“Ethan, from what you told us you sent a man after the French woman thus you must know something about her—such as her name or where she lives?”
“Yes I did. From the letters I received from my man he first found her in Calais then followed the woman to Lyon. She has a chateau there left to her by her father. As for her name we only knew her by Madame Allard and she’s never married nor has children.”
“Do you know if she has brothers or sisters? I only ask because if they learn she was killed they could continue to come after you,” Robert asked.
He waited while Ethan finished working on the last of his meal.
“In answer your question, to the best of our knowledge she’s an only child. But, as you well know records aren’t always accurate nor reliable.”
Robert let out a relieved sigh on hearing there possibly wouldn’t be someone else coming after Ethan.
“If you’ll excuse me I’m going to see my wife then get a few letters written,” Robert told him.
He didn’t wait for an answer, turned on his heel and departed the room. Making his way to the second floor he strolled down to the viscountess suite as he knew that would be where Kristina would be. Slowly he opened the door and stepped in, only to come face to face with her.
“Darling, why aren’t you resting?” he asked.
“I’m sorry but I tried but my mind kept telling me there’s something we’re missing and I don’t know what it is,” she pleaded.
Seeing she was worried he wrapped her in his arms. “Could it possibly be the name of the woman we suspect killed Lord Lange?” he whispered.
He felt her rub her head up and down against his chest, which he took for an affirmative.
“She goes by the name of Madame Allard. At least that’s what Ethan told me over lunch. The thing is, since your brother is a business where lying is paramount, I’m not sure to believe him or not. And before you say anything we do have one thing which might aid in getting a firm identification of her. This we can show to Lady Darish to see if she knows her,” he told her.
“If you’re talking about the drawing it’s not a good rendering of the woman as I did it with her wearing men’s attire. That being said, I can redo it without a problem. As for showing it to Lady Darish I do believe your sister knows her better than I do.”
“That may be so, I don’t even know if she’s in town? Even if she is don’t forget she’s still grieving for Lord Kersey,” Robert answered.
“Ah yes, but she would be out of deep mourning by now. As such she can make calls. After meeting with my parents we could stop by her new townhouse as I’m dying to see it.”
“I’ll post a note to her straight away requesting permission to visit. While I handle that can you redraw the image as you’d see Madame Allard.”
“Of course, now run along so I can get my drawing pencils and paper out. I also need to find the original but have an idea where it is. It shouldn’t take me more the twenty to thirty minutes to complete the new interpretation,” she ordered him. Kristina then pushed him out the still open door.
After making his way to the first floor he was about to step into his office when, through the rear window overlooking the garden he spied Ethan making his way to the gazebo. Curious if he had followed orders and was guarded by two footmen, he marched the length of the hall to see. Much to his pleasure the man had done as told. Turning about Robert retraced his step and entered is office.
At his desk he quickly wrote the note to his sister then rang for his butler.
“This needs to be delivered at once. Have the footman await a reply,” he ordered.
“Yes, m’ lord.” Bing bowed then left.
With that out of the way he now turned his attention to the pile of letters. Flipping through them he saw many were invitations to balls. Leaning back in his chair he wondered if it might not be an excellent idea to several as they’d be in town longer than planned. Of course, with he and Kristina being seen in the park shortly, there could be no way to avoid not attending one or two. Again it would help cement in the mind of the ton that Ethan was innocent but also present the opportunity to possible find Madame Allard.
Sitting up he collected them, examined the return direction on each one, then selected a few as he knew would be well attended. After responding to them he stood and started for the side boy and poured a glass of whiskey just as Kristina entered.
“Would you care for a sherry?” he tossed over his shoulder.
“No thank you as Bing is bringing me tea. I’ve also finished the sketch and I feel it came out quite well.”
Robert stepped over to his desk and set his glass down then took the paper from her. Carefully, he studied the drawing as he tried to remember if he’d seen her before, dressed as a lady. Disappointed that he hadn’t he passed it back to his wife as Bing entered with her tea along with a neatly printed envelope.
“M’ lord, this arrived a moment ago as I was bringing Her Ladyship her tray.”
“Thank you and set it on the table in front of the settee.”
After collecting his drink Robert took a seat beside his wife and reached to the letter. Breaking the waxed seal, which he recognized as from Donna he smile, withdrew the sheet of foolscap and looked at it. What had him chuckle was it contained one word-Yes.
What he found so interesting, after handing it to Kristina, was Donna didn’t ask why they were in town. This he suspected would be part of the interrogation she’d give them when they met.
“Dear, would you mind telling what you said in the letter to your sister?”
“All I wrote was, if you’re in town would it be convenient to stop by later as Kristina and I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. From her reply it seems we do have an appointment after talking with your parents.”
“Yes, and as to that we should be going for it won’t do to keep my parents waiting. You know how Father gets when having to be seen out and about in the park, in particular,” she declared.
Standing he offered her his hand which she accepted. As they started for the door he halted and returned to his desk and collected the ball responses.
