Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4)

by Lindsay Downs

  While they made their way up to the second floor Kristina periodically glanced around, wondering where Ethan was.

  When they started down the south corridor she turned her head to Robert.

  “Do you know my brother might be?”

  “If I’m not mistaken most likely with Katherine as, except for when we were interviewed by the duke they’ve been inseparable. His Grace did mention to me, unofficially, he will accept Ethan’s request once this problem is resolved,” he told her.

  “That’s wonderful news. Does he know?”

  “No and the duke doesn’t want him to. Now, here we are. I’ll return shortly to escort you to our hosts,” Robert announced.

  Stepping into the suite Kristina was happy to see Amanda was already unpacking the trunk with her gowns. As they were visiting with a duke and duchess she’d made sure her maid had packed more than normal. Also she and Robert weren’t sure how long they’d be staying which added to the number.

  “Help me out of my dress. While I take care of my needs hunt down the dark blue, long-sleeved day gown. I do believe it will show the proper respect for the grieving parents,” she directed her maid.

  “I agree, m’ lady.”

  Once free of the encumbrance of her traveling gown Kristina adjourned to the private room off the suite. With a freshly washed face and hand she stepped back into the suite. This time she took the time to look around. What she found interesting, Robert’s clothing was also sharing space with hers. Did this mean, unlike at their townhouse and mansion, they would and could be together when bathing and dressing?

  The thought of seeing him bathing and stepping out of the hip bath, water and soap suds dripping off his gorgeous body, first panicked then excited her. Yes, they shared a bed together but never had seen each other bare of clothing any other place. Kristina knew this would be a new dimension of their marriage. Something she was looking forward to.

  Once properly dressed and with her hair redone in a braid which Amanda set in a crown Kristina collected her shawl just as Robert stepped into their suite.

  “Perfect timing my dear,” he said from the doorway.

  “Thank you. I know how important it is to be prompt with His and Her Grace. So, shall we be off?”

  “Yes and I’ve arranged to your brother to also be present when we meet with them. With the reason for your late arrival I felt it would be necessary. I do hope you agree?” Robert replied.

  Accepting his offered arm Kristina let herself be led out of the room then down to the first floor.

  “How are the Duke and Duchess doing? I know with the murder of their son and the continued threat it must be very trying on them,” Kristina asked.

  “All things considered quite well.”

  As they approached the door to the duchess’ sitting room she stopped in front of a mirror. She suspected it was there for the same reason she was using it, to make sure her hair and gown were in order. Then, with a calming breath she turned to Robert.

  “Shall we.”

  “Yes, my dear,” he said in a low voice.

  Stepping into the room Kristina gave the duke and duchess a deep curtsey. From the movement of her hand she knew Robert had bowed also. When she straightened Kristina was surprised to see the duchess pat the cushion on the settee where she was seated.

  “Please Lady Markson, sit beside me,” the duchess told her.

  At first Kristina wasn’t sure if it was a request or an order. Either way she complied.

  “Thank you Your Grace for taking the time to meet with myself and Lord Markson,” she directed to the duchess.

  “Think nothing of it. His Grace and I are very familiar with the skills you both can bring to hunting down this person.”

  She could feel her face warm on learning the duke and duchess were more aware of them then she’d thought possible. Unfortunately, this now was going to put extra pressure on them.

  “Yes, as you might guess I have friends within Bow Street. From what they’ve told me, on several occasions you made them look the fool,” the duke said.

  “And I made His and Her Grace aware of clearing your sister Lord Markson,” Ethan announced.

  Kristina looked over to the door and her brother. It didn’t surprise her to see Lady Katherine on his arm.

  “Please children, come in and have a seat. Now that we’re all present we can have tea,” the duchess declared.

  Once the cups were passed Kristina looked to the duke.

  “With your permission Your Grace may I inform you what actually happened which delayed my arrival?”

  “Please do as the excuse your husband gave sounded a bit feeble. Having to wait for a gown to be finished?” the duchess said.

  “I take the blame as I wanted Lord Rosewood present when you learned the reason. Anyways, it turned out one of the wheels on the carriage was, I suspect, intentionally set to break. When our stablemaster examined it he came to the same conclusion,” Kristina explained.

  She was correct in her assumption considering the look of shock the duke and duchess now wore. With a glance to Ethan he had the same expression.

  “Lord Markson and I do believe it was to delay us from reaching here to alert you of the danger, even though Lady Katherine sent a letter ahead. What this person didn’t realize, he and Lord Rosewood had departed earlier.”

  “And to make things more complicated and dangerous this woman has the ability to dress and look like a man. Also, as I mentioned she left two days ago so she could be here now. All we have is the sketch Lady Markson made but again, it’s of a woman,” Robert added.

