A Highland Romance (Markson Regency Mystery Book 5)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Thank you, m’ lady, as I know several of them. They helped raise me. Hattie taught me to bake. She had learned from my mother. For which I’m truly thankful,” Rose said.

  Kristina watched as Rose’s shoulders relaxed.

  “My dear, I know you’ve been asked many times about what you remember, if anything, of your father, so I’m asking again? Is there anything you have, over the years, learned about him?”

  “Only what people said, that one day he was in the village then seemed to disappear, never to return. Why?”

  “What if I was to tell you he was an agent for the Crown, hunting down spies and traitors. His superior sent him to France and it wasn’t until last year he returned. All of this through no choice of his own as no one knew he’d married your mother. Would you still wish to meet him?”

  Taking in a breath Kristina took a bite of the sweet roll while waiting for Rose to answer.

  “Yes. First to be mad at him for deserting my mother then thankful he was safe.”

  “Then, let’s finish our tea as he’s here?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Robert quietly slipped from the suite where Toby lay spread out on the bed. Treating his wound were Mrs. Fairbairn, Cook and a footman, to hold Toby down if need be. William had left a few minutes before to change into a clean shirt, as the other had been covered in blood.

  Robert started for his suite when he heard Kristina coming up the stairs toward him. She was having a conversation with another woman but he couldn’t make out who or what was being said. Looking down Robert could see he wasn’t all that presentable but curious as to who his wife was speaking with overcame him.

  He came to a halt as Kristina, with Rose at her side, presented themselves. Robert could see the poor girl was stunned in seeing him and curtsied.

  “M’ lord, I’m sure you’re wondering why I have her with me?” his wife said.

  “If I were to hazard a guess to see her father, even in his injured state. If you will wait here while I repair the damage done to my britches, I’ll take you to the suite.”

  Glancing over Kristina’s shoulder Robert watched as the blood rushed from Rose’s face. Most likely on hearing her father had been hurt. Quickly, he stepped around his wife and scooped Rose up in his arms. Looking around for a chair but not seeing one, he turned to Kristina.

  “Take her to my suite. Amanda and I will look after her until she recovers,” Kristina ordered.

  Robert followed his wife down their corridor and waited while she opened the door, coming face to face with a scowling Amanda.

  “I didn’t do anything,” he got out before the maid could say a word.

  “Carefully put her on the bed, then your duty is done so you may depart and get cleaned up,” Amanda seemed to order him.

  Doing as instructed, Robert quickly slipped through the door into his adjoining suite.

  “M’ lord, there’s fresh water in the pitcher. Let’s get you out of those clothes so I can start washing the blood out before it sets,” Evan stated.

  With a glare to his valet, which seemingly was ignored as the man went to the armoire to get a clean shirt and britches, Robert started to wonder who was staff and who was viscount. Within the period of only a few seconds Kristina’s maid and now his valet were seemingly ordering him about. With Amanda he easily understood. The woman never liked him all that greatly.

  However, Evan was a different story. Their relationship went back to Spain where he was Robert’s valet, even then. Stripping out of his shirt he tossed it in the corner and started to walk over to his private room.

  After washing up, which took longer than he thought Robert returned to his suite only to see Evan with his chin on his chest. Now, Robert knew something was definitely wrong.

  “Out with it,” Robert demanded.

  “I’m sorry, m’ lord, for snapping at you. With everything going on right now, what with the new gentleman hurt, I forgot myself. I was hoping to ask you an important question regarding a certain young lady. Now it seems that will have to wait,” Evan stammered out.

  “Son, if it’s in regards to asking my permission for you to make your addresses to Amanda, consider it given. I should warn you though, you’ll not marry the woman until both of you train your replacements. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, m’ lord. But, I don’t think we will leave your service. We have no relatives, even distant ones. The only family we know are here, at the estate and in London. Now, shall we finish getting you dressed for I’m certain Rose has recovered from her shock and wishes to meet her father.”

  “Later, we will continue this discussion with Lady Kristina present,” Robert replied, then shrugged into the clean shirt.

  Considering everything which had happened he waved off a cravat accepting a bandana instead. Stepping over to the door leading to Kristina’s suite he knocked, waiting to be let in.

  After several seconds the door opened.

  “How is she doing?” Robert asked his wife.

  “Much better. Come in and see for yourself. I believe she’s ready to go see her father, if he’s up for a visit,” Kristina replied.

  Robert walked in to see Rose sitting on the edge of the bed, a mug in her hand.

  “Come on, dear, take another sip. I see His Lordship has returned. Do you feel strong enough to see your father?” Amanda asked.

  “Yes, I believe so,” Rose softly answered.

  “Wonderful. Why don’t you rest here while I see how he’s doing? I shouldn’t be but a few minutes,” Robert declared.

  “Thank you, m’ lord. I’m also sorry for making such a spectacle of myself,” Rose uttered.

  “I’ll go with you, as we’ve something to discuss,” Kristina said.

  Robert opened the corridor door and waved his wife ahead of him. From the over the shoulder glance he saw her give Amanda, he knew what she wanted to say. Once he closed the door and they started for the room where Toby was he settled his hand on her arm.

