A Mysterious Quest of a Seductive Lady: A Regency Historical Romance Novel

by Lucinda Nelson

  “Are you saying your friend can help us find him?” asked Adam, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

  “Well, my lord . . . my friend did give me a few names which may be able to help. They are here on this list. I will have to ask if any are willing to help you find him. But in any case, I doubt that Lord Longsheer will be easily found.”

  Adam stood up, taking the gold cufflink from him. “I’ll pay you for your efforts if you will speak to your friend for me.”

  Right away, Gulliver nodded. “I shall get word to you next week, my lord.”

  Adam paid the man and left for his carriage. “Take me to Waterston manor,” he said to the coachman, before climbing in.

  What a turn of events, he thought. To think his enemy was the one behind everything! How could this man be friends with his wife and still be the one trying to kill her? What a deceitful and a murderous man!

  It was no wonder Adam had never liked Nicholas Wilde. He should have known that Nicholas would be the one behind everything – but how could he have known? And why did he go by the name Nicholas instead of Junior?

  Adam could scarcely wait to tell his wife everything, but he had to see his friend Richard Waterston first. Magnolia would be shocked, but it might actually make things better between them both.

  He sighed, relieved to know that soon all the nightmares would end.

  * * *

  “Unbelievable!” cried Richard, wide-eyed. “You mean to say it has been him all along?”

  Adam leaned back, folding his arms and shaking his head. “It has to be him. I was as shocked as you are right now. Nicholas Wilde came into my house, spoke with my wife, and even threatened me. Why did I never think to suspect that he could be the one responsible?”

  “How would you have known? You were only worried about the relationship between him and your wife. And the initials on the cufflink said J.W., not N.W.”

  “But I never trusted him. At least my gut has been right all along. He was not to be trusted.”

  Richard stood up and began to pace from one angle of the office to the other. “We must make a plan as to how we will catch him. We already have James’ journal and the cufflink. These two evidences are enough. Why not take it to the authorities right now?”

  “We were going to do that, but we still must lure him closer to us. Once we do, the work of the constables will be easy.”

  “Perhaps you should ask your wife to invite him,” Richard suggested.

  Adam threw him an angry look. “And subject her to further harm? That man is capable of anything. I cannot allow any further meetings between him and Magnolia.”

  Richard sighed and leaned against the wall, placing his hands on his waist. “So, what do we do?”

  “Before we inform the constables, we must have a drawing of him. That will help them in catching him quickly.”

  “I suppose it would. And when are you telling your wife about this discovery?”

  “Not now. I plan to keep it from her until the authorities have finally arrested him.”

  Richard shrugged and walked back to his chair. “If that is the case, then I shall get you an artist to make the drawing.”

  “That will be better. Can I wait here while you make the arrangement?” asked Adam. “Perhaps we should tell the constables just like you have suggested.”

  “Perhaps we should. We have arrived at a very sensitive stage. We can no longer handle things on our own.”

  “I agree. Do what you must. I shall stay here until you are back.”

  * * *

  Adam waited in the office. He began to think of everything that would happen after this. Now he was finally taking charge of the whole situation, just as he wanted. And now, he could protect his wife. Magnolia would be angry for a while but when she realized he had done this to protect her, Adam felt sure she would understand.

  He tried to imagine how she would react when she realized her friend Nicholas Wilde was the psychopath. She would be shocked for sure, but Adam was certain she would finally be able to find peace. He was certainly happy, for this would put Nicholas behind bars and put an end to whatever relationship he had with Magnolia.

  Some minutes later, the door opened and Richard walked in. He was followed by three men in uniform. “My lord,” the three men chorused, on seeing him.

  “Constables,” Adam said, standing up and shaking their hands. “It is good to see you again.”

  He did recognize the three of them, for they were among the men summoned when Magnolia’s family had had their accident. He, however, did not remember their names.

  At the time of the accident, Adam had accompanied one of them to the Richmond home to inform Magnolia of the tragedy. He remembered standing outside while the man delivered the news and could still remember how Magnolia had screamed.

  She never knew that he had been outside.

  “Constables, I am sure you are familiar with Lord Strickland,” Richard said. “Please introduce yourselves to him.”

  “My lord.” One of the men, the tallest of the three, bowed slightly. “Peter Longley.”

  “Stephen Bradbury,” the second man replied, removing his cap.

  “I am Andrew Mencer, the artist.” He seemed to be the youngest of them.

  “You are all welcome here,” Adam replied. “Please have your seats.”

  The men sat.

  “We understand that this has to do with the murder case of Martin Richmond and his family. And we are here to help in any way we can,” said Longley.

