Chapter 21
The moment Leach closed the door to the coach, Hadrian turned to Tilda, his eyes sparkling with unconcealed anticipation as he smiled at her in admiration. “What brilliance have you uncovered?”
Tilda laughed. “I don’t know if it’s brilliant yet, but it’s something to go on, anyway. Do you recall at dinner last night when your mother mentioned Delia Chadwick stuttered at the start of the Season but that she’d seemed to overcome the impediment when she saw her recently?”
Furrowing his brow, Hadrian shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t. I was rather focused on keeping my brother-in-law from being an insufferable clod.”
“Well, I remember, and she’s not the only person to mention Miss Chadwick’s stutter. Harper, Lady Priscilla’s maid, also noted it. When Mr. Fenton mentioned that one of their temporary actors taught elocution, I immediately thought of Delia Chadwick.”
Hadrian gasped. “Do you think she took lessons from this actor?” His brow furrowed. “Elocution wasn’t on her list of activities, nor did her parents provide the name of a tutor.”
“Which is why this may not lead anywhere.” Tilda didn’t want to allow hope to overtake her.
“We could ask the Chadwicks, but I don’t think that would go very well, especially if they withheld that information for some reason.
Thankfully, Bannet can help us, and she’s at Ravenhurst House. ” Tilda smiled.
“Blast.” Hadrian grimaced. “I’m afraid Bannet isn’t at Ravenhurst House. I was so distracted by your excitement that I didn’t put that together before we climbed into the coach.” He knocked on the roof so Leach would stop.
“Where is she?” Tilda asked.
“Likely already in Wimbledon at my sister’s house—or nearly there,” Hadrian explained. “Beatrice spent last night at our mother’s, then called this morning to meet Bannet. They got on very well, and Beatrice offered her the position of lady’s maid.”
The coach had stopped, and Leach opened the door. “Change in destination?”
Tilda looked at Hadrian. “Must we take the train to Wimbledon?”
“I’d rather not deal with the schedule since we need to return to the Albion later.” Hadrian turned his attention to Leach. “To Sorrel Cottage. With haste.”
“Right away, my lord.” Leach closed the door and they were quickly moving again.
Hadrian suddenly kissed Tilda. The connection of their lips was fleeting but lovely. It was also surprising.
“Why did you do that?” she asked.
“Because sometimes I’m overcome with admiration and love for you.” Hadrian grinned. “I can’t quite believe I’m fortunate enough to have met someone I adore as I do you.”
Tilda blushed profusely and wished she could just not. But no one had ever said such things to her before, let alone with such sincerity and joy. It was almost intimidating. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Hadrian took her hand. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t. At least not in a bad way. I’m still becoming acclimated to…us. Is your sister’s house really a cottage?”
“Compared to Courtenay’s pile in Staffordshire, yes.”
Tilda wasn’t going to ask for clarification.
That might lead to discussion of Hadrian’s country estate, which she didn’t know much about, other than it was located in Hampshire.
The idea that she could possibly be lady of such a place seemed utterly impossible.
She wouldn’t know the first thing. And that should be the end of any consideration she might have of becoming Lady Ravenhurst.
She pushed her anxious thoughts away in favor of focusing on their investigation, which seemed to finally be moving forward. It was too bad they had to drive all the way to Wimbledon, but it would be worth it if Bannet could confirm whether Delia Chadwick had been engaged in elocution lessons.
Better still, if Bannet could confirm he was also an actor and provide his name, Tilda felt confident they would rescue Miss Redmayne. They only need find him and determine if he had Miss Redmayne in his captivity.
But why had this actor kidnapped three young women? Was his motive as simple as wanting money? In Tilda’s experience, that was often enough to motivate someone. That didn’t, however, explain why he’d killed Miss Chadwick and not Lady Priscilla.
Was this actor also the Spring-heeled Jack leaping upon buildings and accosting women? What was the purpose of that? Perhaps he was simply enthralled with his work and thrived on having an audience.
Tilda grew more anxious as they left London and even more so as they approached Wimbledon. She’d never been there and tried to enjoy the sights rather than fixate on the upcoming interview.
At last, they turned into a narrow drive, and Hadrian said they’d arrived at the house, which was clearly set back from the road as Tilda could not yet see it. They passed a large green field on the right, and the house came into view as they drove by a stand of trees.
It was as much a “cottage” as Tilda’s grandmother’s house was a church.
“The roof isn’t even thatched,” Tilda said sardonically.
It was, in fact, an Italianate villa with an octagonal belvedere rising above the slate roof in the front right corner.
