by Anne Herries
‘It depends upon what they hope to gain. Lord Roxbourgh needs her signature on certain papers and he might kidnap her to try and force her to his will, but dead her own will would apply—and I am sure that he has no place in it.’
‘Please take care,’ Samantha begged. ‘I do not think I could bear it if anything happened to you, Brock.’
‘Do you not, my dear?’ he asked, a gentle smile on his mouth. ‘I believe I am in no real danger. I shall not be alone, I assure you—even though my enemies may think it.’
‘Oh, Brock...’ She gave a choking laugh. ‘You are such a dear good man. I really could not do without my best friend.’
‘Pray do not be too anxious,’ he said, and pressed her hand. ‘I wish I did not have to leave you, but I fear this situation will not wait.’
Chapter Thirteen
‘Thank you for seeing me, sir,’ Brock said as he was shown into the Earl of Sandeford’s study. ‘I called last night, but you were from home and I was unable to trace you.’
‘Yes, I am not in the habit of telling my people my precise movements each night,’ he said, looking hard at Brock through his narrowed eyes. ‘What is so urgent that you felt it imperative to see me without first making an appointment?’
‘I do not think you will deny that Miss Ross, daughter of the late Lord Ross, is your granddaughter?’
The Earl did not immediately reply, then, ‘And if that is the truth, what of it?’
‘You asked your lawyers to look into the particulars of her birth, I believe?’
‘I might ask what business this is of yours, sir? The lady is staying with a friend of yours, I know, but I fail to see that gives you the right to question my motives regarding the gel.’
‘I should have sought an appointment, but this is urgent. This afternoon, as she left the park in broad daylight, Miss Ross was snatched and carried off in a closed carriage.’
‘Good grief!’ The Earl rose to his feet, a look of alarm in his eyes. ‘How could this happen? I understood you were guarding her from that rapacious uncle of hers.’
‘You knew about Roxbourgh?’
‘I have made it my business to know since you brought the gel to town. I did make enquiries about her birth and I have been deciding what I ought to do about her—but if you mean to imply that I was responsible for her kidnap I shall be mightily offended, sir. I might have asked Miss Ross various questions, but never under duress. I am not a monster, Major Brockley. It is not my intention to harm her.’
‘No, sir, but I had to be sure,’ Brock said with a sigh of relief.
‘You accept my word as a gentleman that I had nothing to do with this kidnap?’
‘Yes, absolutely. I have two other avenues of enquiry and I must leave at once to pursue them. Rosemarie is at risk and I shall leave no stone unturned to find her.’
‘You relieve my mind, sir. If I may be of assistance, do not hesitate to ask.’
‘Only in the matter of your intentions towards Miss Ross,’ Brock said. ‘I am not sure where to take her once she is found—and she will be, believe me. Mrs Scatterby would gladly take her back, but unless I can be sure she is safe...’
‘You may bring the gel to me, if she is willing. I think once it is known that I acknowledge her Roxbourgh will have no more interest in harming her. I am her nearest blood relative.’
‘Yes, but you see it may not be Roxbourgh who has snatched her,’ Brock said, and frowned. ‘Excuse me, sir. I shall be in touch with you again as soon as I have found her. I must not delay.’
He left the Earl to stare after him as he strode away, through the hall and into the street. Brock had already established that Barchester had left town that evening. He had not been told where the Marquis might be found, his servants professing to know nothing of his plans to leave town, which, it seemed had been sudden.
He must go down to Falmouth and confront Rosemarie’s uncle. He was sure he could find a way to make the man confess his part in this wicked abduction. Only if he drew a blank there would he begin the difficult task of finding Barchester. He had already left word of his intentions at Cameron’s lodgings. As yet the young officer had neither returned to town nor sent word. If he’d managed to discover where Rosemarie had been taken...but that was unlikely. Only if he’d caught up with that coach before it left town would he have any idea of where to look.
