Page 76 of Her Duke Next Door
Mary could not help but feel overwhelmed by the proclamation and apology. She smiled, relieved. “Thank you, Dominique. I truly did not mean to hurt you or betray you. I was simply guided by an old fear.”
“Which I should have been more understanding of.”
Mary nodded and watched as Dominique moved down the table to sit with her. “I have given Eloise permission to eat with Bernie, as she is quite distressed over Katie. I cannot rest properly until my daughter is found so I must go out to search again for her today but I would like to shield you from the gossips of the Ton and ask you to stay here. Perhaps take Eloise for a pony ride, take her mind off everything.”
“I wish to be useful.”
“And you will be by me knowing you will not hear any nasty rumors. Not because they are true but because they only cause more pain when I am trying to rebuild my faith in the Ton and believe I can once again be a part of it. Thatwecan be a part of it.”
Mary nodded. “If that is what you truly wish.”
“I have sent word for Anne to come over today to also keep you company. I hope that is all right. I shall be with Alexander as we search for Katie.”
“That is considerate of you, thank you, Dominique. I wish to open my letter in front of you.”
And so she did.
Dearest Mary,
Word is abuzz around the Ton,
Talk of all the years bygone.
A man who murdered his wife,
Now on the hunt to take a new life.
It’s no wonder his daughter ran
Away from such a cruel man.
If you wish to see her safe and home again,
You shall meet me at Silver Vanity at ten.
Come alone, Mary.
She read the letter—theriddle—to herself at first, wondering at how would play such a twisted game of guesses and rhyming in such a devastating time. She read it aloud and watched as Dominique fought hard to retain his composure.
The handwriting was not familiar to her.
“Is it the same penmanship as your other letters?”
Mary shook her head. “No.”
“Is there any way Lord Yore could have gotten access to our home?”
“None, I do not think. There was no alarm that anybody was here without any of the staff knowing.”
“Do you know if Katie played outside the day she disappeared?”
Mary shook her head, feeling helpless.
“If you are able to go, I want to help you tonight,” Dominique said. “A trap. I shall go to the Silver Vanity at seven-thirty. I know a hidden entrance and shall stay conspicuous. When you arrive at eight, you shall appear as though you are alone. We shall see who awaits to meet you but I shall alert the constables of the letter. We shall corner the perpetrator and arrest him.”
“But what if he is arrested before we find Katie?”
“I might be too hopeful but I am thinking the perpetrator shall bring her with him.”
