Page 104 of Intolerable
“I’ll take whatever support I can get.” He kissed her forehead. “Where would you like to marry?”
She leaned her head back against the squab. “I haven’t given it any thought. I suppose at home. Unless Papa is obnoxious. Then at Con and Sabrina’s, I suppose? We could stand in the cupboard under the stairs.”
Ruark shouted with laughter as the coach entered the yard at the King’s Arms. “You go inside to meet Miss Lancaster, and I’ll fetch Lucien’s men. That way, they’ll have no idea you weren’t in the inn all night.”
“Brilliant of you.”
He leapt from the coach and helped Cassandra down. They parted, going about their allotted mission. Ruark assumed the coachman and groom would have lodged in the stables. When he got there, he asked one of the inn’s grooms for their direction.
“The coachmen sleep up there.” He jabbed his thumb toward a narrow stair in the corner.
“Thank you.” His step light, Ruark climbed the stairs and entered the long, dim room. Several bunks stood against the walls, most of them full. Some men were still snoring, while others were moving about in preparation to leave. About midway down, he found Lucien’s men and informed them Lady Cassandra and her companion would be returning to London in his coach.
“His lordship won’t like that,” the taller of the two coachman said, referring to Lucien.
“His lordship will need to accommodate himself because his sister and I are to be wed.” Before Ruark could say more, a shrill cry sounded from the other side of the room.
“Ruark!” Cassandra ran toward him, her cloak and skirts billowing about her ankles. “She’s not here!”
“Slow down, love.” He gently clasped her arms, trying not to grow alarmed. “Miss Lancaster isn’t at the inn?”
Cassandra shook her head violently. “I went to her room, and her bed hasn’t been slept in!”
Ruark looked to the coachmen in concern. “When was the last time you saw Miss Lancaster?”
“Who’s that?” the shorter coachman, who Ruark believed was called Bridger, asked.
“The woman you brought here after the fight last night,” Ruark explained know what would come next.
Bridger’s eyes widened as he looked at Cassandra. “We thought that was her ladyship.”
Cassandra’s face was drawn tight with apprehension. “It wasn’t. I was with Lord Wexford. Miss Lancaster and I swapped cloaks. You delivered her to the inn.”
“She went inside, and we haven’t seen her since.” Bridger paled as he exchanged a look with the other coachman.
Ruark clasped Cassandra’s hand. “Let’s go back to her room. Perhaps there’s a clue of some kind.”
They hurried to the inn, the coachmen following, and made their way upstairs. Cassandra opened the door and led them inside.
Ruark glanced about the room. Just as Cassandra had said, the bed hadn’t been slept in. “Look carefully for any signs that might help us determine what happened. Did she have a traveling case?”
“Yes, we both did and I didn’t see either of them,” Cassandra replied. “Ruark, there’s a note.”
He turned from the bed where he’d been about to look under it. Cassandra stood at the hearth holding a piece of parchment.
Do not worry about me. I have gone to meet my love so we can be married. I know this is shocking to all of you, but please know I am very happy. Please don’t look for me. It isn’t necessary for I will see you in a few short weeks.
Cassandra stared at him, her hands clutching the paper in front of her chest. “She eloped?”
Ruark was as aghast as Cassandra looked. “With whom?”
“I have no idea. Prudence never mentioned anyone. Ever.” Her arms slowly lowered, and she clutched the note in one hand. “She was always gone on Saturday mornings—it was her private time. I suppose she could have been meeting someone?”
“She was quite happy to suggest you spend the evening with me last night.” Ruark moved closer to Cassandra. “Do you suppose she had this planned?”
“It’s possible but coming here was spontaneous. After my final caller left today, we went to your house because I couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”
Ruark smiled in spite of the situation. “Did my butler know where the prizefight was located?” Ruark hadn’t told him.
