Page 30 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
“Would you like for me to travel there and inquire?”
“No, I believe it would be best if Lt. Buckworth and I go, while you remain here in the event that I am summoned back to Chescrown. I need someone here that I trust implicitly. If anyone comes looking for me, send word to the country estate in Scotland.”
“That is a fair distance to travel, My Lord. The only staff that will be present are the caretakers. It has been some time since a member of your family has visited the estate.”
“All will be well, Mr. Hanson. Fear not.”
“Shall I notify Lt. Buckworth?”
“Allow him to rest for a time. We will set out upon the morrow after he has had sufficient sleep.”
“Would you like to notify your family that you will be absent?”
“No, it would be best if Mother did not know what I was about. I know she is lying to me, but I do not wish to upset her further than I already have.”
“You are a kind and compassionate son, My Lord.”
“Not as much as I should be. I hurt her, Mr. Hanson, and I do not know if I can protect her without hurting her further.” Frederick raked his hand through his hair in frustration. He had never had cause to impugn his Mother’s honor before, and he did not like doing it now. He felt like a traitor to his own blood and class.
“Sometimes in order to protect the ones that we love, we inadvertently hurt them. It is the way of families, My Lord, and has been for centuries.”
Frederick sat and thought about his words for a moment. “Thank you, Mr. Hanson. I appreciate your encouraging words.”
“Not at all, Your Lordship.” Mr. Hanson exited the library and left Frederick with his thoughts.
Frederick spent the remainder of the day tending to Pentford affairs. When morning dawned, he and Lt. Buckworth set out for the Scottish Highlands. The family country estate was nestled at the edge of a beautiful loch and had been a wedding gift to his parents from his grandfather. He had always wondered why his mother disliked going there and now suspected it had something to do with the threats against her.
The day was clear and perfect. He could not have chosen a better time for the long ride into the Highlands. “You have seen a great deal of England these past days, sojourning to and fro on my account.”
“It is a beautiful country, there is no mistaking that. In spite of the somber nature of our journey, I look forward to spending more time traversing the countryside. I have spent far too many years away from her shores.”
“Have you spent any time in Scotland since your return?”
“Nay, I have not had the pleasure. I look forward to seeing your family estate.”
“I have not been there in quite some time myself. Mother disliked it and discouraged our going. My grandfather told me of the many hunting parties he would host there during her youth. Grandfather said she loved it; hence his gifting it to her on her and father’s wedding day.”
“Why the change?”
“I am not certain, but I now suspect that something occurred there that has led to our current predicament.” They rode along in silence for a time, thinking about what might have occurred. “According to Mr. Hanson, I was born there.”
“You were born in Scotland?”
“Apparently, Mother traveled to Scotland for her confinement due to my father’s past indiscretions.” Frederick was not accustomed to sharing so much private information pertaining to his family. He prayed that his confidence in the soldier was not misplaced. “I apologize for including you in such a delicate family matter, Lieutenant, but I need a man of your skill and intellect.”
“I am honored to be of aid, My Lord. As I was never allowed the privilege of a family, or at least the remembrance of one, I consider it the greatest of compliments to be trusted with the protection of yours.”
Frederick nodded graciously in acknowledgement of the soldier’s words. He felt great sympathy for the misfortunes his traveling companion had suffered. “I am deeply sorry for your loss. There must be a way to discover who you were before. I know you have searched of your own accord, but I cannot help wonder if there is something else that could be done.”
“I would be grateful for any aid you could offer, My Lord.”
“When the current difficulties have been resolved I will see what might be done. Perhaps my title will open doors that would otherwise be closed to such inquiries.”
Lt. Buckworth grinned. “I appreciate your generosity, My Lord.”
“No more than I appreciate yours, Lieutenant.”
They rode on in silence for a time, passing through villages and wilderness. They stayed overnight in an inn, then continued on their journey northward. The next night they camped in the forest along the road. Free from the trappings of his title and class, Frederick reveled in the freedom of the wild night around him. He longed more than anything to let all the worries of the past days fade from his mind.
