Page 18 of Until the Rake Surrenders (Rogue Rules #5)

E van arrived in Bath late Monday afternoon. He’d wanted to go directly to Min, but decided it was preferable to wash the grime of the road away first. He wanted to look and smell his best when he properly asked her to marry him. But first he needed to speak with his mother. He found her in the drawing room.

She stood as he entered and smiled. “I’d heard you’d returned. I’m pleased to see you.”

Using his walking stick, Evan made his way to her and bussed her cheek. “I’m pleased to see you as well and happy to be back.”

“Are you?” she asked in surprise. “I wondered if you might stay in London.”

“I have a specific reason for returning, which I will tell you about shortly.” First, Evan wanted to explain about the Mrs. Dalton situation.

His mother’s eyes lit with interest. “That sounds intriguing. Will you attend the ball with me this evening?”

“I’m afraid not, Mama. I hope you’re not disappointed.”

She waved her hand. “Not at all. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“I wanted to tell you why I went to London,” Evan said. “I needed to deal with the situation regarding Mrs. Dalton.”

His mother’s brows drew down, and her eyes narrowed slightly.

Before she could speak, he said, “I did not have an affair with her. I only said I did to protect a friend to whom I felt I owed a favor. I have since realized it was selfish of me to taint the family with my decision to help him.”

Evan was not going to tell her about Sir Abraham’s plans to divorce his wife, because he and his father had successfully changed Sir Abraham’s mind. After tracking him down at the club, they’d spent a considerable amount of time persuading him, and he’d ultimately agreed—for a price. He’d demanded the name of his wife’s true lover and then insisted Roger leave London and never return.

Later that evening, Evan had told Roger what had happened while also conveying his regret that Roger would have to leave London as well as his promising career. Roger had been devastated but understood that things could have turned out worse if Sir Abraham had proceeded with a divorce. He was most grateful to Evan for his assistance.

Evan’s father had also talked Sir Abraham into making it clear that Evan had not carried on a liaison with his wife. Sir Abraham had agreed to clarify the matter, but would not promise that he wouldn’t name Roger instead. It was the best they could manage. And Evan’s father was pleased, which relieved Evan.

His mother gazed at him with sympathy and keen understanding. “My dearest boy, I don’t know that I agree your behavior was selfish. Ill-considered, perhaps.” Her lips curled into a fleeting smile. “I’m glad you sorted the matter. The gossip has been moving about Bath the last few days,” she added with a grimace. “I will do my best to refute the gossip tonight. Interestingly, I heard Lady Minerva did that earlier in the gardens.”

Had she? Evan couldn’t help smiling. That she would defend him was surely a positive sign.

“You’re grinning like a fool,” his mother said with a laugh.

“Yes. That is due to the reason I hastened back to Bath. I am very much hoping that by the end of this evening, I will be betrothed.”

She gasped and briefly lifted her hand to her mouth, her eyes lit with joy.

Evan couldn’t help laughing. “This may be the happiest I’ve ever seen you. And you were exceptionally thrilled on Gwen’s wedding day.”

His mother embraced him tightly. “I’m so happy for you.”

“She hasn’t said yes yet.” And he couldn’t assume she would. He ought to have confided in her about the “scandal” with Mrs. Dalton, especially after she’d come to Bath and a true scandal was imminent.

His mother stepped back. “Who is it, or do you not want to say until she’s accepted?”

“I’ve already told Papa. It’s Lady Minerva.”

“Of course. Her defense of you today and your reaction when I mentioned it revealed all.” She smiled broadly.

Evan very much wanted his parents’ approval. Since his father hadn’t been entirely enthusiastic about the match, particularly after learning about the Duke of Henlow’s intent to divorce his wife, Evan worried his mother wouldn’t be supportive. “You like her, don’t you?” Evan asked tentatively.

“Of course, I do. Why would you ask?”

Evan did not plan to tell her about the duke’s plans for divorce. He fervently hoped he would be able to talk the duke out of them. “His Grace often attracts gossip regarding his behavior. I wasn’t sure if that would upset you.”

“Everyone knows and accepts he and Her Grace are estranged. While it is not ideal, at least they aren’t divorced.”

Quashing an ironic grimace, Evan nodded.

She cocked her head. “Since you are proposing, you must have a ring. Did you purchase one when you were in London?”

“I did not,” Evan replied. “Papa said you had a ring that you hoped I would use.”

“Indeed, I do. It belonged to my grandmother and has always been intended for your betrothed. I haven’t ever mentioned it because you’ve been very clear about not wanting to marry yet.”

“It was good of you to be patient,” Evan said with a chuckle.

“Let me fetch the ring, and then you can decide if you want to give it to Lady Minerva.”

Evan was anxious to be on his way, so he hoped she would be quick. Thankfully, she was, returning just a few minutes later with a small box. “If you don’t care for it, you can choose something else.”

