Chapter Thirty-Five

July 1867

J o stood between Arthur and Linc as they greeted their guests. It had been blissfully quiet with no further attempts on her person, or against Matthew. His arm was even out of the cast now. She had gone shopping, run errands, taken tea with the ladies, and anything else that struck her fancy.

She felt gloriously and wonderfully free. No father controlling her movements or pestering her about where shed been. No unwanted husband to answer too. No brother-in-law spending her money and controlling her staff.

Instead, she had two men in her life who loved her, protected her, and supported her. It had taken years to achieve this state, but here she was. Happy.

Arthur leaned in close so she could hear him over the din of voices in the ballroom. You look lovely, if I havent already told you tonight.

She laughed, delighted. Only about ten times, husband.

She felt lovely. Her gown had been specially designed by Madame Le Fleur, a modiste Theo had recommended. The bodice was fitted with two layers of ruffles which came down into a vee over her decolletage in emerald green silk. An overskirt of the same emerald green silk wrapped around to each of her hipbones and created a train behind her which had a matching set of two ruffles around the hem. The underskirt was a pale green skirt with the same ruffle detail as the train and bodice. There were also little gathers of fabric that looked like three rows of bunting across the skirt and above the ruffled hem. Her matching pale green fan was embroidered with leaves and vines in emerald green. She wore a simple emerald headband in her hair which had been gathered to the back of her head, where it dangled in perfect coils.

But can a wife as lovely as you hear such things from either of her husbands too often? Linc asked as he also leaned in. Hed clearly heard some part of their exchange.

Jo smiled coyly, bring her fan up to her face to hide her grin. Perhaps not.

Linc laughed, as did Arthur, and her toes curled in her satin slippers as she thought about how theyd spent the morning together in bed. By the end, theyd been entwined and laying in each others arms with her sandwiched between the two handsome men.

Theo and Stone approached in the receiving line, the rest of their friends trailing behind as though theyd all arrived together.

Theo smiled and gasped as she saw Jos gown. Oh, you look gorgeous, Jo. They kissed each others cheeks and then she moved along after Stone greeted Linc and Arthur. Emily and Cooper were just behind, followed by Ros, Julia, Wolf, and Flint. They all hugged and kissed and moved along to keep the line flowing. Then came Amelia and Lucifer, Marie and Hartfield, and finally Lizzy and Carlisle. Jo was delighted they had all come. Along with Linc, Arthur, and Becca, they were her family now.

Before long all their guests had arrived, and they were free to move out into the ball. Arthur and Jo opened the festivities by leading the first dance. Theyd decided it would be a waltz in lieu of a more traditional option, such as a quadrille or a march. After all, they were bucking the norms in so many ways. Why not the order of the dances?

As Arthur swept her into the opening waltz, he smiled down at her. The people on the edges of the ballroom swirled by, a kaleidoscope of colors that melded together then fractured apart.

Jo laughed, happiness bubbling up from deep inside her. Thank you, Arthur. This is a lovely evening.

You are most welcome. I would do anything to put that smile on your face, even get all dressed up and smile at a great deal of people I neither know nor care about. His low baritone rumbled through her since she was pressed so close to him. Scandalously closeeven for a husband and wife.

You do say the most outrageous things at times. Jo allowed her lashes to lower slightly. But its the outrageous things you do to me that I truly enjoy. Both of you.

Arthur threw his head back and laughed as he continued to spin her around. By the time the waltz ended, she needed a moment to set herself back to rights. He led her over to where Linc and the other Lustful Lords stood.

Jo exhaled with a grin. Gentlemen, I need to visit the retiring room and then I am going to visit the nursery to check on Matthew.

Linc pressed a hand to her lower back. I just checked on the boy. He and Nancy are doing well upstairs and a footman is standing guard in the hall as well. Stay down here, enjoy your evening.

Jo smiled up at him, tipping up on her toes to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek. You are a wonderful husband. You know that, dont you?

I do try, my dear. He smiled smugly and winked at Arthur. Though I believe I have more competition than most.

She laughed and stepped away from the group.

Are you going to the retiring room? Amelia asked.

I am. Would you care to join me?

Absolutely. Its a bit warm in here for me. She smiled, looking a little green about the gills.

They walked toward their destination at a sedate stroll, arm in arm, as Jo asked, Forgive my directness, but are you feeling well?

I have been feeling tired lately, no matter how much I sleep. I dare say certain smells are affecting me far more than I am accustomed to. Amelia pressed a hand to her stomach and drew in a shallow breath. Ive learned deep breaths are only for outdoor spaces or private ones.

Was Amelia with child? It certainly sounded that way. Havehave you seen a doctor?

I plan to. I am trying to find a time to sneak away when Lucifer is occupied. The man is so very protective. If I say a word, he will worry himself into a frenzy.

