Page 35 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
First thing upon our return we should go and speak with the Evans family. Now that I know about their sister, perhaps they will be more forthcoming.
Deciding on his next course of action helped to ease his mind somewhat, and he finally drifted off to sleep. That night he dreamed of another life wherein he and Josephine were together at Dun Dubh, their children playing in the loch. The dream felt so real that when he awoke the next morning, he reached out to take her into his arms and found nothing, but empty space. At that moment between fantasy and reality, he felt his heart break.
Chapter 17
After a hearty breakfast, Frederick bid farewell to the MacDonalds and started the long journey back to Pentford. He and Lt. Buckworth rode along in silence for some time before they stopped at midday to partake of the luncheon that Mrs. MacDonald had packed for them. “I greatly enjoy Scotland,” Buckworth remarked, as he tore off a hunk of bread and cheese for each of them. “I would very much like to return once this is all over.”
“You are more than welcome to join me when I do so after we have secured the Duchess’ safety.”
“Yes, thank you. I would be glad to accompany you.”
“You have been a most valuable companion to me, Lieutenant. You are welcome to stay at any of my family estates at any time you wish.”
“Thank you, My Lord. You are most kind.”
“Not at all.”
Finishing their meal, they mounted their horses and set out once more. After days of travel, they finally reached Pentford lands. Frederick wished to go and speak with the Evans brothers before returning to the manor house, so he turned toward the village. Church bells rang through the air. “It is Sunday,” Frederick noted upon hearing the sound. He had lost all sense of time submerged in his own thoughts. “The brothers will be at the church.”
They steered their horses towards the church. By the time they reached the building services had begun. “We are not in a state to be attending services,” Frederick noted looking down at their disheveled, dust-smeared clothing. They smelled of the forest, smoke, and unwashed man. He wrinkled his nose.
Lt. Buckworth laughed. “No, we are not.”
“Perhaps I was a bit hasty in not going to the manor house first.”
“We can do so now if you wish.”
“No, we are already here.”
Lt. Buckworth nodded and tied his horse around a tree then sat down in the grass beneath it. He laid his head back against the trunk and closed his eyes. Frederick smiled. “You could sleep anywhere.”
Lt. Buckworth grinned and opened his eyes. “It comes with being a soldier.”
Frederick tied his horse and sat down next to him. “You have had a diverse life indeed.”
“More so than one would wish.” He closed his eyes once more and within moments was snoring softly.
Frederick leaned his head back against the tree’s rough bark and watched the clouds float across the sky. The white fluff against brilliant blue reminded him of the swans swimming in the pond at Chescrown. He and Josephine had spent many a lazy summer’s day lying in the grass watching just such a scene.
I miss her.
He closed his eyes and listened to the breeze as it whispered through the leaves.
The clergyman’s voice filtered through the church walls as an indistinct murmuring sound. As services ended parishioners filtered out of the church. Frederick nudged Lt. Buckworth awake with his elbow and arose to await the Evans family. Llewelyn Evans was the first to emerge with his wife and children. The other Evans brothers followed. When they caught sight of Frederick and the lieutenant, the brothers moved to speak with them.
“Mr. Evans,” Frederick greeted upon their approach.
“Marquess. Lieutenant. Might I assume your presence is not a coincidence?” Llewelyn asked, nodding in acknowledgement, his usual disregard for Frederick’s title firmly in place.
“I have come in regard to your sister, Sarah Evans.”
Llewelyn’s eyebrow raised in question, as his brothers shifted restlessly behind him. “You have spoken with the Duchess?”
“I did, but it did not bear fruit.”
“Then how do you know Sarah’s name?”
“I have just returned from my family’s Scottish country estate, Dun Dubh.”
