Vexing the Viscount

“It might take that long,” he drawled. “Or it might not. If this person is so eager to inherit that he would attempt to kill five people, I doubt he will wait a long time to claim the title.” Even the idea of someone attempting to kill so many for a title seemed mad at best. “No one would believe the man had nothing to do with our deaths.”

“But where will we go?”

“Good question.” Braden rubbed his chin. “I believe we need to speak with Jonathon and make sure he is willing to be a part of this plan.” Which brought up another question: How did he contact his brother when he had no idea where he was staying?

“Once you get word to your brother, let me know. I shall be at my home until this is settled.”

“Very good. I will let you know as soon as I hear from him.”

Alistair bowed and left the room. Now Braden was left with trying to determine a way to contact Jonathon and there was only one person who could assist him. He left the house, still wondering what he would say should Eldridge be at home. What excuse could he have for paying a call on Emily?

There was only one he could think of.

When he arrived at the earl’s home, he knocked on the door. He handed his card to the butler and waited to be admitted.

“Lord Eldridge is not at home, my lord,” the stiff butler replied.

Which was just a way of telling him that Eldridge did not want Braden to enter his home. “I am here to see Lady Eldridge. It is concerning her dear friend Miss Featherstone.”

“Miss Featherstone?” The butler frowned before opening the door fully to him. “Wait in the salon, my lord. I shall let Lady Eldridge know you are here.”

Feeling as restless as Alistair must have, Braden paced the room. Finally, delicate footsteps sounded from the hall. He stopped and turned to see Emily standing at the threshold with a look of worry upon her face.

“Middleton, what happened to Tia?”

“Lady Eldridge, please sit down with me on the sofa so we can talk.”

“Oh, God, she’s dead, isn’t she?” Emily covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes.

“No. She is not dead.” He sat on the sofa and patted the place next to him. “I must speak with you privately.”

She tilted her head and then nodded. After sitting, she asked, “What is wrong with Tia?”

“Nothing,” he said softly. “I must get a message to Jonathon. He came to my home last night, but wouldn’t tell me where he was staying.”

“I honestly don’t know where he is staying,” she whispered. “I leave a missive for him.”

“Where?”

“At Hyde Park. If you go in at Grosvenor Gate, there is a small group of trees on the right. One of them is forked and at the fork, there is a cut in the tree just large enough for a folded piece of paper. That is where we have been leaving the notes.”

“Thank you, Lady Eldridge.”

“What exactly are you thanking my wife for, Middleton?”

Braden looked over to see Eldridge standing at the threshold with his arms folded over his chest. “Miss Featherstone is missing. I thought Lady Eldridge might have heard from her.”

“And has she?” he asked.

“No.” Braden rose from the sofa. “I must take my leave now. Thank you for your time, Lady Eldridge.”

“Of course, my lord. I wish you only the best in finding her.”

“Th

ank you.” Braden bowed toward Eldridge. “My lord,” he muttered. Once out of the house, he returned home only long enough to write a note to Jonathon. He rode out to Hyde Park and prayed he found the right tree before he left the missive. Now, he needed to get the special license and a note to the runner.

After he arrived home, he found Tia in the library, reading another book on family history. “Sweetheart, are you still trying to figure out this mess?”