Page 55 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
“I agree, but there is naught that can be done about it now. Our best hope is that the blackmailer will have enough patience for us to return before they act on their threat.”
“I loathe being at the mercy of this scoundrel,” Frederick growled.
“We will find them, My Lord,” Buckworth reassured him.
“Let us pray that it is before it is too late.”
* * *
The return journey to England took over a fortnight, stopping at French ports along the way. The Duchess primarily kept to her room caring for her sick maid with the exception of dinners with the captain in his cabin. Frederick and Buckworth spent a great deal of time on deck assisting the crew, conversing with the captain, and playing chess to make time pass more quickly.
Under normal circumstances, a nobleman was most unlikely to aid a ship’s crew in their duties, and he received more than a few strange glances for his efforts, but he needed something to fill his mind other than worry for his father’s wellbeing. Each time he lacked something to do he would become restless with fear and anger.
Any attempts he made to speak with his mother on the topic of the letters were met with resistance. He knew that she cared about her husband, but it was as if she had blocked everyone and everything from her mind. The Italian glow had faded from her eyes replaced by a vast emptiness.
At night he would lay in his bunk filled with questions.What is she hiding that is worth risking everything for? Will she do as the blackmailer asks and tell the truth to save Father? Will we make it in time?He knew not the answers to a single question. Only his mother knew the answers, and she refused to divulge anything at all. He was so frustrated by it all that were it not a matter of life and death Frederick would have washed his hands of the entire ordeal.
When they landed in London, they disembarked and set out for the townhouse. The maid was so ill that Buckworth was forced to carry her from the ship to a carriage, then from the carriage to one of the townhouse’s many rooms. The maid immediately fell asleep, greatly relieved to be able to lay down upon a stationary bed. The Duchess settled into her own rooms.
“We will rest here for the night then continue on to Chescrown in the morning,” Frederick announced from the Duchess’ doorway. “I will go forth and find a spot of something to eat for our supper.”
“Do not bother. I wish to rest undisturbed.” The Duchess refused any form of sustenance and requested for Frederick to leave her alone.
Frederick walked away concerned, with little other choice than to obey his mother’s wishes. Deciding to also forgo food, he and Buckworth retired for the night. When he awoke the next morning, Frederick wished to get an early start and went to awaken his mother.
He knocked on the door, but no one answered. When he went inside, he found the room to be empty. He woke the maid inquiring after her mistress’ whereabouts only to be told she did not have the faintest idea. Buckworth met him in the hall.
“Have you seen my Mother?” he asked growing more concerned by the second.
“No, My Lord.”
The pair of them searched the entire house only to come away disappointed. Buckworth went out into the streets to see if anyone could remember seeing a woman of the Duchess’ description, but no one had. Frederick went down to the docks to ensure that his mother had not attempted to return to Italy but did not find her there either. Both men met back at the townhouse after exhausting all avenues of inquiry.
“I cannot wait any longer. I must return to Chescrown and warn Father,” Frederick informed his traveling companions.
“I will stay and notify my friend in the Bow Street Runners that we are once again in need of his assistance. I do not believe Her Grace’s lady’s maid is yet up for travel. I will send word the moment I hear anything,” Buckworth promised.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. A truer friend a man could not ask for,” Frederick accepted the soldier’s generous offer. Mounting his horse, he rode out for Chescrown. As he rode, his anger grew.
How could she be so selfish as to place Father’s life in such mortal danger? She has gone mad.
Upon reaching Chescrown, Frederick dismounted and immediately went in search of the Duke. He found him in the library staring listlessly out of the window at the garden. In spite of the warm summer air, there was a fire in the fireplace. “Father?”
“Frederick!” The Duke’s face came alive with happy relief at seeing his son. He looked behind Frederick searching the doorway. “Where is your mother?”
“She is not here, Father. We spent the night at the London townhouse and upon waking I discovered that she was gone.”
The Duke’s face turned white, then red, then purple. “Bloody hell!” He shouted picking up a decanter and throwing it as hard as he could into the fireplace. The brandy caught fire, causing the flames to shoot up and out, catching the rug on fire. Frederick rushed forward and stomped out the flames. “This is simply intolerable, Frederick! I will not take a moment more of this!”
“There is more, Father. We received this while we were away.” He moved forward and handed the Duke the letter threatening his demise in the place of the Duchess.
The Duke read the note and sat back down in defeat. “And she fled again in spite of this,” he remarked dejectedly as all of the fight faded from his demeanor.
“I am sorry, Father. I do not know what else to do for her. We searched the docks and streets as best we could. Lt. Buckworth has remained behind with mother’s lady’s maid to continue the search. I felt it best to come and warn you. Perhaps it would be best if you were to leave Chescrown for a time?”
“I will not be chased from my own home by any criminal entity no matter their ill intent. We will simply remain vigilant.”
“Father, are you sure that is advisable?”
