27. Chapter Twenty-seven

Kat's last morning at the inn was bittersweet as her emotions vacillated between elation and trepidation. Overall, her stay in Brighton had been delightful. There was the time spent with family, the healing powers of the sea, and her magical rendezvous with Evan.

There was no reason to be sad. Even though she was leaving the coast, the joyous times would continue. She was about to meet her new nephew and see Evan's home.

However, she could have done without the drama brought on by Lord Greyson's maliciousness. Hopefully, with time, memories of the despicable marquess would fade. Evan Eaton would forever be her hero for standing up to the odious beast.

Kat teared up when saying her goodbyes, even though Aunt Justine had issued an open invitation.

"Remember, you are welcome with us any time," she'd said as she handed Kat a package wrapped in brown paper and string to take to the baby.

Since Kat could not make the five-minute walk to Yardley Manor carrying her belongings, two of Justine's footmen loaded her trunk into a horse-drawn coach, and her beloved aunt and cousin waved goodbye.

Once she arrived at Ethan's home, she would join the party traveling to the East Midlands. However, three days in a carriage with Ethan growling every time she glanced at Evan left much to be desired.

Kat sighed. Instead of fixating on goodbyes, she should embrace hellos. There were so many things to look forward to—especially her visit to Trent Castle.

The last time she'd seen William, he'd laughed when Georgiana had called the Eaton's family seat a castle.

"Castles have moats and balustrades," he'd said.

Georgiana had pummeled his shoulder. "We have a turret. Just because it wasn't built during the Dark Ages and doesn't have a dungeon doesn't mean it isn't a castle."

"Of course, beautiful." Kat's besotted brother had pulled his wife to him for a sickeningly sloppy kiss.

Not that any of that mattered to Kat since from all accounts, the Eaton home was lovely. And despite being somewhat scandalous, the Eaton family had a reputation for being charming. Besides, she missed William so much that her heart hurt.

She was a daft cow. There was no reason to be so nervous about the long ride. Anna would be delightful company, and when Ethan witnessed her sincere feelings for Evan, he would cease the negativity about their relationship.

She and Evan had been through so much together. Their childish denial of their feelings, an artistic dupe, her short courtship with one of his best friends, and a vicious blackmail scheme. She must remain hopeful because once her brothers accepted that she loved Evan, they could finally be together. Mayhap she should enlist assistance from Anna and Georgiana. They would convince her brothers that she and Evan were star-crossed lovers. And what if she endeared herself to the Dowager Countess Trent? Surely, Kat could. She was a darling of the ton and a diamond of the season, after all.

She exhaled her anxiety and inhaled hope. Make-believe butterflies flitted in her chest. What an adventure she was in for.

A horse whinnied, and the carriage halted with a jerk, jolting her forward. Something thunked.

"Heavens, no." She peered out the side window.

They'd abruptly stopped on the main street—probably to avoid hitting another carriage.

Within moments, her coach lunged forward, rolling past a park resplendent with colorful flowers. Steadying her breath, she chuckled at her nervousness. Although she wasn't as carefree as her favorite cousin and the man she loved, she had improved at taking things in stride since coming to Brighton. Mere weeks ago, she'd probably suffer an apoplexy at almost having a carriage accident. And now, here she was, enjoying the scenery. Pink roses. Tall purple flowers waving in the breeze. A seagull swooping close to squawk beside her window.

Relaxing against the back of the seat, she closed her eyes and imagined how wonderful the next couple of weeks would be.

Kat awoke with a start. What in the dickens was she doing sleeping in a carriage? It took her a moment to remember that she was on her way to Ethan's.

Stars. Had she fallen into a deep slumber on a short trip across town? Mayhap she had, for she was exhausted since she'd been up most of the night making love to Evan.

Her smile was short-lived because a bolt of fear slammed into her chest. Something was very wrong.

She peered out the window. Trees, trees, and more trees. She was in the middle of a forest, but one didn't pass through forests to get to Yardley Manor from The Crown Jewel. At least not in a vehicle traveling across town. Which could mean only one thing. But what kind of maniac kidnapped a woman in the daylight on a main street?

Only one name came to mind.

"Greyson," she growled between clenched teeth.

She pounded on the roof of the carriage. It continued rolling forward.

"Stop," she yelled. "Stop the carriage this instant!"

Unfortunately, the coach sped up, and dozens of trees whizzed by.