Tilda was certain it provided gorgeous, sweeping views of the commons and surrounding countryside.
Hadrian laughed. “I suppose not. Courtenay built this after he wed my sister and wanted it to feel somewhat like a country estate without all the space and upkeep of one.”
“I wouldn’t know if he accomplished that,” Tilda murmured.
The coach came to a stop in front of the house, and Leach opened the door a moment later. Hadrian stepped out, then assisted Tilda to the gravel drive.
They walked to the front door and were shortly greeted by the butler, a bright-faced middle-aged man with a shiny pate. He smiled upon seeing Hadrian. “Good afternoon, my lord. Were we expecting you?” He opened the door wide, encouraging them to step into the entrance hall.
“No, Armitage, I’m afraid I’ve arrived unannounced and without invitation,” Hadrian replied. “We’ve come to speak with my sister’s new maid, Bannet. Allow me to introduce my associate, Miss Wren.”
Tilda noted he did not identify her as his friend. Perhaps he wanted to be clear that this was not a social call. She appreciated that.
“Why don’t you wait in the sitting room?” Armitage gestured to the room on the left of the entrance hall. “I’ll fetch Lady Courtenay.” The butler disappeared, and Tilda entered the sitting room with Hadrian.
“Why isn’t he fetching Bannet?” she asked.
“I’m sure he wants to make sure it’s all right with Beatrice that we speak with her maid.”
Tilda grumbled faintly. “I suppose.”
Hadrian smiled. “I know you’re anxious. I am too.”
Beatrice arrived a moment later. “Hadrian, I’m surprised to see you here. Did Bannet leave something at Ravenhurst House? You didn’t have to deliver it personally.”
“That is not why we’ve come,” Hadrian said. “We must speak to her about an urgent matter regarding Miss Chadwick.”
“Of course. I’ve asked Bannet to come here,” Beatrice said, glancing behind her.
“She should arrive momentarily. Do you mind if I stay whilst you speak with her? The poor thing is in delicate shape. She’s told me a little of what happened, and I’m devastated for her.
Absolutely awful of Chadwick to toss her out like that. ”
Hadrian glanced at Tilda. “I explained the unfortunate situation of Chadwick’s treatment of Bannet.”
“Yes, it was perfectly horrid,” Tilda said to Beatrice.
The viscount sailed into the room just then. “My goodness, you are here. I thought Armitage must be mistaken. What brings you all the way out to our charming little cottage?” His gaze settled on Tilda. “And with you too, Miss Wren.”
“Just a small inquiry we need to make,” Hadrian said tightly. Tilda could tell he didn’t want to elaborate to his brother-in-law.
“An investigative inquiry? Now, don’t harass Beatrice’s new maid,” he said in an almost scolding tone. “She hasn’t even settled in yet.”
Tilda wasn’t able to remain quiet. “We would never harass her. Indeed, we’re hoping she can help us catch the kidnapper.”
Courtenay’s eyes rounded, and he clapped his hands together. “Well, that will be most diverting!” He went to sit in an overstuffed blue damask chair and watched them expectantly as if he were waiting for a performance to start.
Hadrian looked to Tilda with apology, and she responded with an infinitesimal nod. Courtenay could listen, but the moment he interjected, Tilda would have no compunction about asking him to leave.
Beatrice also sent Tilda an apologetic glance as she perched in another chair. “You’re welcome to sit.”
“I would rather stand for now,” Tilda replied. “We’ve been sitting all the way from London.”
Bannet entered, clutching her hands nervously. “My lord, Miss Wren.”
Tilda smiled warmly at the maid. “Good afternoon, Bannet. I trust your journey here was pleasant. I’m delighted you found a new position so quickly—and a very good one at that.”
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you and his lordship.” Tears welled in Bannet’s eyes as she regarded them, but she blinked them away before they could fall. Still, she dashed a fingertip over one eye.
“We’ve come to ask you about Miss Chadwick again,” Tilda said gently. “Hopefully, this will be the last time we bother you.”
“I don’t know what else I can say.” Bannet wrung her hands. “I’d rather put all that behind me and focus on my new position here.”
Tilda tamped down a short burst of frustration.
Of course the maid didn’t want to speak of this anymore.
It had been a traumatic experience. “I do understand, however another young woman has been abducted, and we must find the kidnapper before it’s too late.
I have a simple question—did Miss Chadwick receive elocution lessons? ”
Bannet’s jaw fell open, and she pressed her hand to her mouth. It was too late for her to mask her reaction, but she tried anyway. “I don’t—I don’t know.”