Page 74 of The Highwayman's Bite

Chapter Twenty-four

When Aldric rose forthe night, Fitz, the butler, greeted him in the parlor. “My lord, this note arrived for you this afternoon.”

“Thank you, Fitz.” Aldric took the note and tried to maintain composure as he opened the envelope and withdrew the sheet of foolscap.

The sight of Vivian’s handwriting made his hands tremble with anticipation. The words were short, but sweet.

Dearest Uncle,

I am staying at the Owl Inn in Lytham. I am faring quite well, but I would be most obliged if you would fetch me home.

Sincerely,

Vivian Stratford

Aldric heaved a sigh of utmost relief. The promise had been fulfilled. At last, Vivian would return to the safety of his home. And then he would be able to deal with the rogue vampire without risk of her being harmed.

“Fitz, tell Jeffries to ready the carriage,” Aldric told the waiting butler. “Then tell Madame Renarde that Miss Stratford will be arriving shortly.”

“Very good, my lord.” Fitz bowed and strode off to complete his duties.

Aldric gnashed his teeth with impatience as he waited for the carriage. While it was practical for a vampire to have elderly servants, it was not efficient.

At last, Jeffries came through the front door. “The carriage is ready, my lord.”

Although Aldric wanted to go straight to Lytham, precautions must be made. “Take me to the Gordon’s Pub,” he directed once he was seated in the conveyance.

Once they arrived at the tavern that his second in command owned, Aldric found Bonnie in her usual corner.

“My niece has been released and is staying at an inn in Lytham,” he told her. “Will you come with me to collect her?”

“Of course, my lord.” Bonnie set her book aside and rose from her overstuffed chair. She regarded him with an arched brow. “You paid the villain off?”

Aldric nodded. “Yes. But if I have my way, he will not keep his ill-gotten gains and all his efforts will be for naught.”

When they went out to the carriage, Bonnie commanded Jeffries to sleep and took up the reins. The eight-mile drive seemed to last an eternity. If it weren’t for nosy neighbors and his servants, Aldric would have ran to Lytham himself and carried Vivian home.

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