Seeing the wondering look in her eyes he said, “Yes, now that we have an image her it will make sense if we attend a few. I took the liberty to select ones where she might appear as they are well attended.”
“I do approve of your suggestion. And don’t forget we will be attended one this evening with my parents.”
He waited until they arrived at the front door. He waited while she fastened her bonnet and took control of the matching parasol.
“Thank you for reminding me. With everything that’s been going on of late I forgot.”
“Dear, that’s why you have me to make sure you know which social events we are attending and when they are. Now, I thought we were taking to closed carriage, not the landau?”
“I felt this would make a better statement in that we aren’t hiding from the gossipmongers. Not to mention it’s such a lovely day I thought you’d appreciate it,” he said.
After helping her into the coach Robert climbed in but not before giving the driver his instructions.
While they slowly made their way from the townhouse to Hyde Park Robert was interested at the looks they were getting from those out for a walk. With a glance to Kristina he saw she was surprised at some of the expressions also. What had him the most confused, people they knew nodded or gracefully waved to him and his wife. This made him begin to wonder if Ethan’s supposed involvement in the murder of Lord Lange hadn’t been made public.
As they rolled into the park Robert strained his neck in the hopes of spot the Crossington coach. Spying it several carriages ahead of theirs he was happy as it meant Kristina’s parents had only arrived moments ago.
Once the landau came to a halt he climbed out then assisted Kristina down. With her hand softly resting on his forearm they strolled up to her parents and wasn’t surprised when a footman opened the door.
What di
d amaze him, first Eustace climbed out then helped his wife out.
“We discussed it and thought being seen would be for the best, even though I’m positive runners are keeping a close watch over us,” Eustace explained.
“I’m sure they are and hoped to see Ethan with us but he’s at our townhouse as comfortable as possible considering everything. He did ask me to give you this,” Robert said. He then took the note from his pocket and handed it to Eustace.
“Thank you. We’ll read it once home. Now, what can we help you with?” Sylvia asked.
“We have two questions for you. Firstly, as we understand it Lord Lange was the heir and there’s a spare. What do you know about this young man. Secondly, even with the death of him the Duke and Duchess refuse to come to London. Do you know why they eschew the city?” Robert asked. He wasn’t surprised at the looks Eustace and Sylvia sent him and Kristina.
“Robert, I believe I can answer the second one. It seems they have little love for all the backstabbing and whispers which abound here,” Sylvia told them.
“Thank you and I can understand what you’re saying and totally agree. I can’t wait until we retire for to the country,” Kristina said with a smile.
“What about the younger son who will now, on the duke’s death take up the reins?” Robert asked.
“He’s barely out of the nursery,” Eustace told them.
This came as a surprise to Robert as the current duke headed one of the oldest and most powerful dukedoms in all of England. Even from the country The Duke of Clarion was able to influence policy. Now with the heir gone could the duke, himself, be in danger. If so, then, what would happen? Robert wondered.
This he’d have to discuss with not only his wife but Ethan as well.
“Thank you. Now we must be off as we have a meeting with Lady Kersey. We’ll meet again this eve at the Samuel ball,” Robert said.
With Kristina beside him they returned to their landau then departed for Donna’s townhouse.
Chapter Six
As the landau took Kristina and Robert out of the park she remained silent, which matched her husband. For her though she was thinking over what her parents had told them about the duke and the baby son. Then she realized something was dreadfully amiss. With a glance she leaned against her husband so she could speak in a low voice.
“Robert I do believe there is more afoot than we, or Ethan, first thought. I also think he might be an innocent pawn thus why Bow Street isn’t pursuing him strongly and nothing has been written in The Tattler or any of the other broadsheets,” Kristina said.
“I’m sorry but I don’t understand. Can you be more specific?”
“It came to me when Father told us about the duke and being so powerful, even from the country. With Lord Lange now dead the dukedom will go to the son but until he comes of age a regent will oversee everything. But, what if the duke dies unexpectedly before that can happen. Think of the consequences in Parliament.”
She sat up straight as they rolled onto Kensington Road then studied her husband as he digested what she’d just told him. From the look of worry she suspected he was understanding what she’d told him.
“Darling, so you’re saying His Grace, and possible even Her Grace, are in danger of being murdered?”
“Yes and they have to be warned post haste. The only problem will be how to do it and make sure they believe us. And before you argue, you know I’m correct in that. Don’t forget, even though the runners are interested in my brother they won’t believe us,” she told him in a low voice.
“On that point my dear, I wholeheartedly agree as we’ve, on several occasions, made them look the fool. If I’m not mistaken it will be a two day carriage drive to the ducal estate,” he said.
Kristina could tell he wished to say more but halted so not to scare her. However, she suspected it was, what if Madame Allard was already enroute or worst yet, at the estate. With Lady Katherine still in residence awaiting to accompany her brother home, would she be willing to pass the news along? That is, until she and Robert arrived.
