Page 35 of Only By Grace
“Of course. If you would kindly wait in the drawing room, I shall inform her of your arrival.”
They were ushered inside, the grandeur of the interior momentarily overshadowed for Joy by their collective concern. As they settled into the elegant room, she could scarcely sit still, her fingers scratching beneath Evalina’s chin now that she had pried her from Freddy.
Moments later, the door opened, and Grace entered, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of her sisters and friends. “Joy!Patience! Ashley! Freddy!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace them.
“Grace, thank heaven,” Joy breathed, holding her tightly. “We have been so worried.”
Grace pulled back slightly, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. “I am sorry to have caused you distress. It was all rather unexpected.”
“The blame is mine! Can you forgive me?”
Grace, never one to hold a grudge, hugged Joy to reassure her. The relief was immense. “I am quite well, Joy.”
Patience regarded Grace carefully, as though she sensed a change in Grace. “Has Lord Carew treated you kindly?”
“Yes, of course,” Grace assured them. “He has been most considerate.”
Joy smiled warmly. “I am relieved to hear it. And what of the journey? Was it very dreadful?”
Grace hesitated. “There were…complications. But I am safe now. There are far more worrisome happenings occurring here…”
“Lady Maeve is missing?” Joy offered.
Grace looked at her sister with surprise.
“A footman let it slip.” She gave a slight shrug of her shoulder—the type her governess was forever saying wasn’t ladylike.
“Mr. Flynn convinced her to elope with him.”
Before they could enquire further, the door opened again, and Lord Carew himself entered. His demeanour was grave, his eyes shadowed with concern.
“Miss Whitford,” he began, then stopped upon noticing the others. “Ah, your family has come to rescue you.” Joy didn’t think he sounded relieved. Curious.
Ashley stepped forward, extending his hand. “Carew. I must thank you for the unexpected care of Miss Grace.”
Joy wasted no time: with one adventure completed, on to the next. “But what of Maeve? Who is Flynn?”
Carew’s jaw clenched. “The worst sort of scoundrel. He lured my sister away under the guise of an elopement. It appears she went willingly, but I will find her, and I will bring her back.”
Ashley stepped forward. “We are at your disposal.”
Carew inclined his head. “Your assistance is appreciated, Major, but I must warn you, Flynn is no ordinary scoundrel. He does not play or fight like a gentleman.”
“We understand the risks,” Ashley said firmly. “But this is no time for caution. If Lady Maeve is with him, every moment counts.”
“I have just sent my crew back out to search the bay. I’m headed for Corlach Keep to see if he has taken her there.”
“He will feel safest there,” Stuart agreed.
“The fastest way is across the bay, but that is how he expects us to come after him. We will be easy targets in the water. I did not feel comfortable sending my men back out, but I need them there to prevent him trying to escape with her that way. The ba—scoundrel fired shots at us as we approached.”
Joy, who had been standing near the window, spun around, her eyes wide with alarm. “Shots? He fired at you? At Grace?” she exclaimed, her voice rising involuntarily with her worry and outrage. “That vile, cowardly?—”
“She was not harmed,”Ronan said quickly, though the tension in his voice betrayed his own fears. “Yes, it shows how far Flynn is willing to go. He is vile and dangerous.”
“He has no right—no right to do any of this!”
Ronan looked amused at Joy’s tenacity despite the seriousness of the situation.
