From the table beside her Kristina picked up a sketch pad and pencil, something she always like to keep at hand. She then proceeded to draw out the woman she’d seen several months ago. As with Katherine she was able to do it from memory making sure the eyes, nose and mouth matched the one she’d given her newest friend.
No soon had she finished than Bing and Ethan entered her sitting room. After the butler departed and refreshments were passed Kristina show the drawing to Robert and her brother.
“Gentlemen, we all agree this is the woman, Madame Allard, who murdered Lord Kersey only to escape to France. Later she was found by one of your agents Ethan with orders to eliminate her and the threat she presents to the Crown. A short while ago I met with Lady Katherine and gave her the same drawing.
“Now this is where things get interesting. She agrees the picture I made for her resembles the woman she met at the Darish ball. Now we have a problem as this isn’t the same person she was introduced to but a very close likeness. I’m suggesting we either have a very close, in looks, sister or a twin. And Ethan I don’t hold you blame for not knowing as it was you who records weren’t complete,” she said in conclusion.
Kristina could tell from the looks of stunned shock both men couldn’t believe what they’d learned.
“My question first and foremost, has Lady Katherine agreed to alert her parents?” Robert asked.
“Yes, and Katherine is sending along the rendering I did for her. She told me it would go out as soon as she wrote it so I’m guessing it’s left for the estate as we speak.”
On hearing a squeal coming from Ethan she focused her attention on him. “Yes?”
“It’s just hearing you use her Christian name. I haven’t even been given permission.”
“Brother that’s because she expects to be offered for by you. If I don’t miss my guess within the next few days, even though she and her parents are in mourning.”
“Kristina I don’t understand. How are we going to sneak him out of town not to mention when are you suggesting we depart for the ducal estate?” Robert asked.
“I propose we leave, not tomorrow but the next day. As for how we are secreting my brother away, we’re not. He’ll be in the carriage with us.” She turned her attention to Ethan.
“From what Robert and I saw today on the way and in the park Bow Street has very little interest in you. There hasn’t even been any mention of Lord Lange’s death in any broadsheet. As I explained to my husband the authorities are only putting a little effort in the hunt. I would hazard they have been told to stand back and let us solve this mystery.”
“Sister, that would to a degree make sense and I’d wager coming from someone fairly high up in the government,” Ethan said.
What did please Kristina, she noticed a slight increase in confidence in Ethan’s voice, something she’d not heard before.
“Ethan, I agree with you but might I inquire why the change in our departure my darling?”
“By leaving a day later the family will have a chance to grieve before we arrive, which they will needed. Then, there are a few avenues I wish to explore tomorrow in the hopes of gaining a little more information about this mystery woman,” she explained, then added. “And no Robert you may not ask what they are,” she firmly informed him.
Accepting his nod as understanding, even though she suspected he’d find a way to discover what she had in mine she stood.
“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me I wish to rest before we dine and husband don’t forget to order the carriage for eight as we’ve a ball to attend.”
That not so much being said but ordered Kristina swept from the room to her suite.
Chapter Seven
Not wishing to stifle Kristina’s enthusiasm for whatever she had planned, Robert rose from their bed, dressed and adjourned to the dining room. He did know she’d do nothing which would put her in harm’s way. To make sure of that and for added protection he’d instructed Bing to have a footman available to follow her, at a distance.
After breaking his fast he started for the office to handle the morning posts. Again he wasn’t surprised at the stack which he knew were mostly invitations but hopefully a few from his estates. At least they would be a relief even if there was a problem.
As the bell announcing luncheon was ready he glanced up only to see Kristina standing in the doorway wearing a bright smile.
He stood and stepped around the desk and strolled up to her. “Whatever you did were you able to find out what you wished?” he asked.
“Yes, I was did. Now, shall we dine and I’ll tell you what I learned and you might be surprised. Also, we should make sure my brother is with us.”
“Excuse me m’ lord and lady. Lord Rosewood awaits you in the dining room. As requested I made sure he was on time,” Bing told them.
“Thank you,” Robert said. He offered Kristina his hand and together they made their way downstairs.
Stepping into the room Robert escorted his wife to her chair after acknowledging Ethan. Next, he went to the side boy where he prepared a plate for Kristina and himself. Returning to the table he placed hers down then took his seat.
Not wishing to rush into hearing what she had learned he started eating. While he dined it gave him an opportunity to study her. He was intrigued in that she was very engrossed in partaking of the plate he’d presented her. From past experience, he knew when she was ready to impart important information she would. Right now, he knew, she was collecting her thoughts so everything she’d tell them would make sense.
“First off dear husband, thank you for having the footman accompany myself and Amanda. As it turns out he was and is a wonderful assistant. Anyways, when I met with Lady Katherine one thing she told me, but kept to myself, she planned on departing London midday. That was when I wondered if the woman we’re hunting for might keep a watch over the palace. On that I was correct, and no less by her.
