Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

“Wouldn’t you rather keep your distance from your stepson and his questionable company?”

Blythe stared at him. “Your brother does not trust me.”

She fought back the hot angry tears her confession brought on. It was humiliating to be so distrusted. She’d never been in this sort of situation before. She’d always had her family’s unwavering support. Leopold Randall wasn’t family yet. But he would be one day when the vows were spoken binding him to Mercy. Would her sister come to regard her with the same unease if the threats continued?

Tobias grabbed her hand. He threaded their fingers together. “Did I say my brother was a wise man? I did no such thing. But he is overwhelmed with the estate and hasn’t spared the time to get to know your character better. He will, though, but not if you leave before he has a chance to see the good in you.”

Blythe peered into Tobias’ face. His amber eyes held hers steadily, his lips lifted in a warm smile. Her heart beat erratically as he drew their joined hands against his chest. “Come back to Romsey and clear your name by helping me locate Oliver and Rose. I hope and pray they are still alive.”

Blythe’s breath caught. “Surely you don’t think . . .”

His expression darkened. “After what the duke put me through, no, I don’t hold out much hope. I had to find my own way home from half a world away and if Oliver and Rosemary haven’t done the same by now then I fear they will not at all. The most I expect is to discover where they were sent.”

His grip tightened and she covered his fist with her free hand. She’d never suspected he’d held so little hope of their recovery before now. Was the reason they hadn’t returned truly because they’d died far from home? How would Tobias bear the news that he might have been the lucky one?

As she beheld Tobias’ hopeless expression she made a decision. She’d be there to help search and if the news turned grim she’d offer what comfort she could. She knew how it felt to lose loved ones. Perhaps, if the worst came to pass, she could help him through the pain better than she’d done herself. “I’ll come back tonight.”

~ * ~

“Blythe,” Mercy called as she swept down the front stairs of Romsey Abbey to embrace her sister. “You came back.”

Tobias stepped back into the shadows of the entrance hall and let out a relieved breath. For a while there, he hadn’t been certain Blythe would keep her word and return to Romsey Abbey. As night came closer, he’d moved to the window with a clear view of the drive, hoping for a glimpse of movement. When a horse and smart open curricle had come into view with Blythe at the reins, he’d poured himself a drink.

A small celebratory drink.

“Everything is ready,” Blythe said as she handed her hat, gloves and pelisse to Wilcox with a smile and then chafed her hands together.

“Oh, you’re chilled through,” Mercy scolded. “Come, let’s get you warm again.”

As she moved away from the main door, Tobias stepped from the shadows to reveal his presence. “Good evening, Lady Venables.”

She curtseyed. “Good evening, sir.”

Then she swept from sight on her sisters arm, leaving Tobias alone with his elation. She’d come back. Oh, not come back for him, but she had come back to help with the hunt. She’d trusted his word that everything would take a turn for the better. That surely had to be better than fretting over the arrival of her worthless stepson or the graves of her family. He followed them into the drawing room where Blythe stood before the fire, getting warm again.

Mercy rubbed her hands. “Why ever did you drive the open curricle at this hour?”

Blythe smiled slowly. “I was thinking of Raphael today and how I never drive the last present he gave me. The curricle is very smart and perfect for short jaunts about the countryside if the weather permits. I’ll not have to engage one of your servants for the task if I wish to visit friends.”

Her gaze flittered to Tobias and then darted away again. That one glance clarified two points. Blythe valued her independence and second, she would never forget her son. Having her own curricle at Romsey allowed her to come and go as she pleased. She could visit Harrowdale and no one, particularly her sister, would be any the wiser.

“I’ve always admired that carriage,” Mercy admitted, “but there is only room for two.”

“Well, it’s perfect for me nowadays. Am I too late?”

Tobias listened to Blythe as the two women chatted. She sounded almost happy to be back and he was pleased she had listened to him. He honestly did need her help.

“No, we were to dine in an hour so you will have ample time to change,” Mercy advised. “Are you very tired from your visit home? I could have dinner brought forward if you’d like. I’m sure Cook won’t mind.”

“No, that won’t be necessary, but I would like to change. It’s been a very busy day. I feel slightly gritty. I’ll rejoin you all shortly.”

Any grittiness would have come from her time in Harrowdale, but that was their secret. He had no intention of betraying her trust. Tobias nodded to her as she excused herself. The silence left in her wake deafened.

“I thought you said she was gone for good,” Leopold said as he strolled in and kissed Mercy’s cheek.

“Well, that is what she said to me earlier today.” Mercy caught Leopold’s hand and pulled him toward the loveseat. “Something must have changed. She never usually reverses herself so quickly.”

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad she’s returned. At least now you can stop fretting over her.” Leopold pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles and Tobias looked away. They’d forgotten he was in the room. Again. Did all soon-to-be-wed couples behave in such a way? Tobias didn’t think they did. Maybe he could ask Blythe for advice to fill the gap in his understanding. If he ever proposed to a woman, he should know how to behave and what was allowed. It was as good an