A prickling sensation spread over Millie’s scalp. Could that lodge and the one the Runner was investigating be one and the same? She couldn’t wait to suggest the theory to Neville.
“Well,” Cassie said, “I think I could learn a great deal from you, Aunt Jane.”
“I’m always at your disposal, my dear.” Lady Neville began pulling off her gloves. “Now, I’m anxious to discuss Eltenham’s reaction with my son. Where is Neville?”
Cassie and Millie exchanged an alarmed glance.
“You didn’t come over together?” Cassie asked. At the same time, Millie said, “He was going to meet you.”
“Yes, that’s what we agreed.” Lady Neville’s gaze moved between the sisters. “I waited, but there wasn’t any sign of him at the townhouse.”
Millie covered her mouth.
“Don’t worry, dearest,” Cassie said. “Neville probably just went on an errand.”
“No.” Millie shook her head. “No!” she reiterated, louder. “Hepromisedme he would come directly back here after he met with Lady Neville. He wouldn’t have lied to me. He knew how concerned I was.”
“Perhaps he did not lie,” Cassie suggested carefully. “Perhaps something urgent came up.”
Millie weighed the possibility. No. Neville had been quite clear. And he wouldn’t make a promise he did not intend to keep. She stood up, fists clenched at her sides.
“Neville is in trouble.” She crossed the room. “I justknow.”
“And where are you going?” Cassie said.
“To summon Gerard.”
“I’llgo,” Cassie said. “You stay here with Aunt Jane.”
Millie nodded stiffly as Cassie went out into the hall.
“Let us not assume the worst,” Lady Neville said softly. “Ambrose is capable. And I know he won’t let anything, especially Willard, keep him from a life with the lady he loves.”
Millie’s gaze flew to hers and held. “Loves,” she echoed.
“He didn’t have to tell me,” Lady Neville answered Millie’s unspoken question. “His every look, his every action, has proven the matter beyond a doubt.”
Millie turned away.
Yes. She closed her eyes.Yes, he had, hadn’t he? The tenderness. His expressions throughout the past two days, expressions melding an impossible combination of longing, hope and devastation. The very act of giving her his name. He did love her, didn’t he?
Withholding her own love had seemed necessary. Guarding her heart her top priority. But now, facing the chance Neville might have been taken against his will, the chance she might never see him again, that same organ threatened to burst.
Please. Please. Please.Please don’t let him be hurt. Please bring him back to me. Please give me the chance to tell him how I feel.
Prayer without action was faith without works—dead.
She would not lose him, she reaffirmed, not just in prayer but in resolution, a vow between herself and the Almighty.
Neville had gathered an army of friends and found a way to help her when she was in need. She too, would enlist anyone she needed to enlist. And with their help—and, perhaps, a touch of divine intervention—she would find a way to help Neville now.
Cassie returned with Neville’s valet.
“Gerard!” Millie pushed past her sister. “Has Cassie told you what’s happened?”
“The duchess did not need to tell me.” Gerard’s face was grim. “I just received word from his Lordship’s housekeeper.” He nodded at Lady Neville. “After her ladyship left, she thoroughly searched the house. I regret to say the new footman is missing, too.”
“Mark,” Lady Neville murmured with a hint of derision Millie did not understand.