Her hands went to his shoulderswhether to hold him off or hold on to him, she wasnt sure. Right now Lilah wasnt sure of anythingexcept the warmth of his mouth, the velvet softness of his lips, the touch of his hands upon her face. All she knew was that she wanted this to go on and on.
Too soon, Con pulled back, his eyes glittering in the dark, his breath uneven. For a long moment, he simply looked at her. His hands fell away. Clearing his throat, he said, Were here.
It was only then that Lilah realized the carriage had stopped in front of her aunts house. How had they gotten here so quickly? She heard the coachman climbing down from his seat, and she hastily scrambled out of Cons lap. Seconds later their driver opened the door.
Lilah bolted out, keeping her head down, afraid of what the servant might see in her face. As Con started to follow her, she turned, holding out her hand as if to ward him off. No, dont get out. Iwellgood night.
She hurried to the door and slipped inside, her legs trembling beneath her. She was careful not to look back.
CHAPTER EIGHT
BY THE TIME Con returned to the house, the wagon was gone, and he found his family seated around the dining table, polishing off the remains of the hasty meal Smeggars had brought in.
Ah, theres the man of the hour, Theo said, smiling.
Hardly. The ladies had already escaped on their own. All I did was drive them home.
A good bit more than that, Thisbe protested. You took care of the men downstairs. It would have been far different if we had had to overcome them, as well.
I had a great deal of help from Lilahum, Miss Holcutt. Con turned away, picking up a plate and beginning to fill it with food from the sideboard. She went after one of them with the carriage whip, then a broom. Tossed a tin full of flour at him, as well.
I wondered why he was covered in white powder, Olivia said, laughing.
I was surprised to see her there, Thisbe said.
She happened to be here at the time. Con kept his gaze on the dishes of food. It was nothing, really.
What was nothing? I thought you just said she was very helpful.
She was. I didnt mean what she did was nothing. He toyed with the roll on his plate, then added another. I meant her being here wasnt unusual. She came to see Olivia. Had a book for her.
Did she? Olivias face lit up. How nice. She had offered to lend me a book, but it was just in passing. Im surprised she remembered.
Miss Holcutt remembers everything, Con said darkly, bringing his plate to the table and sitting down.
Goodness, Con, do you mean to eat all of that? Kyria asked.
What? Oh Con gazed at his plate in some surprise. Well, I am hungry.
I am not at all amazed that Lilah joined in, the duchess said. I quite like her. Shes a very nice girl, just a bit stiff. I blame her upbringing.
Why? Con asked. Whats odd about her upbringing?
Nothing, his mother replied. That is the point. She had the same sort of insubstantial education combined with an indoctrination into foolish rules that all young ladies do. Its a pity that a bright girl such as Lilah was forced into such a constricted position.
I believe she was raised by her aunt, Kyria added. Mrs. Summersley seems a nice enough woman, just a bit staid.
The duchess pointed at her daughter with her raised fork. Exactly. Perpetuating a helpless, brainless vision of womanhood.
Con snorted. I wouldnt call Lilah helpless or brainless.
Yes, I have hope for the girl, Emmeline agreed. Perhaps I should invite her to come to the next suffragists meeting.
I dont think our experience with the suffragists today would encourage her to accompany you, Olivia remarked.
It isnt as if there are always abductions at them, the duchess protested.
One would hope not, Reed commented drily.
What did you find out from the kidnappers? Con asked, turning toward Stephen and Rafe.
Pah! Kyrias husband let out an exclamation of disgust. Nothing of any importance. They were hired hands.
Nor were they particularly bright, Theo put in. They had no idea why they were paid to abduct the women. They swore they didnt even know who the ladies were.
He couldnt even give us a description of the man who hired them, Stephen added. Said it was all done by way of letter, brought by a messenger.
Con cocked an eyebrow. Do you believe that?
Strangely enough, we did. Theo shrugged his shoulders. He seemed sufficiently demoralized. I think Mother terrified him more than Rafe. She does wield a wicked pitcher. Theos green eyes twinkled.
Really, Theo, you know I abhor violence. But I could hardly stand by when someone threatened my children.
What did the Dearborns say? Con asked.
They vehemently denied it, Rafe said.
Even when Rafe threatened them with various sorts of bodily harm, Stephen put in.
Im less certain that I believe them, Rafe put in. They let us search their house after a big show of British affront, but that only proves they were careful enough to keep their distance from the crime.
I cant think of anyone else with a grudge against us, Reed said. At least, no one who isnt already in jail.
The Dearborns are obviously desperate for money.
Thats the peculiar thing. Uncle Bellard spoke up. We never received a note asking for a ransom.
It is odd, the duke agreed.
Perhaps they didnt get a chance to send it before the ladies got away.
Maybe, Megan said doubtfully. But what sort of criminal wouldnt have the note ready to go as soon as they grabbed their victims?
An incompetent one, her husband suggested. Which these men certainly seemed to be.
Maybe they wanted to make Father wait and worry, so hed be ready to give them whatever they asked for, Reed suggested.
But I would have done that at once, the duke replied.
I dont think they were after money. Every head in the room turned toward Olivia at her words. They interrogated Kyria. Twice. They were after information.
Interrogated you? Rafe stiffened, looking at his wife in alarm. What did they do to you?
Nothing, really, Kyria said calmly. So you neednt get murder in your eye. They shouted a good deal, but they didnt physically harm me. They just kept asking about the blasted key.
Key? What key? Rafe asked.
Exactly. Kyria gave a sharp nod. I asked them that very thing, but they had no response except to ask me again in a louder voice.
Why didnt they describe it or tell you what it was for? Desmond asked, frowning in puzzlement.
They just said that I knew which key they meant. The one my father gave me.
I gave you? The dukes voice rose in astonishment. Why would I have given you a key? To what? How very odd.
That was my thought, Kyria agreed.
I dont know anything about any key, the duke went on. Except for a Greek key, of course, but I wouldnt think they were interested in ancient motifs.