Captured by a Gentleman (Regency Unlaced 6) by Carole Mortimer Read Free Book Online

traveling bag, which was all she appeared to have brought with her when she fled Cecil Sugdon’s home.
    Ranulf was still undecided as to what to do for the best regarding that situation. The logical thing would be to turn the carriages around and return to London. To ascertain the truth, to learn if Sugdon’s intentions toward Darcy were, as she claimed, less than honorable.
    There were two things against taking that course of action.
    One, Ranulf had no desire to return to London, having only just left.
    Two, he was half inclined to believe Sugdon was guilty of everything Darcy accused him of. Part of that was due, Ranulf knew, to the fact he disliked his former father-in-law intensely. But also because returning Darcy to London and Sugdon’s questionable intentions could place her in a very precarious position. One Ranulf would feel wholly responsible for if—
    “I am sorry to interrupt your breakfast, Mr. Montgomery, but I thought you should know straight away.” A slightly harassed-looking Graves appeared in the parlor’s open doorway.
    “What is it, Graves?” Ranulf was instantly alerted by the urgency of the older man’s tone.
    “It’s the town carriage, sir.” The other man shook his head. “There was nothing wrong with it when we arrived last night, and now it’s… Several spokes have been badly damaged in one of the wheels.”
    Ranulf assessed the situation quickly, drawing his conclusions based on the fact that Graves appeared so agitated. “A deliberate act, you think?”
    The older man nodded. “I can’t think of any other explanation.”
    “No one saw or heard anything during the night?”
    “We slept inside the stable. I was more concerned with ensuring the horses came to no harm, and the inn is busy, so there was not enough room for the carriages inside too. No.” Graves heavily conceded his error. “We neither saw nor heard anything. I am so sorry, Mr. Montgomery. I should have prevented this from happening.”
    “It is not your fault,” Ranulf dismissed.
    “Ranulf…?” Darcy prompted curiously.
    “Can it be fixed, Graves?” Ranulf ignored her in favor of dealing with the more urgent matter of the damage done to his carriage.
    “In a day or two, yes. The landlord here says as how there’s a carpenter and a blacksmith in the village who should be able to put it to rights.”
    Ranulf thought quickly. “Put whatever luggage you think necessary into the landau. I will drive myself. You and Wilkins will remain behind and follow once the other carriage has been fixed. We will all meet up at the inn in Derbyshire.”
    Graves looked uncertain. “Take Wilkins with you. It doesn’t need two of us to watch a wheel being mended, and I’m not sure as it’s safe for you to proceed on your own, Mr. Montgomery.”
    “I am more than capable of driving my own carriage.”
    “I wasn’t referring to that sort of safety, sir.”
    “I seriously doubt I will be ambushed along the road.”
    “But—”
    “Enough, Graves.” Ranulf threw down his napkin before standing, in no mood to finish his breakfast. “Instruct the landlord to pack a picnic luncheon so that I can eat as I travel. I will depart from here as soon as the horses are harnessed and the carriage is packed and ready to go. I wish to complete my journey to Scotland as soon as possible.”
    “Very well, sir.”
    “Er, Graves?” Darcy spoke hesitantly.
    “Yes, miss?”
    She grimaced. “I believe I owe you an apology for kicking you rather painfully in the shin yesterday evening, and for calling you several unpleasant names.”
    “No matter, miss.” The coach driver half smiled. “I probably deserved the name-calling, and I’ve received worse kicks from the horses. Sir.” He nodded to Ranulf before leaving, the sound of his raised voice heard outside seconds later.
    “That was gracious of you,” Ranulf drawled.
    “But deserved.” Darcy also rose to her feet. “What is happening, Ranulf?”
    His eyes narrowed as he