Jo laughed. She could see both Arthur and Linc being the same way. If you need someone to go with you, please dont hesitate to ask. We could call it a day of shopping and add an extra stop. She grinned conspiratorially.

That sounds perfect! Amelia smiled as they entered the retiring room.

Three hours full of dancing and laughter later, the sumptuous supper she had planned had been served and the dancing resumed. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, as was she. Jo continued to dance with each of her husbands, interspersed by their friends. She was just coming off the dance floor after a gallop with Stone when she saw a footman speaking in a low, hurried voice to Arthur and Linc.

As she walked over, she noted the tightness of their features, and her heart mirrored their tension. What is wrong?

Arthur and Linc led her out of the ballroom as Arthur spoke. Jo, there is an issue upstairs.

What is it? Has Matthew fallen ill? She glanced from one face to the other, worry intruding on the happiness shed been feeling all night.

They were in the hall now, and she was fighting the urge to run toward the stairs.

When Arthur spoke it was in a quiet, worried voice. Matthew is missing.

Jos knees abruptly gave out, but between the two men, they kept her upright. Missingmissing? What do you mean, he is missing? When was he last seen?

Lincs voice sounded like it came from a long way away. I checked on him an hour or so ago and he was fine then, but when I checked just now he was goneand Nancy is missing as well. The staff have been organized and are searching for him. We are keeping the guests confined to the ballroom for the moment. Lincs voice was calm, almost detached, until his voice cracked. Oh God, Jo, Im so sorry. All was well when I checked earlier. I swear it.

Matthew. Jo whispered her sons name and broke into a run as she flew up the stairs. On the second floor, she tore down the gallery and into the nursery but found naught but an empty room. Arthur and Linc appeared just behind her as she cried out, Does no one know where Nancy is?

There has been no sign of her according to Palmer, the footman who came to alert me. Arthur placed his hands on his hips as he looked helplessly around the room.

Nancy didnt take him. I cant believe she would, she loves Matthew! Jo let out a small cry of frustration as she ran around the room, opening all the doors to the various cupboardswas he hiding?but she found nothing.

Halting her frantic search, Jo looked around the space and noticed his blocks were spread out on the floor. Kneeling, she touched one and tried to calm her spinning head. She drew in a deep breath. As her gaze focused on the blocks, she noticed something sparkling on the rug.

Jo reached down and plucked a diamond hair pin from beneath one of the blocks. Arthur! Linc!

They rushed over. What is it? Linc asked.

I found a hairpin. She held up the trinket.

A footman burst into the room. Nancy has been found. She was bound, gagged, and shoved in a cupboard near the servants stairs. She says it was a woman who took Matthew.

Which way did she go? Arthurs cracked out a demand rather than a question.

Out the back of the house. The man pointed in that general direction.

Jos heart pounded wildly as she ran from the room, tearing down the stairs and out to the mews. Many of the guests carriages were lined up as she ran down the line of vehicles. Arthur and Linc were right on her heels.

They came to the last carriage in the line and Arthur asked the driver, Did a carriage just leave here?

Yes, my lord, the driver responded, instantly alert.

Was it a woman with a boy? Linc jumped in to ask.

Aye, my lord, and the boy was pitching a fit about going.

Did you see which way they went? Arthur demanded.

Aye, my lord.

Arthur threw open the door of the carriage and helped Jo climb up as her heart pounded. He and Linc followed her in as Arthur called out, Follow that carriage!

The man grunted, the reins snapped, and the carriage took off. Linc lifted the leather covering on the side of the door and leaned out to see if he could spot the other vehicle. It was the early hours of the morning, so there was far less traffic on the road, as many of the balls planned for that night had yet to end.

I think I see them! Linc cried as the carriage bounced and jounced down the road.

Jo could feel tears pooling in her eyes as she sat and waited, her chest tight as worry for her boy squeezed her. They continued following the carriage they suspected held Matthew, moving at a furious pace.

But then Linc informed them in a raw voice, We may have lost it. It turned up ahead somewhereI cant see where.

Arthur cursed, low and ugly, as the first tear slipped down Jos face. Her heart broke as they clattered on, but suddenly the carriage jerked to a halt.

Linc leaned out the window once more. The driver said something and Linc replied, Take a closer look, if you can. He ducked back inside the carriage. He thinks he saw the carriage down a rear alley we just passed. Hes going around the way to go down the other end of the alley and get a closer look.

Worry knotted Jos stomach as she fought back, the tears now freely slipping free.

After a few minutes, she heard the driver exclaim, Its the one, my lord. I recognize the fancy gold trim.

Jo bolted from the carriage, nearly ripping her train off as it caught on a part of the carriage, her men right behind her.

She only hoped theyd got there in time.