Charlie fell silent, and as the seconds ticked by Jacob thought about her. Was Poppy even now lying somewhere hurt? He needed to move, do something; the waiting was torture.
"I did not know this was happening until after Poppy had left, and I overhead some of the girls talking," Charlie began. "There's a man who comes here, his name is Lord Kinsale. It seems he took a liking to Poppy, and one night Nell found her pressed up against the wall with the man trying to force himself on her. I questioned the other girls, and they confirmed his fixation with her, as they had seen him with Poppy also."
"I know Kinsale," Jacob said softly. He and the man had history, and none of it good.
"Nell said he threatened her, and that he was overheard saying that he would have Poppy one day."
"And I'll make him pay for that," Jacob added.
"I'll have people search for her, my lords, and send word should I receive any, and would ask you to alert me if you find her." Charlie took the card Leo held out to him.
When they got to the carriage, they found Nick waiting for them.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Leo said.
"Perkins told me something was afoot. I called a hackney, and through the process of elimination I found you here. I sent word to Marcus to meet us at Night Street."
"Poppy is missing and I fear Lord Kinsale has her," Jacob said.
"Why would he do that?"
They all climbed in the carriage, and Leo explained what Charlie had said.
"That doesn't mean she's there, Jacob."
"She's missing, and Lord Revel is not guilty, but someone is," Jacob snapped.
"It's a leap to suggest it's Kinsale, even considering what this Charlie had to say." Nick's eyes went from Jacob to Leo. "Perhaps she has returned to her family?"
"Poppy's nature is such that she would never let her employer down, Nick. She would also never leave London without telling her friends or taking her belongings."
"And your belief is that Kinsale has her?"
Jacob nodded. He did believe it. His chest hurt and his throat was tight. She was in danger... scared and in danger. He also knew what a man like Kinsale was capable of.
"He's an unpleasant sort, we all know that, and we've heard the rumors of his nighttime activities. But you're talking abduction?" Nick ran his fingers around the brim of his hat. "It's speculation with no evidence."
"But what if it is the truth, Nick? What if even now Poppy is being hurt."
Jacob held Nick's gaze, and his friend sighed. "So it's love, is it?"
He didn't respond but felt the rightness of the words. He'd never felt like this before. Never met a woman he could not live without... until now.
"In that case, we had best pay Kinsale a visit. But we take Marcus, and come up with some kind of reason for the visit. If she is not there, or he is not responsible, then we leave, and he is none the wiser."
Jacob and Leo nodded. When they arrived at Night Street, Nick collected Marcus and they were once again on the move, this time to Lord Kinsale's house. Big men, they were squeezed into the carriage, but had done so many times before. Leo brought Marcus up to date with all the details.
"Kinsale has a considerable ego. I suggest we go and state we are starting a consortium, and wish his backing. We are looking to invest in gold, and believe we shall make an excellent return."
Jacob listened as Nick outlined the plan he had devised. They were like that, quick on their feet and able to change and adjust with speed. Usually, Jacob added silently. He could field no other thoughts but those centered around Poppy.
"You will excuse yourself and find a way to search the house while we keep Kinsale busy, Jacob. The window will not be a long one, and the house big, so make sure you search fast and efficiently."
Was he right or was emotion and his past clouding his judgment? Was she being held against her will and in danger from Lord Kinsale? It seemed almost implausible that a second woman he loved was even now in the hands of that evil bastard.
"I never told you this," Jacob said softly. "But I believe it was Kinsale who kidnapped Rachel."
"What!" Leo thundered. "Why did you not tell us?"
"Because I could prove nothing, but at the time he was down on his luck, and had motive for blackmail. So I have waited and watched him. Rachel is safe and happy, and Kinsale has, until today, not put a foot wrong now he has money. I am still digging into his business and personal affairs."
"We don't have secrets," Nick said, and Jacob knew he voiced what Leo and Marcus were thinking.