The butler stood impassive for a moment, but then his shoulders sagged. “No, he received an urgent summons yesterday and left.”
“Where did this summons come from?” Michael asked.
“I don’t know, my lord. I never saw it myself.”
“And how long did he say he would be gone?”
“He didn’t say.”
“Thank you,” Derek said and steered Michael towards the exit. As soon as they were clear of the house, he said, “I told you he had her.”
“So he’s not here. It’s not proof that he took Miranda.”
“Nonetheless, I’m going after them. You can come or not as you wish.” Derek strode towards his horse, not bothering to see if Michael followed. He pulled himself up in the saddle and walked the horse over to where Michael was painfully making his way to the carriage. “I’m not familiar with your country. Where
