Page 92 of An Unwitting Alliance
Father the boy? Him? Holding Pumpkin this morning had done something to his heart, but Tom could never be a father... not without Cassie by his side. There had to be another solution.
He met Ian’s eyes. “I couldn’t say what Cassie thinks. But let me worry about her. We have a boy to find.”
Chapter 29
Cassandra marched into the houseand up the stairs toward Tom’s bedchamber. She had come to a decision while in her shed, and the only way to set her frustration at ease was to confront Tom. She rapped on his door and stepped back, folding her arms.
Tom’s valet opened the door, his hair combed within an inch of its life and his face quite stoic. “Yes, miss?”
“I need to speak with Mr. Harwood.” When the valet raised his brow, she added, “It’s urgent.” What was more urgent than her giving Tom a second black eye? She coughed into her hand. She needed to control herself. There was no reason to resort to violence when they merely needed to communicate. If he did not want to marry her, she could accept that. But she could not accept being pushed aside with nary a word or explanation.
“He is not here, miss.”
She frowned. “Do you know where he went?” Was he in the drawing room? The kitchen?
“To the inn, I believe.”
Ah. To see Alan or his friends, no doubt. “When will he be returning?”
The servant evaded her eyes, his head lowered. “He is to take the boy to Brookeside. I am to gather his things and follow him in the morning.”
“To Brookeside?” Panic flared in her chest. “He can’t just leave!”
The valet sighed, clearly debating whether or not to say more. “It’s the young Mr. Kelby. He’s missing.”
Cassandra stared in stunned silence for two or three long seconds before nodding dumbly. “Thank you for your help.” Her hands shook as she backed away. Alan was missing? What would become of him? That poor, poor boy. She had to help. She had to find him. A plan formed in her mind. She would need Aunt Evans to act as chaperone. There was no way she could sit home while a little boy was missing and hurting. Tom was not the only one who cared for him.
* * *
Tom and Ian pored over a rough map of the roads that the innkeeper and Tom had managed to draw out on a paper. He marked the roads Ian’s hired men had just reported to have checked before they rode out again. The constable was supposed to arrive at any moment, and his added knowledge of the town would hopefully be an asset to them. If Tom could bear to wait another minute. He pulled back, frustration getting the best of him. “I’ll just get on my horse and start searching.”
A rustle sounded at the entrance to the parlor at the inn, and a familiar voice filtered in. “Don’t tell me you still don’t have a plan.”
Tom whirled in his seat, his jaw flapping open. “Cassie?” He tried to move, but she nailed him in place with her sharp glare.
“Don’t get up.” She waved to Ian, who was already clamoring to stand. “I came to assist in the search for Alan. My aunt is waiting in the carriage. Where would you like us to start?”
He could hardly believe what he was hearing. After yesterday... after this morning... she’d still come to help them? He was mightily impressed by her fortitude. She’d stood up to Miss Pollard, aided her family through a crisis, and endured a rather trying betrothal. Seeing her now, with her chin up and determination radiating from her, he fell a little more in love with her.
Ian cleared his throat. “We’ll have another report in less than a half hour’s time from the men I’ve hired to search.”
Cassie tucked several wisps of hair into her bonnet. “Has anyone been sent to the workhouse?”
“No,” Ian said. “We are systematically searching roads right now.”
“Alan would not return to the workhouse. He hates Longbottom more than we do.” Tom shifted back to face the fireplace, unsure he had the energy to beg Cassie to return home. Her emotional state was as important to him as Alan’s safety.
“He would go back if he wanted to be sure of his mother’s death.”
Cassie’s words stunned him, and he froze before he could fully lean back against his seat. She was right. It’s what Tom would have done if he were Alan. Blast! He pushed away from the chair and stood. “I did not think of that. I will ride there straightaway.”
“You may join my aunt and me since we have every intention of going there too,” Cassie said decisively. Resolution lined her stance and every aspect of her stern expression. “You are not the only one worried about Alan.”
“Very well.” Tom motioned to the door, knowing he could not dissuade her. “After you.”
“Tom!” Ian pleaded. “At least wait for the report.”
“We will bring back our own report. You know where to find us if you discover him.”
