Sea Scoundrel

  * * *

  Hothouse tulips breathed spring into the small chapel.

  Grant could not believe Shane was about to take a wife. He did not believe he had ever seen such a look of pride on his father’s face. Hell, he did not believe he had ever been so proud.

  Standing up for Shane and Rose, he and Patience stood at the front, Grant with his arm around her, since she had just risen from a sickbed. As if she needed him, when the Lady Patience Kendall had become the strongest adversary Grantland St. Benedict Garrick, Marquess of Andover, had faced his entire life.

  The organ began to play.

  Shane and Rose marched up the aisle side by side. Rose wore a silver gown and carried lilies. His brother wore black and carried Amy.They spoke their vows with certitude.

  After the ceremony, they traveled to Brian’s house for the wedding breakfast, since Patience and the girls had moved there so Rose and Shane could have their new home to themselves.

  On Patience’s other side, Sophie leaned toward her. “Have you seen Angel? Sir Harold wishes to be introduced, but she’s gone,” Sophie said. “I checked everywhere.”

  “That’s impossible,” Patience said. “Wasn’t she in the coach with you?”

  “I thought she was with you. She’s been acting peculiar.”

  Grant stood. “More peculiar than normal?”

  Sophie followed him and Patience from the room. “We’ve been friends since we were children. We shared everything. But lately she’s been secretive and when I ask questions, she snaps.”

  Patience made for the stairs. “Let’s check her room.”

  Grant was sorry he hadn’t thought of it. They found Angel’s trunk and valises by the bed.

  Sophie paled. “One of her bags is gone.”

  Patience found a note propped against a candle-stand. Her hands shook and tears filled her eyes as she read it.

  Grant didn’t bother to hide his worry. “I know,” he said when she looked up. “We have a problem.”

  Patience touched her throat. “Angel has eloped.”