  “Lord Markson, I might be able to help with that. From Mother I received the talent to draw so it’s possible I could make a rendering of her dressed as a man,” Katherine said.

  “That would be a great help. How soon do you believe it will be done?” Kristina declared.

  “Once I showed the original to my parents I did the drawing, suspecting it would be desire.”

  Kristina accepted the new picture from her friend and examined it.

  “Yes, this is very good and should be a great help.”

  She knew with this finding the woman would be hard but not impossible. With that solved Kristina was afraid to bring up another problem which she’d not mentioned to her husband. How to protect the duke and the baby?

  Even from the very short time she’d been with the duke and duchess Kristina knew what she was about to recommend they would agree to. This woman wasn’t just after the duke, maybe the duchess but more importantly the infant.

  “Your Grace, we all know this person is coming with the hopes of killing you for an indiscretion with her mother while you were on the Grand Tour. In that we know you’ve arranged for extra protection for yourself and Her Grace. What I’m about to say will frighten you both. I truly believe she will also want to murder your child thus destroying the entire lineage.

  “No, not my baby,” the duchess screamed.

  Immediately, Kristina passed over a handkerchief she’d had ready, fully aware the duchess would break into tears on hearing the news. She then waited while the lady regained control of her emotions.

  “Lady Markson, we can have several staff watch the marquis until this problem is resolved,” the duke informed everyone.

  “That would be for the best, Your Grace. They should watch over him in pairs, a maid and footman always together. Also, have guards set at the bottom, middle and top of the stairs leading to the nursery,” Robert said.

  “Consider it done,” the duke declared.

  Once the butler departed to fulfil his new orders Kristina turned her attention to the duke.

  “Your Grace, until we apprehend this woman I’d suggest remaining inside where you and Her Grace will be better protected.”

  “I was thinking along those same lines as well but, if I might suggest we or at least I don’t. From what you’ve told us this person prefers to use a knife as she wishes to see her victim die. If I was to maintain my routin
e, which includes a stroll about the garden, wouldn’t that bring her out. If you, Lord Markson or Lord Rosewood, accompanied me for protection that might bring her out,” the duke explained.

  Not liking what the duke had said, as it put more in danger, Kristina knew the man would do it anyways. From her mother she’d learned the duke could be very strong willed and determined when pushed to the wall, such as now. All she could do was pray Robert and Ethan would be able to stop the attempt on the duke by themselves.

  “I will agree Your Grace under the added condition several footmen follow at a discrete distance. They should be seemingly carrying papers which either of us refer to. This way everything would appear natural,” Robert stated.

  “Lord Markson, you don’t think that would scare the woman away?” the duchess asked.

  “No Your Grace as she’s, from what we know of her sister, arrogant and believes she can’t be hurt not that she would care.”

  “If I may, this woman’s sister was able to sneak into the townhouse of the late Lord Kersey and murder him so she wasn’t afraid of anything. I suspect this one is of the same ilk. On a mission and not caring what happens as long as she can complete what she’s set out to do,” Kristina spoke.

  “I do agree with what Lady Markson said. Even after finding the woman out I sent an agent after her. She caught then killed him and I suspect without blinking an eyes, she was that cold,” Ethan said.

  On hearing what her brother said Kristina noticed the duke and duchess stiffen slightly, she knew from fear. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything she could say that would sooth them. She looked to Robert in the hopes he might have a word or two of encouragement.

  “Your Grace, I would suggest as added safety have grooms alert the tenants and the taverns and inns to be on the lookout for strangers. If anyone sees someone they shouldn’t do anything except send word here immediately,” Robert pronounced.

  “I’ll inform my stable master to dispatch grooms to spread the word at once.”

  With several of the initial problems dealt with Kristina knew the next few days would be very trying for everyone. Looking over to her brother, who couldn’t keep his eyes off Katherine, she knew he was feeling the pain this mystery woman was causing. What amazed her was the fact she actually felt concern for him, possibly the first time in her life.

  She could feel herself tiring, from not only the long travel day but the stress of dealing with this assassin. Then adding to all that the fact she was increasing didn’t help either.

  “Your Grace, if you’ll excuse me I would like to rest before dressing for dinner,” she asked the duchess.

  “Most certainly my dear. I know this has been a very long day for you, especially considering your delicate condition.”

  Somehow Kristina wasn’t surprised her hostess knew she was increasing. Extending her hand to Robert, who helped her stand, she curtsied then let her husband escort her to their suite.

  Chapter Nine

  After making sure his wife was comfortably settled in their bed Robert gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Yesterday, while awaiting your arrival, His Grace and I discussed our lands. He made mention of several interesting innovations which I wish to see. Tomorrow or the next day, depending on how you feel, we can take a carriage so you can look at them,” he said.

