Page 86 of Foolish Bride
“Did you happen to bring any explosives?”
James smiled. “No, but I’ll wager my eyes that Thomas Wheel has a bit tucked away somewhere. The man’s a fanatic when it comes to fire power.”
Michael shared a knowing smile with the inspector. Thomas loved his weapons and munitions. “I’ll go find him. When you hear the signal, rush the front gate. It should be clear for you. Roxton doesn’t have enough men to keep the front covered while the rear is being attacked.”
“Can I assume the signal will be obvious?”
“You won’t miss it, James.” Michael took one step, then turned back. “Be careful of the servants, James. They probably think Roxton is the duke. They have no idea what’s going on. These people are under my protection, even if they don’t know it yet.”
Hardwig edged closer to Michael. “I hate to bring this up, but the church bells rang a while ago. We may be too late. They may have married already.”
If Roxton had harmed his Elinor in any way, he would pay the price. “If that is the case, then the lady is about to become a widow. If that is a problem for you, Inspector, then you had better leave now.”
James narrowed his eyes and nodded. “We’ll move on your signal.”
* * * *
Brianne pinned the hem of the plain gray dress so Elinor could move without tripping.
“Where did you get this dress?” Elinor asked.
Shrugging, she said, “I borrowed it from Nel, the scullery maid. She won’t notice for some time, and my other dress would have been far too big for you. This one is just slightly long.”
“I shall make it up to Nel when this is over.” Elinor made a mental note. Lord, how she missed her list book.
Brianne leaned in and whispered, “You must take the back stairs down two flights. Then turn to your left and go all the way to the end of that hall. It’s dark, so be careful. You should not run into anyone down there at this time of day, but keep your face hidden just the same. No need to take a chance. When you reach the end, you will see stairs to your right. Go up one flight down that hall to the end, then you can take the stairs on the left all the way down to the kitchen garden.”
“I’ve got it.” Excitement and terror rocked Elinor. Making it out of the castle before Roxton found her was unlikely. If he did catch her, the consequence would be dire.
Pointing to the door, Brianne said, “When you step into the hallway, keep your head down. Those dolts he has guarding won’t notice it’s you and not me. Here, take this with you.” She handed Elinor a bundle of laundry, including the wedding gown she had bled and vomited on.
“This is the worst thing I’ve ever smelled.”
Brianne laughed and clapped her hands. “Good. It will keep them from investigating too closely.”
They went to the door. “I do not know how to thank you, Brianne.”
Blushing, Brianne smiled. “You’re not out of it yet, mi’lady.”
Someone pounded on the master chamber’s adjacent door. “Your grace,” Roxton called. “Your dear husband is about to make all your dreams come true.”
“Go.” Brianne pushed her toward the other door.
“What about you?”
“I will manage the pig.” Brianne lifted the candlestick off the hearth.
Elinor hugged her.
“Go, before it’s too late.” She kissed her cheek.
Elinor ran into the hall. She kept her faced tucked down so far that the sour smell in her arms made her gag.
The two guards paid her no mind.
Once in the dark, stale, servants’ corridor, she took a deep breath. At the first door, she knocked. Once assured no one was inside, she opened it and placed her laundry inside, silently apologizing to whomever the small room belonged to.
As she scurried down the two flights, she saw no one. In the long corridor, a young man carrying an armful of wood strode toward her.
