Even though they knew her, and she them, this visit was going to be different. His relatives would now be greeting her as their future duchess, not Laura’s companion who helped take care of Philip during his last days.
“Thank you. When I finish, I’ll hunt him down and see if he remembered about the landau.”
Not wishing to waste a minute, she continued to partake of her meal while keeping a close eye on her mother and Laura.
Finished, she excused herself and made her way to Simon’s office. Finding the door closed, she lightly knocked and waited for a response. After a few moments, when none was forthcoming, she looked up and down the corridor. The only people she saw were the footmen at each end. Without being invited in, nervously she released the latch, opened the door, and glanced in toward the desk. Not seeing him, she took a step in so she could look around. He was stretched out in the same settee she and Laura would occupy when in the room with him. From the slow rise and fall of his chest she knew he was sleeping.
As she gazed lovingly at him, she could feel a warmth and dampness slowly settle where her thighs joined. Wishing to go forward to him it took all her mental strength to retreat. Carefully, she latched the door then looked to the nearest footman and crooked her finger at him.
When the man stood before her, she instructed him not to allow anyone to enter, including the duchess, until Simon opened the door. Either that or Simon made someone aware he was awake.
“Yes, m’ lady. Might I add from the rumors, not that I listen to them, His Grace, had a very difficult night’s sleep. I’m sorry, but I’m not privy to the exact reason.”
If his sleep had been as disturbing as hers then Emma knew why, but wasn’t about to share with anyone, much less a footman. Maybe later she’d talk to Abby about these feelings, then again, maybe not.
Now, with no hint if the landau was at her disposal, she descended to the ground floor where Seeley met her.
“Excuse me, m’ lady. The carriage ordered up is awaiting your pleasure.”
“Thank you. I’ll be down shortly.”
With a head bob, she acknowledged the man’s bow then rushed, as fast, while maintaining decorum, as a lady could up the stairs and marched to her suite where she was met by Abby.
“Good, you’re ready as the landau is waiting for us,” Emma declared.
Grabbing up her bonnet, she put it on and loosely tied the ribbons under her chin. With her parasol in hand, and Abby following, Emma descended to the ground floor where she was met by Simon.
“Your Grace,” she spoke then curtsied.
“Lady Emma, thank you for setting the guard outside my door as I had trouble sleeping last night. Every time I’d start to doze off thoughts about what Justin was planning would creep into my mind,” he said softly.
From the look in his eyes, she wasn’t sure if that was the real reason or something else, such as having dreams similar to the ones she’d had.
“Think nothing of it, Simon. I was only trying to protect you from your mother and the viscountess. When I went to the dining room for breakfast they were talking, and when I entered they suddenly stopped. It seemed as if they were planning something they didn’t want me to hear which could involve us.”
“I’m sure whatever it is, Laura is behind it.”
Suspecting he was correct, she nodded then set her hand on his proffered arm and let him escort her to the carriage. After being helped in, she waited while Abby got settled then gave Simon a smile.
“We should be back in time for luncheon as I’ll only be looking over materials for the gown.”
“Lady Emma, are you sure you don’t wish me to join you? If any of the family arrive before we return our mothers can greet them.”
She knew exactly why he wanted to go with her, to see the gown Mrs. Wallace was planning to create for their wedding, but she wanted to keep the dress a surprise. He was also, rightfully so, worried about her, but with two footmen and a groom as guards she felt safe.
“I’m positive, I don’t need you along.”
She bobbed her head to his bow then settled back on the squabs when the landau rolled off. Unlike previous trips along the road to the village, now Emma took the opportunity to look around at the fields and distant forest. Keeping a smile to herself, she thought that soon, all this, she’d be sharing with Simon.
When they got to the dressmaker’s shop Emma waited for one of the footmen to help her down. As they entered, Emma was happy to see Mrs. Wallace sweep into the main room, a large sheet of paper in her hand. Before it had only been a vision in her mind. Now she’d get to see what the final dress would look like.
“M’ lady and Abby, welcome. Let me spread this out on the table so you can see your gown. I also took the liberty of adding a few delicate touches, which will help enhance its beauty.”
Not wishing to waste a moment, Emma helped clear off the table just as Celia entered.
“M’ lady, what a pleasure.”
“Yes, it’s nice to see you, and I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things from Mrs. Lee when you and Guy are together.”
“Thank you, m’ lady. I’ve a feeling he may be approaching His Grace shortly, requesting permission to marry me.”
“Oh that’s wonderful news,” Emma declared.
“I’m excited also, but will sorely miss my girl at the shop as my assistant. She has been a great help in giving me a few suggestions about your gown.”
Emma wondered if Celia could, when married, still work in the shop at least a few days a week. This, if it happened, she’d want to discuss with Simon, but she knew he’d agree with her.
“Then, why don’t we look it over while you and Abby start selecting possible materials for the gown,” Emma suggested.
Emma could see Celia wanted to say something but held back for some reason. She then looked at the girl’s mother in time to see Mrs. Wallace lowering her hand from her mouth. Was there a secret between them?
