The Wicked and Wonderful Miss Merlin Read Online Free PDF Page B

wrote to him now it would only delay her, and besides, he would rant and rave and poor Toby was in no fit state to meet his prospective brother-in-law.
    No, she would wait until she discovered the state of affairs at the inn, and then, if she found all well, she could let Eleanor’s brother know that she was safe.  If, however, Toby was desperately ill, she would send for his parents at once.
    Her mind made up, Samantha rang the bell and asked that her phaeton be made ready.  She would take her groom and enough clean clothes for a couple of days and then she would be off.
     
     
     
     
    Home at last!  Robert sighed wearily as he took off his hat and gloves and handed them to his butler.  He had spent the past ten days scouring the countryside between Miss Merlin’s school and Scotland, but found no trace of the errant pair.  He’d been told about an accident to a carriage and gone chasing off to find out the details, but it had been a wild goose chase.  No one had seen or heard of a young girl resembling his sister travelling with a young man, who Robert had described as being her cousin. 
    Miss Merlin was unjust to accuse him of losing his temper and risking Eleanor’s reputation.  He had been patient, diligent and discreet – and it had availed him nothing.  The pair seemed to have disappeared into thin air.
    ‘What time would you care to dine, sir?’ his butler inquired.
    ‘Oh, my usual time I imagine,’ Robert said and scooped up the pile of letters awaiting him on the hall table.  He carried them into his library and sat down in a very comfortable wing chair before the fire that was always kept burning for his convenience, even if he was not at home.  He had hardly slept for worrying about the chit and he was damned if he would allow this state of affairs to continue.  She had ruined herself by now – or she would have if the story had got about.
    Could he trust Samantha Merlin to keep it from the other girls?
    He scowled as he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment.
    It was three hours later when his butler woke him with a discreet but loud cough.
    ‘What is it James?’ he asked, feeling worse than he had when he fell asleep.
    ‘Your dinner is ready to be served, my lord.’
    ‘I will have it in here – and pour me some brandy, will you?’
    James inclined his head, only slightly disapproving.  Robert smiled, understanding his butler’s point of view. He would prefer that his lordship used the small dining parlour rather than having his meal in the library; it was certainly not a habit he would encourage, for Lord Brough was too young to be settling into such slovenly ways. He was quite correct, of course, but Robert was in no mood for the niceties.
    Amused by his butler’s dignified retreat, Robert sipped his brandy.  He understood very well that James did not approve of him eating by the fire but he was too tired to bother with a formal meal this evening.  All he truly wanted was a piece of pie and some bread and cheese, but he supposed he would be served at least five different courses.  His chef prided himself on always being able to serve up a feast at a moment’s notice.
    Remembering the pile of mail that awaited him, he slit the first envelope.  It was an invitation to dinner three days previously, which meant he would have to ride over and apologise to a friend in the morning.  He opened three more, which proved to be accounts and was inclined to abandon the rest until the morning when he saw a letter addressed to him in Eleanor’s hand.
    At last!  A mixture of relief and anger swept over him as he broke the seal and began to read.  The relief very soon evaporated as he read the first few lines.
    The stupid, stupid girl!  Did she have not one ounce of sense?  She had been staying at a country inn when the letter was sent, and though her intention was not to elope but to stay with the Brockleton boy’s aunt, she had ruined herself as surely as night