A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1) - Laura Beers (macos ebook reader .TXT) 📗

could travel around the world and learn to use a cutlass,” Jane declared.

“Dear child,” Harriet sighed, “whatever am I going to do with you?”

Jane laughed. “We shall grow old together, and I will read you books by the fireplace.”

“What of grandchildren?”

“That is what Baldwin and Oliver are for,” Jane replied quickly. “They need heirs, not me.”

Harriet shifted her gaze. “What do you think about that, Madalene?”

Lowering her hand, Madalene replied, “I believe I shall join you by the fireplace and delight in Jane’s storytelling.”

“You both are terrible,” Harriet remarked, softening her words with a smile. “One day, you will both be married and have lots of children running around your estates.”

“I hope our estates are neighboring,” Jane mused. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Before Madalene could respond, Graham stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Hawthorne would like a moment of your time, Miss.”

Jane eyed her curiously. “Why is my brother calling upon you?”

“Perhaps he has an update on Edith,” Madalene replied.

“Why would that be the case?”

Madalene glanced over at the door before saying, “He offered to look into her disappearance.”

“But my brother is a marquess,” Jane said. “What could he possibly do to help Edith?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but it seemed like a good idea at the time to accept his help.” Madalene turned her attention back towards Graham. “Will you send Lord Hawthorne in, please?”

“As you wish,” Graham replied as he departed from the room to do her bidding.

A moment later, Lord Hawthorne stepped into the room wearing a dark green jacket, an ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers. His eyes widened with surprise when he saw his mother and sister in the room.

“Mother,” he acknowledged. “Jane.”

Jane frowned. “May I ask why you are calling on my friend?” she asked. “You don’t intend to yell at her again, do you?”

“That is not my intention,” Lord Hawthorne replied.

“Then what is?” Jane pressed.

Lord Hawthorne ignored the question, instead turning his attention to Madalene. “May I have a moment of your time, Miss Dowding?” he asked. “I have something private I would like to discuss with you.”

Rising, Harriet announced cheerfully, “I believe this would be a good time for us to depart. Don’t you agree, Jane?”

“I suppose it is,” Jane replied reluctantly as she rose.

Harriet stepped over to Lord Hawthorne and kissed his cheek. “Will we see you for dinner tonight?”

“You will not,” Lord Hawthorne said. “I regret to inform you that Oliver and I have business that we need to attend to.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Harriet remarked as she attempted to hide her disappointment, “but we understand.”

“I don’t,” Jane muttered.

Lord Hawthorne glanced over at his sister and asked, “Would you care to go riding before breakfast tomorrow?”

“I’m afraid I am busy, but I thank you for the kind offer,” Jane remarked dryly.

Despite Lord Hawthorne’s face remaining expressionless, Madalene detected pain in his eyes at his sister’s rejection.

“Come along, Mother,” Jane said before she hurried out of the room.

Harriet watched Jane’s retreating figure before she gave her son an apologetic smile. “We will see you soon, won’t we?”

“You will,” Lord Hawthorne assured her.

With a parting glance at Madalene, Harriet stepped out of the drawing room.

Madalene rose from the settee. “What did you wish to discuss with me?” she asked, finding herself increasingly curious.

In a few strides, Lord Hawthorne closed the distance between them and said in a low voice, “I need a favor.”

“From me?”

He nodded, his eyes intently watching her.

“What would you ask of me?” she inquired, clasping her hands in front of her.

“I need to abduct you,” he remarked simply.

“I beg your pardon?” Madalene went to take a step back, to create more distance between them, but the settee behind her prevented her retreat.

Lord Hawthorne appeared displeased by her reaction. “Perhaps I should start from the beginning,” he suggested.

“I think that would be best.”

“I have a credible lead on some missing girls, and there is a chance that Edith could be among them.”

“That is wonderful news!” she gushed.

He nodded slowly. “It is, but we are unable to retrieve the girls right away.”

Madalene tilted her head. “And why is that?”

“I’m not at liberty to say, but it is of utmost importance.” His words may have been curt, but she could tell that he was in earnest.

“I believe you,” she found herself admitting.

Lord Hawthorne stared at her with uncertainty in his eyes. “You believe me?” he asked. “Just like that?”

“I do.”

“You don’t require an additional explanation?”

Madalene shook her head. “Not unless you intend to divulge more.”

“I do not.”

“Then it would appear that my curiosity must be satisfied.”

Wiping a hand over his chin, Lord Hawthorne looked puzzled. “It would appear that I have underestimated you yet again.”

Madalene lifted her brow. “Now, will you kindly explain why you need to abduct me?”

“I would take you to a pub near the docks where the other missing girls are being held,” Lord Hawthorne shared. “You will be in no immediate danger. I will have two people ensuring that you remain safe.”

“Who are these people?”

“One is my brother, Oliver, and the other is none of your concern. With any luck, you won’t even see him.”

“I see.”

“After you are with the missing girls, the Bow Street Runners will raid the pub and set you free.”

“Will it truly be that simple?”

He winced. “There are some risks associated with this plan.”

“Such as?”

“The Bow Street Runners might not come immediately, and you may be required to protect yourself,” he said.

“And how exactly would I do that?”

Lord Hawthorne reached into his boot and pulled out a small pistol. “Are you familiar with how to use a muff pistol?”

“I am not.”

“That is disconcerting,” he replied, frowning. “It is not uncommon for a lady to carry one in her reticule.”

Glancing down at the pistol, Madalene remarked, “I have never been in a position that required the use of one.”

“I shall bring my spare with me tomorrow and give it to you,” Lord Hawthorne said, returning the muff pistol to his boot.

“I am not opposed to that.”

“Good,” he replied. “Do you carry a knife on your person?”

“I do