  “Thank you,” Adam replied.

  “We understand you have some evidences in your possession against the suspect,” Bradbury stated.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “First, I think you should describe the suspect so that our artist can get to work. Then we can talk about the evidences in your possession,” remarked Bradbury.

  “That will be all right,” Adam said.

  Mencer brought out his work materials. “Lord Strickland, can you describe this man?”

  “I can,” Adam replied. “He could not be more than thirty-five years old. A handsome man with brown curly hair.”

  “Can you describe the color of his eyes?” he asked.

  “Brown eyes.”

  “How brown?” Mencer inquired. “Can we call it brown black or brown light?”

  Adam thought for a moment. “Brown light, definitely.”

  Mencer drew something in the book he held. Without looking up he asked, “What eye shape, please?”

  “Oval wide.”

  “His skin tone?”

  “Lighter shades.”

  “Face shape?”

  “Well,” Adam sighed, trying to picture the man. “Square. Long jaw. And stubble, I think.”

  “You have to be certain sir.”

  “I am certain,” Adam stated.

  “Lips?”

  “Like a heart.”

  “Big heart, small heart, or thin?”

  “More like a pair of thin heart lips,” he replied.

  “Nose?”

  “Straight. Pointed.”

  “And the hair?”

  “Brown. And curly. Short hair.”

  Mencer said nothing else as he continued scribbling. Finally held up the book and Adam gasped, for staring right back at him was the face of Nicholas Wilde.

  “This is amazing!” Adam sputtered. “This is exactly how he looks.”

  Mencer smiled proudly. “Then I believe my work here is done,” he said, leaning back.

  “What next?” asked Richard.

  Longley leaned forward. “You said you can testify that he has been the one responsible for the death of Martin Richmond, his wife, and his son, Mr. James Richmond?”

  “Yes,” replied Adam, bringing out the journal and the cufflink. “I have the evidences with me.”

  “Good. Then, tell us everything you know.”

  Chapter 32

  Elizabeth Avery, The Dowager Countess of Strickland

  Elizabeth
sat in the open courtyard, busy with her sewing. Magnolia sat on another seat, facing her, but her eyes were closed and her hand rested on her stomach. Rachael came to them carrying a tray in her hand.

  Suddenly, Magnolia stood up and rushed out, holding a hand to her mouth. Both Elizabeth and Rachael were startled and watched her as she left, before exchanging glances.

  “What happened to her?” asked Elizabeth.

  “I have no idea, my lady,” Rachael replied, and then walked closer to Elizabeth and handed her the tray.

  “Rachael, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Elizabeth asked with excitement.

  But Rachael only shook her head with a confused look. “I am afraid I do not understand, my lady.”

  “I think Magnolia may be with child.”

  Rachael gasped. “That would be a great news.”

  “Tell me: When did she start vomiting like this?”

  Rachael thought for a moment. “Oh . . . it is been two days already, my lady.”

  “Then I am certain I am right. What else would explain this constant vomit and morning sickness?”

  Rachael sighed. “I doubt if she is aware, my lady.”

  “Aware of what?” asked Magnolia as she entered, dabbing at her mouth with a fresh linen handkerchief.

  “Rachael, do excuse us for a minute?”

  Rachael nodded and curtsied before leaving.

  “Is everything all right, Mother?” Magnolia asked.

  Elizabeth sighed and stood up. “Magnolia, I think I will just say it. I believe you may be with child.”

  For an instant Magnolia looked startled, but then scoffed. “With child? No. It is far too soon! It is just four months since we married. I cannot be pregnant now. Surely it is just a mild illness.”

  “But can you at least think of the possibility?” Elizabeth asked. “Afterall. Your marriage was consummated.”

  “Mother, I cannot. I still think it is too soon. Besides, I am all right now. I think it might just be tension and strain.”

  “If you say so,” replied Elizabeth. “Perhaps you should go in and take some rest. I will send Rachael to get the physician for you.”

  “No,” Magnolia quickly replied. “No. I am sure I am fine. Everything is fine. There is no need to call the physician.”

  * * *

  Magnolia Richmond Avery, the Countess of Strickland

  Later that night, Magnolia stood looking at herself in the mirror. If she was pregnant, there should be changes in her body; but there were none that she could see. She has not added or lost any weight and felt the same as she always had.

  She couldn’t be pregnant now. Surely that would be far too soon! She was not even ready for it. Everything was not yet perfect between her and her husband and she wanted to wait until it was to bring a child into their marriage.