He accepted the box and opened it. “I’m sure it’s perfect.” Looking down, a pang of joy and a sense of absolute rightness filled him. The ring was a rose-cut sapphire and almost exactly the color of the forget-me-nots Min had given him at Longleat. “It is indeed,” he murmured.

“I’m so glad,” his mother said.

Evan hugged her again and tucked the ring into his pocket. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it. Lady Minerva defended you today. She clearly feels the same way you do.”

Until Evan heard Min say so, he wouldn’t know for sure. He left and made his way by coach to the Duchess of Henlow’s house in the Circus.

As he knocked on the door, he took a deep breath and prayed for the outcome he desired. He was most nervous to tell Min how he felt, for if she did not love him in return, he didn’t know what he would do.

Unfortunately, she was not at home. The butler said she had left the household and was now staying at Pandora’s aunt’s in the Royal Crescent.

But she wasn’t there either. Confounded, Evan asked to speak with Pandora or her aunt. The butler welcomed him into the entrance hall and went to fetch them.

“It’s good to see you, Evan,” Pandora said as she entered with her aunt. “Harding says you came here to see Min, that you think she is staying here.”

Evan’s heart began to pound. Something was wrong. He told himself not to worry. Perhaps the butler at Min’s mother’s house had been mistaken, and Min had gone to her father’s house. Except Evan doubted the butler was wrong. Mayhap Min had changed her mind.

“Her mother’s butler told me I could find Min here,” Evan said to Pandora. “He said that she’d left her mother’s household and was staying with you.”

Pandora’s brow gathered. She appeared very concerned. “She’s not here, nor am I expecting her. I saw her in the park this afternoon, and she didn’t mention anything about coming to stay with me. I didn’t think you were returning until tomorrow—that’s what Min said, anyway.”

“I shortened my trip,” he said. “I’m most eager to see her.” Evan wondered if Pandora knew why, but he wasn’t going to ask about that now. He needed to find Min. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Pandora’s aunt wore a dark expression.

“Do you know something, Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes?” Evan asked.

“I was just thinking about what happened in the gardens earlier.”

Pandora looked to her aunt. “You mean the scene with Lord Spilsby?”

“What the hell happened with Spilsby?” Evan asked, his alarm merging with rage at the mention of the loathsome man.

“I didn’t see what happened,” Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes said, her green eyes narrowing slightly. “But as I walked toward the coach to join Pandora, I heard someone talking about Lord Spilsby and Lady Minerva embracing. They were seen by Mrs. Lawler.”

Pandora’s lip curled. “That meddlesome hag is spreading rumors about Min now.”

Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes’s light-brown brows climbed. “Apparently, Min defended herself and hit him before she stalked away.”

Evan felt a rush of pride.

“Good for her,” Pandora said smugly before looking to Evan. “Do you think it’s possible Min went to her father’s house?”

“I suppose. However, the butler was clear about telling me she’d come here. I don’t think he would have got that wrong.”

“Perhaps she changed her mind,” Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes suggested, echoing Evan’s earlier thoughts.

“That is possible.” But Evan doubted it. “I must go back to Her Grace’s house and determine what’s happened.”

“Will you let us know what you find out?” Pandora asked. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to rest until I know she’s safe, given what happened with that idiot Spilsby.”

Evan didn’t think Spilsby was capable of violence. The bounder was an annoying prig, but surely not dangerous.

“You must excuse me,” Evan said with a nod before beating a hasty retreat to the coach. He instructed the coachman to return to the Circus with haste.

The coach had barely stopped before Evan leapt out without bothering with his walking stick—much to his ankle’s distress. He ran to the duchess’s door, where he hammered upon the wood with his fist.

The butler answered quickly, his brow forming deep furrows. “Mr. Price, whatever is wrong?”

“Lady Minerva is not at Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes’s house,” Evan said darkly. “No one there has seen her, nor do they expect her. Where is Her Grace?”

“She is preparing for the ball.” The butler appeared distressed. “Is Lady Minerva missing?”

“She is not where she is supposed to be. Her Grace must know where she is.”

The butler nodded. “I’ll fetch her at once.”

Evan paced, and his ankle protested. After his jumping from the carriage, it did not appreciate being further abused. Not that walking should have been abuse, but his ankle thought otherwise.

It was several minutes before Her Grace finally appeared. She was fully dressed, with her hair artfully arranged for tonight’s ball. She gave Evan a supremely haughty look. “Mr. Price, Warner said you were most anxious and needed to see me. I understand you are looking for Minerva.”

“She is not where she is supposed to be.”

“And where is that?” Her Grace asked with an irritating coolness.

“You don’t know?” Evan asked crossly. “What kind of mother are you? She left your household and has gone to stay with a friend. Except she’s not there.”

