Page 69 of Her Duke Next Door
“Ladies!” Mary cried. “Please. Please listen. His Grace has not hurt me. He never would hurt me. Now if you do not mind, I am taking my daughters for lunch.”
As she retreated, Mary heard one last call from Lady Halton. “Thisisthe park where they found him with his wife’s body, was it not?”
“I believe it was,” Lady Johnson added.
Mary shuddered but she kept on, stalking toward her daughters and leading them from the park.
ChapterNineteen
“Any sign yet?” Katie asked, kneeling up on the windowsill seat, peering out of the window where Mary had found herself waiting.
It had been just over two weeks since Dominique had left for travel, and a small voice whispered in her mind doubtful things.It was never business. You scared him off. He cannot commit. He does not love you. Why has it been so long since he left? He said two weeks.
Christian had returned home already, as had Alexander, several days ago. But not Dominique. Why was he not home yet?
“None yet, dear, but do not worry,” Mary told the young girl, sending her on her way so she did not have to wait by a window as she had done many times before. “Your papa will be back any day, I am sure.”
Katie scoffed. “I do not believe that! Healwaysleaves. I thought he had changed. I thought this time was different!”
“It will be,” Mary tried to assure her but her voice shook, and she did not sound convincing even to her own ears. That voice in her mind would not cease.This is your life is your husband has indeed not changed at all.“No, he is past leaving you, Katie. He told us all he did not even wish to go but knew it was a good opportunity.”
“Mary, I know I am only ten years old but may I give you some advice?”
Mary almost laughed. “Advice?”
“Yes. Do not wait long for my papa. I learned very young that he does not come back until he is ready.”
Her eyes were so sad and wise for a girl of her young age that Mary could not help but embrace Katie. She held the girl tightly, this girl who had gotten a proper father back in these last weeks. As Katie left, Mary turned to find the housekeeper, Geraldine, watching them.
“He will return,” Mary said. “He has to.”
“Are you asking for my opinion, Your Grace, or telling yourself?”
“Both? Perhaps?”
“I have seen a great change in His Grace,” Geraldine told her. “If he does not return to you then he is a bigger fool than he realizes.”
Mary gave her a soft, grateful smile, before going down for breakfast, due to be served in one hour.
However, when that hour passed, and only Eloise and Mary remained at the table, Mary frowned, concerned.
“Dominique has mentioned Katie is prone to bouts of depression when he is away on his travels,” she said. “Is Katie in her room? She was quite upset this morning over her papa.”
“I shall check! The last time I saw her we were in the playroom. She was quite upset.”
Eloise slid from her chair as Mary called for a delay in breakfast while they checked for Katie. If the girl was in her bed upset then it would be up to Mary to bring her out of her reprieve.
But Eloise soon returned, her face paler, her eyes wide. “Mama! Mama, Katie is not in her room!”
Mary absolutely did not panic. Not yet. There were plenty of places where she could have gone to. She put on a cheery smile but all she thought wasplease do not let anything happen to her while Dominique has entrusted her to my care.
She did not panic. She remained calm and collected as she went from room to room with Eloise. She played along, for the two girls had conspired to bring Dominique home faster last time. But soon, all the rooms showed no sign of Katie, nor the garden, nor the stables, and Mary grew increasingly worried.
Finally, Eloise voiced the question.
“Do you have to write to Katie’s papa, mama?”
“Yes,” Mary answered. “I think I will.”
