Go ahead.”
“Taffy was washing my face and then all of a sudden she said we were going to play a hide and seek game, and she told me to hop quick as a rabbit and hide behind the desk.”
“In the sitting room?” Gavin pointed toward the alcove.
Rafe nodded. “She told me to be quiet so the man wouldn’t find me. And I was quiet. Wasn’t I, Taffy?”
“Yes, Master Rafe. You were even quieter than a mouse and for that I’m going to give you another five points. That’s ten points in all for an excellent job this morning.”
The import of her words roared through Gavin’s ears. “Blessed saints. Taffy, tell me the rest of it.”
Her gaze took him and Mr. Barrow in. “He’s dressed in the duke’s livery. He rolled in a cart, claiming he was bringing in his lordship’s breakfast. Average height. Average weight. Brown hair. Intense green eyes. Pointy nose. Big ears. Does that fit Bruce Gordon’s description, my lord?”
Gavin nodded. “That’s him.”
“I pretended to be making up the bed and generally tidying up. He doesn’t know me. Thought I was the maid.” She motioned to her uniform and the hideous mobcap she had put back on her head to cover her beautiful curls. “I told him there must be some mistake because the marquis and his son were downstairs having their breakfast. I tugged on the bellpull, threatening to summon the head butler to straighten it out. That’s when he hurried out. He turned left down the hall, but I couldn’t follow him.”
Mr. Barrow nodded. “Of course not, Miss Ralston. You had to look out for the lad. Which you obviously did quite brilliantly.”
She pointed to the servants panel. “I drew the table up against it, but I think we must put something bigger there to block access. Although he came in through the hallway door, bold as you please, this time. I think the next time he will attempt access through the servants stairs. But I’m so sorry, my lord.”
Gavin arched an eyebrow. “Why?”
“I think I should have taken out my pistol and…” She mouthed the words ‘shot him’ so that Rafe wouldn’t hear.
“No, lass. Ye did right. Ye weren’t even certain he was our man, or that he dinna have a weapon at the ready to hurt ye. Then he would have known ye were lying to him and started searching for my son.”
She appeared to ease somewhat, but none of them would rest easy until this man was caught. She nibbled her lip and then continued. “Where did he get the cart? Or the food? Although I’m not sure he actually had any food under the salvers. I would have caught the scent of eggs or ham or sausages. I think he just scavenged whatever he could find from one of the unused state dining rooms.”
Mr. Barrow ruffled Rafe’s hair when the boy smiled up at him. “Well, I’ll be gathering my men and searching this house from cellar to attic. My lord, I’ll need you and your son to remain in here with Miss Ralston while we conduct our search. I’ll arrange for the housekeeper to bring food enough to hold you to supper.”
Gavin wasn’t pleased in the least to be confined, but he had his son to think about. If not for Taffy’s fast thinking, the outcome would have been far worse. “I’ll do as you say, Mr. Barrow.”
Gavin bolted the door as soon as Taffy’s employer left. He then carried the chest of drawers and placed it firmly against the servants panel. When he was done, he turned to Taffy. “Lass, I’m going to kiss ye until ye’re breathless.”
Rafe giggled, reminding him that the boy was watching.
Her beautiful eyes rounded in surprise and a rosy blush stained her cheeks. “Perhaps another time, my lord.” She rolled her eyes, attempting to indicate that his son was in the room and that to kiss her now would be most inappropriate.
“No, lass. I’ll be doing the deed right now.” He turned to Rafe. “Lad, put yer hands over yer eyes and count as high as you can. Do ye think ye can count to twenty?”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Good. Cover yer eyes. Start counting now.”
It took him to the boy’s count of one to stride to Taffy’s side and take her in his arms. It took him to the count of two to plant his mouth on hers and kiss her with all his heart and soul, and not stop kissing her until his son reached the