Page 49 of To Win a Viscount's Heart
“Don’t feed them too quickly or give them too much water at once, these children are starving, and it could make them ill,” Banbury said quietly to Gerald.
“Paul, could you answer a few questions for us?” Wright asked as the children ate.
“Aye, milord, I will if I know the answer.”
Wright’s lips twitched. “Have you seen a man with long black hair and coal-black eyes? He’s fairly tall like us but he is with a man who is much taller and has long blond shaggy hair.”
“Yes, gov’na. I saw them. They left just before the soldiers came.”
“He must mean the security force,” Banbury said in measured tones. When did the …soldiers get here, son?”
“Three days ago. They looked everywhere for the man with the bigger man, but Kat and me stayed hid from the soldiers. Mama always said never to get caught by soldiers or they’d take us to Newgate.”
“Where did you end up hiding, in the larder?”
“No milord, ‘twere in the stable…we burrowed under the straw in a corner.”
“The two men, the bad men. Did you happen to overhear them talking before they left?” Gerald asked, needing to ask, but not expecting an answer.”
“Yes, he was angry,” Paul said, tugging his sister closer. “He said the chit was as good as his.”
A cold dread shot through Gerald at the boy’s words. It confirmed his suspicions. They had to get back as soon as possible. “Thank you, Paul, you and Kat have been very helpful.” They bundled the children up and took them with them on their journey back to Bellwood.
The bastard was most likely hiding in the woods beyond Bellwood, waiting for his chance to strike. Gerald prayed they could get to Selena before Vern did. Judging from what was done here, everyone was in danger.
~*~
Bellwood Plantation
The next day
Selena kicked her covers off. She felt restless and nothing seemed right. Gerald had been gone for several days and she worried that they had encountered Vern and Grom and God knows who else at Rose Point. What if there had been a confrontation? What if Gerald had been wounded or worse? Nor had the Prince Regent’s men arrived to assist them as Banbury had said. Had something happened to the soldiers? Had Vern managed to kill them? Logically she knew she was overreacting. After all, Connery was there and Lord Bellecote along with the additional footmen who were spread out guarding the estate. But try as she did to dismiss her imaginings, she couldn’t leave them be. Her mother always told her to trust her instincts. She’d wanted to speak to her mother about her fears, but she did not want to intrude on her newfound friendship with Connery. Hermother had been through so much, that Selena wanted her to be happy and enjoy her time with the tall, rugged Scot.
The only thing that helped to calm her fears was Azure. His presence always soothed her. “Anna, I’m going to the stable to visit Azure,” she said as she finished dressing. “He’s probably ready for more treats.”
“Yes, Miss. I saw a stack of apples Mrs. McDonald brought up from the larder. Perhaps she’ll part with some of those for your handsome horse,” she chuckled as she tucked the clean sheet onto the mattress. “I’d be happy to ask one of the footmen to go with you. Lord Lawrence said not to go out without an escort.”
“I’m sure Connery and Ben are in the stable. I should be fine.”
Anna gave her a look. Miss Bowles, I know you’ve been feeling prickly since Lord Lawrence left. I’d be happy to fetch a footman to go with you. “I’ll take Dutch with me. The dog had taken to sleeping next to Selena’s bed at night. Surely, he’ll be a good escort to the stable.”
Anna shook her head. “I think you should do as Lord Lawrence asked,” she said. Dutch’s ears perked up and he angled his head as he regarded both women.
“It seems your mind is made up, and I can see that your escort is ready and willing to assist you, milady,” Anna chuckled.
Selena had grown close to Anna since she first arrived. The young woman had especially helped her get through the past few days with her quick wit and her kindness.
Selena left the house with several apples tucked in her pocket and Dutch at her side. “Azure will be thrilled to have the apples, Dutch. And I am thrilled to have you by my side. I know you take your job as my protector, very seriously.”
“Rrrrrruff!” the dog barked, in obvious agreement.
Selena felt that odd prickly feeling again and looked around her. There was a slight rustling at some shrubs across the field. It was probably a rabbit or a fox, she reasoned. “I swear, I think I see Vern Stiles everywhere. How ridiculous is that Dutch?”
“Rrrrruff!” Dutch barked and smiled at her.
As they entered the stable, she saw Ben feeding the horses and felt a sense of relief. “You’re getting an early start, Ben,” she said, smiling.
“Miss Selena, you are here bright and early to see your horse. I just fed him, but if you’ve got an apple in that pocket of yours, I know Azure will jump right on it.”