“Might I recommend you visit with Donna and I’ll see if Lady Katherine is willing to meet with me. I can briefly let her know what we believe might happen and that we will be along in a few days to explain everything to His and Her Grace,” she declared.
“That is an excellent suggestion. I can borrow one of Donna’s coaches to return home so you won’t need to worry. You should enter through the mews so, if someone is still watching the palace they won’t see you,” Robert uttered.
Letting out a sigh of relief he approved of her idea she saw they had arrived at his sister’s new townhouse. She waited until Robert climbed down and gave instructions to the driver.
A short time later, she watched as they slipped into the mews behind the palace. She waited until the coach stopped then one of her footmen helped her down. The sound of a door opening caught her attention. Turning around she saw the butler looking at her.
“M’ lady, again welcome but might I inquire as to why here and not the front?”
“Yes, I needed to visit with Lady Katherine for only a few minutes and am worried someone, namely the person who murdered Lord Martin Lange, might still have a watch set over the palace,” she explained.
“Then, if you’ll follow me as Her Ladyship is already aware of your arrival and is await you in the garden sitting room,” the butler stated.
Setting a smile to her lips Kristina followed the man towards the rear of the massive townhouse. At the door to the parlor she waited as she was announced then stepped in.
Kristina started to give her hostess a deep curtsey when she was halted by a raised hand.
“Please, there’s no need for that as I know we’ll become fast friends. Now, what is so secretive my dear Lady Markson you needed to sneak in the back way?”
“First, as we are destined to enjoy a deep and lasting friendship please call me Kristina for soon I’m sure we’ll be sisters.”
“And I Katherine for I’m sure once out of mourning your dear, dear brother will approach my father to ask for my hand. Now, what may I do for you?”
Easily Kristina explained what she’d learned from her parents and her supposition. Much to her amazement Katherine understood not only the implications but ramifications to England.
“What is it you need of me? I leave on the morrow for the estate,” Katherine told Kristina.
“First, I wish you to pen a letter to the duke and duchess telling them to be extremely cautions of any and all visitors. Then let them be made aware Robert and I will be arriving in three days to answer any and all questions. Oh, and if you are desirous we can make sure Ethan accompanies us.”
“The missive I will do immediately and send it by post rider today. That way they will receive it late tomorrow and set a watch. As for Ethan, if you can sneak him out of London that would be appreciated greatly since I do miss him,” Katherine explained.
“That will be perfect. I must be off as my husband and I are attending a ball this eve. Now that we know what this woman looks like, as I’ve seen her before but she escaped, we are hoping she’ll risk being seen in public.”
From the raised eyebrows from her new friend Kristina had an idea she knew what was about to be asked.
“Do you think you might be able to draw this person? I can include it with the letter to father.”
“Of course. All I need is a paper and pencil,” Kristina requested.
Refreshed with tea and biscuits Kristina set to the task at hand. Having done the sketch once before this time she was able to complete it quickly. Handing the sheet over to Katherine she was greatly surprised at her reaction.
“Is that the person you met at the Darish ball?”
“Most certainly except the eyes were a little wider and the nose is a little tipped up at the end,” Katherine replied.
Kristina knew the eyes were correct as they had been one of her strengths, along with the nose and mouth. Could this mean she and R
obert were looking for not Madame Allard but a twin? All this meant making sure the duke and duchess were well protected was paramount.
“My dear, if what you say is true, and I’ve no doubt it is, then His and Her Grace are definitely in danger. I’ll depart so you can send the note along with the drawing to them. I also must return to the Markson townhouse and inform Robert what you told me,” Kristina declared.
“I’ll have Henry show you the way out,” Katherine said. She then rang for the butler.
“Thank you as I’m sure I would get turned around.”
Once back in the landau she directed the coachman to return to the townhouse but use the courtyard and not the mews. She’d decided this to show the runners and anyone else watching the house she wasn’t afraid of them. Of course, Robert might not be pleased but that little problem she could easily handle.
Stepping through the door held open by Bing she was met by a scowling Robert.
Without losing her stride she called over her shoulder, “Bing, tea for three and pastries. Also have Lord Rosewood join us in my sitting room.
Cocking her head to a slight upward tilt she proceeded up the stairs to the first floor. Behind her she heard her darling husband charging after her. She knew from the look on his face he wasn’t pleased with her but when she informed him of what she’d learned it would change, or so she hoped.
She swept down the corridor and into her sitting room, Robert still marching after her.
Settled on her favourite divan she looked up to see Robert standing just inside the door glaring at her
“Darling have a seat and relax. Everything will work out, or so I pray but I did learn something which is disturbing.”
Much to her amazement he did as asked taking the empty cushion beside her. Wanting to keep the topic off what she’d said she asked how it went with his sister.
“It went very well and Donna is more than happy to speak with Lady Darish about the woman in question. I did leave the drawing with her at her request so she may present it to Her Ladyship.”
“Wonderful, now while we await the tea service and my brother I need to make another copy for us,” she declared.
Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4) Page 4