Page 40 of Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower 2)

“I know you will find her, but let me help, please. Tell me what to do.”

It tore at him to see the trust in her eyes. She believed he wrought miracles. He could not tell her of his worst fears. “You will help me by staying safe and letting me deal with it.”

“Do you think the same people took Charlotte as those who abducted Sally?”

“That I don’t know. If I have news, I’ll send you a note. In the meantime, I’ll advise Bow Street.”

“I thought we might utilize Sally’s experience to find her.”

He groaned inwardly. “I don’t see how.”

She looked at him keenly. “We could retrace the route the jarvey took when he drove Sally home.” Jo glanced behind her. A group of riders had captured Sally’s attention. “Sally might remember something which leads us to the lady who helped her. Anything might happen after that. But I wish I knew why they let Sally go.”

His jaw tightened. “Most probably because she has people who care about her.”

“But Charlotte has Mrs. Lincoln.”

“We don’t know yet what happened to Charlotte. London is a big city.” His gaze took in the determined set of her slim shoulders and her curvy figure in the riding clothes. “But I promise you, I’ll do my utmost to find her, even if she has married and is living in Scotland.” Was it a reckless promise?

“If she planned to marry, Charlotte would have confided in Mrs. Lincoln. I believe she was fond of her and would not want her to worry. She would also have told me.” She paused. “You think something terrible has happened to her, don’t you?”

“Let’s wait, shall we, until we find out more.”

“I know you will do all you can, Reade.”

They joined Sally and turned the horses toward the park stables.

“I wonder if Mr. Ollerton might be an acquaintance of yours?” she asked. “He recently called on us.”

He frowned. There seemed a lot of gentlemen calling on Joanna. “Ollerton? I don’t believe so. Who is he?”

“The second son of Viscount Cranswick.”

What the devil? Reade turned to her sharply. “I’ll escort you home.”

“There is no need. Sally is with me, and it’s only a few blocks from the stables to my home.”

“Indulge me. You have exhibited a knack for getting yourself into hostile situations.”

“In Mayfair?” She turned on the saddle to scowl at him. “That hardly seems fair.”

“I know of Viscount Cranswick. He hails from the north, as do I. To my knowledge, he has only one son.”

“But can you be sure of that?” she asked as they rode across the grass.

“Do not see him again.”

“You are ordering me?” She raised delicate eyebrows. “Aren’t you being a trifle hasty? You said you don’t know him.”

“It’s not an order,” he said evenly, aware that commanding Joanna to do anything was unwise. “I am appealing to your commonsense. That fellow is obviously not who he says he is.”

“But he described his father and his home so vividly! Even his brother, Julian, who is away in the navy. Do you suspect Mr. Ollerton to be a fortune hunter? I believe you are mistaken. He has expressed a desire for a quiet life in the country and is about to purchase a small property with money inherited from his mother. He is very polite. Aunt Mary is most impressed with him.”

“Then it appears he is a consummate liar.” Reade gripped the reins. Had she succumbed to a scoundrel’s charm? Damn it. He disliked being taken by surprise, and this was an unexpected and alarming occurrence.

“You accuse him of deceit. Yet you don’t know him.”

Reade clamped his lips on a curse. “We have your friend to concern us, until then, will you heed my advice?”

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