Page 66 of A Kiss to Stop a Wedding
‘Oh? And do we know where the gentleman is now?’ asked the Viscount.
‘No! That’s the thing,’ replied Mr Farnleigh. ‘The messenger said Talacre was attacked by footpads last night and was too afraid to disclose his whereabouts.’
Mrs Farnleigh clasped her hands together. ‘He musthave been on his way back to Whilton after dining with you, my lord. I have never heard of anything like this in the area before. Thank heavens they did not come upon Flora!’
‘The road to Birchwood does not go anywhere near the town, Aunt,’ she replied. ‘I was never in any danger. I had John Coachman and Amos with me, too. Any rogue would think twice before stopping the carriage.’
‘But this is all very worrying,’ declared the Viscount, frowning. ‘You see, one of my own men has absconded. I thought nothing of it at first, but now you have told me about Mr Talacre, I wonder.’ He looked across at Flora. ‘You know Jepps, my dear, the lame groundsman. My people have been searching for him, checking in all the barns and outhouses.’
‘Oh, heavens, do you think he has been set upon, too?’ cried Mrs Farnleigh, even more alarmed.
‘Possibly, or he may even be the culprit,’ murmured the Viscount. ‘But do not upset yourself, madam. That shambling walk of his cannot be disguised. If he is still in the area, my people will find him.’
‘In the meantime, I shall have an extra man on the carriage whenever we go out,’ Uncle Farnleigh decided. ‘And if you ladies step out of doors, then Amos must go with you.’
Lord Whilton nodded. ‘A very good idea, sir. I believe this means you must give up your solitary walksto Whilton Hall, Flora. I would not for the world have anything happen to you, with only a month until our wedding.’ He held his hand out to her. ‘I must take my leave. My love, will you accompany me to my curricle?’
With her aunt and uncle looking on, she could not refuse. She rose and went out of the room on the Viscount’s arm.
‘This business with Talacre is very odd,’ he remarked as they walked along the drive to the stables. ‘Why should the fellow wish to hide away?’
‘Perhaps he is fearful of another attempt on his life.’
‘And you are sure you saw nothing on your way home last night?’ he asked her.
‘I am quite sure,’ she replied. ‘There was no one on the road when I returned to Birchwood House.’
‘And Talacre has not been in touch, to tell you where he is?’
She managed a very creditable laugh. ‘Good heavens, Quentin, why should he do that? As your fiancée, I am the last person he would contact.’
‘But we both know the man finds you very…desirable.’
‘AndIknow Mr Talacre is a gentleman, whatever you may think of him!’ she said, sharply. ‘He is far too honourable to encroach on another man’s territory. You are allowing your suspicions to run away with you again, my lord.’
‘Yes, I beg your pardon. I thought for a while it was not only the statue of Mars the man coveted.’
‘Yes, you said as much at the Midsummer Ball,’ she retorted. ‘I have not yet forgiven you for that remark!’
He laughed gently. ‘Pray, do not glower at me in that way, my love, you should be flattered by my concern.’
‘I assure you, Quentin, you have no need to be concerned about Mr Talacre.’
‘I am sure you are right,’ he agreed. ‘I have no doubt that if the fellowwasattacked, it has given him an aversion to Whilton and he has now scuttled back to Gloucestershire.’
‘And do you think he will continue the dispute over the statue?’ she asked him, as casually as she could.
He waved a hand. ‘He may try, of course, who knows? It is a small matter.’ He paused for a moment, then said smoothly, ‘Once we are married, I may be minded to sell him Mars, as a mark of my munificence. What say you?’
A chill shivered down Flora’s spine. Was that a threat, or was he merely saving face, knowing Matt had a legal claim to the statue? Her reply was suitably cautious.
‘You must do what you think best, Quentin.’
‘I shall. As soon as I have you safe.’
His words and the smug tone he used convinced Flora it was a warning.
‘I have to leave for London tomorrow,’ he said, whenthey had almost reached the stables. ‘I regret I cannot stay here myself, but I shall send over one of my own men to protect you until I can install you at Whilton Hall as my wife. They are all out searching for Jepps today, but one will come to Birchwood House at first light.’
