Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,116

come as soon as I am able.”

She nodded. “I am hoping there will never be a next time as my brother will have returned and I can go to him should I need assistance.”

Rory hoped so too; he just wasn’t sure what state Jackson Redfern would be in when they got to him.

“You cannot go into Le Plaisir.” Rory decided this needed to be clarified before they reached their destination.

“What? Why?”

“Because it is a brothel,” he said patiently. “If you are seen in there at such an hour, actually at any hour, it would ruin you. Now tell me why you believe Jackson is at Le Plaisir?”

She inspected her gloves, clearly forming the words before speaking them. “My footman spoke to a young boy who works there. He found him outside, about to enter. Money was exchanged, and Timothy was told that Jackson was there.”

“He could have been lying.”

“The boy said he remembered Jackson because he’d seen him wearing a red and gray waistcoat. My brother wears this particular item often during the winter months, as he believes color makes people smile when we are experiencing dreary weather conditions.”

Rory had seen that waistcoat.

“Very well. I will go on your behalf to Le Plaisir.”

She didn’t like that. Her hands clenched in her lap.

“It is the only way.”

“Sometimes I do not like being a woman.”

Rory had no reply to that.

“But I know you are correct.” Her shoulders slumped.

“Loath as you are to admit it.”

Her smile was small, but he saw the small dimple in her left cheek that just added to her sweetness.

“Mr. Haddon, I am very worried for my brother.” She looked at him again. “He has been a good man for many years. This behavior is not like him. I struggle to understand how it can have happened.”

Rory had no idea what had come over the man he’d once called friend. The Jackson Redfern he’d known would never have put his family’s welfare in jeopardy, which told him something sinister was at foot. As yet, he had no idea what.

“Until we find your brother, we can have no idea what is happening. However, I too know him as loyal and honorable, Miss Redfern, and that would suggest someone else has played a hand in what is happening to him.”

“I love my brother very much.”

“Then we must get him back to being the brother who deserves that love.”

“I would be extremely grateful if we could.” The words were spoken in a solemn voice.

“And clearly your aunt knows nothing?”

“It would destroy her. I cannot allow that.”

“Very commendable, but I doubt the woman I just met would be unable to handle hearing about your brother. She seemed strong enough and would support you through this.”

Her eyes found his. He saw the flare of hope again, which told him she was struggling under the weight of this burden she carried alone.

“Tell her, Miss Redfern. She can handle it.”

“I will think about what you have said. Now, I would like to sell some of my jewelry before we go to Le Plaisir, and have directed Timothy to take us somewhere I can do that.”

“Let us first go there and see what we can find out,” Rory said, opening the hatch above them. He directed the driver to take them to Le Plaisir. When he sat down again, she was glaring at him.

“But I need to sell the jewelry to pay for my brother’s release.”

“If money is required immediately, I carry some, and you can pay it back at a later date.”

“But what if it is not enough?” Her words were a whisper now.

“It will be, Miss Redfern.” Rory had no plans to hand over any money, but she did not need to know that. “Trust me.” He reached over and rested his hand on top of hers. “I promise to get your brother back.”

“Ivy,” she said softly. “My name is Ivy. I would like you to use it, please, as Miss Redfern is very formal considering what you are about to do on behalf of my family.”

“I have no wish to be rude, but your brother is right. Ivy is a great deal nicer than Arantxa.”

“Lord, yes.” She shuddered.

“I am Rory.”

“That’s a nice name.”

“I like it. Apparently it belonged to a great-uncle of mine.”

“It is nice to be named after someone, I think. It gives people fond memories, and that can only be a gift.”

He’d never thought of it like that, but now he did, Rory found he liked it.

“You have a nice family, Rory.”

“I