“I can only assume to make sure Katherine returned home with Lord Lange’s body. What happened next did surprise me as I thought the woman would immediately follow but she didn’t. As for her final destination we may not know for a while until the footman returns.”
“Sister, may I ask a question?”
“Certainly,” she replied.
“Even though I’m not pleased with you venturing out without Robert, I’ve come to learn you are your own woman. That aside, why did you think this woman, we now know might not be Madame Allard, would be at the Clarion palace?”
“It was well known Katherine would be returning today and I wanted to see if this person might witness her leaving. Don’t forget brother, and husband, she appears to be very hands on as was her sister. I believe you all will agree with me that using a knife isn’t typical of a lady, more a man. We tend more toward poison or less violent forms of murder.”
“So, my dear you’re saying this is personal? But why? We already know who Madame Allard’s parents are or were.”
Robert leaned back and stroked his chin deep in thought then sat upright. What had amazed him, neither Kristina nor Ethan had spoken.
“Allow me to postulate this—What if this new woman is either a younger or older sister to Madame Allard and she’s here for revenge also?”
“Robert, so you believe the Duke met the mother while he was doing his Grand Tour as the late Lord Kersey did?” Ethan enquired.
“If that is true, and does sound reasonable, how would they have learned who the fathers were? Don’t forget we’re talking about events which happened over twenty years ago. Also, why did they waited so long before taking out their revenge?” Kristina asked.
“As far as how they learned, my supposition would be at their mother’s death bed. For why they’ve waited until now I’ve not an answer,” Robert told them.
“Then I suggest we finish dining and make arrangements to depart tomorrow. I know Amanda, and I suspect Evan has already started packing. Ethan, do you know if your valet began?” Kristina asked.
; “Yes he has,” her brother replied.
Finally with luncheon over Robert rose then assisted Kristina up, and with Ethan following retired to her parlor. At first he’d thought to use his office but decided against it as Kristina’s sitting room presented a more relaxed atmosphere. With what he wished to discuss with them comfort over power was paramount.
Once he had his wife settled on the settee and Ethan in a comfortable chair Robert addressed Bing.
“Tea for Her Ladyship while coffee for Lord Rosewood and myself,” he directed to the man.
“Certainly, m’ lord. I do believe the tray has already been prepared in anticipation of your request,” Bing answered.
Robert forced himself to stifle a groan at the forethought of his butler but couldn’t help notice the slight shaking of Kristina’s shoulders as she held back a giggle.
After the tray was delivered and cups passed Robert glanced from her brother to his wife.
“Husband, are you going to keep us tenterhooks? she asked.
“My apologies, I was thinking of the best way to promote my recommendation to you both.”
He didn’t continue as Bing with Adam, the footman sent to watch over his wife, appeared at the door.
“Yes?”
“M’ lords and lady, Adam has news which after hearing it I knew it couldn’t wait,” the butler told them.
With a wave of his hand Robert indicated the footman should enter.
“M’ lords and lady, as directed by Her Ladyship I was able to follow the woman to a comfortable but small townhouse in Notting Hill. Waiting in from of the building a traveling carriage waited. What was interesting, she dismissed it. I overheard her tell the driver she wouldn’t be needing it until tomorrow.”
“I would then suppose she might not follow Lady Katherine as we originally thought,” Kristina said.
“Begging your pardon m’ lady. I followed the coach around to the mews only to learn this woman, you had me trail, order up a horse for the morning. At first I thought nothing of it then learned she would bring her own saddle. This caused the stable master to wonder aloud why but the footman who delivered the message only shrugged,” Adam told them.
Now, with this new information Robert knew his plan needed to be put into motion immediately.
“Thank you Adam for your diligence,” Robert directed to the man.
He waited until Bing and the footman left then stood and started pacing the width of the room.
“All right husband, I know you don’t normally stride around like that unless something is bothering you. Now, out with it and I’m sure whatever it is has to do with what Adam told us?”
He stopped, spun around then levelled his gaze on Kristina for saying what he was thinking about.
“Yes it does. As we all know our departure was set for tomorrow. However, with this new information I feel your brother and I need to leave soon. With the right horses, which are in my stable, we should be able to make it to the duke’s estate by late tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’m to assume then I follow in the morning, taking two days, in the carriage?” Kristina asked.
“Yes, with Amanda and Evan with you. A second coach with our trunks will follow. Also, when you leave and until on the outskirts of London keep the curtains drawn. This way, if for some reason the mystery woman, no one will know who’s with you,” Robert added.
“And if I might be permitted, use the mews Sister as they are easily screened from outsiders,” Ethan suggested.
Hearing the recommendation from his brother-in-law Robert turned his attention to his wife waiting for a reaction from her.
“I agree that would be the best way to proceed. I’d also recommend, gentlemen, you depart the same way as I don’t trust her. We already know she’s able to move easily about,” she said.
Now Robert had another dilemma to deal with. Granted he knew Bow Street was keeping a watch over their townhouse. Was it possible the woman could have snuck here to see what they’d do? The only answer he could come up with was yes. The next question, who would be the best to walk about the street to see if she was there?
