The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) (26 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the day, and now with dinner finished, many sought out their rooms. Those who weren’t tired sat conversing in various drawing rooms or enjoyed the music room where several guests played instruments, showing off their talents while entertaining the listeners.

Paxton saw Evelyn put her hand over her yawn. Her parents were sitting next to her while they listened to Lady Cassandra recite poetry to the guests in the parlor.

He immediately excused himself from the group of men with whom he was speaking and sauntered over. “I think it is time for you to retire.”

Eve looked around the room. “You don’t think anyone will mind?”

“Definitely not. It’s growing late. I’m sure everyone else will be searching out their beds shortly.”

“I’ve told her to go to bed a number of times,” her father thought to inform him.

“I’ll take you upstairs and tuck you in.” Her mother stood and took her hand, most likely thinking about how this would be the last time she was able to perform this joyful duty. From now on Paxton would be tucking Eve in bed at night, a thought that made him smile.

He had of course planned to show Eve to her room so he could kiss her goodnight, but he could tell how much her mother wanted to do the honor and thus relented. “Have a good night sleep, love.” He kissed her hand instead.

Lord Stonehaven laughed. “I think that was done for our benefit, Maddie.”

Eve blushed, knowing her father was right.

“Go ahead, son,” her father encouraged him good-naturedly. “Our daughter deserves a proper kiss goodnight.”

“Father, please,” Eve pleaded, thoroughly embarrassed by the topic of conversation.

Paxton nodded at the viscount, leaned down, and pressed his lips to Eve’s. “Sweet dreams.”

“I’ll see you in the morning.” Eve smiled sweetly. “I’ll meet you in the garden.”

Father joked, “Yes, with the rest of the guests and household.”

“I’ll be there.” Paxton then bid goodnight to her family and took himself off to his own chambers.

***

After mother and daughter had a brief heart-to-heart, Eve finally found herself alone. She was about to call in her maid to help her undress when she noticed a note folded on her pillow. Opening it, she read:
Meet me in the stables
. She put the note in the wooden box next to her bed with the rest of the trinkets and notes Paxton had gifted her over the past few weeks.

She threw open the large armoire, rummaging through it until she found a black hooded cloak to help disguise herself. She didn’t want to be stopped by any guests lingering outside.

She grinned in anticipation as she quickly donned her cloak, briefly wondering why Paxton wanted to meet her. Then she laughed, knowing he probably wanted a
real
goodnight kiss.

She snuck out of her room, down the hall, and out of the house using the servants exit. She felt silly ducking behind some trees at the sound of voices, but she did it anyway. Finally, she reached the stables. No one was in sight and so she went inside. Aside from the horses, the stables were empty, and she assumed Paxton hadn’t had a chance to break away from their guests yet. She was sure he wouldn’t have disguised himself, and it was quite probable he’d be stopped by people on his way to her. She closed the stable doors in the hopes that none of the guests would come inside. She made her way to her horse and pulled back her hood.

“Hello there, my sweet. Would you like a carrot?” Eve went back to look in the storage room where she and Paxton had made love when she first arrived.

She thought she had seen a bucket of carrots next to some grain when Paxton had her upside down over his shoulder. When she located the bucket, she bent down to retrieve a treat. At the sound of a man’s voice, she straightened.

“Now!” A man yelled.

Eve crumpled in the straw like a rag doll.

***

“Ye got ’er good.” Jack looked down at the blood pooling around the pretty girl’s auburn head.

Red threw down the metal pole he had broken off one of the fancy carriages parked behind the livery. “See if she be ’avin’ a pulse.”

Jack bent over and put his ear to the woman’s mouth. “She not be breathin’”

“Good, see if ’er ’eart be beatin’.”

Jack put his bony hand on Eve’s chest. “I don’t be feeling nothin’. I tells ye. Ye got ’er good.” Jack stood, backing away from the body. “Should we be leavin’ ’er ’ere?”

“No. If someone finds ’er too quick, we not be ’avin’ time to get back to London.”

“First we be gettin’ our riches,” Jack said.

“I won’t be forgettin’ our monies. That fancy lady owes us big. Come on. Let’s put ’er in that storm cellar we sees on our ways in.”

“Who gonna carry ’er?” Jack asked, horror apparent on his face. “I don’t be wantin’ her blood on me. These the only clothes I ’ave.”

“Ah, me too.” Red grabbed a saddle blanket and wrapped it around the lady’s head so they wouldn’t get blood everywhere. Then each man grabbed one of the lady’s slim ankles and dragged her body out of the stable.