Brock had contacted agents he’d used before and they would make enquiries. Samantha’s maid would be questioned again in case she could describe either the coach or the rogues who had kidnapped Rosemarie—but Brock held little hope of finding a clue to their identity. There were any number of rogues in London who would perform such a service for money.
Once he’d established who was responsible for this outrage, he might be able to narrow down the possible destination. Ought he to approach all the mental institutions where a girl like Rosemarie might be hidden away for years, or had she been taken to a private house?
Sighing, Brock returned to his home. It was late now and best he tried to get some sleep. He would leave first thing in the morning and head straight down to Falmouth and demand an audience with Roxbourgh.
* * *
Very early the next morning Brock collected the bags his valet had packed for him, sending for his curricle and a pair of well-bred chestnuts. His groom would travel with him and they would have to change horses at the best posting houses on the way, but however hard he pushed his horses, it was going to take at least three days before he reached his destination.
He thought of Rosemarie alone and frightened and swore. What kind of a monster would do this to an innocent young girl? When he found the culprit he would thrash the fellow to within an inch of his life.
He just hoped that he arrived in time to prevent any lasting harm coming to the young girl he had rescued once before.
* * *
‘My husband, sir?’ Lady Roxbourgh looked at him with frightened eyes. ‘Pray may I ask what has brought you here at this hour of night?’
‘Forgive me for interrupting your evening meal, ma’am,’ Brock said. ‘However, I have but now arrived in Falmouth and my mission is urgent. Your niece has been kidnapped and—’
‘No! Oh, how dreadful,’ she cried. ‘What happened— Who could have done such a terrible thing?’
‘I thought it might have been your husband. Or Sir Montague—to force her into marriage with him?’
‘Sir Montague has no further interest in Rosemarie. He was married last week to an heiress—and my husband is incapable of harming her ever again.’ There was a look of accusation in her eyes. ‘He was in such a state over what happened—and when he learned that he was no longer trusted to look after the estate, well, he became so angry that he suffered a stroke, sir. He has been tied to his bed for the past two weeks and the doctor tells me that he may never rise again.’
‘Forgive me, I did not know,’ Brock said. ‘Yet even from his bed he could direct others to act on his behalf.’
‘No, sir. You wrong him,’ Lady Roxbourgh said reproachfully. ‘He did try to force Rosemarie to marry a gentleman of his choosing and he did wish to remain in charge here, but he had accepted that he must bow to your lawyer’s instructions. He was just frustrated, angry, but now...’ A little sob escaped her. ‘He cannot speak, nor can he communicate in any way. I think his mind has gone. He hardly knows me when I go to his room.’
‘I see. I am very sorry for your trouble, ma’am,’ Brock said. ‘Had you let the lawyers know this I should not have come to disturb you. Please forgive me.’
‘Do you wish to see for yourself, sir?’
‘No, ma’am. I shall take your word. I do not believe that you intended harm to your niece.’
‘No, truly I didn’t, and I have sent her mama’s jewels to her lawyer—but I should wish to stay here fo
r a while. Just until my husband is well enough to be moved.’
Brock touched her hand. ‘Of course. I am sure Rosemarie would wish you to do so—but now I must leave you. If your husband knows nothing of Rosemarie, I have only one more avenue to explore.’
‘You are going to search for Rosemarie? She will be recovered, will she not?’
‘I give you my word that I shall do everything in my power, ma’am. I had hoped, but now I must look further— Indeed, I believe I know now who is behind this wickedness, but where to look for him—’ He broke off and shook his head as he left.
It must have been Barchester who had taken Rosemarie and that was perhaps the worst scenario of them all. Sandeford might have wished to remove his granddaughter from society, though he now spoke of acknowledging her, and her uncle wanted her father’s estate, but could not have benefited from her death, but Barchester was malicious and angry. He wanted revenge on the woman who had taken his sister’s place with her husband and perhaps he would take that revenge on the young girl who was her daughter.
If his motive was revenge, there was no telling what he planned to do to Rosemarie.
