The Heiress of Winterwood - By Sarah Ladd Page 0,79

mad.”

Though her voice was firm, he saw tears in her eyes, and he felt himself weakening. But he wouldn’t risk disregarding the kidnapper’s instructions. “It’s a long journey to Liverpool, and I can travel faster alone.” He turned to Carrington. “You say you have access to the amount requested?”

Carrington nodded. “I do.”

“Good.” Graham fidgeted with his glove. “I do not think I could gather so large a sum in such a short period of time, at least without a visit to London first.”

Amelia’s face flushed. “If you think for a single moment that I am going to stay here and do nothing while some barbarian holds my child and my friend captive, then—”

“Liverpool is no place for you. Trust me.”

“But I—”

“No.”

She opened her mouth with an obvious intent to protest further. Graham silenced her by holding up his index finger. “One mistake. That is all it takes for us to never see Lucy or Mrs. Dunne again. I do not like those odds, so I plan to comply with this lunatic’s request. Am I clear?”

Amelia moved and blocked his path. “I’m not unreasonable. I promise, once we are there I will leave the rescuing to you. But I cannot stay here and wait. I simply cannot.”

He glanced around the room at their audience. Mr. Hammond and Carrington stared. Looks of shock plastered the faces of Amelia’s aunt and cousin. Even Littleton, who had not ceased talking and sharing his opinion the entire morning, was quiet.

Graham snatched his hat and jammed it on his head. “I am sorry. My answer is no.”

“Amelia, put those down this instant.”

Amelia ignored Jane’s plea and handed Elizabeth a pair of slippers. Captain Sterling had told her before he left for Eastmore Hall that he would return in a few hours to retrieve the money from Mr. Carrington. When he arrived, she’d be ready to go too.

Amelia pointed to the wardrobe. “No, not that dress, Elizabeth. The blue sprigged muslin. It’s lighter and will take up less room.” Amelia tossed Elizabeth a shawl and rolled her stockings as tightly as she could get them. She didn’t travel often, but when she did, it was never without several trunks. But this was an extreme circumstance, and she needed to travel lightly. She needed to prove to Captain Sterling that she would not be a hindrance.

Jane took the rolled stockings from Amelia’s hand. “This is ridiculous, and right now I am questioning your sanity. This is not a pleasure trip. These are real, dangerous people. Not only will you be putting Lucy’s and Mrs. Dunne’s lives in further danger, you’ll be risking your own as well, and your presence could well endanger Captain Sterling in his efforts to retrieve them. I cannot stand by and allow you to do this.”

Amelia concentrated on the task of gathering her comb and lavender water. “I’m sorry, Jane. This is something I must do. If the captain refuses to allow me to accompany him, I will take the carriage on my own.”

Jane removed the items from Amelia’s trunk as quickly as she could pack them. “This entire situation is beyond you, Amelia. You cannot resolve every issue on your own. Do not try. Right now you need to spend your time in prayer and let Captain Sterling do what he needs to do to retrieve Lucy. He’s a strong man and a brave one. He’s battled people like this before. He knows what to do.”

Amelia refused to look Jane in the eye. “But Lucy will need me.”

“She will need you just as much when she returns. And think about Captain Sterling. He will have quite enough to worry about without watching over you as well.”

“I don’t care. And before you begin lecturing me about prayer, God doesn’t seem to be listening to me much of late, now, does he?”

Amelia regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. They were not true, and she knew they would hurt her friend. But at this point, she didn’t know what else to do. She turned toward Elizabeth. “Help me change into the gray traveling dress, will you?”

Despite Amelia’s biting words, Jane continued with her protest. “It’s not just that, Amelia. You simply cannot travel alone with Captain Sterling. You are not yet wed, remember. And the thought of taking the carriage alone is simply absurd!”

Amelia turned to allow Elizabeth access to her buttons. Her words were half-sarcastic, half-serious. “It will not be entirely improper. We shall have the footmen and the coachmen, after