Jack went to check to see if the area was clear before he threw open the cellar door. “Looks like this cellar has never been used.”

“Good. Then they won’t be findin’ ’er anytime soon.” Red continued to drag the lady out the door.

As they stood at the top of the cellar steps, Jack looked down at the small room dug out from the dirt. “Now what?”

“Push,” Red instructed. The woman’s body tumbled down the few steps. “Now ’urry and shut the door ’fore someone sees us.”

Jack shut the door, picked up the bloody blanket that came off the lady’s head, and after retrieving the weapon, both men slinked off into the night.

***

Beverly was pacing back and forth in her tiny accommodations wondering what was keeping those stupid men. “I should have hired men more capable of such a task,” she scolded herself for the hundredth time.

When there was a knock at the door, she almost jumped out of her skin.

“It be us, me lady,” Jack whispered.

Beverly swung open the door and ushered them inside. “Well, it’s about time. How did it go? I mean, is she dead?”

“Course she be dead. Red dealt ’er a hard blow, ’e did.” Jack started to tell the horrid story.

“I don’t want to hear the gruesome details!” Beverly said, disturbed by the thought.

“We be takin’ our blunt now, lady.” Red got back to the matter at hand.

“Yes, yes of course.” Beverly went to her valise and pulled out a purse full of coins. “Here.” She couldn’t wait for these two ruffians to be out of her life.

“If ye don’t mind me askin’, what did the lady do?” Jack asked.

“She tried to take something that belongs to me,” Beverly stated, not feeling an ounce of remorse for taking back what she knew was hers.

“Must ’ave been worth a fortune.” Jack tipped his cap. “Pleasure doin’ business with ye.”

Red was busy eyeing the coins inside the bag. “It better all be ’ere.”

“Oh it is,” Beverly insisted. “And I have a carriage ready with fresh horses to take you back to the city. I’ve also enclosed a bottle of whisky to celebrate a job well done.”

Red said nothing to her generosity, but Jack grinned. “Mighty nice of ye, me lady.”

Beverly opened the door for their departure and sighed with relief as she watched them climb into the carriage, which then pulled away. If they drank the whisky she supplied, which she was sure they would, they would be dead by the time they reached the outskirts of the city. She hated that she had to kill to achieve her desires, but she couldn’t risk the two of them talking or blackmailing her later. The poison would definitely prevent such an occurrence.

She lay down on the bed smiling. It wouldn’t be long before she was back in Paxton’s arms where she belonged.

The following morning, Beverly returned to London to keep up appearances and wait for the news that Lord Devonhurst’s bride was dead.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

The next morning was complete chaos. Even with all the planning for the big event, there were so many guests that it was hard to find anyone in the confusion.

Cassie ran into her mother and father’s room. “Have either of you seen Eve? I went to help her ready herself and she’s not in her room.”

Mother smiled at Cassandra’s appearance. “That dress fits you perfectly, dearest. You look lovely. I like how Beatrice did your hair.” She referred to the numerous curls dangling down around Cassandra’s slim neck.

“Turn around,” Charles instructed while his wife adjusted his cravat.

Cassie spun in a circle.

“You do look beautiful. Come and give your father a hug.”

Cassie suddenly found herself squished in her father’s strong embrace. “We sure did get lucky, Maddie. We have two wonderful daughters who are as intelligent as they are beautiful.”

“Father, you’re going to wrinkle me.” Cassie tried to ease out of her father’s grasp.

“She’s right, dear. You better let her go,” Mother told him.

Father reluctantly let go.

“We haven’t seen your sister yet, Cassandra. I’m sure if you wait in her room, she’ll show up. She probably went for a quick walk. Fresh air helps calm the nerves, you know. This is an exciting day!”

“You’re probably right, Mother. If you do see her, tell her I’m waiting in her room.”

***

Cassie was busy laying out Eve’s undergarments on the bed when Mother walked in dressed in her new gown and glowing with excitement.

“Evelyn’s still not here?” She looked around the room. “Something’s not right, Cassie. The wedding is in an hour. Where could she be?”

“Do you think she’s with Paxton?” Cassie asked.

“Knowing your sister, yes. I’ll retrieve her.” Mother hurried off.

“Enter,” Cassie called out when there was a knock.

“Hello.” Lydia walked in followed by her mother.

“We thought we’d talk to the bride before she says her vows.” The Countess of Devonhurst looked around the room.

“I think she may be with Paxton. My mother went to find her,” Cassie said when Veronica’s gaze rested on her.

“You mean she’s not yet ready?” Lydia was aghast. She turned toward her mother knowing Veronica would have something to say. “Mother, what is it?”