“Kristina, do you think this woman saw Adam as I’d like to have him outside along Mayfair to see if she’s about?”
“From what he told us, I don’t believe so. Possibly the stable master or coach driver might have but I feel he’ll be safe.”
“Then let me ring for Bing and have Adam set about his new task,” Robert said going to the bell.
A minute later Bing stood in the middle of the parlor and was given his new orders for the footman.
“M’ lord, as he’s not had time to change into his uniform I can have him watching the front and sides in minutes. Might I suggest he handle a broom as a street sweeper?”
“This time though make sure his face is dirtied maybe using the burnt end of a cork. That will help to disguise him if she spotted him earlier,” Kristina suggested.
“M’ lady I’ll also have Adam wear a cap pulled down to hide his red hair and face. If you’ll give me ten minutes I can have him out front and looking for this person,” Bing told them.
“Perfect. Then inform my stable master I need Saint and Devil saddled and waiting for myself along with Lord Rosewood in the stable. They are to be left in the stable until we arrive,” Robert ordered.
“As you wish m’ lord. I do wish you luck with Saint as he’s not been out in days,” Bing replied.
“Thank you I might need it.”
With Bing off to take care of his new duties Robert glanced over to Ethan and grinned.
“Fear not for you get Devil as Saint hates all men except me and the stable master. I still don’t know why I keep him here while he’d be better suited for the estate.”
“Darling husband you refuse to remove him to the country as riding him gives you the opportunity to scare other riders on Rotten Row. Now, you both need to pack saddlebags for your speedy trip.”
“And my dear, what will you be doing for the rest of the day and this evening?” her husband enquired.
“As my parents are still in town I thought I’d send them a note informing them I’ll be visiting. This will also give me the opportunity to let them know what we’ve learned thus setting their minds to rest. I might even stay for dinner but other than that I won’t be attending the scheduled ball this eve,” she declared.
“Then my dearest wife I believe we all have tasks needing to be completed. Please wish your parents my best and that we will get together soon for dinner once this little problem is resolved,” Robert told her.
After giving her a kiss on the cheek, not the lips as he wished but with Ethan present he felt uncomfortable doing it, he escorted his wife to the stairs. There he, with Ethan following, made for the second floor.
At the landing Robert turned to Ethan.
“I’ll meet you in the mews shortly. I’d suggest a shirt and cravat along with your shaving kit. Direct your valet to pack for a week, which will including travel days,” Robert direct him.
“I was thinking of staying on for a while, if the Duke and Duchess are in agreement, so I can help console Katherine. So I’ll have my valet pack for a longer stay, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all and I’m positive they will be more than willing to your company in these trying times,” Robert said.
He then turned and followed his wife to their suites.
Twenty minutes later he gave Kristina a chaste kiss, climbed on the saddle of Saint, who was rearing and pawing the cobblestones. With Ethan following Robert rode off to save a duke, so he hoped.
Chapter Eight
Three days later at the Clarion estate
Patiently Kristina waiting as carriage after carriage rolled through the gate from the duke’s country estate. Many emblems on the doors she recognized as powerful members of Parliament while other she knew to be close friends of the duke and duchess.
She was happy when the coach she, Amanda and Evan had been sharing finally moved thr
ough the stone rampant-lion topped pillars and toward Robert. Since they’d been married six months ago these few days had been the only time they had been separated, something she didn’t like. She also suspected he’d not been pleased with being aware from her either.
Oh yes, she knew he loved her, to the ends of the earth, and Robert thought she might go out and search out answers on her own. As much as she’d wished to, at the present time and with the facts at hand she had no idea where to hunt down any information she needed.
As the travelling carriage entered the forecourt of the ducal mansion Kristina looked out the window and smiled. Standing on the top step stood Robert waiting for her. What did slightly worry her was the frown he wore and she suspected the reason.
When the coach came to a halt she watched as he strolled down the marble stairs to her.
“Lord Markson, this is a pleasant treat, to be directly greeted by you,” she told him.
She then settled her hand in his and let him assist her from the coach. “And to set your mind at ease the carriage wheel broke when it was driven into the courtyard. After it was repaired I had the stablemaster examine it thoroughly. He was surprised at it as he’d personally inspected the carriage completely, the day before.”
“Well, I’m more than pleased you did arrive safely. Now, let me show you up to our suite so you may refresh. The Duke and Duchess have been patiently awaited your arrival. While you change I’ll inform them of the reason for the delay on arriving.”
“Thank you my dear. However, might I suggest you tell them I needed to wait for a gown to be finished. I desire to see their reaction on learning the true reason for my late arrival.
She watched as Robert evaluated what she’d recommended and was happy when he smiled and nodded his agreement. Kristina then continued-
“I’m sure the trunks should be there soon. If you’ll give me thirty minutes. Oh yes, as I’m not familiar with the mansion where shall we meet?” Kristina asked.
Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4) Page 5
