“According to the butler, she went into an unmarked carriage a little over three hours ago.”
An unmarked carriage. That detail suggested a methodical plan. “Was the butler certain it was a carriage and not a hackney?”
“The man was questioned most thoroughly. It was a carriage pulled by a team of four.”
“Do you have any notion where she might have headed?”
Dark grief flashed in his eyes before his expression closed off. “None. I have sent hired runners in several directions out of London and have also set people to discreetly investigate within Town.”
She stared at him, wondering how he had accomplished that in such little time.
“Upon getting this letter, I launched into immediate action returning to my townhouse. Perdie was not there, and her companion Lady Felicity and her lady’s maid were also missing. I have no idea in which direction they headed, and at this moment, her life might be in danger, and I do not know where she is!”
The raw emotions in his voice throbbed through her like the force of wind, pushing her to take a few steps back. Theo pressed a hand over her fiercely pounding chest. Good heavens, what was Perdie thinking to have acted with such recklessness? “I…Perdie is undoubtedly clever and capable…a young lady of good sense and…”
Theo swallowed at the anger darkening the duke’s eyes, and a fresh realization dawned. “You blamemefor…for Lady Perdita running away.” That was why he had hunted her down at this ball and asked her to dance.
His silence was his answer.
“I assure you, I have nothing to do with Perdie leaving. I do not even know the contents of the letter she left to you, Your Grace.”
He unceremoniously thrust it in her face. His ill-manners piqued her ire, but Theo took the letter with trembling fingers and walked toward the lit lantern in the distance. She opened the crumpled paper and held it up to the glow of the lamp.
Dearest brother,
I have gone away for a while. It is best you do not search for me, because I am not lost. I am simply and unwaveringly decided. Lately, I feel like a blanket has been smothering me, and I dare not try and breathe around it. I need space to reflect on my thoughts and the leanings of my heart. I suspect your hand in Lady Theo turning me away from a place that has been a second home to me. My heart feels shredded, and it is through discourse with Theo I comprehend how important it is to fully understand myself, my hopes and dreams, in regard to living my life, lest I make a mistake that I will not be able to recover from. I do not wish to live an unhappy life heavy with regrets.
This was not a decision I lightly entered. I have sold my jewelry and have fetched a very handsome sum for them. Please be assured I do have enough money to last for two years or more with some economic practice. Please know that is not to say I will be gone for that long. Miss Felicity and Hattie have accompanied me, so I am not alone. I’ve rented a most handsome cottage and assumed the identity of a widow to render my living alone respectable. I will also hire the proper servants for the cottage. There should be no scandal attached to me leaving London as I have not told anyone of my plans, not even my closest friends I’ve met since in town.
As for Lord Owen, I am not determined as yet to marry him. Please know I was very sincere in my love for him, and I still hold immeasurable love for him. I cannot ignore that he has turned a deaf ear to the desires in my heart, and I cannot continue to forge a path with a man who has little consideration for my feelings. I implore you to cancel all matters of engagement between us, and I am sorry I could only tell you this in a letter. I feared you would insist I honor my word to marry the viscount, and I regret that I am not brave enough to face your censure and explain myself.
As soon as I am more settled, I will send you and mamma another letter. Sadly, I cannot provide you with a return address, as you will descend upon me and demand I return home. I love you, brother, and I beseech you to grant me this time so I might find my wings.
Lovingly yours, Perdie.
Theo gently folded the letter.Oh, Perdie, what were you thinking? It was most difficult to face the duke’s ire. She stole a questioning glance at the duke, whose impassive expression now afforded her no clues. Theo’s heart skipped a beat…then another. She had no words to offer him any comfort, and she suspected he would not want them. Though he tried to remain unflappable, there was a storm of emotion she could not name in his eyes.
“Your Grace”
“Until my sister has been found, you will not leave my side!”
Shock tore through Theo, rendering her speechless for several seconds. “I beg your pardon?”
Chapter Six
“Iam terribly sorry, Your Grace,” Lady Winfern whispered, her light brown eyes luminous in the dark gardens. “But I do not understand your meaning!”
He searched for guilt or that she was hiding something. Sebastian believed this woman had helped his sister with her harebrained scheme. Perdie did not have the connections or the money to have acted alone. “I blame you entirely for this tragedy.”
Her throat worked on a swallow, and her face had gone pale. “How might I assist you in recovering, Perdie? I assure you my discretion in this matter is very much assured.”
“You will assure more than just your discretion, my lady.”
Her pulse fluttered madly, and it was clear she was out of sorts. “What is it that you require of me, Your Grace?”
“You will not leave my sight until we have recovered my sister.”
She spluttered. “I thought you jested!”