Page 38 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
“I do not know.”
“If they had wished to harm Your Lordship, why would they not have done so while in the manor house instead of leaving the note? None of the staff saw anything. He could have crept in and out with nary a word said to him in question. It is a fault I feel most keenly and have already taken steps to remedy. I have posted a guard at all entrances into the manor house.”
“I thank you for your diligence, Mr. Hanson, but if they intended to harm me, they have had ample opportunity to do so and have not. The letters to the Duchess said that she was to tell ‘him’ her secrets. I thought that it meant the Duke, but now I think perhaps ‘him’ might be a reference to myself. She cannot tell me anything if I am not there.”
“Do you intend to obey the missive’s request?” Mr. Hanson asked, concerned.
“I am considering it, yes, but I do not wish to cause my mother further harm by my presence.”
Lt. Buckworth entered the library and sat down across from Frederick. “The Evans men asked me to inform Your Lordship that they were unable to find the intruder, nor any sign of one. They are returning home to their wives and children.”
“I will send them a thank you. I see your search was unfruitful as well?”
“Unfortunately so, My Lord.”
Frederick handed him the letter. Buckworth read it. “Do you intend to do as it asks?”
“Yes, I believe it would be best, but I may be asked to leave again if the Duchess is not ready for me to return.”
“Do you wish to leave immediately or upon the morrow, My Lord?” Mr. Hanson asked.
“Upon the morrow would be best. The lieutenant and I should be well rested before we depart. One night should be sufficient, I think.”
“Very well, My Lord. A wise choice. I shall have the cook make something special for you this evening.”
“Thank you. Mr. Hanson. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Mr. Hanson bowed and left the room.
“I do not like the idea of Your Lordship receiving these missives. It shows a level of brazen behavior that does not bode well. What is to say that threatening you will not come next? Then from threats come actions? I do not wish to bury another friend.” Buckworth paused realizing what he had said. “Forgive my boldness, My Lord.”
“Nonsense, Buckworth. You are indeed my friend and a more loyal companion I could not wish for.”
“Apart from Miss. Merton of course,” the lieutenant replied with a smile.
Frederick looked at him surprised then laughed. “Of course. There is indeed no one akin to Josephine.”
“Have you told her so?” Buckworth asked emboldened by their declaration of friendship.
“No, I have not,” Frederick admitted shaking his head.
“Perhaps you should.”
“I am beginning to think that you are right, my friend.”
“I am quite certain that I am.” Buckworth smiled as if he had achieved some great feat by getting Frederick to admit that he should share his feelings with Josephine. In many ways, Frederick supposed he had.
“If I am not too late.”
Lt. Buckworth shook his head. “When it comes to love, it is never too late, never.” The way he spoke made Frederick wonder if he, too, had loved someone once in the way that he himself loved Josephine.
“You speak as one who has loved and lost before, my friend.”
“It was long ago.”
“What happened?”
“She died.”
