Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

Chapter Fifteen

Logan returned to his study but stopped in the doorway.

A half cup of tea sat on the table along with an uneaten biscuit. Clear evidence that Penny had been in the room, but it was now empty. At least he assumed she’d been the one eating and drinking.

He stood for a moment, trying to decide what to do. Had she just stepped out for a moment? Would she return? Was something wrong with one of the children? Not sure what else to do, he headed upstairs.

But she wasn’t in the nursery, with Clarissa, or in her own room. Mr. Winters hadn’t seen her, and she’d not made an appearance in the kitchen. Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he returned to his study. Perhaps they’d just missed each other in the halls.

But before he could step through the door, he was met by Mr. Winters. “Her coat is gone.”

“What?” he asked, scrunching his brow. “Why would her coat be gone?”

Mr. Winters shook his head. “I don’t know. But it is.”

Sick dread filled his stomach. Snowfall had increased, and the wind howled outside. It was no time to be taking a stroll. Why would Penny venture out in such conditions? His gut clenched. “Is Baxter still here?”

“Yes,” Mr. Winters answered. “I had a tray of refreshments brought to him just a few moments ago.”

Logan scratched his head, then strode into his office. Part of him wanted to dash out the door and catch her, but learning why she left seemed important. He’d know where she’d gone if he could only discover what had sent her out into the snow in the first place. Logan crossed to his desk attempting to puzzle out what might have happened when he caught sight of the invitation on his desk.

He stopped, his blood going cold.

It lay in plain sight, exactly where he’d left it. The bold lettering legible from some distance. Did Penny think he planned to court another?

Well, he had planned that, actually.

But it felt like the Den of Sins all over again. He’d withheld information. This time, not intentionally. He’d simply changed his mind. He’d reached out to that other candidate to help move on and forget Penny. It had seemed right at the time but now…

And without context, she’d have no idea that he planned to wed a beautiful orphanage owner…

He groaned, scrubbing his face. While he still didn’t know exactly where she’d gone, she likely hadn’t set out with a plan either. It was unlike her to not put her charges first. Had she left upset and had marched off into the snow? Had she even worn enough clothing? His insides twisted again. “Have my horse saddled. Immediately. How long since she was last seen?”

“It can’t be more than half an hour.” Mr. Winters spun on his heel toward the door. “I’ll have your horse readied.”

“Thank you,” he said as he followed Winters out the door. That made him feel slightly better. She hadn’t frozen to death in a half hour. He stopped at the sitting room where Baxter waited.

Stepping into the room, the man was slung low in his chair. Was he asleep? “Baxter?”

The other man sat up, his eyes sharp, a frown on his face. “Is everything all right? You sound odd.”

Logan frowned. He wasn’t used to confiding in people. Nor did he like to ask for aid. Ever. But much in his life was changing. He didn’t like confessing to Baxter but another man searching would make his job far easier. “Penny saw some of my correspondence and has the mistaken impression I plan to marry another woman.”

Baxter’s smile returned, the serious look he’d worn a few moments before, disappearing. “How very interesting.”

Logan grimaced. He’d not feed the man’s interest any further. “She’s left the house and it’s begun to snow. I’d like to collect her before she freezes to death.”

Baxter’s smile slipped. “Say no more. How may I be of service?”

Logan gave a single nod of thanks. “I assume you ride?”

“Of course.” The other man was already rising. “Let’s begin.”

Logan gave a quick jerk of his chin. “Thank you.” He scrubbed his scalp again. “I’m of two minds. She either is ambling about with no real direction or she headed for Adderley Street.”

“Adderley Street? Near the Den of Sins?”

“Precisely,” Logan grimaced as they made their way down the back stairs toward the kitchen.