Page 95 of Wicked Designs
Cedric shrugged. “She could be anywhere. She must have quite a head start.”
“No, she won’t get far with a storm coming. We willfind her, no matter how long it takes. I will track her down.”
Cedric’s voice was quiet. “Maybe you ought to let her go.”
“Go?”
A tic worked in Cedric’s jaw but he didn’t back away. “You and I both know that clinging to things we don’t deserve isn’t healthy. Perhaps it is better this way.”
“I don’t care what is better!” Godric roared. “She is mine.” He couldn’t do without her. She was imprinted upon his heart, his soul. She had said she loved him. He wouldn’t let her walk away.
When they returned to the manor, Charles appeared in the doorway, a flicker of apprehension crossed his features.
“No sign of her?”
Cedric frowned. “No. She wasn’t in the gardens, I take it?”
Charles shook his head. “No. Nor the stables, and all the horses are accounted for.”
They returned to the house, helping the servants search room by room. Rain lashed at the windows and lightning laced the skies with white fiery streaks. The clock in the hallway read half-past four. One more precious hour gone.
Godric stood on the landing, scowling as he gazed out the tall window to the view across the meadow, towards the lake.
“Why did you leave me?” His voice wavered. If he hadn’t been in such pain, he would have laughed. TheDuke of Essex had found his heart, only to have it broken.
Her leaving him was infinitely more painful than any blow his father ever struck.
His darling, sweet, innocent Emily had betrayed him. She was no different than Evangeline. Yet he would drag her back here and imprison her for as long as he liked. Society and law be damned. She’d wounded his pride, wounded his heart. She’d pay dearly for it.
“Your Grace?” Mrs. Downing cut through Godric’s dark thoughts.
He spun to face his housekeeper at the foot of the stairs. One of the serving maids cowered behind her, avoiding Godric’s glare. “What?”
“This young lady has information regarding Miss Parr.” Mrs. Downing sidestepped and exposed the girl to Godric’s wrath.
Godric descended the steps and grabbed the maid by the shoulders. “Speak, girl!”
The maid cast a furtive glance towards the housekeeper, seeking some aid.
Godric shook her. “Speak now, or you will find employment elsewhere.”
“Sh-She’s gone off with Jonathan Helprin to Blackbriar village. She wore my extra serving gown. She said your life was in dan—”
Godric released her. “Silence!” He turned to the others looking for his butler. “Simkins! Have the grooms ready three horses. Charles! Cedric!”
They emerged from the rooms they’d been searching.
Godric strode to the door. “She’s gone to Blackbriarvillage. We leave immediately. If we ride hard we can be there in an hour.” Godric slung himself up into the saddle. “I’m on your trail again, little fox.” He was going to catch Emily Parr one last time, and she would never escape him again.
Jonathan stumbled backward,a hand to his jaw as Godric stormed into the room.
Emily scrambled off the bed, realizing how the situation must appear to Godric, she in her undergarments crying and Jonathan only half-dressed.
“What have you done to her? You bastard!” Godric threw himself at Jonathan.
Jonathan put up his hands. “Nothing! I’ve done nothing, I swear!”
Godric threw another vicious punch, and that was it.
