Page 39

He had dressed quickly and went down to break his fast. He would need to have something packed for his journey.

Adrian had no intention of stopping too often.

His purpose was to reach Viscount Greenville as soon as possible.

He hoped the man would agree to allow him to marry Georgina, but he was also not against eloping with her.

Adrian had no need of her dowry. He had a sizable fortune of his own, but he did want her father’s permission.

It did not take him long to reach the breakfast room.

The room was far from empty, but at least it was not overrun by some of the house guests at Easton Abbey.

Amberwood and Easton were seated at the far end of the table, along with Easton’s wife, Charlotte.

They were not talking, but that did not mean anything.

It was early enough that they probably did not have anything to discuss.

“You are up and about early,” Amberwood said. “Do you have plans we are unaware of?”

“Many,” he said. “I do not share everything with you.”

Easton chuckled. “But you do share far more than we like at times.”

Not about this… He did not wish to tell them his plans to marry Georgina.

Not yet anyway. He had to ensure it all went the way he wanted it to first. Once he had her father’s permission to marry her, then he would tell his friends.

He could not take any risk that might prevent that, even if he did not think his friends would do anything to stand in his way.

This was far too important to take chances with.

“Then I will refrain from doing so from this moment going forward.” He sat down at the table.

A servant came over and offered him a cup of tea.

Adrian retrieved the cup and took a sip.

The hot liquid slid down his throat and warmed him from the inside out.

He set the cup down and asked, “What are the activities for the day?” He did not much care but felt the need to ask.

“Most of the guests are preparing to leave today,” Easton said. “Thank heavens. I am ready to see them all gone.”

“But not all of them?” Adrian asked.

“A handful are staying a few extra days. Some of my mother’s nearest and dearest,” Easton said. “They are staying for a longer visit with her. Then they will all depart, including my mother, for a sojourn in Bath. My mother has decided she needs to take the waters.”

“I hear they can be restorative,” Charlotte said. “Not that I would know personally. I have never had the opportunity to visit Bath.”

“It’s a lovely town,” Amberwood said. “I have been on occasion. But not to enjoy the waters.”

“You have plenty of reasons to visit a great many places,” Easton said. “I’m sure Bath has pleasant memories.”

“Not as many as you would think,” the duke said dryly. “I have no desire to return, truth be told.”

Adrian frowned. What could have happened in Bath that the duke found distasteful? If he had more time he would inquire, but he would much rather eat and depart as soon as possible. “With all the guests leaving,” he asked, “whatever will you do with yourselves?”

“Enjoy the peace and quiet,” Easton said. “Are you going to remain? Amberwood is considering a short trip to London.”

“I am going to make a trip myself,” he admitted. “But I will not be gone long. Unless you wish for me to take my time. Do you want some time alone with your new wife?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I can be accommodating if that is your desire.”

Easton rolled his eyes, though there was a flicker of amusement in his expression. “I do not require your assistance in spending time with my wife, thank you very much.”

He sure hoped not. Adrian held back a smile. It was so easy to goad Easton. It was clear, though, that the marquess adored his wife. He had never seen two people that much in love before. He felt the same way about Georgina. He adored her and could not wait to marry her.

Charlotte smothered a smile behind her teacup. “How generous of you to offer, Lord Foxmoore.” Her tone was playful as she spoke. “But my husband is correct. We do not need your assistance in this instance.”

Adrian smirked, then winked. “Think nothing of it, Lady Easton. I am always willing to aid you and Easton.”

Amberwood chuckled, shaking his head. “If only the rest of the ton knew you possessed such a selfless spirit.”

Adrian shrugged, cutting a piece of toast with his knife.

“I am nothing if not benevolent.” He had wonderful friends.

He was glad he had them in his life, and he could not wait until he could tell them about his relationship with Georgina.

They would be shocked, of course. He had never had an interest in just one woman before. Everything had changed when he met her.

“And yet,” Amberwood mused, “I suspect your sudden inclination toward charity has nothing to do with your need to aid Easton and his wife. What are you truly plotting?”

Adrian stilled, his knife pausing mid-motion. He met Amberwood’s gaze and said, “Nothing nefarious, I assure you.” He kept his tone neutral as he spoke.

Easton exchanged a knowing look with Amberwood before leaning back in his chair. “Why do I not believe you?”

Adrian sighed. “You are all far too meddlesome. But I promise you have nothing to worry over.” He set his utensils down, finished with his meal. “If you’ll pardon me, there is someplace I need to be. I shall not return for a few days. I will send word when you should expect me.”

Charlotte only grinned. “Are you certain you do not wish to tell us what you are scheming?”

Easton chuckled. “My wife has an overly curious nature.”

Adrian rolled his eyes, deciding it best to change the subject before they pried too much into his affairs. The last thing he needed was for them to uncover his intentions before he had even spoken to Viscount Greenville.

“I must be on my way,” he said in response. He really was done with this conversation. “Time is of the essence.”

Amberwood’s brow lifted. “Off to slay dragons, are you?”

“Something like that,” Adrian muttered. He had a feeling Viscount Greenville would prove to be a challenge. One he had never experienced before.

He finished his tea in one long sip, then pushed back his chair. “I trust you will all manage without me?”

“I suppose we shall have to,” Easton replied dryly, and rolled his eyes. “Though I do not know how we will survive without your sparkling wit.”

Adrian smirked. “You’ll find a way.”

He took his leave before they could question him further, making his way through the corridors of Easton Abbey toward the entrance hall.

He had sent word for his horse to be readied, and within minutes, his mount was brought around.

He had one stop to make before departing.

Adrian had promised Georgina he would visit her before he left, and he would never break a promise to her. She meant far too much to him.

It did not take him long to reach Havenwood. He knocked on the entrance and waited for someone to let him inside. The headmistress herself answered the door. That surprised him but he managed to hold that inside. “Good morning,” he greeted her. “I am here to pay a call on Miss Georgina.”

Mrs. Havenwood frowned. “I am afraid you are too late, my lord,” she said. “Miss Georgina is no longer here.”

“What do you mean?” Panic seized him. “She was here yesterday.”

“Indeed,” she said. “She was here. Now she is not.”

“Where did she go?” Adrian was confused. What could have happened since the previous night? She had not told him she would leave. That was surely something she would have told him. Wasn’t it?

“Her brother arrived to take her home,” she said. “If you wish to pay a call on her, I suggest you begin there. Good day, my lord.” She did not say another word. Mrs. Havenwood closed the door leaving him without any true answers.

What was happening? Did Georgina know that her brother would arrive to take her home?

Something told him it had been as much of a surprise to her as it had to him.

He did not have a good feeling about this.

If he did not take action, he could lose her forever, and that was not something Adrian was willing to risk.

If he had to, he would kidnap her. He might just have to take a page out of Easton’s book and make a mad dash to Scotland.

But first he had to find Georgina and he had no time to lose.