Engaging the Enemy (The Wild Randalls 1)

Leopold had not ventured in that direction since his return. The thought of standing in his mother’s parlor again had been too much to bear. He would rather remember his childhood home as it was, well tended and full of life, than empty.

He sat on the edge of the desk. “Can you describe the fellow?”

Eamon scowled. “The widow Turner is a fanciful creature.”

“Regardless, what did she say about him.” Leopold crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

“That he was trouble, whatever that means. She calls half the lads around here trouble, me included.”

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Leopold grinned. “You are trouble, Eamon. She is correct about that.”

Eamon laughed. “Too right, too right. She said he frightened her near to death. Terrible visage.”

“So, not a handsome man? A brute?”

“She didn’t say he was big or nothing.” Eamon scratched his jaw. “An ape. That was her exact words.”

Leopold frowned. This lead could amount to nothing and it didn’t fit with the man he had seen in the grounds last night. Although at something of a distance, he’d not describe the intruder as ape-like. “Anything else?”

“Nope.” Eamon looked about him curiously. His gaze skimmed over the table where three weapons lay concealed beneath a cloth, he took in the rest of the chamber, and then settled his gaze again on the concealed weapons. “What’s under there?”

As a younger man, Eamon had been a fairly good shot. With those weapons, the duke’s finest, he had a decent chance of hitting any target he chose to aim for. Leopold moved toward the table and set his fingertips on the cloth. “Do you remember playing spies as a boy? You always wanted to defend the king, if I remember correctly.”

Eamon laughed. “Toby always got his way and I had no choice but to be a villain.”

“Well, Tobias isn’t here and I control the game now.” Leopold uncovered the guns. “How would feel about defending a duke instead of a King?”

Eamon gaped.

Leopold handed over a weapon. “The boy’s life is in danger and he has only us to protect him. Are you willing?”

Eamon took the weapon from him and tested the weight. “Thought you’d never ask.”

It was now Leopold’s turn to gape. “What exactly do you know?”

“That the duchess is terrified. The whole village knows of her situation and, despite the danger, are ever so glad you’re back. Can’t understand why she’s still here but we’ll catch the bastard. You just wait and see.” Eamon winked. “I moved some friends onto the grounds when I got your note. I took that as your permission. They’ll advance on the abbey as night falls and take up positions around the place wherever I tell them. We’ll keep you safe and snug here.”

Leopold frowned. “I’ll be outside with you in the grounds.”

Eamon shook his head. “Oh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. After all, you’re next in line for the title. You’ll need our protection, too.”

~ * ~

Patience had never been Mercy’s strong suit. She paced the chamber while her son napped and couldn’t control her anxiety, counting her steps as she crossed the room. Twenty three wide, sixteen across. She frowned and turned around. Counting again, she retraced her steps.

Where was Leopold, and what perils was he facing?

Worry gnawed her insides. Her troubles had placed him in danger. The whole duchy’s future was in jeopardy if Leopold and Edwin fell victim to this unknown madman. She shivered and rubbed her arms. The estate would fall to the crown and she would be cast out unless the king allowed an unprecedented change to the succession. She doubted that would happen.

She stopped at a sudden thought. If Leopold’s siblings were found, there was still a chance for the estate to remain with the Randall’s. She may only have married into the family, but she was uncommonly fond of the ones she knew. Strange Randall’s would be better than seeing the great family fall.

“What are you plotting now, Your Grace?”

She looked up at the interruption. “Blythe, thank goodness you came back! I was beginning to worry about you.”

“I told Mr. Randall last night I was perfectly safe.” A frown grew across Blythe’s brow. “But I do appreciate his concern for you and the duke. As such, I packed a few things and will stay here until the danger has passed.”

Mercy embraced her sister tightly. That Blythe had changed her mind and would remain here relieved Mercy beyond belief. Now she had only one soul to worry about outside the abbey walls.