Page 78 of Foolish Bride
Daniel took a piece of foolscap out of his desk and wrote.
Middleton pounded his fist on the desk. “I realize that the four of you have been friends a long time and I am not in this particular club, but it would be helpful if someone would inform me of what the hell is going on.”
“Sorry, Preston. Old habit,” Markus said. “Roxton has gone to Kerburghe. At least that is what we think. Our guess is, he is trying to set a trap for Michael.”
“But aren’t you the Duke of Kerburghe?” Middleton demanded.
Michael wished he had never been given the title. If he were still Sir Michael, Elinor would be safe. “I have not had the opportunity to travel to Scotland and make my face known.”
Middleton’s eyes widened. “You think that Roxton is posing as the duke?” Silence fell over the room, then Middleton blew a low whistle.
“I understand the grounds are quite a fortress.” Michael recounted what he had read in the paperwork describing the castle.
“Then we will need a sound plan of attack.” Thomas ran the towel over his hair.
“I’ve been the bait in worse situations,” Michael said. It was more than he could bear. Everett and Elinor. He couldn’t lose them both. Hell, he couldn’t lose either of them.
“Am I to understand that a duke of the realm is planning to use himself as bait to draw out this Roxton?” Middleton’s eyes narrowed, and his spine was stiff as the chimney.
Markus smiled. “You are starting to get the hang of this, Preston. I am quite impressed.”
“The four of you are mad, you know.”
“Mad to want to recover her?” Michael faced Middleton.
Preston stood his ground, his fists on his hips. “Mad to go about it without the authorities.”
“We did call James,” Markus defended. “He is the authorities.”
Michael and Preston stood nose to nose. “By the time James arrives, it may be too late. How long do you suggest we leave her in the hands of a man who is insane?”
“I want her back as badly as you do, Kerburghe.”
As much as he needed Middleton’s help, he hated that another man wanted his Elinor. “Even if she has agreed to marry me?”
Pulling his shoulders back, Middleton shook his head. “I am fond of Lady Elinor. Regardless of her choice, I shall assist in recovering her. I always knew that there was a good possibility she would choose you. Love cannot account for taste.”
Michael couldn’t argue with that. “Indeed. I should have chosen you over me out of hand, but for some reason that only God can explain, she has picked me.”
“It’s ridiculous, really,” Markus agreed.
“Absolutely.” Daniel shook his head.
“I cannot understand why such an intelligent woman would have made such an error in judgment,” Thomas said with a straight face.
“That will do.” Michael raised his hand to stall further insult.
The door burst open and a panting, still-dirty Sheldon rushed in. “Mike!”
Michael’s heart stopped.
Sweating, Sheldon gasped for air and held his knees.
“Sheldon?”
“He will live. The doctor thinks he will live. He’s awake now, but they said he has to rest.” Sheldon’s color was high and his eyes bright.
Michael hugged him and when Mother appeared at the door, he opened his arm and included her in the embrace.
