Chapter 16 #2
She swallowed, but to Nora’s relief, she did not break into further sobs.
“A small cottage, some miles outside of the city. I feared for my reputation, believing that he intended to force me to marry him, just as he had always intended – but instead, he stated that it would give him the greatest pleasure to take coin and land from Hampshire and, thereafter, ruin my reputation so that I could never find a suitable match. He swore that even Hampshire himself would not touch me once he had dealt with me as he intended.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“I was so very afraid, quite certain that he meant to do all that he suggested.”
“Oh, my dear Frederica.” Nora did not question her further on the remark about Rathbone’s intention to marry her, thinking that it would be best to return to that at another time.
All the same, she placed it in the back of her mind, ready to bring it to the fore again when it was required. “But you escaped from him? Or has Hampshire done as was demanded?”
Frederica shook her head. “I do not know if he has done what was expected, but I found a way out of the cottage in the dead of night. He had intended to stay awake all night, making certain that I could not escape from him.” A faint smile touched her lips.
“He could not fulfil such a demand of himself, it seemed. Despite the locked door of my room, I squeezed through the window and climbed to the ground. I ran into the night, fearing that every sound was his steps pursuing me.”
Nora’s eyebrows lifted. “You have greater strength than I expected, Frederica,” she said, as her friend wiped at her eyes.
“Here now, take this. You are in need of it.” Gesturing to the maid who had brought the brandy and a tray of cakes, she watched as Frederica took the glass and took a small sip, her body shuddering as her eyes closed.
“You have done very well, truly,” she said, pressing Frederica’s hand.
“But you are safe now. You have not been ruined, as he feared.”
Frederica managed a wan smile. “It was only because I have wealth that I was able to hide myself from society’s view. Once I stepped into London, I found a hackney and gave him the only thing I had of worth.” Her shoulders dropped. “My mother’s pendant, which I wore about my neck.”
“I am sorry for you that you had to give it up.”
“It brought me to safety, in a way.” Frederica’s tears returned. “I am grateful for that.”
“You say you returned home,” Nora said, as Frederica finished the brandy and then reached for something to eat, the trembling leaving her slowly. “You rested there, I presume?”
“I sent a note to Hampshire, but the footman returned within fifteen minutes to tell me that he was not at home.” Frederica’s eyes searched Nora’s, filled with dread.
“I know he would have gone in search of me, but I must show him that I am safe.”
Nora pressed her hand flat against her breastbone. “He went to find you, yes. This morning, he went to the solicitors to find out anything he could about Rathbone.”
“Which means he would have been told about that cottage, surely?”
With a slow nod, Nora pulled her gaze away from Frederica, her fear beginning to pull at her breath, making it shallow and uneven. “If he has gone there, then he will surely find Rathbone.”
“And if Rathbone is already furious at my absence, then what might he do to Hampshire?” Frederica covered her mouth with one hand, a low, broken sound escaping her. Nora pressed her hand to her brow, tension stretched taut and near to snapping.
“Let us pray he is safe. He is wise enough to be cautious,” she said, quietly. “You will stay here, Frederica. You cannot return home — Rathbone may already know you are gone, and your townhouse is the first place he will look.”
Frederica’s eyes filled. “I cannot ask that of your family.”
“You are not asking. I am insisting.” Nora gripped both of Frederica’s hands and looked straight into her eyes.
“This was not your fault. A threat is a dangerous thing, Frederica. You will rest in our guest chamber, and I will send word to Hampshire the moment I have any news. Whatever Rathbone may do, he will not find you here.”
It took some convincing but, after a few minutes, Frederica rose and walked, her shoulders rounded, back towards the house, where one of the housemaids was sent to settle her in the guest chamber.
Nora sat forward on the garden bench and buried her face in her hands, fear tightening about her neck like a noose.
Trying to tell herself that Lord Hampshire would be able to resist Rathbone and would return to them safely, she did her best to ignore the fear clawing at her bones.
It did little good.
“My lady?”
Nora lifted her head, only to see a gentleman stride towards her. Hope had her leaping to her feet, believing now that she was to see Lord Hampshire again, only for it to fall away as Lord Broadford bowed towards her.
“Forgive me for calling unexpectedly, Lady Nora,” he said, as the maid stayed to one side, chaperoning Nora.
“I come because I am aware of your connection to Lord Hampshire. I do not doubt that you know all that has taken place of late.”
Nora nodded. “Yes, I do. I – ” She was about to tell him about Frederica’s return, only for Lord Broadford to sweep his hat from his head, clasp it in his hands in front of him, and then clear his throat.
“It is my concern that something amiss has occurred,” he said, gravely. “Lord Hampshire left for a residence a little outside London many hours ago. I would have expected his return by now, but as yet, he has not been seen.”
Weakness thrust itself into Nora’s heart and travelled down her frame, forcing her to sink back down to the bench.
“I think I must go to him,” Lord Broadford said, shaking his head. “I thought he might have been here with you, might have brought some news back to you, or that Frederica herself… ”
“Frederica is safe.” Nora saw the surprise etch itself into Lord Broadford’s eyes.
“Please, sit down, Lord Broadford, and let me explain all.” She took in a deep breath and set her shoulders back. “Then, mayhap, we can formulate a plan.”