Free A Lady's Favor by Josi S. Kilpack Page B

pulled on the trousers Ambrose had set out for tomorrow. He was still tucking in the tails of his nightshirt when he reached the stairway. A glance at the large grandfather clock in the hall told him it was almost two o’clock in the morning. He looked down into the foyer to see who had woken his entire household at such an early hour.
    “Mrs. Davidson?” he said in disbelief as he hurried down the stairs, alarmed. The water dripping from Mrs. Davidson’s cloak told him that the gray skies and mild temperatures from that afternoon had been deceiving. A moment later a roar of wind rattled the roof and caused everyone to still and look toward the ceiling.
    Mathew stopped before Mrs. Davidson and noted the way she pulled back from him, her eyes wide. He lifted a hand to his face, but did not explain his appearance. She knew very well what had happened, and if he looked like a monster, well, she was the one who had come to him. Only she would not be here if not for something urgent.
    “What is wrong?” he asked with concern.
    “Is she here?” she said in a tone of accusation once she recovered from her surprise of seeing his bruised face.
    “Who?”
    “Bianca, of course,” she spat, looking past him, up the stairs, and toward the darkened drawing room. Gunderson and two footmen in dressing gowns and wigs—slightly askew—turned confused looks to Mathew.
    “She is not here,” Mathew said, offended at the suggestion. “It is two o’clock in the morning.”
    “I want your house searched, as well as the yard and stables. I know she was coming here.”
    “Why on earth would she come here?” Mathew said, though his heart tripped at the possibility. “As I said before, it is two o’clock in the morning, Mrs. Davidson.”
    “I know what time it is!” Mrs. Davidson shouted, a small amount of spittle hitting him in the face. He was a gentleman, and did not wipe it off. She turned to his servants. “Search for her! I know she’s here.”
    “I shall give instructions to my own servants, thank you very much!” Mathew said. He cleared his throat and faced the three men. “Please have the premises thoroughly searched for Miss Davidson.” It was a somewhat anticlimactic order since Mrs. Davidson had already issued it. “And have tea brought to the drawing room, please, and the fire lit.” There was a distinct chill in the air that had not been a factor before the storm had rolled in.
    “I don’t want your tea or your fire!” Mrs. Davidson said, but she pushed past him into the dark drawing room anyway. Gunderson followed behind her with a candle, asking her to wait in the doorway so that he might light the room.
    Mathew remained in the entryway, forcing his fists to relax at his sides and taking a deep breath. He had so many questions about this odd situation, and only one woman who could provide him any answers. After calming himself sufficiently, he entered the room. Mrs. Davidson was looking out the window, her back toward him.
    “Why do you think Bianca would be on my property?” he asked from the doorway.
    Mrs. Davidson turned from the window, and he saw the concern on her face. It was short-lived, however, as her eyes narrowed and her accusing expression fell back into place. “She wanted to talk to you, to explain herself and all that nonsense.” She waved her hand in frustration.
    Mathew’s heart soared momentarily. “Just as I requested that I might speak with her in my note this morning.” A note Mrs. Davidson had not responded to.
    “It is ridiculous.” Mrs. Davidson turned back to the window and peered into the night. “The game you two have been playing is at an end. She told me everything.”
    Mathew raised his eyebrows and felt the back of his neck turn cold. “Everything?”
    She turned to look at him again. “Yes, everything. I know your intention was not honorable and that you were simply helping her throw off Lord Strapshire. I hope you are very pleased with yourself.”
    She’d