Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)

“Did you check on her carriage?”

“It remains at the wheelwright’s.” He paused. “But it seems that another carriage mysteriously disappeared. The owner of the shop is currently attempting to explain the disappearance to a furious Count Schuster.”

His brows lifted. “Miss Karkoff stole a carriage?”

“I cannot say that for certain.”

With a wry shake of his head, Stefan rose to his feet. Leonida was proving to be aggravatingly

resourceful.

“It would seem the chase is on yet again.”

“May I speak frankly, your Grace?”

Stefan swallowed a sigh of impatience, already knowing what was on the servant’s mind.

“Of course, Boris.”

“Perhaps you should consider returning to England.” His gaze shifted to Stefan’s shoulder. “It is obvious that Miss Karkoff has acquired some very dangerous enemies.”

“Yes, she does appear to have spoken the truth in that at least.”

“Lord Summerville would be very displeased if you were shot dead.”

“I would not be excessively pleased myself.”

“He would desire that I return you to your home.”

“Your sage advice is duly noted, Boris, but Edmond knows me well enough to realize that once I set upon a course I will not be dissuaded.” He offered the servant a faint smile. “You will not be blamed for my untimely death.”

Boris furrowed his brow. “As you say.”

Stefan stilled, sensing the servant’s tension. “Is there more?”

“Miss Karkoff is well loved in Russia. She is one of the few close to the Romanovs who urges a less brutal repression of the peasants and is well-known to generously contribute to a number of charities.”

“Commendable, but I am not certain I comprehend your warning.”

“Once Miss Karkoff enters Russia only a fool would dare to cause her harm,” Boris explained, his voice hard. “Not unless he wishes to be attacked by an angry mob.”

Stefan sighed. How the devil had he gotten into such a mess? A deceitful, thieving lover who had drugged him and was now determined to escape him. Mysterious enemies lurking in the shadows. Angry mobs…

Hardly the sort of existence the Duke of Huntley was accustomed to.

Not that he was about to be deterred. When he set his mind on a prize, nothing was allowed to thwart his will. Whether it was a rare first edition, a prized bull or a woman who haunted his dreams.

“Then we must find Miss Karkoff before she reaches Russia.”

“There is a vast amount of land between here and St. Petersburg.”

“The sooner we begin our hunt, the sooner it will end.”

The servant offered a grudging bow. “As you wish.”

Stefan pulled on his gloves, his brow furrowed as he recalled the desperation in Leonida’s eyes as she had given him one last kiss.

“Boris.”