“I said she saved my life. Did you happen to see a man-eating rabbit on your journey from the dock?” Fabian couldn’t help but chuckle. Nonetheless, the incident with Aubrey was no laughing matter. “During a fight on the heath, Lord Cornell’s man pulled a blade and would have used it had Lillian not shot it out of his hand.”
Pride flashed in Vane’s eyes but faded when a frown marred his brow. “If you have a gripe with Cornell, I would rather you didn’t involve my sister.”
Fabian recalled Vane’s ignorance when it came to Cornell’s involvement in the scandal with Lord Martin. Any other time he would have relished breaking the news. But after hearing Lillian’s tragic story, it left a bitter taste in his mouth now.
“Cornell is the man who bribed Lord Martin to ruin Lillian.” Fabian watched Vane’s expression darken. “Cornell’s man has been following you for some time, hence the reason he came here. We have him in the dungeon should you wish to question the prisoner.”
Like the Devil bursting out of a fiery grave, Vane shot up. “Cornell? You mean to tell me that weasel is the one responsible for ruining my sister’s life?” He dragged his hand down his face. “I swear I’ll drive my fist through his chest, rip out his blasted heart and eat it for supper.”
Under the circumstances, Vane’s volatile reaction was to be commended.
“The motive for my recent visit to London was not only to inform you of Lillian’s whereabouts but to punish Lord Cornell for the part he played.”
Fabian told Vane how he had stripped and taunted the shackled lord.
“Then it seems I am the one who owes you a debt of gratitude.”
“I did it for Lillian. To bring an end to her nightmare. To bring her peace.”
Vane covered his heart with his hand and inclined his head respectfully. “You should not have let him live.”
“If you think that is the end of the matter with Cornell, then you are mistaken.” Fabian would not rest until the lord was lying destitute in the gutter. “Sometimes death makes a man a martyr. Humiliation is by far a more just and lasting punishment. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Vane sat down. “I don’t profess to be a patient man. But the thought of seeing Cornell suffer has appeal. Once I’ve spoken to Lillian, and I am assured of her happiness, I should like time alone with the prisoner.”
Poor Aubrey. A few minutes with Vane and the thug would confess to all manner of misdemeanours. “As you wish.”
Mackenzie returned. He strode towards them but seemed flustered. “Forgive me, my lord. I know you asked me to summon her ladyship, but she’s left the castle.”
Left the castle? Where the hell had she gone? A frisson of fear coursed through him. But with Aubrey locked in the cell, he had no reason to worry. Had she absconded to avoid Vane’s wrath?
“No doubt she’s gone for a walk while we settle our dispute,” Fabian said to reassure Vane. He turned to Mackenzie. “Inform me the moment she returns.”
Mackenzie lingered, his anxiety evident in the way he tugged and played with his beard. “I believe she’s gone to the cottages, my lord. I was to accompany her, but errands kept me here.”
As a lady trained to manage sprawling country estates, perhaps she thought it her duty to visit the tenants. “She has probably emptied the kitchen of sweet treats and taken a basket to Mary.”
“Aye, she intends to visit Mary. After the attack in the bedchamber, no one has seen Mary for two days, and her ladyship is eager to find the culprit.”
It took a moment for the words to penetrate. “Someone attacked Mary?”
Mackenzie shook his head. “No, my lord. Someone attacked Lady Ravenscroft. Did she not tell you about the intruder?”
Fabian frowned as a cloud of confusion filled his head.
“Did I not say you lived with a band of brigands?” Vane’s hard tone penetrated the silence. “And I heard your men had the utmost respect for you.”
“We do.” Mackenzie puffed out his chest. “No man here would dare cross the Raven.”
“Evidently, you’re wrong,” Vane countered. “Only a traitorous brute would attack a lady in her home.”
“Her ladyship believes a woman attacked her.”
Fabian jumped to his feet. He couldn’t think clearly. His racing pulse pounded in his ears. “Is there anything else you need to tell me, Mackenzie?”
Mackenzie paused. “Only that in your absence someone has been digging for treasure. Lady Ravenscroft saw two figures on the heathland.” His shoulders slumped. “I would have told you sooner, but you’ve not left the bedchamber since your return.”
Vane muttered a curse.