Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins Page B

estate on her own for the last year since her mother’s death. She seems quite formidable.”
    Nik patted D’yoval’s neck. “Where is her father if he is not running the estate?”
    â€œIn London, immersed in politics. For all intents, it seems she is alone.”
    â€œExcept her cousin,” Nik said.
    â€œHe arrived today. According to something Lady Edana said, he is only an occasional visitor. It is Lady Ailsa who is in charge of the castle and lands.”
    â€œInteresting. What have you ascertained about this abduction thus far?”
    Apraksin blew a smoke ring that was quickly torn apart by the breeze. “While Rurik was checking the security of our assigned rooms, Lady Ailsa shared what she knows, which doesn’t seem to be much. The coach carrying Her Grace and Lord Hamilton was overtaken on the road between here and Lord Hamilton’s house around dawn on—”
    â€œWait. My grandmother was awake at dawn ?”
    â€œ Da . From the expression of outrage on the Dowager Countess’s face, I believe Her Grace and Lord Hamilton might have been involved in a flirtation.”
    Rurik looked impressed. “Her Grace is a vibrant woman.”
    â€œToo much so,” Nik said shortly. “And?”
    Apraksin explained the details of the abduction that Lady Ailsa had shared. He finished with, “All the servants and Lord Hamilton’s escort were accounted for except one guard.”
    Rurik’s gaze sharpened at this. “Is he still missing?”
    â€œ Da . No one knows if he was part of this effort or if he was taken prisoner with Lord Hamilton and Her Grace.”
    â€œWe know the answer to that,” Nik said grimly.
    Apraksin hesitated. “There is more. Blood was found on one of the seats. Not much, but I thought you should know.”
    Nik’s jaw hardened. Bozhy moj, if someone has harmed Tata Natasha— He fisted his hands, trying hard to regain control over his hot temper. “Where is this ransom to be paid?”
    â€œLady Ailsa was not forthcoming with that information, though she hinted she’d share it after dinner.”
    â€œA stall, eh?”
    â€œ Da . But as she spoke, Mr. Mackenzie glanced at Lady Ailsa’s desk. I wondered if the ransom note might not be found there.”
    â€œIt could be. It’s obvious she’s shared the information with her grandmother and cousin, too. If Mackenzie’s only an occasional visitor, I wonder why he’s here now.”
    Rurik spoke. “The footman who came to hang up my clothes said Mr. Mackenzie and Lady Ailsa are likebrother and sister. Mackenzie lived here as a youth after the death of his parents, and moved away on reaching his majority. He returns now and then to visit, usually during hunting season. Both he and Lady Ailsa are avid riders.”
    Nik rubbed his chin. “As Lady Ailsa did not offer to share the actual note or the location for the exchange while she was supposedly bringing you up-to-date on the developments of my grandmother’s disappearance, we’ll assume she won’t find it easier to do so after dinner.”
    Apraksin agreed. “During dinner, Rurik can pretend to be ill and slip off to the study and see what’s in that desk.”
    Nik nodded, trying not to think of his grandmother hurt or frightened. “Find out where this ransom is to be paid. The note will tell us where to begin looking for these fools. We will leave at dawn.”
    Rurik frowned. “All of us?”
    â€œOf course,” Apraksin said, looking surprised.
    â€œIt’s not necessary. I can watch over His Highness; no one even knows he’s here.”
    â€œAnd what should I do?” Apraksin asked in a stiff voice.
    â€œStay behind and wait for word from Edinburgh. Someone must inform us if the tsar arrives earlier than expected.”
    Nik couldn’t disagree.
    The courtier scowled. “We will ask that a courier