Page 47 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
His family had spent many joyous seasons in the townhouse. He could still hear his mother’s laughter echoing throughout the room as his father had swung her around and around. The people they had once been were now gone, leaving nothing but the ghost of their happiness behind.
Will we ever find our way back to one another? I do not know, but I will do whatever it takes to make it so.
Chapter 22
When Lt. Buckworth returned to the townhouse, Frederick met him on the front steps. “Shall we take ourselves off to a tavern?” He would normally have stayed at the club when frequenting London on his own, but as he did not wish to answer questions pertaining to his presence there from his peers, he opted to dine at a nearby tavern.
Buckworth nodded, and the two of them made their way down the street, weaving in and out of the crowds that nearly closed off the cobbled thoroughfare. London was full of life in all its fabulously terrible glory. Carriages rumbled by, vendors hawked their wares, an elderly couple hobbled along in front of them slowing down the flow of traffic. Frederick smiled at the sight.I hope that is Josephine and me someday.
Buckworth chased away a pickpocket as they turned the corner and entered the tavern. Frederick ordered up some venison and port then took a seat in the corner. Buckworth joined him at the table and leaned back in his chair, surveying the room. “I spoke to my friend with the Bow Street Runners, and he has agreed to aid us in our quest. He will be making discreet inquiries around town on your behalf. He will report to the townhouse at end of day.”
“Very well,” Frederick acknowledged. He was feeling impatient but knew there was no other choice. Could he have made the inquiries himself without drawing notice to his family, he would have. He was sorely tempted to disregard caution but managed to hold himself back.
It is not as if I can go around town asking, ‘Have you seen my mother?’ without causing a sensational bit of gossip. It is one thing for an utter stranger to ask around about someone of my mother’s station, but the Marquess of Pentford asking for the Duchess of Chescrown is bound to cause a stir. Mother’s disappearance would be in the papers before the day is out.Frederick hoped that the Runner was as discreet as he claimed to be.
That evening when the Runner came to the family townhouse, Frederick and Lt. Buckworth were waiting for him. “I believe I have found her. I inquired at the docks, and a lady matching the Duchess’ physical description boarded a boat bound for Italy several days ago under the name Mary Smith; however, she was not dressed as one would have expected a Duchess to be dressed. Perhaps her attempt at a disguise? She traveled with another woman that also fit the description you gave me of her lady’s maid.”
“Italy? We have not been to Italy since I was a child.”
“She is running for her life, Your Lordship. Where did you lodge when in Italy?”
“A villa in Sorrento. I do not remember from whom or which one. I was quite young. Father will know, but that is assuming she would return there. She could have chosen to reside anywhere.”
“Italy is outside of my realm of expertise,” the Runner stated. “My authority is not applicable outside of England.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Lt. Buckworth paid the Runner and walked him to the door. Turning back to Frederick he asked, “Will we be returning to Chescrown?”
“Yes, I must consult with Father before taking any further action. We will depart upon the morn.”
The next day Frederick and Lt. Buckworth departed for Chescrown. When they arrived, Frederick immediately went in search of his father. Mr. Tatham stopped him before entering the manor house. “The Duke is out searching the estate for signs of the Duchess. He has been doing so since the day of her disappearance. He has visited every neighboring estate under the guise of making a social call in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of her.”
“Thank you for informing me, Mr. Tatham. We have news of the Duchess boarding a ship for Italy. I need to speak with my father about how he wishes to continue.”
“Italy?” Mr. Tatham asked in surprise.
“She fears for her life and is not thinking clearly. We visited Italy when I was quite young. She may have returned to the villa we resided in, or she could be anywhere. I am not certain what to do in this situation as her behavior is so utterly out of character.”
“A friend of the Duchess came by for a social call this morning, but the Duke turned her away, citing the Duchess was of poor health. The lady in question promised to return.”
“I am attempting to quell any possible social repercussions, but if she does not return soon, that will be impossible.”
“If I might make a suggestion, My Lord.”
“Of course, Mr. Tatham.”
“If any further questions arise regarding the Duchess’ whereabouts, perhaps it could be said that she is enjoying a restorative holiday on the continent for the benefit of her health. It would not entirely be untrue.”
“And how would we explain my father and I remaining behind while she is abroad?”
“Will you not be on the continent looking for her, My Lord?”
“That is true,” Frederick nodded in thought. “I will present your idea to Father upon his return. Thank you, Mr. Tatham, for your kind care of my family.”
“Not at all, My Lord.” Mr. Tatham bowed his head in respect then returned to the stables.
Frederick left Lt. Buckworth sitting in the library to wait for the Duke, while he ascended the stairs to see Josephine. Between traveling to Scotland and then to London, he had been gone for nearly a fortnight. He had ridden hard and was tired, but did not wish to wait another moment without seeing her. When he entered the room, he found her sitting up and conversing with Mrs. Merton.
“You look much better than when last we spoke,” Frederick greeted as he came to sit beside her on the bed. She was still pale and weak, but the wheezing, rattling sound was gone.