  It had been a few days since they had even kissed. Adam was not spending much time in the house with her. Instead, he would leave very early and not come back until very late, when she would already be asleep.

  Earlier, she had been the one trying hard not to speak with him and trying to stay angry with him for as long as she could. But these days, she barely saw him.

  Later on, Magnolia laid on the bed she shared with her husband. His scent lingered on the sheets and pillows, as if he was still here.

  She missed him terribly. The last few months of their being together had been so sweet . . . except for their constant fights.

  What if she was pregnant? We have been in bed together several times, I must admit.

  Magnolia sighed, already feeling hot all over. She knew that the thoughts going on in her head were not real and were irrational. She was the one creating fear for herself. Still, there was one thing she was sure of: She was scared to death!

  The killer of her family was still unknown and at large. There had been a threat on her life two times and now. If she was indeed pregnant, not only would she be putting her life in danger with the investigation that was still ongoing, she would also be putting a baby’s life in danger – and that would simply be too much.

  She was not ready to become a mother just yet. There was a murder case to be solved first.

  Magnolia felt nausea deep down her throat. Quickly, she climbed down the bed and rushed behind her dressing screen to the chamber pot. It was at that very moment that Rachael opened the door, holding new blankets in her hand.

  “Are you all right, my lady?” she called.

  Magnolia couldn’t respond until she had let out almost everything she had eaten that day. Finally, she was able to take a deep breath and stand up, already feeling very tired.

  She walked back into the room and sat down on the edge of bed. “You do not look at all well, my lady. I think we should call a physician,” Rachael said. Her voice was filled with concern.

  Magnolia shook her head. “No, Rachael. Please, no doctor.”

  Rachael looked surprised. “What are you afraid of?”

  “I cannot be a mother yet! Not now. Not now!”

  “But why not?”

  Magnolia sighed. “I do not know. I just do not think I am ready yet. Please, I do not want to be pregnant!”

  Rachael laughed. “It is not a bad thing to love another apart from your husband. It is to be expected especially since you both have been intimate, if I may be so bold as to say. Besides, even if it is not pregnancy, will you not be relieved when the doctor comes to check what is wrong? It can be anything and once he sees what it is, he can recommend something to help it.”

  Magnolia just closed her eyes and remained silent.

  “You have not been yourself for some days,” Rachael went on. “Her ladyship is so concerned about you. Knowing what exactly is wrong would give you, and her, so much relief.”

  Magnolia sighed. The last point that Rachael raised had convinced her. “So be it. You can get the physician right away.”

  Rachael smiled and put down the blanket. “All right, my lady.”

  “While doing that, please send for Caroline for me. I need her here with me.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  After she left, Magnolia went back to the bed and lay down. Her heart was beating fast. She was either pregnant or she was not. In her mind, she knew which it would be, yet still, it sent fear down her spine.

  * * *

  The ladies waited for what Mr. Braun, the doctor, would say. For Magnolia, her heart kept on beating fast. The doctor had arrived earlier than she had expected and after conducting all the tests that were needed, it was time for him to announce the result.

  Magnolia was sitting down in a chair. Her mother-in-law, Caroline, and Rachael stood behind her.

  “Well, Lady Strickland,” said Mr. Braun. “You are indeed with child. Congratulations.”

  Caroline and Rachael screamed softly but excitedly as they heard this, but Magnolia kept quiet. The worst had now passed. It was what she had imagined would happened.

  “Thank you, Mr. Braun,” she said, and stood up while the doctor took his leave.

  Magnolia sat down again, keeping her silence even though she could tell that the other women wanted desperately for her to say something. The truth was that, she didn’t know what to say.

  A moment later, her mother in-law’s hand was on her shoulder.

  “I will be with you every step of the way,” she said. “And so will your husband, your aunt, and your friend, and even your maidservant Rachael. You have nothing to fear. As you can see, you already have all of us. All you need do is be happy.”

  Magnolia felt something loosen inside her as she heard that, and suddenly she burst into tears of excitement before turning to embrace her mother-in-law.

  “This is too good to be true! I will be a mother!” Magnolia said through her tears, as Caroline joined in the embrace.

  After a while, they all pulled apart. “Thank you so much, mother,” Magnolia said, sniffling. “I do not know why it frightened me all of a sudden. You are right. There is no reason to be afraid wh
en I have all of you. What a lucky baby!”

  They all laughed, and then her mother-in law left the room claiming the excitement caused her to require a cup of tea. “Your husband will be so excited,” Caroline said, with Rachael beside her.

  “Yes, he will. But I want to make it a surprise for him. You both should say nothing to him.”

  The two women nodded excitedly.