AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Then I shall insist on a meeting with that justice. He will listen to me this time.” The duke sipped on his port without offering any to Jack.
“And it could take a fortnight or more to find her.” Jack watched the duke’s hands shake as he brought the glass to his lips. The man needed only a little more prodding. “Any which way, she is stuck there for two weeks or more.”
“No!” He exclaimed, scraping back his seat and then standing. “I will not let her rot in a prison cell.”
“I am afraid we have no choice, Your Grace. Unless someone confesses, there is nothing we can do.”
The duke’s face turned red with rage. “The maid has to be found. She is the key!”
“No one knows where she went. I already checked with Mr. Roberts. She just disappeared after she left to run some errands this morning. Roberts sent a footman on horse to her mother’s home in Reading but it’s doubtful she went there as they were not on good terms.” Jack hoped his lie about Anne and her mother would keep the duke from sending someone t
o look for her there.
The duke clenched his fists. “I need to think...alone.”
Jack rose and gave him a quick bow. “Of course, I shall take my leave now.”
“Do you love her, Raynerson?”
How should he answer that? If he said yes, it might make the duke believe he had no chance. “We never discussed love, Your Grace. We were just friends.”
“Friends. Hah,” the duke scoffed in a bitter tone.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” Jack said and left the room. As he left the house, he had no idea where to go. The thought of returning to his brother’s home left an empty feeling in him. He wasn’t ready to be alone with his thoughts. Instead, he found himself heading toward Tessa’s mother’s home. For some reason, he needed to be around people who loved her.
Upon entering the Drakes’ home, he was led to the salon where Louisa greeted him kindly.
“I am sorry to bother you, Miss Drake. I just...I just...” His voice trailed off as he was unable to express his true feelings.
“I understand, Mr. Raynerson. Unfortunately, my mother is indisposed tonight. But please sit and have a drink with me.” Miss Drake poured a glass of brandy for them both before returning to her seat. “God knows I need this tonight.”
“Thank you, Miss Drake,” he said as he sat across from her. “How are you?”
“I have been better,” she admitted slowly. “Knowing my sister is sitting in prison alone, cold, where anything could happen to her is breaking my heart.”
“She is in a private cell with a personal guard.”
She tilted her head and leveled him an odd look before nodding. “Thank you for that, sir.”
Jack glanced down at his drink. Louisa Drake realized he’d arranged those benefits. Maybe Tessa would one day, too. Not that he would gain her forgiveness or love. Not that he deserved either.
“How is Miss Emma handling all this?”
“As well as can be expected, sir. I believe she is in her room most likely crying for all that is now lost to her.” Miss Drake shrugged. “I suppose at eighteen, I might have felt the same but now...”
“She is young and this was her first Season out.” Jack sighed knowing he caused the angst in this family. Once they discovered his involvement in this plan, he would never be invited in this house again.
“Have you spoken to Lord Langport? I feel dreadful about his wife.”
“No, Miss Drake. I paid a call on the duke before arriving here but Langport was not with him.”
“If you do speak with him, please send him my condolences. I attempted to pay a call on him but he was not at home. While I sent a note, it is not the same as speaking in person.”
Jack nodded. “If I see him, I shall convey your thoughts. I should take my leave now.”
“Thank you for checking on us, Mr. Raynerson.” Miss Drake rose and gave him a quick curtsy.
Unable to decide where else to go, he finally arrived home. The door opened before he put a foot on the first step. The butler greeted him with a frown and a heavy sigh. Jack continued up the steps until he reached the door.
