Page 42 of His Darling Duchess
Confounded, Rhys stared at his valet, who smirked at his discomfiture.
Rhys couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his chest at the thought of Aurelia missing him. He had been so focused on finding Grantleigh that he had forgotten about the impact his absence would have on his wife. He made a mental note to make it up to her, to show her how much he loved and appreciated her.
"Thank you for letting me know, Harris," he said, his voice soft. "I'll make sure to show her how much I missed her too."
Harris nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he began to towel-dry Rhys' hair.
As he settled into bed, Rhys couldn't help but think about Aurelia and how lucky he was to have her. He knew that he would do anything to protect her, even if it meant the loss of his own reputation or even his life.
But for now, he needed to rest. Lansdown and Hall would arrive later - better rested than he, hopefully, having sensibly decided to overnight at a comfortable inn - and he needed to be refreshed and alert so that he could sit down with them to make a plan to find Grantleigh and settle with him once and for all.
Chapter Eighteen
Rhys stared out thewindow of the drawing room, watching the rain patter against the glass panes. The darkening grey skies matched his gloomy countenance as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. He took a sip of brandy, the burn in his throat barely registering through the haze of frustration that clouded his mind. He had slept, but not for long, and woke troubled, unsure what steps to take next to ensure Aurelia’s safety.
Footsteps sounded behind him and he turned to see Lansdown and Hale enter the room. Their grave expressions told him they had found no new information on Grantleigh's whereabouts since he left their company the day before.
"It's no use," Rhys said heavily, setting his glass down on the side table with a dull thunk. "The blighter has gone to ground somewhere, and we haven’t the first idea where to start looking."
Lansdown sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair. "I fear you are right. Now he knows his initial plan has failed, his guard will be up. We won’t find him so easily again."
"The blackguard," Hale spat, his expression determined. "He has eluded us for now, but mark my words, we will find him eventually."
Rhys nodded, a spark of determination piercing through the gloom. "We cannot give up. Hale, you must continue the search. Travel the countryside, call upon any minor estates held by the family. Leave no stone unturned."
"Of course," Hale agreed readily. "I will begin making arrangements at once, and depart in the morning."
"And I must away to the north soon," Lansdown said. "My father's health declines, and I am bound by duty to pay him a visit."
Knowing his friend was estranged from his father, Rhys gave him a sympathetic glance. “I am sorry to hear of the Earl’s ill health,” he said diplomatically.
Lansdown gave a tight smile. "Before I take my leave, might I suggest you return to London with all haste? It will be easier to keep Lady Aurelia safe there. Grantleigh would be a fool to show his face in town now."
Rhys considered this, rolling the empty brandy glass between his palms. "You speak wisdom, my friend. London it shall be. For tonight, you will dine with us, of course? My wife is quite the hostess, it seems; she will be sure to have directed the staff to lay on a magnificent meal for us, and I for one intend to do full justice to it."
“Honoured, Your Grace,” Hale murmured, and Lansdown nodded in agreement.
The men exchanged resolute glances, steeling themselves for the challenges ahead. Tonight, they would be happy merely to bewarm and safe together, before they must part, each to his own duty.
For Rhys, the next step was returning to the city. He only prayed he could keep Aurelia safe from further damage wrought by Grantleigh's spite.
The carriage wheels clattered over the cobblestones as they rolled through the misty London streets. Inside, Aurelia gazed pensively out the window, watching gas lamps flicker to life as dusk descended.
"You've been quiet since we left the Maidenhead house," Rhys said, startling her as he spoke into the quiet carriage. "Does the return to town trouble you?"
Aurelia turned from the window, offering a wan smile. "I confess, I feel some unease. The memories of...recent events still linger." She shuddered despite herself, the echo of Grantleigh's assault never far from mind.
Rhys took her hand, cradling it gently. "I promise, no harm will come to you here."
"Of course. You're right." She squeezed his hand, warmed by his steadfast, calm reassurance. Still, trepidation coiled within as the carriage rolled onward, drawing ever closer to the lavish townhouses and glittering ballrooms where reputations were made...and ruined.
No sooner had they arrived at the stately Stowe Mayfair townhouse than Lady Lymsey came calling, sweeping into the parlour in a froth of lace and silk.
"Aurelia, my dear girl," she cried, enveloping her daughter in an embrace. "I've been absolutely frantic since hearing the rumours circulating about town. Are you quite alright?"
Aurelia blinked, surprise mingling with unease. "Rumours, Mama?" Dread curdled in her stomach. "What rumours?"
"Ah, my dear, it pains me to even speak of it," Lady Lymsey replied, her eyes darting about, obviously unwilling to meet her daughter's gaze. "It seems there are those who would seek to discredit your union with Stowe –" she hesitated, unable to meet her daughter's gaze, "– and cast a shadow upon your virtue."
