“We share no other commonality.”
“Except for the fact we’re all peers,” Alexander added.
Evelyn smiled. “And you’re all English. Perhaps she has a thorough dislike for arrogant foreigners.”
“Then that would include most of the gentlemen in London,” Alexander said, the corners of his mouth twitching.
Elliot was pleased they could make light of such a terrifying situation. Doing so helped suppress his anxiety, gave him hope they would find Leo safe and well and could all go home and continue as before. However, there was a strange feeling in the air: an icy breeze capable of penetrating through the hardiest resolve. He suspected their lives would be altered by any further interaction with the woman who had stolen their humanity.
Evelyn tapped Grace on the arm, whispered in her ear, and they both scanned the boisterous crowd, suddenly gasping as they stared at a woman clearing tables.
“You did say Leo is attracted to a particular type of woman.” Evelyn nodded to the petite golden-haired wench. “Perhaps we should ask her? I would wager a year’s clothing allowance he has taken her up to his chamber.”
“We will say he is our brother,” Grace added. “That way she will be more forthcoming. We’ll say he has an illness where he forgets things, and we grew worried when he did not return home.”
Evelyn nodded. “Come on.”
Alexander leant across the table and put his hand on his wife’s arm. “I do not think it is wise to go off alone.”
“I’m not alone. Grace is with me, and we will not leave the tavern. Besides, if you go out tonight to search for Leo we will be alone then.”
Elliot put a hand of reassurance on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure they will be fine.” He glanced at Grace. “If you fail to return within ten minutes, I am coming to find you.”
They watched the ladies converse with the serving wench, their friendly countenance helping to secure her cooperation. Grace glanced back over her shoulder and gave a confident grin.
“Damn, I still can’t believe how lucky I am,” Elliot said. The thought of losing such a precious treasure caused a dull ache in his chest. “Do you remember what you asked me in the garden of Evelyn’s aunt’s house?”
Alexander narrowed his gaze. “What, that I want you to kill me should anything happen to Evelyn? I have not changed my mind. Our pact still stands.”
“Then I want you to do the same for me.” Elliot had never been happier than he had during the two months he had spent with Grace. “I love her deeply and cannot envisage a life without her.”
Alexander sat back in the chair. “I understand completely. Does Grace know you’re immortal?”
“Of course not.” He knew such a revelation would upset her, particularly when she discovered he would never age. “I’ll tell her at some point, just not yet. After all we’ve been through, I’d like a few years of peace and happiness.”
“The words have almost slipped from my lips many times,” Alexander confessed. “But I cannot bear to see Evelyn’s eyes filled with sorrow. While I do not wish to deceive her, I am too weak to admit the truth.”
Elliot forced a smile. “I’m glad our wives have become such good friends. It is important to have support from someone who understands your plight.”
Alexander nodded. “You know I would like nothing more than to lock Evelyn away at Stony Cross and keep her all to myself. But I am beginning to think it is not healthy for her. When we return to England, I am considering spending a few months of the year in London. I would like her to see more of Grace. If you’re in agreement, we will time our trips to coincide with yours.”
Elliot could not hide his surprise. “Then some good has come from spending three weeks together in a carriage,” he chuckled. “We are family in every sense of the word. I think it is important to support one another. With such a debilitating affliction such as ours, we should remain close.”
Alexander gave a weary sigh. “All we need to do now is find that wayward brother of ours and drag him home. Perhaps on our return, we should trawl the ballrooms in the hope of finding a lady willing to tame him.”
“She would have to have golden hair and a desire to let him drink her blood,” he said in jest. “I doubt it will be too difficult to find someone suitable.”
“No. It will be bloody impossible.”
They both laughed, but Elliot’s mood darkened when Grace and Evelyn appeared, their grim faces sending a bolt of fear shooting through him.
“Is something amiss?” he said as soon as they approached the table.
They both sat down. Grace nodded to Evelyn, who said, “Leo left the tavern two nights ago. The wench said she spent time with him in his chamber, saw him climb into a carriage and has not seen him since. All of his clothes and belongings are still upstairs.”
A hard lump formed in Elliot’s throat and he couldn’t speak.
“Does she know whose carriage it was?” Alexander asked.