“Yes, m’ lady. Come Celia as this should be fun, since even though I’ve only seen the different fashion plates, I have an idea what will look best on Lady Emma,” Abby announced.
Waiting until she was alone with Mrs. Wallace, Emma stepped back over to the table, looked down at the drawing of the gown, and gasped.
“That’s absolutely gorgeous,” she sputtered.
Slowly, starting at the neckline, Emma studied every little detail of the drawing. What she loved was the bodice with the scalloped design highlighted with lace which was also on the sleeves. Across the bodice Mrs. Wallace had drawn in roses, not just in full bloom but buds also.
“What are these made from or are they embroidered on?”
“For a duchess, never. Those are tiny pearls,” the dressmaker answered.
“They definitely are beautiful. As a matter of fact, the entire gown is exquisite. I don’t think there’s ever been one so lovely. Even the queen has never had one so stunning, of that I’m sure.”
“Thank you, m’ lady. Now would you like to try the gown on so we can make sure everything fits properly?”
It took a moment or two before Emma could gather her wits hearing she could actually try on this piece of dressmaker’s heaven.
“I’d love to. But you only got the plates and my drawing yesterday afternoon. How were you able to create the gown so quickly?” Emma exclaimed.
“Some of the work, such as the beading, still needs to be done. I didn’t wish to start that until we’ve had several fittings to make sure everything is perfect.”
“What are we waiting for? I can’t wait to try on even the semi-finished gown,” Emma declared.
“I have it hidden away in a closet for fear someone will come in and see what I’ve created. If you’ll follow me, m’ lady.”
As they started for the rear of the store where the changing rooms were, Emma heard yelling and screaming. Turning back to the door she opened the latch. A frightened footman raced up to her.
“I’m sorry, m’ lady, but a smal
l child has fallen into the river and is being swept downstream,” the man blurted out.
Without having to ask, she knew what would happen if the child wasn’t rescued. When the river went under the bridge, there was a small dam. If the person survived the ten-foot fall, rapids awaited the hapless individual. She knew neither was likely to happen as the drop would most likely kill the child. Spurred into action, she rushed out to see the other footman and groom awaiting orders.
“Can any of you swim?”
“Yes, m’ lady, I can,” a groom called out.
“Leave your horse and come with me as you might be needed.”
Not thinking of anything but the child’s safety, she rushed toward the river.
As she got to where the villagers had gathered, she saw several people on horseback who were staring at her. Seconds later, she recognized one of the riders. It was too late.
The man turned his horse toward her, and as she started to run the opposite direction, he swooped in and grabbed her, lifting her up. She opened her mouth to scream, but a hood came over her head, stifling any attempt to yell. A strong arm held her tightly against a weak chest. She was jostled hard against the man’s legs as the horse took off in a gallop.
“Don’t fight me or you’ll end up in the river,” a harsh male voice warned.
In the distance she heard someone yell her name. She hoped the groom had seen what had happened.
****
Everything happened in a blur. His, soon to be, mistress was snatched up by a man on a horse. Ken had gotten a mere glimpse of red hair. He raced to his horse, ready to give chase, while watching where the rider headed. He’d spent his life in the village and knew the path led to a marshy area, where following someone was impossible.
He approached Abby who had her hand to her mouth, eyes wide.
“Stay here with the footmen. I’m going to race back to the palace and tell His Grace what happened and the path the man took.”
“Yes, yes go.”
Swinging into the saddle, he didn’t have his feet in the stirrups before kicking his heels into the sides of his mount driving the horse into a gallop.
With his mount spurred on, Ken leaned forward and grabbed a handful of the horse’s mane as he raced back to the palace. Feeling more secure he thought about the path the kidnapper had taken. Ken knew the track led to nowhere except the river farther upstream, almost to where the ford was.
As the drive came into view, he risked a glance down and saw his horse was in the wrong lead, which could end up in disaster. He watched as a large carriage slowly turned down the same path he had to take. Stifling a curse, he straightened, shifted his weight, and felt the horse execute a perfect flying lead change. He knew at the speed he was going taking the turn could be done safely, as long as the carriage didn’t block his path.
Not slowing, he turned onto the drive and weaved around the coach hearing pebbles hit the sides of the carriage, all the while ignoring the curses and yelling from the driver.
Lifting his head, he saw the palace come into full view with the courtyard filled with carriages, footmen, and maids. As he got closer, he saw the duke greeting someone. Risking his position, he didn’t slow until he crossed under the archway only then bringing his horse to a sliding stop.
Not even dismounting he looked at a furious duke who was glaring up at him.
“Your Grace, I apologize, but Lady Emma has been forcefully taken,” he blurted out.
“What? How? I demand answers, now,” Simon bellowed.
Not even the screams or cries from the two ladies with the duke disturbed him, for Ken knew he had to tell His Grace what happened.
“In the village, and I saw the person, with red hair, take a path which goes into the woods through the marsh.”
