“Waylaid by highwaymen,” Maximilian answered.
Wilmot frowned. “How extraordinary. We have not had trouble with road bandits for years. I expect they robbed you and let you go?”
Maximilian raised a brow. “I killed one and fought the others off. Nigel will be taking the dead man into York and engage the constables to hunt down the others.”
“Ah, good for you, old chap,” Wilmot said, smiling a little. “Who would have thought my brother was such a fearsome brawler.”
“They certainly did not.”
“Nor did I. And you appear to be quite the mild-mannered fellow. Good night.”
Wilmot passed him by, Maximilian turning to watch him leave, frowning, until he turned a corner. Something his brother said nagged at him, and he slowly walked up the stairs.
I am missing something here.
It was not until he reached his chambers and opened the door did it strike him. Maximilian stopped, gazing into space.
“I never told anyone where I was going,” he said, his voice soft. “I wrote to Edmund, then left to go see him. So how did those villains know where I would be and when?”
Chapter 26
Once again, Eugenia refused to go to the kitchen to eat her breakfast, and Lady Helena reluctantly agreed to have food sent up to their chambers. “Remember, Eugenia,” she said in her tone firm, “you agreed to stop brooding about in here. Today.”
“I know,” Eugenia said, avoiding her eyes. “I will try. Perhaps later.”
“If it gets you out and about,” Lady Helena said as she walked toward the door, “then I may even agree to visit those wretched stables with you.”
Eugenia smiled wanly. “That might get me out.”
Trying not to think about – or miss – Max, Eugenia kept herself busy by cleaning the rooms and caring for Lady Helena’s clothes. Thoughts of him intruded into her mind. She really did miss seeing him – missed him terribly – and told herself shemustget past her doubts. But every time she did, the specter of the man who tried to throw her off the battlement intruded.
Even now, as she considered it, her belly twisted into knots, and she broke out into a sweat.If I venture from these rooms, he will find me, he will kill me.Sitting down to gaze out the window, Eugenia watched the activity below at the stables as the grooms worked to clean, feed, water, and exercise the horses. She thought she saw her small friend, the colt with the bad foot, down there with his mother as the mare was walked by a groom.
The normal sight below helped soothed her anxieties, but she could not see herself going outside to visit the colt or the other foals in the stalls. Her belly tight, she fought to not be afraid, to conquer her fears, and resume some normal feelings. A knock at the door made her jump, and she forced herself to answer it.
It was a kitchen servant with her breakfast. Eugenia thanked her and accepted the tray to set it on a table. She had hardly felt hungry over the last few days and just stared at the delicious smelling food. “Better eat before it gets cold,” she told herself. She had no appetite but managed to eat as much as of the eggs and scones she could before pushing the rest away.
Lady Helena burst into the room, bringing a short, sharp scream from Eugenia. “Oh, my God, Eugenia,” she gasped, oblivious to Eugenia’s fright. “His Grace was attacked last night!”
“What?”
Her fear forgotten, Eugenia, hurried toward her. “Attacked? By whom? Is he all right?”
“Yes, he is fine,” Lady Helena said. “It was the talk at breakfast. Four highwaymen attacked him, but he killed one of them. The others rode off after he fought them to a standstill.”
“And he was not hurt? You are sure?”
“Of course, I am.” Lady Helena gave her a withering glance. “He sent the dead one to York and will finally get the constables involved.”
Eugenia bit her lip. “I must see him. I do not suppose you know where he was going after breakfast, do you?”
“Yes, you must, and I believe he mentioned wanting to visit the stables. Mr. Oldman is right outside to escort you.”
“You should come,” Eugenia said, grabbing her cloak. “We must stay together.”
Lady Helena shook her head. “No, I am going to spend time with my mother in her chambers. She is finally getting strong enough to perhaps come to the dining room for meals. You go on. I will be perfectly fine by myself.”
“Thank you.”
