Page 67 of The Ones Left Behind
When had he slipped into the room?
“Should we go and try to talk to him?” the Duke asked.
“He was reluctant to leave the folly,” Kitty responded.
“It would be impossible for me to go there.” At the moment, Matthias was not certain he could cross the room.
“Judging by Kitty’s appearance, I can imagine why,” the Duke commented with a rare hint of humour. “I am sure I cannot tell what possessed you to try it, Kitty.”
“What do you propose we do?” She ignored the remark.
“Somehow, we have to get him out of there. It is not far to the coast—if you think we could bring a boat in to the cove,” Philip suggested.
“Worth has his men watching the ports, but whether or not he will try to plant men on your land, I have no idea,” Waverley said. “I believe that is going too far for his sense of decency,” he added, and he knew the Earl better than Matthias and Philip.
“I believe he would,” Amelia said, pondering the idea. “The gentleman who was here was not above spying, I am certain of it. He is angry and distraught, a dangerous combination.”
“Besides, we need a boat,” Philip put in.
“I have already arranged for one,” the Duke announced.
“Of course you have,” Matthias murmured, although he was grateful to have friends with such connections.
“I do not know how you will get him down. I offered to bring him food and money and he laughed,” Kitty explained. “He does not seem inclined to leave England.”
“He will leave if we have to bind, drug and gag him,” Philip stated with calm confidence.
“It will be impossible to sneak up on him,” Kitty warned. “He had a knife to my throat before I knew he was there.”
“I shall kill him myself,” Matthias growled. Who could want to harm Kitty?
“He did not know it was me at first,” she said, as though reading his thoughts. Perhaps the fact that he was gripping the chair was some indication. “He did allow me to leave.”
“But you were afraid of him.” It was not a question.
“I cannot deny it. I saw some glimpses of the Henry I knew, but he is now driven by something evil.”
“Kitty, I need precise directions to this folly.” Philip walked into the centre of the room, looking determined. “I have a general idea, but more information would be a great help. My search took me down to the sea, yet I believe I know where he is hiding.”
“Surely, you do not mean to go after him?” She did not mask her disbelief. Obviously, Kitty was unfamiliar with Philip’s history as a trained operative for the army.
Philip smiled devilishly. “It will be nice to make use of my skills once again. They do me little good in retirement.”
“If anyone can catch him, I would put my money on you,” Matthias said. “I wish I were capable.”
“I am,” Waverley offered. Both Matthias and Philip looked at him sceptically. “What? Just because I was not one of Wellington’s beloved scouts does not mean I cannot be cunning.”
Matthias looked at Philip. “Your choice: either Waverley or Hornsby. You must have some help.”
Philip’s lips twitched at the comparison between the graceful Duke and the unrefined batman. He paused for effect, as though he were thinking about it.
“I am not amused, in case you were wondering,” the Duke said in withering tones that made Matthias chuckle.
“We need to be in place before dawn, when he will think he is safe and try to sleep.” Philip would know first-hand. He had hidden himself for a long time while on a secret operation and they had all thought him dead.
“Any supplies you need, you are welcome to... besides rope, drugs and a gag, of course.” Matthias could not mask his sarcasm. He should be the one dealing with this. Instead, he was forced to rely on his brethren.
Philip gave a brief salute of acknowledgement.
