Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,102

usually clamped in a line, she had never struck him as anything but a timid creature who hid around the edges of society functions, yet here she was, still following him.

“I have no wish to pursue you, sir.”

“If that is indeed the case, then why have you done so with relentless determination for the entire evening?”

“In that you are correct.”

“I know.”

“But it is not because I wish a dalliance of any kind with you, Mr. Haddon.”

He didn’t know what to say to that. Her tone had been dismissive, as if he was not worth dallying with, which was of course a direct hit to his pride. Not that Rory was overly boastful or believed he was a touch above anyone, but still. No one liked to hear they were not worthy of a dalliance, especially when there were plenty of women in the rooms below them that would disagree.

“Then what do you wish, Miss Redfern? Because while the view out here is unparalleled, there is no doubting the cold will soon numb our extremities. I have a jacket. You, however, have very little to protect you from the elements.”

“It is a delicate matter. I must have your word you will not speak of this to anyone.” She didn’t stomp her feet, which must be going numb, or rub her arms, just stood there looking at him, unmoving.

Her voice wasn’t displeasing; actually, it had a nice pitch to it, unlike some. Wilimenia Willoughby slipped into his head. The woman could cut glass when she spoke.

“I cannot promise that, as I have no idea what you are about to disclose.”

She made a little huffing sound.

“Well?” He wasn’t normally rude, but it was getting colder the longer he stood still. He could imagine how she was feeling, dressed in substantially less.

“You went to Eton with my brother, I believe?”

“I did.” In fact, Jackson Redfern had been a close friend, and they’d gotten up to no end of trouble together. They’d drifted apart when their school days ended and not mixed in the same circles since. They always acknowledged each other and talked in passing, but the schoolboy bond had severed.

“It is Jackson I wish to speak to you about.”

“I have not seen him this season. Where is he?”

She hesitated, then her eyes turned to look at the view.

“I’m waiting, Miss Redfern.”

“This is not easy for me to speak of. I am attempting to form my words.”

“Just speak them in whatever form they take, then we can get back inside before we become ice sculptures.”

She shot him a look, and he saw the frown on her face.

“I fear my brother is in trouble, Mr. Haddon. In fact, I know he is.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“He has fallen in with nefarious individuals who are holding him against his will.”

“Nefarious?” Rory tried to recall if Jackson had ever said anything about his sister having a flair for drama.

“Yes. He has been missing for two weeks now, and I have failed to ascertain his exact whereabouts.”

“I’m sorry, but I still don’t understand why you are seeking me out, Miss Redfern?” He was completely at sea.

“Jackson said once there were not many people in the world he trusted, but you were one of them. He said you were honorable, as was your family, and if there was ever a time he needed someone to turn to, it would be you.”

“He said all of that?”

She nodded.

“Considering that was many years ago, Miss Redfern, I am impressed that you remembered the conversation so concisely.”

“I have a very good memory.”

“Excellent,” Rory said, because he wasn’t sure how else to reply to that. “We have now established my outstanding character and that you did not follow me up here to secure my attentions. What, pray tell, is it you want from me?”

“This is not amusing, Mr. Haddon. This is serious, and I have gr-grave concerns for my brother.”

He heard the stutter but wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or tears. He sincerely hoped it was the first.

“Forgive me, I did not mean to make light of the situation, but I still fail to see why you have sought me out.”

“I need your help.” The words were spoken in a somber tone. “I have no one else to turn to.”

“To help you find Jackson?”

She nodded again.

“Miss Redfern, I am unsure what it is I can do? Surely there is a friend or family member better suited to aid you in your search? Your brother and I have been no more than nodding