Page 111 of A Baby to Seal the Duke’s Fate

“From where?”

“Our own linen stores.”

Leopold was silent.

Barnaby continued. “Someone with access to the household sent that child here.” He paused. “Or perhaps, some kind of connection to this household.”

At first, nothing came to mind. He recalled that his father had dealt with Gideon Bellamy, but as far as he knew, their relationship had been limited to business affairs. Then, as if a gun went off in his brain, the information clicked.

The old shawl, his mother’s behavior, Wilfred’s reaction, his mother’s evasiveness, the private account his father had kept. Leopold suddenly understood that the mystery was much older than Honora.

“Do you think Isolde knew?”

Barnaby’s answer came without hesitation. “She had enough information to tell you the whole story.”

Leopold’s face hardened. “But she chose another version.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Barnaby gave him a grim look. “Because her version was useful to her motives.”

Leopold stood. The chair scraped against the floor. “She said Honora was the opportunist.”

“I believe we now know who the real opportunist is.”

Leopold shook his head. “She took facts and turned them into a lie.”

Barnaby’s expression was hard. “Yes.”

Leopold looked toward the door. “I am going after them.”

Barnaby nodded. “I assumed you would.”

Leopold reached for his coat. “Where?”

“The coaching inn.”

“At the county border?”

“If Isolde sent them there, that is where the carriage should have gone.”

Leopold pulled on his coat.

Barnaby stood. “I will come with you.”

“No.”

Barnaby frowned. “You cannot ride into this alone.”

“I am not asking permission.”

“Nor am I.”

Leopold stared at his friend for a moment. It was a task he felt he should take on alone, as he alone was responsible for the task in the first place. Had he not sent Honora and Cecily away at Isolde’s word, had he listened to what Honora had to say, the two of them would still be in his home, instead of banished and in need of locating.

But Barnaby was determined. And in truth, Leopold felt he could use his old friend’s companionship. He had made a mistake that was causing him terrible grief and remorse. It might help him think more clearly to have his friend come along.