Page 131 of Thief of the Ton
“Houseman is conducting a search of the area,” he replied. “If I leave now, I can catch him before he sets off, and prevent him from coming here.”
“How will you do that without arousing suspicion?” de Grande asked. “Lady Betty’s told me about Mr. Houseman. Overly obsequious, she said, and ready to do anything for his personal advancement.”
“You needn’t worry about that,” Peregrine said. “I’ll think of something.”
Though what, he couldn’t fathom.
He held her hand against his breast. “I must go now, my love, but I’ll return as soon as I can.” He glanced at de Grande. “I think, perhaps, Lavinia should take her rest. She’s had a shock.”
“Of course,” de Grande replied. “Come, daughter, let me help you upstairs.”
“No, Papa, I—” she replied, but he ignored her.
“Mrs. Bates!” he cried out.
After a suspiciously short time, the housekeeper appeared in the doorway. “Oh, my poor lamb!” she said. “Here, let me help you to your room. Some of my sweet tea will see you right.”
She rushed forward and helped Lavinia to stand.
“Mrs. Bates, I’m perfectly well,” she protested. “In fact, I—Ouch!” She let out a cry as Mrs. Bates took her arm.
“I thought as much,” Mrs. Bates said in the manner of an exasperated nursemaid. “Let’s get you upstairs, and I’ll take a look at that arm of yours.”
Lavinia’s eyes widened. “Mrs. Bates, how did you know…”
“I know—and see—a lot, dearie. You think I didn’t notice when my Joe couldn’t find his gray coat this morning, or when he saw the state of your horse’s saddle? Or when that little jar appeared in your papa’s chamber the other month after you’d gone for one of your midnight rides—not to mention that ugly old sword, the necklace, and that pretty little painting you brought back from London?”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” de Grande asked.
“Oh, mercy me, your lordship! It’s not my place—and I know Miss Lavinia would have had a good reason. She’s tended to you without a word of complaint, lovely young lass that she is.” She glanced at Peregrine. “Go and do what you must, Lord Marlow. I’ll help his lordship take care of Miss Lavinia, you have my word. And now, Miss Lavinia,” she said, her voice growing stern, “let’s tend to that arm, shall we? I can see it pains you.”
She ushered Lavinia toward the door, like a mother hen bundling a lost chick back into the nest.
De Grande took Peregrine’s hand.
“I’m trusting you to do what you can, Marlow,” he said. “But trust does not come easy. The last time I trusted a man, it ruined me—and led my daughter tothis. I may have given you my blessing to wed my daughter, but God help you if you betray that trust.”
Peregrine nodded. “Understood.”
Then he bowed and took his leave.
Poseidon stood waiting patiently by the cottage gate. Peregrine mounted the horse and set off on the return journey to Marlow Park. With luck he’d arrive before Houseman had set off. But de Grande was right—Houseman would go to any length to further himself, and the man was determined to capture the Phoenix. In all likelihood, Peregrine wouldn’t be able to stop him. But de Grande and his daughter had given him their trust.
So he had to try.
Chapter Thirty-Six
By the timePeregrine returned to Marlow Park, his mount was showing signs of distress. And well he might. Poseidon had been bred for stamina, but Peregrine had ridden him hard. Sweat glistened on the animal’s pelt, and his breath misted in the air.
As he sighted the stables, Peregrine could almost feel the relief in the animal’s body. He leaned forward and patted Poseidon’s flank.
“I’m sorry, my boy,” he said. “I’m in love—and love is the most destructive of emotions, for it’s often used to justify the mistreatment of others. But I’ve no wish foryouto suffer.”
He steered the animal into the stable yard. The uneven gait told him that Poseidon was favoring his rear left foot. A stable boy emerged from one of the stalls and took the reins.
“Lord Marlow, sir! I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
Peregrine dismounted. “He needs a good rub-down—and check his left hindquarter. He may be a little lame. I’m afraid I rode him rather hard.”
