Chapter 22 #2
“Cousin, you may have been able to get some information out of me with threats, but I fear additional information will cost you. See, you have a need and so do I.”
Graham chuckled. “I fear you have overplayed your hand, Percy. I am a perfectly free man, and can glean what information I need from her.” Graham turned to Jeremiah and bellowed so as to be heard over the din, “Warden, I fear my time with my cousin has come to an end, can you see me out?”
Percy extended his hand through the opening in the door, and yelled as Graham strode past the warden, who practically ran to keep up with the duke. “Cousin, where are you going? What about me? I give you everything you want, and you turn your back on me! You will pay for this!”
The way out of the prison was a blur of turns and babbling from Jeremiah, who was late to realize the folly of his association with Percy. The only thing clear to Graham was that he needed answers!
“What was that, my dear?” Alaina asked, embarrassed, her mind having wandered to their intimate activities that morning on the east side of the house in their newly christened parlor, this one decorated with peonies.
She and Christopher had taken to having their morning meal on that side of the house over the past couple of weeks, in part for the view and the early morning light, and in part for the privacy of the room, far from the hustle and bustle of the heart of the manor.
This morning had been no exception, their breakfast and tea cold and long forgotten as they shared a tryst on a nearby settee.
It was lucky they had righted their appearances well before the kitchen maid came to clear away the hardly touched breakfast tray.
“I would ask about your daydream, but from the look on your face it seems we are both remembering the same event,” Christopher responded, looking at Alaina over the records of the Rochester estates spread out on the large desk at the center of his study.
“I was asking if you would fancy a ride this afternoon; we will keep it at a relaxed pace, just something to enjoy the outdoors. But we could forgo it in favor of other activities.”
Alaina, who was seated near an open window facing the grounds, was seriously tempted by another afternoon of lovemaking, but desperate for some fresh air after a week of rain. She could smell the roses and yearned to be outside.
“I fear if we waste this beautiful day, the world may see fit to treat us to another week of summer storms,” Alaina teased as she met her husband’s eyes, losing a little of her resolve to make it outside today.
“I feel you are quite right, my dearest Alaina,” Christopher remarked, closing the book he had been pouring over and standing in a quick motion, making his way around the desk and over to Alaina.
Christopher offered his hand as assistance and Alaina smiled affectionately as she placed her hand in his and stood.
As Alaina and Christopher were making their way to the door of the study, intending to make it to the stables after a change of clothes, Baldwin came through the door in a haste, almost colliding with the couple.
“I beg your pardon, my lord, my lady,” the butler hurriedly stated, taking a step back to the door of the study, acting a bit chagrined at his haste.
“No apologies necessary, everyone is in one piece, Baldwin,” came the quick reply from Christopher. “What has you moving with such purpose?”
“Well, my lord, a missive came from London, sealed with the duke’s family crest,” Baldwin held out the letter to Christopher, where it was quickly plucked and opened.
Alaina and Baldwin waited as Christopher read the note, no one bothering to speak as they watched a frown mark Christopher’s face. The hush in the room stretched until Alaina could take no more. “What is it, Christopher?”
“I am not sure,” he started to reply. “The person who wrote this letter claims to be Graham’s steward, but there is no signed name.”
Alaina huffed in frustration. “Well, what does the letter say?”
Christopher looked up from the letter and looked at Alaina. “It says Graham has been in an accident, and is asking for me in London immediately.”
Alaina reached out and snatched the letter from Christopher’s hands, quickly reading it herself. “But there are no details! How grave is this accident? When did it happen?”
Christopher reclaimed the letter and took one of his wife’s hands and squeezed. “Darling, please calm down. I am sure the letter was written in haste. But I fear that means our newly wedded bliss will be cut short. I have to go to London tonight, or really as soon as a horse can be readied.”
“Just you?!” Alaina exclaimed. “You think I would let you go alone? Who knows what state Graham is in at the moment. If anything, I can provide an extra set of hands and should be there for Eleanor and Georgiana.”
