Page 95 of A Winter Scandal

“I hate that someone was able to get into your room unnoticed,” Gabriel went on. “I am going to send another servant over, in addition to Peter.”

“Gabriel, no, that isn’t necessary. I will make sure the doors remain locked during the day as well. We had been locking them only at night. I did not dream anyone would be bold enough to come in during the daylight hours, with several people in the house.”

“But someone was.”

“I know, but I will keep the doors locked now.”

“Good. I still want the men here. They can take shifts, so that one is awake at all times.” Gabriel stepped forward and placed his hands on Thea’s arms. “Please, Thea. Allow me to do this. I cannot take you and Matthew home where I can guard the two of you myself, so let me do what I can.”

Thea looked up at him, seeing the warmth and concern in his eyes. “Very well. Although what Daniel will say, I cannot imagine.”

“I am sure he will be happy to know his sister is protected.” Gabriel smiled, and she knew that he was thinking about kissing her.

Giving him a warning look, she stepped back, though she could not keep from smiling back at him. She cast a glance over at Lolly, who was watching them as though she were the audience at a play. Thea turned back to Gabriel, assuming a more formal role. “Thank you for your help, my lord.”

“You are most welcome.” Gabriel winked at her, but swept her an elegant bow. “Miss Bainbridge, may I have the pleasure of escorting you to Mrs. Howard’s party tomorrow evening?”

Thea gave him a regal nod. “You may.”

“You are as kind as you are lovely.” He took her hand and lightly kissed it. “I must leave. I have business to attend to. But I will look forward to tomorrow evening with great anticipation.”

Thea walked Gabriel to the door and locked it behind him. She turned back to Lolly, who grinned at her unabashedly. Thea had the feeling that their little charade of formality had not fooled the girl one bit.

The girl heaved a romantic sigh and said, “Your man’s a grand gentleman, miss.”

Thea started to point out that Gabriel was not her man, but she did not. She could allow herself to dream for a day or two, couldn’t she? “Yes. He is a very grand gentleman.”

Gabriel strode into the inn a few minutes later. The proprietor hastened forward to greet him. “My lord. Good evening, good evening. Would you care for something to eat? A glass of brandy, perhaps?”

“Is Lord Rawdon in?”

The innkeeper stiffened apprehensively. “My lord, my inn is a very quiet establishment …”

“Don’t worry. I am not here to start a row. I want only a moment’s conversation.”

“Of course. Of course.” Hornsby did not look entirely certain, but he led Gabriel down the hall to a private sitting area. Opening the door, he spoke to someone inside, then stepped back and bowed to Gabriel, ushering him inside.

As the innkeeper backed out of the room, closing the door behind him, Rawdon rose from a chair by the fire. “Morecombe.”

Gabriel nodded. “Good of you to see me.” He paused, but could think of no easy way to broach the subject. “I am here to ask a favor of you.” Rawdon’s brows rose slightly, but Gabriel pressed on. “I realize I have no reason to expect such from you.” Gabriel smiled faintly. “I must pin my hopes on your good nature. Or perhaps upon your sense of curiosity.”

Rawdon did not smile, but something softened at the corners of his eyes. “Indeed. Well, you have already piqued that. What is the favor?”

“My sister had a maid named Hannah.”

“Yes, I recall. She accompanied Jocelyn when she went for a walk.”

“Do you remember how she looked?”

“Yes. Short, light brown hair, a bit rabbity.” Rawdon frowned slightly. “Why do you ask?”

“Apparently she is in Chesley.”

“The maid? Have you seen her? Talked to her?”

“I have seen her.” Briefly Gabriel described spotting Hannah on the street and giving chase, only to find she had disappeared. “And today, Miss Bainbridge found this letter in her house, addressed to me.” Gabriel pulled the note from his pocket and handed it to the other man.

Rawdon read the letter and looked up at Gabriel. “What is this about? Why is she here?”