Page 58 of Married to the Lord

Miles stared at him. There was no way he could go back. Whatever Nester was involved in, it would hurt people. It may have already hurt Augusta. “Go to hell,” he muttered.

“Stanton...”

His fist struck flesh before he'd even registered it. Blood exploded from Nester’s face. Miles cradled his sore knuckles while the man cursed and cupped his nose. “It's Lord Ashwick to you,” he bit out. “And I'm excellent friends with the local magistrate. I can be sure to have you put away for threatening a member of the aristocracy and trespassing.” He closed the gap between them once more, forcing the man against the wall. “Unless you tell me where the woman is.”

“I told you, I don't know.”

Miles grabbed him by his shirt neck again and hauled him into the silverware room. Shoving him in, Miles slammed the door against his protests and locked it from the outside. Pocketing the key, he marched upstairs. “Have word sent to the local jail. A thief and trespasser is locked in the silverware room,” he told Greggs.

“My-my lord?”

“I need to leave. Now. Just get someone here.”

Miles didn't wait for a response and snatched one of the horses that had been saddled for exercise. He had to find Augusta before anything happened to her. Damn him and damn his past. If it weren't for his idiotic behavior as a young man, she would never be threatened. He rode hard toward the Snows’ house, cutting across fields while his mind raced.

Hell's teeth, he'd never forgive himself if she was harmed. He should have known seeing Nester again would bring trouble. The man likely could not resist Miles's new wealth and connections. What a fool he was to think he could put his past behind him and pretend to be an upstanding viscount worthy of a woman like Augusta.

He rode out to Augusta's house, his shaking fingers pulling the doorbell. Neither Augusta or her parents were home and the housekeeper could not say where Augusta had gone, only that she was with Mrs. Lockhart and Miss Larkin. He cursed softly under his breath and forced himself to offer a polite farewell before riding his horse into town.

If she was with the two women, she was vulnerable. As much as her friends seemed loyal, there was little they could do against the sort of men Nester had under his command. He frantically hunted through every shop and tea shop but there was no sign of any of them.

Where the devil were they? Walking? Visiting with each other? God damn it, if Nester had hurt Augusta, he'd tear the man to shreds rather than waiting for the law to deal with him.

He stomped out of the tea shop and tugged his pocket watch out. Two hours had passed since Nester had come to his house. He could be too late. She could already be—

No, he couldn't think of such a thing happening to her. The chances are they would hold her for ransom—it was not unknown for them to do so. But what would she suffer in the meantime? He mounted his horse and led her out toward Mrs. Lockhart's house. Hopefully someone would know what had happened to them.

As he rode a frantic pace down the lane, an open carriage, driven by a woman by the looks of it, trundled down the road. Both occupants of the vehicles wore bonnets. His heart thudded so hard against his ribs that it made his gut roll. It had to be her, surely?

Picking up the pace, he caught up with the vehicle, calling Augusta's name. The carriage drew to a halt and he stopped by the side of it, catching a glimpse of dark hair under the bonnet of the passenger. Mrs. Lockhart scowled. “Lord Ashwick, whatever is the matter?”

He ignored her, looking to Augusta. “You are well? Unharmed?”

Augusta's brow puckered. “Yes, but—”

“No one threatened you?”

She shook her head. “Miles, is all well? You look terribly—”

“Are you certain?” he demanded. “There was no one following you? No one you did not recognize?”

“We had a lovely tea at Miss Larkins while we discussed wedding plans, then we strolled around her fiancés grounds,” Mrs. Lockhart said. “We have not been threatened or followed, I can assure you of that.”

Augusta put a hand to Mrs. Lockhart's arm and climbed from the carriage. Miles dismounted deftly off his horse and strode around the vehicle to meet her, taking hold of her arms and looking her over. “You are certain you are well?”

“Yes, perfectly fine. What is the matter, Miles? You look frightful.”

“Because I thought—” Miles shook his head. Of course Nester wouldn't be foolish enough to take Augusta. He was a terrible person but he was no fool. Abducting a local woman would draw far too much attention. He must have hoped the mere threat would be enough to get Miles to act.

And it almost had been.

“Miles, what has happened?” she asked softly.

He cast his gaze over her, drinking in her wide eyes and soft lips, remembering how they felt against his own. “Nothing has happened.”

“This does not look like nothing.” She gestured to his bedraggled appearance.

“Nothing that concerns you, Gus, I promise you. I thought it did but I was wrong.”

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