Page 80 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

The Runner’s words told Hudson what he already knew. That if society wouldn’t allow justice, he must seek to mete it out on his own. He knew his St. Clair brethren would want to act with him but he wanted them protected from whatever outcome occurred. He decided he should go down to Surrey now and confront Morrison on his own. First, though, he needed to check on Mia.

He went to their new residence, pride filling him as he entered it. This is where they would raise a family. Grow old together. Despite how bleak today seemed, he knew they would enjoy many tomorrows together here.

“Mia!” he called.

Only Nelson came to greet him, weaving through Hudson’s legs. He picked up the tabby and went through the house, surprised that she wasn’t home yet. He noted various pieces of furniture which had been brought from his rooms though some of it had been designated to remain behind for use in her new laboratory. He wondered if she and George had already started trying to assemble some new equipment and decided to return there.

“Hopefully, Mia will be back soon,” he told the cat, leaving it in the house and leaving to hail a hansom cab. He arrived half an hour later, dismissing the cab since he saw the carriage in front.

Entering, he saw George busy moving a table around, with Annie dusting. He knew Mia had asked the maid to come and clean today once the servants had moved the furniture to Mayfair. He noticed his old bookcase now lined with rows of new notebooks stacked within it.

“Mr. St. Clair,” George said. “How do you think things are coming along? I’ve been out buying what we need to start up again.”

“I noticed the notebooks.”

The servant beamed. “That was my first purchase. Mrs. St. Clair does love to jot down her ideas.”

“Where is she?” he asked.

George frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I came from our townhouse and she wasn’t there. I assumed she was still here.”

“No, sir, she hasn’t been here since I returned. Annie?”

The maid halted her dusting. “Mrs. St. Clair left here just after you did, George. I was cleaning the front windowsill when you pulled away. Another carriage came up right behind you.” She frowned. “It did seem odd. Mrs. St. Clair spoke to whoever was inside and then the footman helped her up. Rather clumsily. Almost like he pushed her. I thought he must be new and better learn quickly how to hand a lady up or he’ll be out of a job.”

Hudson stilled. Apprehension filled him. “When was this, Annie?”

She told him and his gut knew she’d been spirited away by her cousin.

“Were there trunks on top?” he asked casually.

Annie thought a moment. “Yes, sir, I did see trunks.”

He pulled a few coins from his pocket and handed them to her. “When you finish here, take a hansom cab back to the Mayfair house. Mrs. St. Clair and I may be home or we may stay here this evening. George, I have use of you now.”

“Thank you, Mr. St. Clair.” Annie went back to her dusting.

He nodded to George and the two men went outside. “I think Morrison has taken my wife.”

George’s hands balled into fists. “I’m with you, Mr. St. Clair. Whatever it takes.”

He decided he might need his family after all. “Take me to Everton’s first. I think the situation calls for reinforcements.”

When they arrived at Jeremy’s, Hudson bounded from the carriage and into the house, not bothering to knock. He passed Barton and raced up the stairs to the drawing room. Everyone had already arrived.

“Mia’s gone,” he said tersely. “Morrison took her.”

Questions peppered him left and right and he held a hand up, silencing them. He told them the little he knew.

“I agree that her cousin has kidnapped her,” Luke said. “It’s time to get her back.”

*

Mia was surprisedat the lack of activity as they arrived at Morris Park. She knew the few servants who’d been working there had left but supposed her cousin had hired others to take their places. No one was in sight, however, as they exited the carriage. The driver and footman unloaded the trunks atop the vehicle and she wondered if her notebooks rested in one of them. The pair disappeared inside the house and returned moments later so she knew the trunks had been placed just inside the front door.

Work had begun on the roof but no workers were in sight. The task was only half-completed. She wondered if labor had halted due to non-payment, knowing her cousin’s money troubles. He nudged her in the back, his pistol still trained on her, and she entered the foyer. Scaffolding appeared, with tarps covering the floor. It, too, appeared abandoned mid-job, laborers deserting their posts.

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