Page 29 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
Frederick rubbed his face with a cloth. “Thank you, Mr. Hanson. Please send my valet in and tell Lt. Buckworth that I will be with him presently.”
Mr. Hanson left the room, and Mr. Withers entered, a change of clothes already draped over his arm. “You did not need to bother yourself with following me, Mr. Withers. I apologize for the trouble my midnight sojourn has caused you.”
“‘Tis naught but my duty, Your Lordship.” Mr. Withers bowed his head in acknowledgement then went about his duties.
When Frederick joined Lt. Buckworth in the library, he was surprised to see the disheveled state of the man. “Lt. Buckworth,” he greeted. “You look as though you have not slept in days.”
“That is because I have not.”
“Did you ascertain anything of note in your inquiries?”
“You requested that I look into Mr. Owen Greeves. I rode up to his family farm and found nothing of note. He is the man he claims to be.”
Frederick nodded disappointed. He had secretly hoped to discover that the footman was a rapscallion of the highest order so that he could release him from his employ and separate him from Josephine. “And on the other matter?”
“I did not find anything pertaining to your mother. I spoke with each of the Evans brothers, and all of them swore they were not responsible for the threats against Her Grace. They were also not willing to discuss Llewelyn Evans’ claims that the Duchess had anything to do with their poaching of Pentford lands. I inquired about your grandfather, and they each said he had nothing to do with it. I regret to say it, but you could threaten them with legal action for their crimes if they do not reveal what they know.”
“I cannot do such a thing after I have forgiven them their crimes. I went to speak with Llewelyn Evans. I saw the starving children in the streets. I must say, I cannot blame them for their actions. I would have done the same were I in their position. I cannot blame them for attempting to allow my mother some sense of honor by giving her the time to explain for herself what transpired in her past to lead to such a state of affairs. Any further legal actions would only bring attention to the scandal.”
“I first went to Chescrown, but Mr. Tatham informed me that you were here at Pentford. I must say, I was quite surprised to see that you had left Her Grace, Your Lordship. Have you unearthed something here at Pentford?”
“No, but I will be speaking with Mr. Hanson about his interviews with the staff. The Duchess requested that I leave Chescrown for a time for the sake of her nerves.”
“I see.” Lt. Buckworth’s brow wrinkled in concern, but he did not speak further on the subject as he knew it was not his place. “Is there anything I can do to be of service?”
“The Duke has requested that you remain here with me at Pentford for protection.”
“Do you believe yourself to be in danger, Your Lordship?”
“No, I do not, but Father feels otherwise.”
“His Grace is a man of experience. Perhaps he knows something we do not?”
“Perhaps. I fear only time, and a great deal of patience, will reveal the truth. I simply hope it is discovered before anyone is harmed further.”
“I will do all I can to be of aid.”
“Thank you, lieutenant. Please make yourself comfortable. I have had a room made up for you. Perhaps a bath might be in order?”
“My Lord,” Lt. Buckworth bowed. “I am grateful for your patronage.”
“It is I who am grateful for your diligent service. We will talk more after you have rested.”
Lt. Buckworth left the library. Mr. Hanson entered with a tray of food and a stack of papers for Frederick’s perusal. “I spoke with the household staff about the threats against the Duchess. No one could remember anything from the time before she married the Duke that would lead to a scandal of any kind. I can attest to the irrefutable character of your grandfather. In my opinion, these threats are not about anything pertaining to him.”
“I am inclined to agree with you, Mr. Hanson. Is there anything from after my mother married my father?”
“It is not my place to say a word against His Grace.”
“Mr. Hanson, please?”
“The Duke, though an honorable man, was not always a faithful one. When the Duchess was with child, with Your Lordship, she left Chescrown for your grandfather’s country estate.”
“How long did she remain there?”
“Until after you were born. Missing your birth made the Duke see the error of his ways. He gave up his many mistresses, and the Duchess returned to Chescrown.”
“Is it possible that whatever my mother is being threatened with happened at the country estate?”
