Page 57 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
David glared at his father defiantly but there was a glimmer of concession in his hazel irises. Without another word, he moved toward the house, muttering profanities unbecoming to his status.
“Speak!” Percival ordered Jacob again. “Why have you sedated my daughter?”
“She did not,” Dr. Graham announced. “I did.”
The appearance of another body did not help alleviate Leonard’s confusion in the least.
“If I have to ask again, someone will pay!” the Duke howled. “I demand answers, now!”
“Miss Follett was beside herself when they returned from the Smitherson affair,” Jacob offered, sensing Leonard’s ire. “I sent for him to ease her suffering.”
“Why was she having a fit? Did something occur at the party?” Leonard demanded, consciously aware that Elizabeth still had not materialized. He was also aware of the stares and murmurs which the townspeople gave him. He did not understand any of it.
“Catherine, what happened at the gala?”
Hastily, his sister wiped the mess of tears from her face and struggled to regain her composure.
“Elizabeth wished to leave almost immediately,” she breathed, her words escaping in short rasps. “She feared that there would be a confrontation with Priscilla again and that it would upset Frances. But I daresay, Leo, Lord Cooke stared at her like he wished to make a meal of her. It was repulsive.”
Leonard’s own breaths were shaky.
Both Cooke and Priscilla were in attendance? Had I known, I would never have permitted them to go!
“Was there an incident, then?” Percival asked. “Out with it! Has Elizabeth been harmed?”
“We left as soon as she suggested it, Leo, Lord Gordon, I swear. We did not go seeking trouble but…”
She trailed off.
“Finish at once, Catherine!”
“We had only just left when the coach was robbed by highwaymen.”
“WHAT?” both men hollered.
“Highwaymen? In Pembroke? Unheard of, Catherine! Are you certain?” Leonard choked. It sounded a jest but there was clearly nothing amusing about whatever was happening as dawn struggled through the sky.
“I am,” she moaned. “They took all of our jewels and even Frances’ fine headdress. She was hysterical the entire time, no matter what Elizabeth said to calm her. I have never seen Frances so upset. She was fit to be tied, sincerely.”
Leonard sighed heavily and shook his head.
“Dear God. Was anyone hurt?” His mind was on the terrible dream he had had in the coach, the memory of Elizabeth reaching out to him.
“Jasper was struck and we were bound together and left in the dark night alone,” Catherine rushed on. “I was blindfolded as was Frances and at one moment, she, too, was struck when she would not stop screaming!”
“Oh ballocks,” Percival swore. “I must go to her.”
“I have examined her,” Dr. Graham assured the distraught Viscount. “But for her temperament, she is unhurt. I daresay she was more frightened than hurt.”
“Still, I must—” Percival began to say but Catherine was having none of it.
“Wait!” Catherine cried. “Please, allow me to finish.”
They stared at her expectantly but Leonard was relieved to learn that no one was seriously injured.
Where is Elizabeth? At her sister’s side, undoubtedly.
Leonard found himself looking about for Jasper, the coachman and his mother but through the throng of people and his fuzzy mind, it was impossible for him to focus.
