Page 89 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
She had no money to pay for such a messenger and she would not have Rachel spare the expense, even temporarily.
“First you must gather your strength,” Rachel insisted. “I will see to food for you.”
She moved toward the stairs and cast Elizabeth a warm but worried smile before disappearing into the dark stairwell.
“You are safe now, Miss,” Elizabeth heard her say as her footfalls retreated and for the first time in days, Elizabeth knew that was the truth.
“Rest now,” Dr. Mallory insisted. “In mere hours you will be reunited with your family.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes but she did not sleep. She vowed that she would not rest again until she was staring into Leonard’s warm gaze.
Chapter 29
With trembling hands, Leonard accepted the goblet from Jacob, his heart thudding ferociously. About him, he was surrounded by baleful looks.
“She is dead!” Percival moaned endlessly, the horrific words echoing through Leonard’s ears. “You have killed her and for what? To save yourself some money?”
“Stop saying that, Father!” David roared. “Elizabeth is full of wits and she will find a way to safety!”
Yet even the young man could not stop glaring daggers in the Duke’s direction. No one could fathom why he had antagonized the highwaymen, not even his sister.
“Leo, what were you thinking?” Catherine whispered. “Why did you not pay the ransom?”
Leonard took a large swig of the port, downing the liquid at once. He had explained to the household why he had made the decision yet no one shared his confidence. It left him second-guessing his choice.
What if I am wrong? Will I ever be able to live with myself if I know I have killed Elizabeth?
The thought was too much to bear but as the hours ticked by and there was no word from the Viscount’s daughter, Leonard was faced with the insurmountable reality that he had done something from which he could not retreat.
“What if there is a way to try again,” Leonard mumbled although he spoke only one of the many jumbled ideas in his mind. He was not convinced he would act any differently if presented with Cooper again.
“Yes!” Percival said excitedly. “There must be a way to contact these men! We will find a way to ensure the ransom is paid still—”
“Cooper will not trust His Grace again,” David interjected flatly. “Our opportunity to get Elizabeth back safely has passed. There is nothing we can do but pray now.”
“That will not suffice!” Percival howled, slamming his fists against Leonard’s desk but the Duke was far too involved in his own thoughts to notice. The rest of the household, however, jumped at the movement.
“I will meet with Cooper!” Percival continued. “I had nothing to do with what occurred last night!”
“Even if Cooper were to trust you,” Leonard snapped, hoping to settle some sense into the babbling Viscount. “How would you find him?”
Percival gaped at Leonard and slowly closed his mouth.
“Perhaps he will send another letter?” Percival mumbled. “He cannot be happy to be left with nothing!”
Silence lingered until the sound of hooves attracted Leonard’s attention from beyond the study’s windows. Everyone moved to peer outside at once, hope gathering in the room but it deflated just as quickly as it had swelled.
“Herbert has returned from London!” Catherine cried but she remained at the window. “He appears to be alone.”
Leonard moved from his chair and they all ran to greet the barrister at the entranceway where he was being helped from his horse. The expression on his face spoke volumes to what had happened on his journey.
“What was said in London? Are the Robin Redbreasts familiar with this Cooper?” Leonard demanded but he sensed the answer even before Herbert shook his head.
“I am afraid not, Your Grace. The Redbreasts rarely come this far south on their tours but even so, the name meant nothing to them.”
“Another useless endeavor,” David grunted. Leonard peered at the boy, noting the tears forming in his eyes but he did struggle to keep his emotions hidden. In days, David’s demeanor had altered in ways which would never again capture his youthful innocence.
This experience has aged him. It has aged all of us.