The countess had an unexplainable look of confusion on her face. “I was just with Paxton. Your sister isn’t with my son, Cassandra.”

“Oh?” was all Cassie could think of to say.

“You don’t think she had cold feet and ran away? I mean my brother can be most overbearing at times.”

“Definitely not.” Cassie waved the suggestion away as nonsense. “My sister wants to marry your brother more than anything. I’m sure my mother will find her.”

Mother returned fifteen minutes later followed by Paxton and Cole. “Is she back?” Mother obviously assumed Eve returned to her room.

“No!” All three women said in unison.

“All right, let’s not panic.” Paxton’s mother was trying to be the voice of reason but her tone betrayed her concern. “Perhaps she went for a walk and lost track of time.”

No one believed that to be the case, but they all decided to go in search of Eve. They looked everywhere without trying to alert the guests, who were now seated and awaiting the ceremony while they listened to the pianoforte.

When Veronica ran into her son in the hall, she told him that the guests were becoming restless.

“Then tell them to have patience for the bride is still readying herself.” At the moment, Veronica knew her son didn’t care what she told the guests. His only concern was for Eve.

“Son, they have been waiting a long time. I think it would be best if I tell them you have decided on an evening ceremony. That way we’ll have more time to find Evelyn.”

“Very well, Mother. Tell them whatever you wish.”

Veronica must have read the frustration and fear in Paxton’s eyes. “Don’t worry, dear. We’ll find her.”

Paxton marched back out of the house.

Veronica walked outside to the gardens. She could hear the various whispers.

“I think she ran away.”

“No, I think he had a change of heart. Devonhurst never cared for the idea of marriage anyway.”

“Perhaps they had a disagreement.”

Veronica made her way to the front of the crowd and people fell silent. “There has been a slight change of plans. We have decided to wait until the sun sets. You know how romantic early evening can be.” She didn’t let her smile waver. “For your entertainment, we have arranged for archery to be set up out front. There are tables in the blue parlor for cards. And for those inclined, we have some actors performing
Macbeth
in the salon. There is also the music room for those with musical talents. The reception meal will be served on the front lawn for people who care to dine. We thank you for your patience and understanding of young love.” Veronica quickly returned to the house to avoid questions. Her niece, the Duchess of Arlington, was following close behind with her husband, William.

Once alone, Veronica explained the situation to them and they immediately began to help with the search.

***

As evening came, the guests reassembled themselves in the garden while the search party met back inside Eve’s room.

The whole room filled with long faces. Madeline had begun to cry, and Charles held her in his arms, trying his best to offer comfort.

Paxton stared out one of the long windows at the woods in the distance. He believed Eve must be hurt somewhere. He knew there was no other reason for her absence and that scared the hell out of him.

“Where can she be?” Cassie asked. She was sitting on the bed, twisting the white lace handkerchief in her lap. Lydia went to sit next to her and held her hand.

After many minutes of silence, the countess turned to Paxton. “Son? What would you have us do?”

“I want all the guests to leave.” He turned away from the window to focus on his family. “I think Eve has been hurt. I must find her, and that is too hard to do with all of these people about.”

“I don’t know what to tell them,” his mother said to no one in particular. She had already told them the wedding would take place tonight.

Rebecca stood up from one of the two armchairs in the room. Her husband, the Duke of Arlington, had his hand on her shoulder. “I will talk to the guests.” She looked at Paxton, then at Eve’s parents. “It will be easy to get them to depart if I tell them the truth.”

William nodded. “My wife’s right. The truth will be best.” Like the rest of them, he also knew that, with a Duke and Duchess explaining the situation, there was likely to be less speculation and false gossip.

“Very well,” Paxton said, and Charles and Madeline agreed.

***

When the Duke and Duchess of Arlington stood in front of the guests, everyone’s full attention settled on them immediately. Rebecca spoke as William stood beside her, his arm around her waist.

“We wish to apologize on behalf of the Devonhurst and Stonehaven families. As most of you have already assumed, there is a problem. The bride has, unfortunately, disappeared.” She waited for the crowd to quiet again before continuing. “As you can imagine, both families are grievously upset. I can assure you that I have come to know the bride quite well, and I know, as does her family, how much she loves my cousin. It is because of this love that we know something serious has happened to her to keep her from enjoying the most important day of her life.

“On behalf of both families, I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is during this time that the families wish for everyone to depart so they can endeavor to find out what happened to Lady Evelyn. I know some of you had planned to stay on the estate for a few days, and I’m sorry this is no longer possible. My husband and I will help anyone who needs aid with transportation. I’m sure you can all imagine what a trying time this is for the families, and so we ask that you make your departure as quickly and efficiently as possible. We thank every one of you for attending and hope for your understanding. If anyone has any idea of Lady Evelyn’s whereabouts, please let us know.” Rebecca watched as people began to depart after her speech.