  “Before you ask, I’ve already given Evan permission to make his formal attentions known to your maid. Although, I don’t know what he sees in her.”

  “Love. All their arguing and disagreements were show, for our benefit. They’ve had feelings for each other ever since they first met.”

  “Well, that is definitely interesting. Ah, here we are. Let me look in to make sure Toby is decent.” He opened the door a crack and peered in. “Everything is fine and he’s awake. One of the maids and footman are with him and the bed sheet is covering him properly.”

  Opening the door wider, he guided Kristina in and up to the bed.

  “How are you feeling?” Kristina said.

  “Like I’ve been shot in the thigh. Oh, that’s right I was,” Toby teased, then added. “Trust me, m’ lord and lady, I’ve been hurt worse in the line of duty serving the Crown.”

  “He’s not kidding,” William announced from the door.

  Robert turned to see Rose with William. He wondered how the girl would react on learning her escort was an important and very powerful duke.

  “Now, as I see you’re up to guests, this very anxious young lady wishes to meet her father,” William declared.

  Robert swivelled his head back to see what reaction Toby had on seeing his daughter for the first time ever. The man’s reaction went from panic to fear before settling on calm. Turning his attention back to William he nodded then watched as Rose timidly entered and stopped several feet from the bed.

  “M’ lord, it is truly a pleasure and surprise to finally meet you,” Rose spoke, giving him a curtsey.

  “No, no Rose. I’m but a simple man. There’s no need for that,” Toby corrected her.

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “Yes, he is. Lord Robert, while father and daughter start to get acquainted might I have a private word with you and Lady Kristina?”

  Starting to guide his wife to the door he stopped when Toby addressed him.

  “M’ lord in the pocket o
f my trousers is a silver locket. As I can’t get up, obviously, would you be so kind as to retrieve it for me?”

  Without question Robert found the object and handed it to Toby then rejoined Kristina and William.

  As they walked out of the suite, Robert overheard, “My dear Rose, you look just like your mother.”

  Robert wasn’t able to hear her reaction but would inquire later. Considering how William had broached his question Robert knew the best place to talk would be the office. With his wife beside him and William following they entered the room. Once she was settled on the settee he joined her waving William into the chair opposite them.

  “How may I be of assistance?”

  “I need to borrow two well-mounted grooms to take a packet to my estate. From there the duchess will make sure the letters get to the proper individuals. The men can then return and I’ll have several of my grooms bring the responses back,” William explained.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem. When will you need them?”

  “As I have the posts written, as soon as possible would be perfect.”

  With a nod Robert looked over to the door, where he knew someone would be waiting for directions.

  “Hamish.”

  “Yes, m’ lord?” the butler said.

  “William needs two grooms to take a packet to a ducal estate. Make sure one of them isn’t Keith. They should be ready to depart in an hour. That will give me time to write a note to the inn keepers. If we’re not here, we’ll either be in the countess’ parlor or Toby’s suite.”

  “Certainly, m’ lord. The luncheon trays are ready, whenever you are.”

  “Have three of them brought here and have another made up for Rose and deliver those to Toby’s suite. As he seems not to injured dismiss the maid and footman,” Kristina directed.

  “I will, m’ lady.”

  Robert waited until the butler left then turned to William.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, it’s about the letters. Might I inquire as to their contents?”

  “Not at all and I apologize for not mentioning that at the beginning. Remember Robert, you told me the adjoining estate has reverted to the Crown. Knowing Prinny as I do he’ll let it fall into ruin. I’ve written several strong members of Parliament to encourage them to have the land passed to Toby. In the process, considering his past service to the Crown I’ve also requested he be elevated to viscount.”

  “What do you think the chances of that happening are?” Robert said.

  “Excellent.”

  “Wonderful. Now, I need to pen the letter for the inn keepers,” Robert stated, rose and stepped over to the desk.

  With the note written Robert folded but didn’t seal it since it would be opened multiple times over the next week. He returned to the settee as Hamish and two footmen entered carrying their lunch.

  “Set them on the table here,” Robert directed to the butler.

  “Yes, m’ lord. I’ve also arranged for the trays to be taken to Toby and Rose. The grooms, but not Keith, will be here in an hour,” Hamish said.

  After the trays were set down and the staff departed Robert turned to Kristina.

  “One question you haven’t asked, who shot at Toby? It was Albert Nevin, according to Toby. The man’s hand was shaking so badly it’s a miracle he didn’t shoot himself.”

  “Do you have any idea where he could be hiding out?” William said.

  “No, but I feel Albert will try to find Rose and grab up the baby,” Robert stated, taking the last bite of his sandwich.

  “Why do you think that?” Kristina asked.

  “Just before he attempted to shoot Toby, which still doesn’t make since, the man who seems to be demented screamed out ‘I’ll get my child back one way or another’. Even now, in retrospect it doesn’t make sense.”

  “Yes, it does m’ lords and lady,” a weak female voice said from the door.

  Turning in the chair Robert saw Rose with Toby, on crutches, beside her in the doorway.

  “You do know you should still be resting in bed until the wound heals. Since you’re here come in and take seats.”

