Page 148 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

“Any mention of my returning home?”

Sebastian shook his head and folded the letter in half, shoving the paper into his pocket.

“Wait a moment,” she stopped him, placing her hand on his arm. “There were a lot of words on that page. It only said I was missing?”

He debated hiding the truth, not wanting to burden her, but they’d already started their relationship with a lie, and if they were going to be husband and wife—a role he intended to thoroughly enjoy once they were both healed… He shook his head, pulled out Patrick’s missive, and handed the paper to her.

“Dinah has vanished.”

“What do you mean?” Alana unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the page. She snorted. “She ran off with a duke? I suppose there are worse men to pick.”

“This could ruin her reputation.” Mrs. Parker gestured at the missive. “Unless she marries him…”

“She will.” Sebastian cracked his knuckles. “Her brother is a gentleman and a pirate.”

And if he didn’t… well, then this duke would be the second man Sebastian Dubois killed.

Recognizing the murderous intent in his eyes, Alana reached out and placed her hand on his arm, gripping it tighter than he expected her capable.

“She’s out of your father’s house and protected from a horrendous match. Isn’t that what you wanted?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Yes.” He chewed up the word.

“First, we will find your sister and learn the truth of the situation. Then kill him if need be.”

“We? Will you be assisting me with this crime?”

“We are married.”

He chortled, and she released her hold on his arm.

“And the second missive?” he asked.

“It’s from my sister,” Mrs. Parker said, opening the letter. “She’s refused the match to Mr. Lockhearst.”

“Such excellent news!” Alana said, clapping her hands together. “Mrs. Parker is going to write to my cousin, Asher, on her sister’s behalf.”

Sebastian frowned. “I thought he was already married.”

“Asher’s wife passed away a few years ago,” Alana replied with a sigh. “It’s been difficult for him.”

“So, you’ve decided to meddle?”

Alana grinned. “You promised to help me match Patrick and Aidan.”

“Yes, your brothers… not your cousins.”

“Which is why I requested Louisa’s assistance and not yours.”

“Then write your letter but be quick. I’ve booked two rooms aboard the Blue Star, and it sails in one hour.”

“One hour?” Alana’s lip trembled.

“Yes. I must find Dinah, and that requires returning to England as soon as I can.”

Terror flickered across both ladies’ faces. He couldn’t fault them. They’d both been through a horrific experience, Alana’s being the more difficult of the two. If she never wanted to sail again…

“Stay here in Boston with Mrs. Parker. I’ll come back for you,” he said, the words breaking his heart as he forced them through his lips.