Page 90 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
“Your Grace, I will prepare for the afternoon meal. There is no sense in discussing such a terrible matter on empty stomachs,” Beatrice offered quickly, attempting to alleviate the mountain of pressure which was ready to explode like a volcano of hot lava among the courtyard. The idea of eating churned Leonard’s gut but he knew that the household did need to be cared for. He remembered his promise to himself the previous day, where he swore to take better care of his family.
When Elizabeth returns, I cannot have her see her siblings in pieces. She will never forgive me for such neglect.
Leonard continued to think in those terms—when Elizabeth returned. He could not face the bleakness of the situation any other way.
“Yes, Beatrice,” Leonard agreed tersely. “We will gather for our meal.”
“How can you eat at a time like this?” David snapped. “I—”
“We will all eat,” Percival interjected slowly. “The Duke is right to instruct it. There is nothing more we can do but wait.”
“What will I tell Miss Follett?” Herbert murmured. “She has been waiting for word on Miss Elizabeth all night.”
Guilt consumed Leonard for he had no answer to the query. He knew Herbert had not asked it in hopes of an answer. It was merely one more woe which everyone was forced to endure.
“I will wash and join you in the dining hall,” Leonard answered instead, quickening his step to avoid further conversation with anyone. Inside his apartment, the Duke lingered.
I have failed Elizabeth. I have failed all the Folletts,he bemoaned.I should not have betrayed Cooper.
The more he thought about the previous night, the more he wondered why he had reacted so impulsively. It had seemed so clear in the moment but in the cold light of day, he loathed the decision.
“Duke?” Percival’s voice called excitedly through the door, followed by a rapid succession of sharp raps. “Are you present?”
Leonard’s impulse was to ignore the Viscount but there was something in Percival’s voice which told him to open the door.
“Forgive me, Duke,” Percival gushed, thrusting a note into his hands. “The kidnappers have made contact again! They are willing to permit us another opportunity to deliver the ransom!”
Leonard stared at him in disbelief and wrenched the note upward.
“Where did you find this?” he demanded. “When did it come?”
The note read: THIS IS YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO SEE MISS ELIZABETH ALIVE. LORD GORDON WILL DELIVER THE RANSOM ALONE OR THE GIRL DIES. NO MORE OPPORTUNITIES. MIDNIGHT AT THE OLD MILL.
“It was in my quarters when I went to change my clothes,” Percival choked. “We have been blessed!”
Leonard shook his head.
“It is a trick,” he heard himself say. “He was furious with me. You cannot go.”
“You cannot refuse!” Percival cried. “You have already upset them!”
“I need time to think,” Leonard muttered. “Leave me.”
“Duke!”
“Please, Lord Gordon, you must leave me in peace.”
He closed the door and moved toward the window, peering out into the courtyard.
How has Cooper gained access to this house? Lord Cooke has a spy inside our walls!
Knocking at the door to his chambers continued but Leonard did not heed it. His mind was far too confused for conversation.
“Leo?”
Catherine did not wait for an invitation inside the apartment and she hurried to his side.
“Has there been another letter? Lord Gordon said—”