A sigh escaped Christopher’s lips. “My dear Alaina, I fear it may not be safe out on the road later in the evening. I would not want to put you in danger. Besides, I need to move fast, and that is best done alone on horseback.”
“And it is better if I stay here, alone?”
Christopher sighed. “It is the best option. I have men I can set to guard the house. I cannot guarantee your safety on the road.”
Alaina took a deep breath, and calmed her voice, changing tact. “And you would take such a risk? Like all of your early morning rides alone? I will not have you taking such a journey without me. Besides, you could need me once you get to London.”
A half-smile touched Christopher’s lips. “I fear I will always need you, my love.”
“So, then it is settled.” Alaina quickly stated.
“What is settled?”
“I am going with you to London, but I shall have to follow along in the carriage,” Alaina responded. “I would not think to slow down your pace, but it would not be too difficult to follow.”
“But…” Christopher started, but was quickly interrupted.
“But what?” Alaina said, allowing no time for further argument.
“It is the perfect solution; we can both go to London to see to Graham’s welfare, and you have no need to fear for my welfare if I take the carriage.
Like you said, we must be on the road as soon as we can; I will head up to pack a few things to see us through the week. ”
Alaina quickly was out the door and up the stairs before Christopher even turned to Baldwin to make plans for their last-minute trip to London.
Christopher gathered Alaina’s face in his hands as he gave her a parting kiss. “I will only be a few paces in front of you, darling, in case anything should happen.”
“Nonsense! I shall not have you slowing your pace for me,” Alaina admonished, her breathy response lacking weight. “You seem to have a sufficient retinue accompanying me to keep me safe on the trip to London, but I fear that leaves you sorely lacking.”
Christopher shook his head. “A lone rider gains little attention, a conveyance, however…”
This earned a huff from Alaina. “Fine, fine, you have made your point. It will be close to midnight when we arrive in London at this rate, and I am anxious to be on our way.”
With a final peck from Christopher on the tip of her nose, the marquess stepped back to close the carriage door. “I will see you in London, dearest.”
“I will see you in London, and we will see that your friend is well tended to,” Alaina reassured Christopher before a final, “I love you.”
“I love you,” Christopher repeated before finally tearing himself away from his wife.
There was a niggling feeling down the back of his spine as he turned toward the groom holding his horse and quickly mounted it.
Turning only once more to salute the carriage, he set off down the front drive.
The faster he and Alaina got to London, the better he would feel, his worry for his friend at the forefront of his mind.
Alaina watched as the sun, now low in the sky, skipped through the trees, playing upon the seats of the carriage to match the galloping pace of the horses.
Once more she stuck her head out of the side window and found the familiar form of her husband, now far down the road, almost out of sight.
In the fading light, Alaina found it difficult to assure herself of his continued well-being, but she found solace in knowing that he did not turn back and thus was safely on his way.
Resettling herself on the cushions of the carriage, she closed her eyes and tried to calm her thoughts.
As much as she had pushed to convince Christopher that she would be fine on her journey, the pit of her stomach was a roiling mess, and she tried once more to convince herself everything would be fine.
Alaina took a few deep breaths and tried to focus on the pounding of the hooves and the swaying motion of the conveyance, hoping to find herself in London when she next opened her eyes.
Graham banged on the door of the Finch townhome, hoping his second round of knocking would not go unanswered.
After rushing home, Graham had pressed his mother for information on Lady Barbara and her family, not least of which was where they lived.
He needed answers before leaving for the country to warn Christopher and Alaina.
Graham finally heard a click sound from behind the door, and the portal was pulled slightly inward to reveal an older, stylishly dressed woman, exhaustion clear in her eyes.
Before the duke could open his mouth, the lady spoke tersely. “Who are you?”
Graham executed a shallow bow as he took off his hat and introduced himself. “I am the Duke of Ashford, my lady. I was hoping to speak to Lady Barbara Finch.”
The lady did not open the door wider, but Graham watched as her eyes widened and then narrowed. “She is not receiving visitors.”