One man stayed up on the wagon seat at firstI presume so they could get away quickly, Megan said. He didnt get down until the women swarmed the first man. How could they think two men could take them all?
How could they think even three could? Stephen spoke up. There were four womenfive counting you, and it would have been six if Anna had been there.
Perhaps they didnt know the Moreland women well enough to realize they wouldnt go easily, Theo guessed. They might have thought the ladies would be so shocked and frightened they wouldnt struggle.
How did they take them? Lilah, caught up in the conversation, jumped in. When the others turned to look at her, it occurred to her that she had crashed into the family discussion. Im sorry, I didnt mean to interrupt. Its justhow did they manage to fight five women and get four of them into the wagon so quickly?
True. The duke frowned.
Chloroform! Megan popped to her feet. The man holding Kyria had his hand over her face. I thought he was trying to muffle her screams, but I remember now, there was a handkerchief in his hand. She went limp almost immediately.
Ill kill that sorry son of a bitch, Rafe said in a low voice that was more frightening than a shout. He looked at the duke. How long are we going to sit around here, yammering about it? Im going after them.
How do you intend to do that? Weve no idea where they went, and theyve a long head start on us, Reed said reasonably.
Ill find someone wholl talk. Trust me, I can be very persuasive.
Rafe, wait. Stephen stepped into his path.
Its the Dearborns, Con said flatly.
What? Rafe swung around. How do you know?
I dont know. But who has a grudge against the Morelands? Who is in desperate need of money? Who likes to abduct people to get their way? The answer to each of those questions is Niles Dearborn.
I would have recognized the Dearborns, Megan pointed out.
They wouldnt do it themselves. They hired someone.
Its what they did with Alex, Theo agreed.
Then thats my first stop, Rafe said.
Everyone began again to talk at once.
Quiet! Thisbes husband, Desmond, jumped to his feet. He was normally such a quiet man that his outburst shocked all of them into silence. We cant go running off in all directions. We need to get organized. Maybe its the Dearborns and maybe its just some men hoping to make a profit. We need to be ready for all contingencies, including a ransom demand. We havent received one yet, but I would wager we willno matter who took them. Lets divide up. Rafe, you and Stephen go confront the Dearborns. Theo, Alex showed you where they held him. You and Reed make sure they dont have Thisbe and the others there. The men left immediately as Desmond went on, The duke should stay here because hell be the one they ask for ransom. The same for Uncle Bellard because we need his brain.
And you, as well, Con told him. To keep us all straight.
Desmond sighed, casting a glance at the duke, who was pale and shaken. Yes. Im afraid I must stay. Con, can you follow the kidnappers?
I intend to. That wagon Megan described will make it easier.
Ill go with you. Megan stood up.
What? Con whirled on her. No. Absolutely not.
Are you saying that Im not capable? Megans chin thrust out. That Im too delicate?
Im saying that Theo will have my head if I drag you around the city when youre bloody, bruised and concussed.
Thatsits
Its smart, Lilah said, rising to her feet. Megan, you have been through enough today to fell anyone. Youre sore. Youre tired. You would slow Constantine down. Think of all the time and effort that would be wasted if you should lose consciousness again and he had to bring you back.
Megan regarded her stonily for a moment. Oh, hell She sank back down on the couch.
Anna, too, Lilah went on before Anna could speak. You both need to recover.
Exactly. Con turned toward the door.
Thats why I am going to accompany you, Lilah continued.
Con stopped abruptly. No.
Why not? I trust youre not going to say because Im a woman.
Megan snorted with laughter. Yes, Con, why not? I think she should. Dont you, Anna?
Yes, indeed.
After all Lilah plowed ahead as you said, I am logical, rational and right. It will be an excellent counterpoint to your qualities.
Con glowered. Blast it, Lilah, youll slow me down. What if we catch up with them? What if theres a fight?
Then youll have someone to help you. I kept up with you when we went looking for Alex, didnt I?
Yes, butwhat about your aunt? Wont she wonder whats happened to you?
I can send my maid back to tell her Ive been invited to stay for tea.
Ill send her a note extending our invitation to you for dinner and the evening, Anna offered. Or, even better, Megan can. A marchioness is much more impressive.
There, you see? Think of the advantages if I go with you. Lilah continued her list of reasons. Youll have another person to look for them, to question people. And Her face lit triumphantly. If you find your mother and sisters and need reinforcements, youll have someone who can go for help while you keep watch to make sure they dont escape.
Oh, for Con looked at Desmond.
I agree. Desmond shrugged. Its better if you have two people.
The devil. Con looked back at Lilah. Very well. Youre coming with me.
CHAPTER FIVE
IT WAS A mistake to take her. Con knew it as soon as he said it. Lilah Holcutt never made anything easier. She would fuss; she would question; she would need looking after. But there was no way out of it now. Strangely, deep down it didnt really bother him.
Con sent a footman to have one of their vehicles brought round, then walked over to Anna. Squatting down beside her, he said, I need you to tell me everything you remember about your vision.
Anna nodded. I had a headache, so I was lying down. I dozed off, I think, because suddenly I woke up with a jolt. And I saw your mother and the others.
You saw them being taken? He was a little surprised to see Lilah sit down beside Anna and take her hand.
Anna shook her head. No. I didnt realize that before. It wasnt in London. It was in the country. There were no other houses around, but there were trees. I saw Thisbe and Olivia being pulled out ofof something. It was rather dark inside the vehicle.
A carriage?
Im not sure. It was enclosed, but it opened in the back. It had a set of two doors, and they opened outward. She demonstrated. Two men were carrying the duchess and Kyria. They were very still. I wasnt sure if they were asleep or Her voice caught.
Im sure theyre fine, Con said soothingly. Kyria was chloroformed. Probably Mother was, as well. The men want money for them. They wouldnt risk killing them.