Brock stood for a few minutes in the cool air of evening and wondered where to go next. He’d hoped he might find Rosemarie in her own home, a prisoner of her room, but unharmed. Now, he wondered if he would see her alive again.
He must find her! He had failed one young woman and it had led to her ruin, and that had tortured him for years. He could not fail another.
* * *
‘The Marquis is not at home, sir,’ an elderly manservant spoke pleasantly enough when Brock enquired. ‘I believe he went down to his country estate for a few days.’
‘You do not know when he intends to return?’
‘No, Major, but I am sure he will be here on the nineteenth of next month, because that is the day his engagement to a very wealthy and beautiful young lady is to be announced.’ The elderly man shook his head as Brock’s eyebrows rose in enquiry. ‘I do not believe that is common knowledge yet, sir, so I shall beg you to keep it to yourself.’
‘Certainly. I am not inclined to gossip,’ Brock replied. ‘My business is rather urgent. Whereabouts is your master’s country estate?’
‘In Sussex, sir. It lies about ten miles inland from the coast of Hastings.’
‘Ah, then no doubt I shall find it.’
‘Oh, yes, anyone will direct you, I am sure,’ the butler replied and shook his head. ‘My poor master has had so much to bear these past few years, but now things look to be better for him at last.’
‘Yes, I’m sure they do.’ Brock tipped his hat and turned away as the elderly man closed the door. The butler was getting too old for his post and if Barchester learned what he’d so innocently given away would no doubt be put out to grass, although obviously fond of his master. He would make sure that the Marquis did not learn from him that his servant had revealed his whereabouts.
He must of course leave town again almost at once, which was a nuisance since he had only this moment returned and wished he might spend some time with Samantha. Yet knowing that a young girl’s life might depend on his not neglecting his duty towards her, he would leave within two hours. First he must visit Samantha and make certain that she was well—or as comfortable as she could be in the circumstances.
He felt deep regret for ever taking Rosemarie to her. Brock had caused Samantha to feel a great deal of worry and he might have placed her in danger, but it had never occurred to him that someone might actually try to harm the girl he’d found alone and vulnerable. Besides, what else could he have done?
Chapter Fourteen
‘There is a gentleman to see you, ma’am,’ the footman announced. ‘He seems rather impatient—’ Frederick was rudely interrupted as a young officer stepped past him into Samantha’s parlour. ‘Sir, you were requested to wait.’
‘Forgive me,’ the young man said, ignoring him and addressing Samantha. ‘I came as swiftly as I could once I received Rosemarie’s letter—now I am told she is not here. May I ask where she is, please? Her uncle has not induced her to return to him?’
‘May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, sir?’ Samantha asked pleasantly, though she did not much like his attitude.
‘I am Lieutenant Carstairs, soon to be promoted to captain,’ he said, and inclined his head stiffly. ‘I have been seconded to Wellington’s staff after a mission that won his approval. I was unable to get leave immediately, but now I am here, I am told Rosemarie has gone. Where is she? I have only a few days before I must return to Vienna.’
‘I’m afraid I cannot tell you,’ Samantha replied, nodding to her footman that he might leave. ‘I am very distressed, as I am sure you will be, Lieutenant Carstairs—but Rosemarie was kidnapped several days ago.’
‘Kidnapped? How could you allow it?’ he demanded, clearly angry and blaming her. ‘She must be with her uncle. Has no one tried to find her?’
‘Yes, certainly. Major Brockley has been searching everywhere. I learned by letter this morning that her uncle is not the culprit. He has had a stroke and is confined to his bed, but Major Brockley believes he may know who is behind this.’
‘How can this have happened? Surely Rosemarie was protected, not allowed to walk out alone. This is careless when you must have known she was in danger.’
‘I understand your anger,’ Samantha replied carefully. ‘However, you mistake the matter. Rosemarie went nowhere without an escort, but a diversion was created and while Lieutenant Cameron was dispersing some louts, Rosemarie was snatched. He went after them at once and is still searching, for he has not returned to London that I know of.’
