Page 36 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
A flicker of sad recognition passed over the brothers’ eyes. “She died there.”
Frederick nodded. “I am truly sorrowful over your loss.”
“It was not mine alone.”
“No, of course not. My apologies.” The tension in the air made Frederick feel as though he was attempting to navigate a treacherous mountain slope instead of standing in a peaceful churchyard.
“The comment you made in the forest pertaining to my mother when I caught you poaching and asked you why you were only stealing from Pentford… Did you mean that you blame her for your sister’s death and you felt that my family owed you the deer and that we deserved to be stolen from?”
Llewelyn stared at Frederick for a moment before he answered. “Until the Duchess has agreed to speak with you and tell you the truth about what happened with our sister, I cannot speak with you on the matter.”
“I do not understand. You say you are not behind the threats to my mother and yet all evidence I have been able to discover points to your family. Did Sarah have a husband? Does he hold my mother responsible for his wife’s death? Could he be responsible for the threats against the Duchess?”
Llewelyn shook his head. “I cannot speak with you further on the subject. Arrest us if you must.”
Frederick was taken aback by his words. “I would never go back on my word. As long as you remain within the bounds of our agreement and cease poaching, you will not be prosecuted for your past deeds.”
Llewelyn nodded. “We thank you. Now if you will excuse us, we would like to take our families home.”
“Of course, please forgive the intrusion into what I am certain is a most painful memory. Please rest assured that her final resting place is being cared for with much love.”
Llewelyn nodded once more, then turned and walked away.
“That did not go as hoped,” Lt. Buckworth noted, untying their horses from the tree.
“No, it did not.” Frederick watched the brothers disappear from sight and fought the urge to run after them demanding answers no matter the pain it caused. He was beyond tired of people keeping things from him. Were he a less nobleman, he would have washed his hands of the entire ordeal and allowed everyone involved to live with the consequences of their secrets, but the Duchess was his mother, and he could not countenance anything happening to her.
“It seems to me that you are unable to aid someone who does not wish it, My Lord,” Lt. Buckworth noted laying a reassuring hand on Frederick’s shoulder.
“I was having similar thoughts myself just now.”
Buckworth handed him the reins of his horse, and they both mounted turning them toward Pentford. “Perhaps some rest and a bath will refresh your spirits, My Lord.”
“Perhaps. The truth would be a far more desired refreshment.”
“Or a far more painful one.”
Frederick looked up at Buckworth in surprise at his intuition. “Indeed. It is that very thing I fear the most.”
“A more than reasonable thing to fear, My Lord.”
“I wish to save my mother’s life, but have yet only succeeded in causing her more pain.”
“You are an honorable man. Not many noblemen would have pardoned the Evans men for their crimes or tolerated their refusal to divulge the information you seek. I have seen lesser men force such things by grotesque and nefarious means.”
“Were I to do so, I would be no better than the person who is threatening my mother.”
“Quite so, My Lord.”
They fell into silence as they rode to Pentford Manor. Frederick could not imagine the things that Lt. Buckworth must have seen. As far as he was concerned the soldier would always have a place with him even after the threat to his family was over. No one of Lt. Buckworth’s character should have to struggle through life alone. He had already suffered far too much. Frederick would not have fared half as well as the lieutenant had had it been he who was taken.
Upon arriving at Pentford, Mr. Hanson greeted them in the entrance hall. “My Lord, it is good to see you home safe.”
“Have you had any word from Chescrown, Mr. Hanson?”
“Not as of yet, My Lord. Would you like for me to send a trusted man to make inquiries?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Hanson. I would appreciate that very much.” Frederick longed for word of his family and Josephine’s condition.
