Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,56

Hector remained desperately keen.

Although it took a while, Parker finally managed to lure Pip out of Hector’s arms with the promise of a story. The boy was taken to the bed, encouraged to lie down under the sheets and blankets, and then Parker pulled up a chair beside it.

Hector paused at the foot of the bed, watching Pip as he wriggled and fidgeted in the strange surroundings as Parker made up a story on the spot. The boy was probably still frightened, but Hector turned down the lamps a little to encourage him to drift off.

Then he returned to the bed and ruffled Pip’s hair. “Close your eyes now, my lad. We’ll have a big day tomorrow—just you and me and your mother, and Parker, too. Perhaps we’ll go for a carriage ride together. Wouldn’t that be grand?”

Pip nodded.

Hector paused beside Parker. “Lock the door after I’m gone, just in case someone comes looking for the boy again. Don’t let anyone know he’s in this room.”

“No one will get past me, my lord,” Parker promised and continued his story of a young boy who found a stallion in the woods and rode far and wide, having the greatest of adventures.

Chapter Fourteen

Ruby had perhaps enjoyed too much wine with dinner. The warm room and company had been delightful. It could only have been greatly improved though if Hector had returned to join them. She sincerely wished he had come back. There was nothing better than enjoying a good laugh with him.

But Blackwood had been unexpectedly good company tonight, and her uncle, too, for that matter. Although he did keep making remarks that could only be considered matchmaking attempts. He extolled her virtues, accomplishments, and musical talents, some of which she hadn’t pursued since the day she had married Liam. There hadn’t been too many opportunities to play the harp or perform the Cotillion in the wilds of Scotland. The Ropers hadn’t been much for frivolous amusement of any sort, really.

She stood, wobbling slightly. “Gentlemen, I’m afraid I shall have to excuse myself. It has been an enjoyable evening.”

Vyne glanced at his pocket watch, frowning. “Yes, certainly. Do retire for the night, by all means.”

“Good night, Uncle. Mr. Blackwood,” Ruby said as she dipped a curtsy to both.

Blackwood stood, too. “I think I will turn in as well. Vyne, you set a good table. I hope our business allows a repeat one day.”

Ruby swept from the room, hoping not to have Mr. Blackwood follow her too closely.

Blackwood did follow her a little way, at a distance, but then turned for his guest room and disappeared inside.

Relieved, Ruby let herself into her chamber and yawned. “I’m back, love,” she whispered, just in case Pip was still awake.

“Good,” Hector said from behind her. “I was starting to think I’d have to come find you.”

Ruby turned, startled to find Hector emerging from behind her bedchamber door. “What are you doing here?”

She glanced at the bed, startled to see it had been remade neatly. When she’d gone down for dinner, Pip had been sitting up in her bed playing with his toys, and a maid had been meant to watch him until he fell asleep. They were both gone. “Where is Pip?”

Hector came forward. “Now, I don’t want you to be alarmed.”

“And now I am. Where is Pip?”

Hector took both her hands in his. “He is in my room with Parker watching over him. He should be fast asleep by now.”

Instead of being reassured, Ruby only grew more alarmed. “Why is he there?”

“Come and sit down with me,” Hector asked, and she let him press her down into a chaise close to the fire. “There has been an incident. I came upstairs to find two men emerging from this room with Pip held between them. I made them release him, and they wisely fled.”

“Dear God, Mr. Roper has found us.” Ruby gasped and sprang to her feet. “Is Pip all right?”

“A little shaken up, and he has a sore wrist that Parker bound. He fought to be free of them taking him, and then I helped him.”

She gaped. “You protected my son?”

“Indeed, I did.” Hector rubbed his knuckles, and she saw they were reddened. “Those men say they were acting on orders and I doubt they will be back tonight.”

Ruby reached for Hector’s hand immediately, grateful for his quick thinking and intervention. “I want to see my son!”

“Of course,” Hector promised without hesitation. “Come with me.”

Hector opened the door carefully and, after leaning out to check