Read Online Elizabeth Thornton by Whisper His Name - Free Book Online Page A

for her. She wanted to arm herself to the teeth so that she would never feel so helpless again. Much good that would do! She’d found the pistol Daniel left for her in the bureau drawer, and she hadn’t known how to arm it or use it. When she’d come to herself, she’d locked her bedroom door and window and sat in a chair with a useless pistol clutched in both hands for her only defense. She’d been frightened out of her wits, and too scared to call for a maid or Olivia to come and help her.
    As the tears welled up, she sniffed them back.
    “Are you sure you’re all right?”
    Abbie swallowed and nodded. “But I wouldn’t mind some tea.”
    The worry frown disappeared from Miss Fairbairn’s brow. “I’ll see to it at once.”
    When Abbie was alone, she found her handkerchief, blew her nose, and curled up in the chair. Last night, she’d fallen asleep worrying about a trivial kiss, and now look at her! She had something real to worry about now. This was a matter of life and death.
    All night long, she’d agonized over George, and his note to her. It didn’t matter if someone had made a blunder. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know any Colettes, or anything about a book that was supposed to be passed to her. The important thing was that the horrible monster who had attacked her believed it, and he’d abducted George.
    She put her hand in her pocket and withdrew the note that had been left on her dresser. She could hardly read it because she was shaking so hard. Anyway, she’d read it endlessly, and knew the words by heart.
    Bea, don’t do anything foolish. Do exactly as these
    men say and all going well, you’ll see your little
    brother in Bath again. And this time, I promise to
    be nice to Miss Fairbairn. Don’t worry, I’m well
.
    That “Bea” made her bite down hard on her sore lip. Only George had ever called her Bea. It was his childhood name for her. And the reference to Miss Fairbairn was a private joke. George found Miss Fairbairn a great trial to talk with, because she could never keep to the point of a conversation. But it was said in fun. George was never unkind.
    There was no doubt the note was from George.
    She carefully folded the note and slipped it into her pocket.
    She was going to be sick. Abducted!—and for a book! It didn’t make any sense. Abduction was a capital offense.… The book they were after must be worth a fortune. But she didn’t care what it was worth—they could have it, just as long as they set George free.
    She threw off the shawl, jumped to her feet, and began to prowl the room. Would they really kill George over a book? Maybe she should go to the authorities, after all, and let them find George. The authorities had the resources to find George and track down the man who had attacked her as well.
    If you go to the authorities, you’ll never see your brother alive again. I’ll cut him up and send him to you in little pieces. We’ll be watching you, Miss Vayle, and at the first hint of trouble, we’ll cut our losses
.
    She hated him! He’d enjoyed terrorizing her. He enjoyed hurting people. No, she didn’t dare go to the authorities. Her only hope was to find the book he wanted and hand it over.
    The door opened, and a maid with a tray bustled into the room followed by Miss Fairbairn. Olivia’s smile faded when she saw Abbie’s face.
    “Oh, my dear,” she cried out, “you don’t look at all well. You really should see a doctor.”
    Once again, she helped Abbie to the chair. Abbie looked at that kindly face and longed to unburden herself of the whole sorry story. She couldn’t of course. Olivia was no help in a crisis. She had a nervous disposition and would only become excited and take to her bed. Besides, Olivia couldn’t keep secrets.
    No … until she reached London and could consult with her family, she would have to keep everything to herself.
    “Oh, Millie,” said Abbie, looking at the maid, “I heard from Mrs. Gordon at the ball last night