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“I know. I am sorry.”

Seth balked at the idea of apologizing to a servant, but Miss Baines’ gaze was kind as she looked at Alicia.

“Is she missing?” she asked.

“Yes. Would you be so kind as to tell me if you see her? I apologize that breakfast may have to wait for a few minutes. I have to find her; she could be anywhere!”

There was the sound of shuffling feet from behind them, and a young girl appeared in the periphery of Seth’s vision.

She did not speak until Miss Baines put her hands on her hips and fixed her with a hard stare.

“What is it, Gladys?” she asked.

“I saw the kitten, Your Grace,” the girl whispered, staring down at the floor. “She was outside this morning, early like.”

Alicia turned to Seth, fresh tears springing to her eyes.

“It will be all right. As long as she has not gone on the hunt for any of the birds,” he insisted. “Come, we will search for her.”

The relief that passed over Alicia’s face was wonderful to see, and as she took his hand, his heart lurched at the contact. She needed him to help her, and it was a heady feeling.

Taking charge, he walked them out of the kitchens to a rear door that opened out into the gardens and offered a view of the stables in the distance.

Seth grimaced as the sound of pattering rain greeted them. He glanced up, seeing dark clouds above the manor.

“Come, we must go!” Alicia urged, walking outside.

Seth watched her in amazement. “It is raining, Duchess. Do you not wish to put on a cloak?”

“It is barely raining,” she said, not looking back, as Seth tugged at his coat and followed her.

The things I do for that damned kitten.

In a few moments, the stable boy had saddled Seth’s horse, and he was climbing up, ready to begin the search.

When he looked down at Alicia, however, she seemed uncertain.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Is there a horse for me?”

Seth smirked. “Not at the moment. You will just have to sit in the saddle with me.”

Alicia crossed her arms over her chest, frowning up at him. “I can hardly sit with you; there is not enough room.”

“Fear not, Duchess,” he said, offering his hand. “I shall ensure you do not fall.”

Alicia scowled at him as the stable boy brought the block for her to climb into the saddle.

Seth felt a rush of pleasure pulsing through him as she settled into the hard leather between the pommel and his thighs.

Perhaps I do not mind this search, after all.

He swallowed as she sat side saddle, holding her shoulders away from him even as their hips touched.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he clicked his tongue at the horse, which began to move.

The scent of her hair was intoxicating, and he breathed it in as he pulled her closer to his body.