Part 12 (1/2)

”Mallatt! Mallatt! Stop him,” she screamed as she lunged at the man mid-stair.

The thudding of their tumble down the remainder of the stairs, together with Andre's cries, aroused the

household.

The man loosed a stream of curses as he failed to get a grip on Andre. The boy had taken a death grip on Juliane in the entangled ma.s.s at the foot of the stairs.

Nights.h.i.+rt flapping, Lord Adrian ran down the stairs.

Mallatt and Jove stumbled into the kitchen.

Routed, the intruders made for the door. The first out let loose a loud whistle and m.u.f.fled hooves sounded quickly in the yard.

Ned and Jem pell-melled into the kitchen. All of the men gave chase, but they were not fast enough.

Meg had lit a candle before the men hurried back in eager to s.h.i.+eld their bare feet and scantily clad bodies from the cold night air. Lord Adrian led the pack. He immediately went to Lady Juliane and Andre.

The boy was still hysterical despite Juliane's efforts to calm him.

Kneeling, Lord Adrian tried to take Andre from Lady Juliane. Andre howled, but after casting a fear-ladened look, saw that it was Lord Adrian. Relief and trust erased the fear from the boy's features.

He let go of Juliane and dove into Lord Adrian's arms.

By this time Meg had quieted Leora, somewhat diminis.h.i.+ng the pandemonium. The others clumped around the three at the foot of the stairs.

Rising, Lord Adrian held Andre tightly with one arm and reached out with the other to help Lady Juliane rise. ”Are you all right? Did he harm you?” he asked anxiously.

”No,” she answered shakily. ”We were not harmed.”

”What happened?” echoed the others.

”I don't really know,” parried Lady Juliane. ”I awoke to find a man carrying Andre from the room. I

have no idea why.”

”Who could they have been?”

”His cursing, it be foreign. Be it French?” asked Jove.

It was as if a knell sounded in the room. Everyone recalled the murdered abigail and postilion. Juliane

moved unconsciously closer to Andre, her fear evident.

Seeing it, Lord Adrian encircled her shoulders with his free arm. ”Mallatt, get dressed and stand guard.

”Jove, could your sons relieve him during the remainder of the night?”

”Aye, m'lord. I canna' understand what they'd be a wantin' here with yer lad.”

”Probably ransom,” Lord Adrian tossed out, suddenly feeling very protective of the two within his hold.

Andre's trust had gone straight to his heart. Lady Juliane's call to Mallatt for aid instead of him was

painful indeed.

Lady Juliane s.h.i.+vered and stepped closer to him. The earl realised how little everyone wore. ”We cannot stand about like this. We will discuss this in the morning.

”Come, Juliane.

”Meg, please care for Leora.” He slipped his hand beneath her elbow and guided Lady Juliane up the

stairs. At mid-stair he called over his shoulder, ”I doubt they will return this night, but keep a close watch.”

At Alva's door, they halted.

”It would be safest for Andre to come to bed with me-if you are not afraid,” he said quietly.

Lady Juliane tried to search his face in the darkness. ”No, I am not,” she answered slowly. ”Perhaps,