“Very well done, dear,” William complimented his wife.

“We better help organize all the carriages,” Rebecca said.

“I’m right behind you.”

***

The sun had risen when his mother knocked, then proceeded to walk into his room. “I’ve ordered a tray to be brought up.”

Paxton sat in an overstuffed leather chair. He had sat in this same spot all night staring out into the inky blackness of night until the sun’s return. “I’m not hungry.”

She gasped aloud when he turned around to look at her. He knew he had huge dark circles under his puffy bloodshot eyes, and his day’s growth of beard gave him a very unkempt appearance.

“Son, it will do Evelyn no good if you make yourself ill.”

Paxton wiped a tear from his eye that appeared the moment she spoke Eve’s name. “Where can she be, Mother? I have searched every inch of the property, including every corner of this monstrous house.”

Paxton was well aware he never asked for his mother’s reassurance anymore, but at the moment, he longed to hear her say that everything would be all right and Eve would return to him.

“I love her so much. I’m not going to be able to live without her. She is the only woman I have ever been able to give of myself completely. I trust her.”

Paxton suddenly found his arms filled with his mother as she came and sat on his lap. She held him in silence as sobs shook his body. He was calming down when there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll find out who it is.” His mother kissed his head before going to the door. “Lady Cassandra?”

“I ran into a servant bringing this tray, and since I was coming here, I thought I’d bring it.” Eve’s sister passed a tray containing scrambled eggs, some meats, toast, and hot tea to Paxton’s mother.

“Thank you, dear. I think it might be best if you come back at a later time…”

“It’s all right, Mother,” Paxton said, somewhat back in control of his emotions.

“What can we do for you, dear?” Veronica set the tray down on a nearby table.

“I needed to speak with Lord Devonhurst.” Cassie walked to Paxton. “I hope you don’t mind, my lord, but I took it upon myself to search my sister’s room. I was hoping to find a clue of some kind.”

This immediately gained Paxton’s attention. “And?”

“Yes, what did you find?” Cole walked into the room, grabbing a piece of buttered toast off the tray before stepping before the others.

“You know all those gifts and loving notes you have been sending my sister?”

Paxton looked at Cassie as if she had lost her mind. “I have no idea what you are referring too. I sent your sister no gifts aside from the butterfly bushes.”

“I didn’t think so,” Cassie said seriously. “After we returned from Kent, Eve began to receive gifts. First, there was a bouquet of orchids with this card.” Cassie held out the note for him that said “I miss you.”

“Next came the gold key with this note.” She handed him another card.

Paxton read it to everyone: “You hold the key to my heart.” He briefly remembered Eve’s conversation with Brandon about buying Lady Anna such a gift.

“Then there was this brooch.” She handed him the small gold-colored box holding the jewelry.

“Another card?” Cole asked when Paxton opened the box.

Paxton read it aloud: “You looked sensational last night. I can’t wait until we see each other again.” He looked at Cassie. “Who sent her these?”

“Eve thought these gifts were from you. When I told her that I thought it was strange that you didn’t sign the notes, she claimed you were being mysterious, which we both found romantic.” She handed him the last note.

“There is more?” Paxton took it.

“Yes, but you see, I wasn’t there when she received this one, which leads me to believe this particular note was delivered when she was here in Sussex. And, of course, there aren’t stables that close to our town house in London.”

“What does it say?” Cole asked impatiently.

“Meet me in the stables.” Paxton and Cole were out the door and running to search the stables again.

Cole was the first to spot the pool of blood on the storage room floor. “Paxton. You better come in here.”

Paxton turned ashen when he saw the amount of blood on the ground, which had been covered with straw. “Oh God, please no! What the hell happened, Cole? Where is she? Eve! Eve, where are you! Eve, answer me this minute!” Paxton wouldn’t stop calling out for her. Then he dove head first into the pile of straw searching for her body. He came up out of the middle of the pile and yelled in despair.
I’ve lost her.

Cole put his hand on his shoulder and Paxton flinched. “Let us go back to the house so we can think clearly.”

Paxton couldn’t speak. He was in a state of shock. When they walked in the house, everyone was sitting in the main parlor as Cassie explained the gifts and cards Eve had been receiving. When Eve’s mother noticed the ghostly pallor of Paxton’s face and the straw clinging to his body, she came rushing toward him.