  “I know I should be, but when Rose and I were talking she remembered something about the man who had assaulted her.”

  When everyone was comfortable Robert nodded for Rose to continue.

  “I was being squired about the village by Sam, Albert’s brother. Except Albert wanted me for himself. What I recall, he was left-handed and thus was teased by the others in town. Sam went into the army leaving his brother behind who frequently tried to get my attention. Each and every time I turned away from him. Then the night I was attacked coming back from working here someone assaulted me. The one thing, now, I remember was the person had the stench of ale on his breath and tended to favor his left hand.”

  Now, it all made sense to Robert and from the wide-eyed look from Kristina also. Sam didn’t leave on learning Rose was with child. He must have left to earn monies so they would have a better life. That still didn’t answer, who killed the people several months ago. Could that have been Albert? And. Why?

  “Rose, a few months ago there were several unsolved murders. Not including the farmer and his wife, do you think Albert might have done them?” Kristina said.

  “Yes. As they’d paid attention to me. Even the miners had but my heart already belonged to my Keith.”

  “Rose, as difficult as this might be His Lordship and I agree you need to move back here. However, instead of returning to your old room I’ll have Mrs. Fairbairn open another suite next to your father. This way we can make sure you’ll remain safe until Albert is caught,” Kristina stated.

  “And considering Albert’s words to Toby I’m fairly confident he’ll come here or someplace where he can grab the child,” Robert stated.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Considering the apparent mental state of Albert, they might never learn why he’d said what he had. As Robert studied the extremely worried look in Rose’s eyes he knew they needed to get off the subject. Fortunately, he was saved from talking about other things when Hamish, with two grooms following, stepped up to the door. In the man’s arm a brown paper wrapped package.

  Standing Robert collected the packet from the duke and his letter then marched over to the butler.

  “Take the clothe, as I know they’re from Mr. Watson, to Toby’s room. Then hunt down Evan and have him take the wrinkles out.”

  “Yes, m’ lord”

  Next, and with Hamish on his way Robert turned his attention to the grooms. Both he knew and trusted.

  “Are you both well-armed?”

  “We are, m’ lord. Seamus gave us a brace of pistols with extra round ball and powder each,” the older one said.

  “Good. Now, here is a packet which is to be delivered to The Duke of Clarion’s estate. On the front are your directions as to who is to receive it,” Robert handed over William’ letters. “As the trip there and back will take over a week, you’ll need to stay at traveling inns. Present this to the keepers. This will give you rooms and meals.” He passed to the older groom his letter.

  “Do you have any questions?”

  “M’ lord, are we to return with replies?”

  “No. Stay at the estate for a day to rest then return here,” Robert directed to them.

  “Very good, m’ lord. If all goes well we should be back here in about ten days,” again the older one said.

  Robert gave the grooms a nod, watched while they went to the servant stairs then he returned to his office. Retaking his seat next to Kristina he glanced over to Toby.

  “The clothes we ordered have arrived, as you saw. My valet will make sure the wrinkles are taken out and the cravat starched. Will you need assistance in bathing and dressing?”

  “Normally, I could take care of that myself, but considering the wound I will need help dressing. Bathing I can handle without a problem.”

  “M’ lords and lady, forgive me for speaking out of turn. Even from the short ti
me I’ve spent with my father I’ve found him to be a bit stubborn. If you could have a footman standing by to help him, this daughter would be truly grateful,” Rose said.

  “Consider that done,” Kristina declared.

  “Thank you, m’ lady. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’ve bread rising which needs to be put in the oven.”

  Robert couldn’t believe what he heard. One moment Rose is worried about her father, the next making sure her duty as the castle baker was fulfilled. This, he would have to speak with his wife about as the girl, soon if things worked out as planned, would be the daughter of a viscount. And to complicate the matter, she would be married soon to Keith. Then Robert realized-

  “Yes, you may go but first, has Keith met Toby?” Robert said.

  “No, m’ lord, he hasn’t. As you can see father is tiring in just the few minutes he’s been here. Tomorrow when stronger I will ask, with your permission, for my betrothed to meet with him.”

  “Granted,” Robert told Rose, then looked over to Toby. “If you find it too stressful to join us in the dining room you’re more than welcome to eat in your suite.”

  “Thank you, m’ lord. I plan to rest for a while then see how I feel. I did notice a small bell on the bed table. If I need help I’ll ring it.”

  “Yes. I’ll have a footman nearby to answer your summons. He’ll make sure Hamish informs us,” Robert said.

  “Rose, all we ask, please make sure Toby returns safely to his suite,” Kristina stated.

  “I will, m’ lady, and thank you.”

  Once Rose and Toby left, Kristina turned to her husband. “Robert, are you sure you don’t wish to attempt to hunt down Albert?” she said.

  “I agree with your wife. At least, if we made a partially hearted try the man would know he can’t escape from the authorities,” William added.

  “I have no plans in not searching him out. Before you ask why I said that I wasn’t, I didn’t want Toby or once he and Keith meet they try to find him. Since Keith is one of my grooms he has to follow my directions but not Toby.”