Page 84 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
“Lord Gordon! Wait!” Leonard called out, suddenly realizing how far ahead the Viscount was.
He should not go first. He does not know where he is going, he does not have the money, and he does not know what waits for him at the mill.
“What is it, Duke?” Percival called, pausing to look back but Leonard could not see him, only the glow of the lamp.
“Permit me to lead,” Leonard told him. “I have the money they seek.”
Percival did not respond but he did not move either, allowing for Leonard to close the distance between them. His horse trotted beside Percival’s yet even in their closeness, it was impossible to make out the man’s face against the moonless night. The dismal darkness matched the cloud in Leonard’s mind.
“Of course, Duke,” the Viscount muttered when he neared. “I am simply so eager to see Elizabeth again…”
“As am I,” Leonard assured him. “But we are clearly dealing with men not in control of themselves. I would prefer to take the lead.”
“As you wish.”
Leonard repositioned himself in front of Percival and the two men continued north into the trees. In minutes, they found themselves at the stream, almost evaporated beneath the thirsty trees. The mill loomed large and the men stopped, taking in the sight cautiously.
“I do not see anyone, do you?” Percival murmured.
“Check the hour,” Leonard urged. “Perhaps we are early.”
Percival reached for his watch and sighed.
“It is midnight,” he replied. No sooner had the words left his lips did movement catch their attention in the trees beyond. It was impossible to see a face, of course, but there was motion nonetheless.
“Who is there?” Leonard called. “Elizabeth? Are you there?”
“Do not come any closer until I tell you,” a man’s voice growled out from the dark. Leonard froze.
“Where is Miss Elizabeth?” Leonard demanded. “Show her at once.”
“You will see her when I have my money.”
Leonard was consumed with the notion that something was off with the way the man spoke, perhaps a note in his voice or something elusive which weighed on the Duke’s subconscious.
“Cooper?” Leonard asked boldly. “Is that your name?”
“Duke!” Percival hissed. “What are you doing?”
“Cooper!” Leonard snapped, kicking his horse forward. “I have fifty thousand pounds for you, sitting atop my saddle. Where is she?”
“I said do not come any closer!”
There was an unmistakable panic in the man’s voice—Leonard heard it without question. He listened closely for sound of other movement but his ears heard nothing. Cooper was alone. Elizabeth was not there, Leonard would have staked his life on that fact.
“Cooper…” Leonard choked. “Where in God’s name is she?”
“You will get her when I get my money!”
“Give him the money!” Percival squeaked. “Please Duke! I wish to see Elizabeth! I must see my daughter!”
“She is not here, is she, Cooper?”
“She is here but she will not be alive for much longer if you do not follow my instructions.”
The waver in his voice was undeniable. He was a desperate man, not in control of the situation. Leonard knew the pitch well. Slowly, he turned his head back toward Percival.
“She is not here,” he breathed to the Viscount. “I cannot sense her anywhere around.”
