Chasing Eliza (Cavendish Mysteries 3)

It should have been easy to accept Eliza’s thanks and ride away satisfied that he had done everything he could for her, and achieved what he had set out to do. She was now safely in Peter’s hands, and was on her way to meet up with the small army that had been tasked with ensuring her safe keeping. She was fine. He could now get on with his own life.

It should have been simple.

By the time Sebastian and Edward pulled to a stop in front of Havistock Hall two days later Sebastian was reduced to keeping a watchful, if amused distance as Edward battled with his inner demons.

Tired and dusty, they dismounted and handed the reins over to the waiting grooms before making their way into the house. Edward ordered a fresh horse before following Sebastian through the heavy oak door into the large cavernous hallway of Dominic’s house.

He closed the door behind him and turned in time to witness the look of sheer joy suffuse Sebastian’s face as he swept his wife into his arms for a loving hug, oblivious to the spectators who had appeared in the hallway to greet the new arrivals. Spying the Earl of Eastleigh standing in the doorway of the Library with a bemused smile on his face, Edward moved over to say hello before turning to Isobel.

“Where is Dominic?” Izzy asked, trying to peer around Edward’s bulk to scan the hallway.

Edward turned and shared a glance with Sebastian. The last thing he wanted to do was spend several hours recounting events to satisfy the curiosity of the ladies.

“Sebastian will update you on events to date. There is going to be a slight delay in Peter and Dominic returning. Meantime-,” he bowed stiffly in a rare display of formality that was unfamiliar in the laid-back family home. Oblivious to the growing concern of the women, he stalked towards the door, a dark glower on his face. “I will take my leave. If anyone should need me I’ll me at my estate.”

He was tired. For some reason he couldn’t sleep, despite the exhaustion that gnawed at him. It would be good to get home and think of something – anything – other than the troublesome female who seemed to have taken up haunting his dreams.

With a scowl, Edward nudged his horse into a gallop, relishing the biting winds on his face as he swept towards home. If only it was so easy to race away from his demons.

“What’s wrong with him?” Amelia asked her husband, staring at the door Edward had so abruptly disappeared through.

“He’s in love.” Sebastian replied knowingly, ignoring his wife’s gasp as he dragged her into the Library to join Isobel and Eastleigh. Within moments they were seated before the fireplace while Sebastian brought them up to date.

Later that night Edward stood with one broad, naked shoulder propped against the open shutter as he stared out into the darkness beyond the window.

The skies were clear, revealing a myriad of twinkling stars and a large, brilliant white moon that was so clear, Edward felt he coul

d step out of the window and onto it.

The staff who had worked for his uncle had all returned, enthusing about the wonderful new house and master. They had pulled out all the stops to ensure his comfort. He had been treated to the most sumptuous feast; a royal court would have been spoilt. The brandy filling the cellars was the finest he had ever imbibed; the food delicious and plentiful.

But there was a sense of dissatisfaction about the whole thing. Something was wrong. Seriously wrong.

Inevitably his thoughts turned to Eliza and he wondered if she was eating properly. She never seemed to eat enough, always picking at her food and tearing it into little pieces while lost in thought. By his calculation they should be about two days away from Padstow by now.

He wondered how Eliza was feeling about returning to her family home for the first time in a year. Was she scared that Jemima had been there and not left a note? Or was she worried that Scraggan would capture her? Had they faced any more skirmishes?

Edward returned to the bed and lay down, staring blankly at the canopy high above. He had spent most of the last few years fighting. First in France; then chasing around after Isobel; then chasing around after Amelia.

Now it seemed, he was destined to be chasing around after Eliza. If he left at first light in the morning and rode hard, he could catch up with them before they made the journey into Padstow. It would mean two long days of hard riding, but he could do it.

“Wait a minute?” Edward growled into the darkness. “I’m not going after Eliza.” He sighed and turned over, tugging the soft sheet over his shoulder.

But sleep was still elusive and he sighed again after a few moments of staring into the darkness, valiantly trying to ignore the deep ache in the region of his heart.

“I’m not.” He muttered several hours later as he watched the sunlight peep over the horizon.

He jolted awake a short time later by the sudden thump of a heavy object on the bed beside him.

“What the-?” He scowled darkly at Sebastian who stood glaring at him.

“Get up. We’ve got work to do.” Sebastian snapped, in no mood to argue with his recalcitrant brother.

Edward felt the blood freeze in his veins as he took in Sebastian’s stark expression.

“Eliza? What is it? What’s happened?” He demanded, throwing the covers back and dragging his clothes on haphazardly. Fear locked in his throat. He was about to pin Sebastian to the wall and beat the news out of him when his brother turned towards him with a hard glare.

“We’ve found Jemima.” Sebastian replied harshly, motioning towards the saddle bag. “Bring that. We’re going to Padstow. Now.”