“It is also my belief, My Lord, Miss Miller,” Liam continued, “that perhaps this rat is not very intelligent. Combined with the heightened need to kill you, if he is indeed under pressure, that may be enough to trap him.”
Mr. Noonan nodded thoughtfully. “My Lord, they may have a very valid point. I must also comment on the fact that despite his failure to kill you the night of the party, he did indeed remain to try again, this time attacking Miss Miller.”
“I am intrigued, as well as angered,” Lord Willowdale remarked, his tone dark, “that with all these attempts to kill me, he suddenly tried to shoot my sister. Why the change?”
“You are quite right, My Lord,” Liam agreed. “In all these weeks, he had never tried harming her until yesterday. Forgive me for commenting on what I heard you and Miss Miller conversing about, but you had determined this murderer hunted only you. Were I to guess, My Lord is that he is indeed becoming desperate.”
“Perhaps he believes killing Miss Miller will be enough to satisfy his master,” Mr. Noonan added, “as well as perhaps an easier target.”
“I suppose sitting in the garden for a time would not hurt me,” Lord Willowdale said with a small shrug. “I am skeptical, I will admit. However, I see no other alternatives to dragging this killer out of hiding.”
“Unless My Lord.” Liam met his gaze and held it. “We go in force into the tunnels, armed of course, and simply drag him out, kicking and screaming.”
“I believe we should do that only as a last resort, My Lord,” Mr. Noonan put in, frowning slightly. “Your people are not trained as soldiers. Think of this man as a badger in a hole, and he will fight to the death if cornered. I fear your servants will be hurt or killed.”
“I agree, Freddie,” Thea added. “We already got a footman killed, and Mr. Carter himself almost died at this villain’s hands.”
Lord Willowdale offered Liam a small grin. “It appears you have been voted down, Mr. Carter.”
“I merely thought to suggest it, My Lord,” Liam replied, inclining his head and returning the smile.
“Very well,” Lord Willowdale said, glancing around at them all. “I will start this campaign after the rest of our guests leave, which should be by tomorrow. After which, Miss Miller and I will make innocuous small talk along the veins of I need time alone. Mr. Noonan, I wish you to coordinate the servants who will be concealed to catch this bugger. Incorporate grooms, as well. They are physically strong, given their work with the horses. Pick men who have patience as well as intelligence, for they may have to sit in the shrubbery a while.”
“I will, My Lord. I will also coordinate with Mr. O’Bannon on the footmen. I trust you wish Mr. Carter to continue guarding Miss Miller?”
Lord Willowdale nodded, his countenance approving as he eyed Liam. “I do. There is none other I trust more to keep her safe.”
Liam bowed his head. “She will not come to harm, My Lord. My life on it.”
As he stood to bow, Liam caught Thea’s eye, observing the faint gleam of anguish and love in her light colored eyes.I will die to protect you, my love, my heart’s blood, and I pray that I do. For I cannot live if you marry another.
Chapter 23
Small nips of brandy laced with laudanum helped Thea through the arduous task of playing the hostess to her guests. The pain of her broken arm and outraged tissues was indeed numbed, but the reliever also made her slightly tipsy and woozy. At supper that evening, she drank only a little wine and spoke only when necessary out of fear her tongue would tangle and she would embarrass herself.
“You are a brave girl, Miss Miller,” said Lady Harrington, seated beside her. “However, you should be resting.”
Thea offered her a slight inclination of her head and spoke carefully. “But I could never neglect you or our other guests, Lady Harrington. I would not have you think ill of me or my family.”
“Bah.” Lady Harrington snorted delicately. “You have been injured, my dear girl. And in such a horrific way.”
Thea froze. “How do you mean, My Lady? I fell from my horse.”
Lady Harrington’s eyes crinkled at the edges with humor though her mouth did not smile. “I have ears, Miss Miller. I know that dreadful man tried to kill you and one of your servants died tragically. You are fortunate to be alive at all.”
Thea lowered her voice. “Please do not inform the other guests, My Lady. I do not wish them to be afraid to stay under our roof.”
“Of course I will not, Miss Miller,” she replied easily. “And believe me when I say I certainly am not afraid to be here.”
“Thank you.” Thea grinned. “I will confess the laudanum helps me to remain upright, though I am fearful I will do or say something shameful. I cannot trust myself.”
“You are doing quite well, my dear.”
Thea caught Liam’s worried eye as he bent to serve them wine, and, as her face was turned away from Lady Harrington, she sent a quick wink his way. Not able to know if her message of reassurance was received as Liam turned away to serve other guests, she planned to walk to the lake later that evening. She craved his arms around her as never before, needed to hear him say everything would be all right.
“I must start my journey back to London in the morning, Miss Miller,” Lady Harrington said to her after Liam moved on.
“Of course, My Lady. I hope your travel is safe and pleasant.”
