Read Online Regina Scott by The Irresistible Earl - Free Book Online

reason for her stepdaughter’s sudden departure, he’d only worry her.
    Five minutes later, he was riding down the drive, good mood flown with his freedom. Wasn’t it just like a society miss to act so fecklessly, with no thought bout how it might affect others? Small wonder hehad to watch out for Phoebe at every turn. Miss Price obviously needed just such a protector.
    He realized that he’d urged his horse into a canter and slowed the bay to a walk. When had Meredee Price become his responsibility to protect? He was no relation, and he had no claim to her affections. He wasn’t even sure he wanted such a claim. At times, she seemed more intelligent and sensible than most of the women he’d known. But until he knew Phoebe was settled and his own affliction had been dealt with, he was in no position to offer a lady anything. It was only, he told himself, that Miss Price had been a guest under his roof that drove him to ensure her safety now.
    He rode into the coaching yard of the Bell Inn and dismounted, tossing his reins to a waiting stable boy. Of the inn’s inhabitants, few were stirring so early in the morning. A young maid was poking up the fire in the great hearth, and two older gentlemen were nursing cups of steaming tea by the front window. Chase caught a glimpse of a slight, dark-haired young man heading up the stairs. At the sound of Chase’s boots on the floor, the fellow turned, and Chase started.
    Algernon Whitaker? Here?
    The man scurried up the stairs before Chase could be sure. He shook himself. It couldn’t be Whitaker. He very much doubted the fellow rose any earlier than Phoebe. And he’d certainly never show himself in his shirtsleeves in the common room of an inn, especiallyin anything so mundane as pale linen. Algernon Whitaker favored bright yellows and lurid reds. Chase shuddered just remembering.
    No, Whitaker couldn’t be in Scarborough. Chase was just so used to seeing villains in the shadows that he now saw them in the early morning light. The fact disgusted him.
    “My lord,” the innkeeper exclaimed, hurrying in from the kitchens and bowing low. A gentleman of ample proportions and neat appearance, he wore a wide smile, his bald head gleaming. “An unexpected pleasure! How may I serve you?”
    “I’m concerned about one of your guests,” Chase explained. “Miss Meredee Price. She and her stepmother stayed with my sister and me last night in the storm, but I understand from my staff that she left at dawn. Has she returned?”
    “Returned and gone,” the innkeeper proclaimed.
    Chase frowned at him. “Gone? Gone where?”
    The innkeeper chuckled. “You must not have known Miss Meredee long, my lord. She’s gone where all Prices go after a storm—to the shore.”
    He knew his frown was growing, for the innkeeper’s smile faded. “To the shore?” Chase asked. “Why?”
    Servants and merchants usually catered to his least desire, but the innkeeper’s round face tightened up like a miser’s purse. “I’m sure you’ll have to ask the lady, my lord, seeing as how she didn’t see fit toconfide in you herself.” He nodded to the door. “Very likely she’s crossed half the South Bay by now. If you hurry, you may catch her before the tide turns.”
    Meredee Price certainly commanded loyalties, Chase thought as he nodded his thanks and strode out to his waiting horse. He obviously wasn’t the only one she’d impressed. But that didn’t mean she was safe wandering around Scarborough unattended. This time, he didn’t rein in when his horse began to canter.
    He only wished that Scarborough’s streets were straight and clear enough to make him comfortable with galloping. As it was, he had to weave his way around farmers bringing milk, eggs and produce to market. The wagons of fishmongers lumbered past, brine trailing like smoke in their wake, as they ferried Scarborough’s catch inland. Still, he reached the harbor a short time later and guided his horse onto the firm