Deborah smiled and nodded, “Certainly.”
Isobel turned, barely sparing a glance at Richard before she walked off in the direction he had gestured towards. Richard caught up with her easily, regarding her with a sideways glance before he said.
“You seem rather grumpy this morning. Did you not get enough sleep last night?”
“I am rather busy today, Your Grace, so whatever this is about, I would like to ask you to state your business quickly.”
A look of annoyance dawned over those ridiculously handsome features, and Isobel forced herself to shift her gaze forward, refusing to be charmed into forgetting how angry she still was with him.
“You people make it so hard to be generous,” he mumbled under his breath before holding her back with a hand on her wrist.
Isobel whirled around to face him, her mouth falling open to likely spill words of rebuke, but he was not even looking at her.It took her a moment to notice that they had stopped before a small group of people, in the midst of which stood her father.
The mere sight of him filled her heart with sadness, but she resolved not to be weakened by it. No longer would she desperately seek his acknowledgment. The only reason she was here was for Valerie, and it was time to focus on that and forget everything else.
Richard stepped towards the small crowd, and it was as though they had sensed his presence. The people stepped out of his way until he'd been given a clear path to face Lord Gramfield.
The Baron had been laughing as he spoke, but the sight of the Duke caused him to choke.
“Y-Your Grace! How lovely of you to —”
“Lord Gramfield, I want to have a word with you.” The Duke said before he turned around and walked out of the room.
On his way out, Richard gave Isobel a look — one that told her she was expected to follow. She wanted to rebel against him, wondering what he would do, but the reasonable side of her understood that would simply be asking for trouble. So she sighed and walked out of the dining room, ignoring the heavy footfalls of her father behind her.
Richard slipped into a drawing room, and they followed, Gregory shutting the door behind him once they were inside.
“We need to discuss the situation that has fallen upon us. I believe it would be in our best interest to involve the constables.” Richard stated in lieu of greeting.
“What if the culprit slips away then? There is no way to avoid suspicion if we make it known that something is wrong.” Gregory spoke up quickly.
“But something is wrong,” Isobel stated deadpan, irritated by her father’s lackadaisical attitude. “Valerie is unconscious in the attic, and I am being paraded around to give the illusion that everything is fine. This is a waste of time — we should have someone else investigate properly. There is only so much I can do.”
“I must agree with Isobel. While her efforts have been… commendable, it feels much simpler to just leave it to those who know what they are doing.” Richard said sagely.
Isobel turned her glare on him, hearing the thinly veiled insult loud and clear. Her lips parted to snap at him, but her father sighed deeply.
“But… what of the wedding? It would be a shame to have everyone who came together leave without the purpose of the gathering being fulfilled. I — I mean, we have been looking forward to Valerie’s wedding. I believe her groom has been as well. I was assured that he desired nothing more than to spend his life with her. Surely that has not changed?”
Richard looked just as upset with Gregory as Isobel felt, and she smirked, satisfied to know that she was not the only one who found the Baron frustrating to relate with.
“Do not presume that you know my friend more than I do. He does love Valerie, and he is committed to a life with her. However, the situation is quite dire, and he would put her safety first and foremost in any case. I did try to send word of what had happened, but given how far away he is currently, I do not believe the letter would arrive before he leaves to come to us here. Above all else, we need a plan. A good plan, not mere intentions that will have us running around most of the time.” Richard told them sternly.
“I think it would be much easier to find who might be responsible if we knew why they did this. Does Valerie have any enemies? Is there a reason why someone would want to harm her?” Isobel questioned.
Gregory frowned in thought for a moment, but then he shook his head seconds later.
“She has always been a sweet and well-behaved girl. She’s never tried to hurt anyone, and I can’t imagine her ever causing strife or pain to others. The only reason anyone might have wanted to do such a wicked thing… is her wedding. Marrying the Duke of Norwich is an honor many would envy her for.” He informed them eventually, looking uncomfortable.
Richard sighed tiredly. “I suppose we do not have any other choice than to simply keep up the current plan. I will continueto offer my assistance to ensure that no one suspects Miss Wightman. In the meantime, you could make yourself useful by looking for the reasons why Valerie was targeted. Your children’s lives are at risk, Lord Gramfield. This is no time to sit and gossip.”
Gregory’s face took on a flush, but he nodded quietly, clearly knowing better than to argue with the Duke.
“That will be all. If you think of anything or if you learn something, do not hesitate to bring it to our attention,” Richard instructed.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Gregory replied, bowing before he left the room.
Silence filled the space as the only Isobel and Richard were left, the air feeling heavy as the quiet seconds passed. Isobel felt her patience run out and turned to walk away, just as his lips parted.
