Page 89 of The Duke of Distraction
Chapter 14
Felix was glad Sarah and Lavinia were seated together on the forward-facing seat of his coach, leaving him to sit beside Beck.Because if he’d had to spend the twelve-mile journey to Epping nestled against Sarah, he might go entirely mad.Not just because he wanted her, but because of what she’d said last night.
He refused to eventhinkthe words.
He directed his gaze out the window as he had almost the entire trip.They’d reached the edge of Epping and would soon be at their destination.
A few minutes later, the coach drove up to large house situated atop a hill.With pale stone and elaborate brickwork, particularly on the chimney decoration, the manse was a beautiful depiction of architecture from the last century.It was strange to think a murderer was housed somewhere on the grounds, but this was where they’d brought the wounded highwayman.
Felix’s footman opened the door to the coach and put down the step.Felix descended first, followed by Beck, who helped both ladies to descend.
Beck took his wife’s arm, of course, which left Felix to take Sarah’s.The moment she touched him, the anxiety inside him intensified, tying him into even tighter knots.This was torture, this knowledge of how she felt.He’d been a fool to think he could marry her.
They made their way to the door, which stood open.The butler greeted them.
“Good morning,” Felix said.“We’re here to see Lord Colton.”
“He has already departed, I’m afraid.”
Felix exchanged a look of confusion with Beck before looking back to the butler.“Do you know where he went?”
“I do not, but perhaps Mr.Allencourt can be of assistance.They met for a short period.Do you mind waiting here for a moment?”
The butler excused himself and left them in the entry hall.
“What do you suppose happened?”Sarah asked.Her hand on Felix’s sleeve had curled around him with tension, and her face was creased with worry.
“Perhaps the prisoner was already transported to Chelmsford,” Felix said.That was where the assize would be held soon, and the highwayman would be tried for his crimes.
Sarah frowned.“Then Anthony is surely on his way there.”She withdrew from him and paced a few steps, clearly upset.
A man, maybe fifty years in age, swept into the hall.His dark hair was lightly tinged with silver, including the sideburns that encroached along the upper portion of his jaw.He smiled widely as his gaze settled on Sarah.“Miss Colton, what a delight to see you.”He came toward her, and the smile fell from his face as quickly as it had appeared.Taking her hand in his, he bowed.“May I offer my deepest condolences?Your father was a splendid man and a dear friend.”He released her hand, and Felix found he’d been holding his breath.
“Thank you.”Sarah angled herself toward Beck, Lavinia, and Felix.“Allow me to present the Marquess and Marchioness of Northam, and the Earl of Ware.”
Allencourt offered bows to all of them.“Welcome, welcome.I do wish you were visiting under better circumstances.Shall we adjourn to a more comfortable setting?”
“I do appreciate your hospitality,” Sarah said.“However, we are looking for my brother.He was here earlier?”
“Yes, to see the prisoner.”Allencourt’s mouth pulled into a deep frown.“I’m sorry to report that he passed away in the night, the rotter.Too good an end for him, if you ask me.”
Felix could only imagine how Anthony had reacted to the news.He’d been anxious to hold the man accountable.
“I see,” Sarah murmured.Felix noted how her hand clenched and opened and clenched again.“Do you know where Anthony has gone?”
“Oaklands, I believe.Will you be returning there?”he asked.
“Yes.Thank you for your time, Mr.Allencourt.”She offered him a weak smile.
He took her hand again.“I would offer any support you require, especially now.I believe your father would want me to look after you.When you are ready to accept callers, I shall be the first.”
Allencourt looked at her with a fervent, almost sexual intensity that made Felix want to hit him.And then he recalled the man’s name—Allencourt.This was the gentleman who’d expressed interest in marrying Sarah.Of course he wanted to call on her.Only she was already betrothed.
But you don’t want that.
He mentally batted away the reminder.Just because he didn’t want to marry didn’t mean he was going to allow this man to prey upon Sarah.Felix stepped toward her and offered his arm.“Thank you again, Mr.Allencourt.Good day.”He escorted Sarah from the hall, preceded by Beck and Lavinia.
They stepped outside into the overcast morning, which was already showing signs of improving as the clouds began to thin.