Her Grace frowned deeply, her entire face creasing, and Evan almost believed she was concerned. “I don’t know where she is. This is most upsetting. Perhaps she’s gone to her father’s. Have you looked for her there?”

“No, but I will.” Evan wasn’t sure he believed her, but what if she didn’t really know? “I heard Lord Spilsby accosted Min in the gardens today, and that she struck him.”

“Regrettably, yes,” Her Grace replied stiffly.

What did she regret? Spilsby’s behavior or her daughter’s? Evan didn’t ask. “Do you think it’s possible Spilsby has anything to do with Min’s disappearance?”

Her Grace frowned at him. “You are too familiar with my daughter, referring to her as ‘Min.’ It’s highly inappropriate.”

Evan barely kept himself from yelling at the woman. “What about Spilsby?”

“Spilsby has nothing to do with wherever Minerva has gone. The viscount is an affable young man. Indeed, I looked forward to him and Minerva becoming betrothed.”

Fury sparked anew in Evan. “You must know that is never happening.” Even if Min didn’t consent to marry Evan, he knew she would never marry Spilsby.

Warner had come back to the entrance hall, and Evan looked to him for answers. “How did Lady Minerva leave?”

“In Her Grace’s coach,” the butler replied. His eyes rounded, and he looked to Min’s mother. “You are not taking your coach to the ball tonight. You said you would be riding with Mrs. Lawler.”

Evan’s patience snapped. He turned on the duchess without bothering to check his anger. “You know your coach is gone—with Min in it. Where is she?”

Her Grace’s nostrils flared. For the first time, discomfort flickered in her eyes. “A friend needed to borrow my coach.”

“Wrong answer,” Evan snapped. “Where is your daughter? Answer me before I lose every remaining shred of politeness I possess.”

The duchess flinched. She pressed her lips together and looked away. “I did loan it to someone—Lord Spilsby.”

Evan began to shake with rage. “Why in the hell would you do that? Did he not just accost Min at the gardens today?”

“He did no such thing,” Her Grace replied crisply. “They were caught sharing an embrace. They are to be married.”

“That’s absolute horseshit.” Evan abandoned all semblance of propriety. There was no time for it, and the duchess didn’t deserve it. “He’s taken Min, hasn’t he?”

“I believe they have eloped,” she said. Was that approval in her tone? She definitely looked pleased with herself, and Evan fought to keep a rein on his temper.

“Min would not agree to that,” Evan growled. “She detested Spilsby. Where did he take her?”

When Her Grace did not respond, the butler stepped toward her. He looked nearly as angry as Evan felt. “Tell him.” Warner regarded his employer with contempt, and Evan decided he would hire the man to run his household when he and Min were wed. “What have you done to your own daughter?”

Min’s mother still didn’t respond. She lifted her chin and stared at them both as if they were vermin.

Evan somehow managed to keep his voice even, but he did not stop his lip from curling. “I’m sure Warner will be happy to fetch His Grace. Perhaps you’ll tell him where Min has been taken.” Kidnapped, more like. Evan clenched his fists as a fresh storm of fury thundered through him.

Her Grace’s eyes rounded the barest amount. “Lord Spilsby has taken her to Bristol.”

“That is not a place where people elope,” Evan said with derision. They would still need a special license or to have the banns read. “Why would he take her there?”

“Spilsby planned for them to be seen together, so that she would have to marry him,” Her Grace replied. “Because you are correct. She did not want to wed Spilsby, despite him being the best match she could make at this juncture. She said she would have been happier with someone like you or Jarvis. Was I supposed to let my only other child marry beneath her station? It’s bad enough my son wed the most common trollop.”

Evan had to bite his tongue to keep from unleashing his fury. However, he couldn’t ignore what Her Grace had said about her “only other child.”

“But Min isn’t your only other child, is she?” Evan pointed out softly.

Min’s mother gasped. “Why would you know anything else?”

“Because your daughter trusts me and cares for me and, God willing, will be my wife.” Evan turned to Warner. “Please send word to His Grace about what has happened and that I am on my way to Bristol on horseback and will intercept Lady Minerva and Spilsby.”

“I will, Mr. Price, and thank you.” The butler regarded him with appreciation. “Godspeed.”

Evan dashed from the house. He was tempted to run up to the mews near Catharine Place, but he instructed the coachman to drive him there. His ankle was already paining him, and he was about to put it through much worse, including stuffing it into his new riding boot.

When he arrived at the mews, he sent a groom to fetch his boots—and his pistol—from the house while he saddled Merlin himself. The horse seemed quite pleased that Evan was finally going to ride him. Evan murmured words of affection and encouragement. “We must ride faster than we ever have, my boy.”

Evan’s ankle protested when he donned the boot and again as he climbed into the saddle and put his foot into the stirrup. The pain faded as he focused on rescuing Min.

He rode out of the mews and kicked into a high gallop toward Bristol.