‘Cameron? What has this to do with him?’
‘He was one of many escorts Major Brockley recruited to help watch over Rosemarie.’
‘Then he and the rest of them made a damned poor job of it! I wish to God, I had been here when she needed me.’
‘Yes, it is a pity that you were not,’ Samantha said, and saw the fire leap in his eyes once more. ‘I know you are worried—so are we and we are all doing what we can to find her.’
‘I cannot bear this.’ He suddenly slumped down on the nearest chair, putting his hands to his face. ‘I begged her to come away with me. I never trusted that devil and now she may be lost for ever.’
Samantha moved towards him, her instinct to comfort despite his rudeness towards her, but at that moment the footman returned to announce, ‘Major Brockley, ma’am.’
‘Brock!’ Samantha cried, feeling the relief surge through her as she saw him. ‘At last! I have been so anxious.’
‘Sir!’ The young lieutenant shot to his feet, his face white and strained. ‘Have you found her?’
‘I fear not,’ Brock said, gaze narrowed. ‘I dare say you are Rosemarie’s young man? We have heard much of you from her, Lieutenant. I believe you intend to marry her?’
‘Robert Carstairs, sir, and, yes, I shall marry her as soon as I can,’ he said. ‘I came here because Rosemarie wrote asking me to come, but she has gone—abducted, I hear.’
‘Yes, I fear so, but we shall find her, never fear.’ He glanced at Samantha. ‘You have no news, I suppose?’
‘No, nothing at all.’
‘I have only six days’ leave, but I should like to help if I may?’ Now the young officer looked eager, his features younger and appealing, and Samantha realised what Rosemarie had seen in him.
‘Certainly, we shall need all the help we can get,’ Brock agreed. ‘I have several agents and friends looking for her—but I believe I now have a lead that may prove of more use.’
‘What may I do to help?’ Carstairs asked eagerly.
Brock hesitated, then, ‘I am leaving town within the next two hours and my journey will take me to Sussex. If you wish to accompany me, you must be at my
house in an hour and a half’s time. You should leave now and make any arrangements you need to.’
‘Yes, sir. I shall not fail.’ Carstairs looked at Samantha, a flush in his cheeks. ‘I believe I may have been hasty or rude, ma’am—please forgive me. I was anxious for Rosemarie and I did not understand.’
‘You are forgiven, sir. Believe me, we are all distressed about Rosemarie’s disappearance.’
‘Excuse me, Mrs Scatterby—and you, sir. I shall be with you within the hour.’
‘The devil of it is that he will and may be more of a hindrance than help,’ Brock said ruefully as he closed the door behind him. ‘However, he is a young hothead and I prefer to have him under my eye rather than let him run loose and cause trouble where none is needed.’
‘You may find him useful when you catch up with the Marquis,’ Samantha said. ‘You do still believe that it is he who has taken Rosemarie, do you not?’
‘Yes, I do,’ Brock said and took a step forward to touch her hand. ‘I am going down to his country seat. I’ve heard some interesting news about our friend Barchester. I understand he is to become engaged to a very rich young woman, though that is for your ears only, Sam. Someone whispered to me that his father ran through most of their money before he died— gambling is in the blood, I believe—and his estate may be heavily mortgaged. It would explain why he became so angry that he threatened you.’
‘Because if any hint of scandal got out before the wedding, his heiress might withdraw?’
‘Exactly. So now we know what we are dealing with. I believe Barchester is more dangerous than Rosemarie’s uncle ever was, for I thought him little more than a blustering fool. I am very anxious for Rosemarie, Sam, but I believe Barchester must keep her alive until after the wedding. If he disposed of her and we learned of it...’
‘We should make sure that his wedding never took place at the very least,’ Samantha said. ‘He is evil, Brock. I think he would stop at nothing to gain his own ends and he may even kill her in desperation.’