teacup Amelia’s words flashed across her mind,we shall not leave it all to chance. Of course, she would not. She was in love with the viscount, and he had already declared his affection for her. He wanted to court her and she was certain he would have proposed marriage given the chance. If her parents had their way, Elizabeth and the viscount’s tender love would be denied. A plan began to formulate in her mind and Elizabeth sat up straighter. The dark clouds were lifting and she could see a ray of sunlight shining through.
CHAPTER5
One week later
Thornton Manor, Kent
Alexander sat in the library pouring over the accounts for his estate. There was a knock on his door before the butler entered.
“Lord Barlow is here to see you, my lord. I have seated him in the smaller parlor,” the butler announced.
“I will be down shortly.” Alexander marked the page where he paused his perusal, as the butler departed. He wondered what brought Barlow here for he was not expecting him. He bounded down the stairs and entered the parlor. Barlow shot to his feet and greeted him.
“I am sorry to barge in on you with such short notice, Thornton,” Barlow’s voice was high-pitched.
Alexander scrutinized Barlow for a moment. Although he stood, he was tapping his feet, he appeared agitated and flustered. Something was amiss.
“Never mind that Barlow, for you are always welcome here. Whatever is the matter? You do not look like yourself. How can I be of assistance?” Alexander sought to calm the man.
Barlow’s voice grew rough with anxiety. “It is a matter of great delicacy, and I could only approach a friend that I trust implicitly.”
“You can count on me.”
Barlow’s eyes darted over the room, and he did not speak.
“Let us take a seat and you can tell me all about it.” Alexander could see that his friend was struggling to get the words out. It appeared that Barlow wanted to refuse to sit but he thought better of it. They both sat in armchairs facing each other.
Barlow spoke hesitantly, “It … it is Lizzy ….”
Alexander stilled. “Is Lady Elizabeth ill?”
“No. It is far worse, Thornton,” Barlow said with dread. “She has gone missing.”
Alexander’s brows snapped together. “Missing? What the hell do you mean missing?”
Barlow stood up from the armchair and he could not keep still. “Yesterday Elizabeth told her lady’s maid that she wanted to rest, and she was not to be disturbed before noon. Upon entering her bedchamber at that precise time, the maid discovered she was not there. We have searched Brampton … and nothing. I went to see her dear friend Lady Seymour. Lizzy had spent a few days with the countess last week. Unfortunately, the countess has not seen her and does not know where she could possibly be.”
“Bloody hell!” Alexander exclaimed. He was taken aback for this was not what he expected. He felt a sharp pain in the pit of his stomach and he was filled with a sense of dread.
“I have a bad feeling about this, Thornton.” Barlow’s voice was filled with trepidation.