Ken waited while the duke glanced around, then called out to several well-dressed gentlemen. He knew from the last time they’d visited they were family.
“Ken, is it?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Good, come with me. I need you to show me exactly what horse path they took.”
Not answering, he finally climbed down and much to his surprise the reins were taken from him by Richmond.
“If His Grace asks, tell him Mars is saddled and waiting him along with horses for the other gentlemen.”
“I will.”
Never having entered the ducal palace through the front door, Ken was uncomfortable but did as ordered, following the other men in. At the stairs leading to the first floor he froze, rightfully so, as where he was about to go wasn’t allowed.
“Ken, you’re not in trouble. My uncle Jeffrey, cousin Matthew, and I need to know exactly the path this person took. Only then can we save her from certain death.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I’m sorry, but I’ve never been in this part of the palace before,” Ken admitted.
“Don’t worry about it. Just think of this as your parents’ cottage, only a little bigger,” Matthew teased.
Hearing those words, he relaxed a little bit and followed the gentlemen up and into what had to be the ducal office.
“Here’s a map of the estate, including all the buildings along with horse and cart paths. Show me which one they took.”
Ken studied the map, then shaking from fear looked up to the duke.
“It’s not here. The path is just past the bridge. I suspect new, which they took.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Simon looked at the spot on the map where Ken was pointing to and didn’t see anything. He then realized the path had to be a foot trail that the villagers used. Angry at himself for not having had them investigated, he dropped into a chair and hung his head down. Only to hear footsteps coming up behind him.
“What?” he snapped, not caring who heard.
“We, or rather you, will get Emma back. You just need to not rush into the foray without a plan.” He heard his mother tell him.
Deep down in his heart he knew she was right, but another part wanted to charge in taking no prisoners. Standing, he spun around and came face-to-face with Jeffrey and Matthew. Behind them and showing he wasn’t only nervous for being where he was but that he’d failed to protect Emma, stood Ken, who might hold the key to saving her.
Turning to the door, he saw Winston waiting for instructions.
“Send for Kyle immediately,” Simon ordered, then went over to the map.
“He’s just arrived a moment ago and needs to speak with you.”
Simon glanced over his shoulder as the game master entered a confident grin on his face.
“Your Grace, I was in the village getting supplies when Her Ladyship was taken. I know we should have also looked at the footpaths for any signs of having been ridden on. For that, you can blame me.”
As much as he wanted to, Simon knew where the fault lay, on him. Silently, he cursed not having insisted on going with her, or at least sending more guards.
“Thank you, Kyle. Right now the burden is on Justin Beaumont,” Simon stated.
“No, it starts with the late duke when he got the woman with child. What happened later to turn him into the monster Justin is now, we may never know,” his mother said.
Even those words didn’t help with the hurt he was feeling, but she was correct. Now they had to find a way to rescue Emma without causing her harm. Peering down at the map of the estate and village, he waved Kyle over. With the man standing beside him, Simon pointed to a spot on it.
“From what Ken said, they slipped into the forest here. Do you know where it leads?”
“Not exactly, but I believe it goes to a safe swimming hole way up river. What makes this so much more difficult, from the few feet I followed the trail it is very new.”
“How new? And how far up river?”
“No more than a week at best from the signs of growth not having been tampered with. About here?”
Simon watched as the game master pointed to a spot halfway between the village and where they fished the other day.
That brought a painful thought that he and Emma may never have fun ever again.
Returning his attention to the map, Simon wondered if mounted, they could get to the path without having to spend extra time going into the village. When a glass of whiskey was placed beside him he looked up to see his uncle studying him.
“What?” Simon snapped. Then, “I’m sorry. It’s frustrating not knowing where she could be.”
“That’s quite all right. But I have a question. This building off by itself, do you know anything about it?”
“No. It’s not in the journal. Why?”
“I’m only asking because that could very well be where she’s being held. As for why it never made it into the book listing of all the buildings, I have no answer.”
“The reason there’s no record of it is because it’s not there and never has been. Years ago the late duke wanted a hunting lodge built there but later changed his mind to the best of my remembrance,” Kyle said.
That answered the question about the building, or did it? He was about to say something when Winston stepped up to him.
“Excuse me, Your Grace, but Mrs. Lee sent word several more carriages are arriving.”
Right now, the last thing he wanted to deal with was greeting families and telling them Emma wasn’t here and why.
“Thank you. Take Kyle and Ken to the kitchen, and have Cook give them something to eat.” He turned to the men. “Stay there until sent for.”
“Yes, and Richmond also wanted me to tell you Mars is saddled and awaiting your pleasure,” Ken said.
Simon waited until they left, then turned to his mother. “I need you to handle the greetings. If they ask where I or Emma are, tell them we’ve gone to the village and will be returning later.”
“Yes, Son, I’ll take care of everything,” the duchess told him.
Next he turned to Jeffrey and Matthew.
“Stay here with me. Right now, the fewer people who know Emma has been kidnapped the better. The last thing we need is for everyone to race about the estate risking her life.”
The Duke's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 1) Page 25