“Well that would be foolish on your part, Landon. However, I do not trust you one iota. So I shall wait here in your sitting area while you dress in your best garments. Then I shall escort you to my townhome where you will propose marriage to Lady Alexandra.”
“Fine. As you wish it.” Landon sighed and disappeared into his bedchamber.
* * *
Ally’s hands shook. Woods had entered the parlor looking for Evan. He had a parchment for him. Ally had grabbed it out of the butler’s hands and run to her chamber. Before she opened it, she pulled a novel off of the shelf, opened it, and grabbed the parchment she had received previously.
I know your secret.
She tore open the new parchment, and her heart nearly stopped.
We ha
ve your stepsister Lady Alexandra. If you want to see her alive, be at 32 Chilton Place at midnight tonight. Come alone.
Chills enveloped her body. Someone thought they had her? It was obviously a hoax. Where was Evan? He would know what to do. He was brave and strong. He stood up to any man, even those wielding weapons.
But would he help her, after…
A knock on the door startled her. She opened it to see Woods.
“My lady, I must insist that you return the message for Lord Evan. It is highly irregular—”
“Yes, yes, I know. I apologize, Woods. But I need to find Evan. Do you know where he is? I promise I will give him the parchment.”
“He left a while ago, my lady.”
“Do you know where he went? It’s a situation of utmost importance.”
“I’m afraid I do not, my lady.”
“Drat.” Ally clenched her fists at her sides. What to do now?
“Woods!” Evan’s voice boomed from downstairs.
Woods left Alexandra, and she followed at his heels. Swiftly down the stairs they flew.
Evan stood in the foyer with Mr. Landon. Ally reddened. What must she look like?
“Alexandra, good, there you are. Landon has something to say to you.”
So he had done it. Evan had gone to Mr. Landon and forced him to do right by her. Oddly, she didn’t much care at the moment. These notes had consumed her. Her nerves were rattled. Whoever had written them did not have her, obviously. Did they have someone else? Or were they trying to trap Evan?
She had to speak to him alone to determine what course of action to take. And she’d have to tell him the secret he didn’t know.
“Mr. Landon, it is lovely to see you as always, but I need to speak to Lord Evan alone for a moment.”
Evan strode forward. “Not until Landon has a word with you.”
“Evan, please, this is very important.” Alexandra bit her lip.
“Nothing is more important than what Landon has to say to you, trust me. Get on with it, Landon.”
“My lord,” Landon said, “could I have a moment alone with the lady?”
“No,” Evan said, his lips pursed. “I shall be witness to your proposal.”
“Proposal?” Ally nearly shrieked.