  “All I ask is you stay safe,” she pleaded.

  “I will as I plan to take a groom with me as I’m not familiar with the area. I shouldn’t be more than a few hours thus putting me back in time to bathe and dress, formally, for dinner.”

  With another kiss to her cheek Robert slipped from their suite and started down to the ground floor. Enroute he was met by the duke.

  “Your Grace, with your permission I would like to borrow a mount and one of the grooms? I’m desirous to see what we discussed yesterday.”

  “Most certainly Hampshire. I’d recommend riding my beast, Zeus. He’s solid and can easily clear any walls you encounter. As for the groom take Jonny since he grew up in the area and is fearless. I only wish I could accompany you and will remain inside until you return.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace for the recommendations. Now, if you’ll excuse me I should be off as I promised Lady Markson I wouldn’t be gone long.”

  Robert bowed to the duke then continued on his way to the stable. He was pleased to be able to ride the duke’s mount, something he’d not expected.

  Strolling into the stable he was met by the master.

  “Stan, His Grace has given permission for me to ride his horse, Zeus, and have Jonny accompany me as I’m not familiar with the estate,” he told the elderly stable master.

  “Very good m’ lord. I’ll tell Jonny so he can get a horse saddle and give me a few minutes I’ll have him brought out.”

  “Thank you.”

  Robert retraced his steps out into the stable courtyard all the while wondering what Zeus would look like. He took the time to decide which areas he wished to see.

  As promised the sound of iron on cobblestones brought his attention to the barn door. Being led by a young boy Robert saw a large, at least seventeen hand high, chestnut colored horse. What he found interesting about the beast, the animal hung his head down letting Robert know he was calm.

  In the past he seen this sometimes as a trick to get the rider to relax. Then, once the person was in the saddle the beast would rear, buck or otherwise present a danger to ride. If this was the case he was well prepared as the war charger he’d had in Spain could be just a bad, especially when riding against the French.

  “M’ lord, Stan told me to bring you His Grace’s horse,” the boy said.

  Robert accepted the reins as he saw another groom leading a horse, who could be Zeus’ twin, exit the stable and came toward him.

  “You must be Jonny?”

  “Yes m’ lord.”

  “Then shall we be off as I promised to only be gone for a few hours,” he declared.

  “Certainly m’ lord. Where or what would you care to see first as it will make a difference on which direction we go?” Jonny asked.

  “I wish to look at a few of the tenants cottages and the buildings around them.”

  What he didn’t want to say, was the exact structures he was interested in. If, what the duke had told him, he was correct then his workers would be safer and healthier than before.

  “Then I know just the ones to show you m’ lord. Actually, one will be where my parents live.” Jonny told him

  Climbing onto the saddle he was astounded Zeus didn’t act out but stood quietly waiting for the tap of his heels which would send him forward. With the groom beside him, Robert waved the man forward then followed at a walk out of the barnyard.

  Once they gained the driveway they broke into a trot then part way down the road they diverted onto a path leading into the forest. As they made their way down the trail Robert kept a watch for anything wrong. Even though the tenants and villagers had been alerted to be on the lookout for strangers, nothing had been reports as of yet.

  As they came out of the forest they entered a small field at its edge. Robert noticed several men with scythes cutting the grass which he suspected would be used for hay for the horses. Then in the distance he spied a white ribbon of smoke curling up to the sky. With a wave to them he turned to Jonny.

  “Yes, m’ lord. That’s our destination, my parent’s house,” he said without being coaxed.

  “Thank you.”

  “I should point out, m’ lord when she see us she will be inviting us in for tea.”

  “Then I suggest we not disappoint the lady,” he told Jonny.

  Seeing the trail which led, he gathered to the cottage, at the far side of the field he tapped his heels against the side of his horse. In two strides he had Zeus cantering toward the path when he heard a gunshot followed by a sting on his arm stopped him. Quickly thinking he slumped forward to indicate the wound was more damaging than it was.

  Carefully he glanced around and saw s
omeone dressed in man’s attire climb onto a horse and start to race off as Jonny rode up.

  “M’ lord, you’re been shot,” Jonny called out.

  “Yes, and it hurts like hell. But I need you to do something and it’s very important. Look to the trail ahead. Someone is racing away but I can’t get a good look at him,” Robert ordered.

  “I see the person you’re talking about but it’s a lady. Her cap just came off and her hair is streaming out behind her. Now, are you all right?”

  “You have to race after her. That’s the person who wishes the Duke and Marquis dead,” Robert ordered.

  “No, I have to get you back to the mansion or the Duke will have my head,” Jonny stated firmly.

  Just them the three farmhands raced up to them.

  “M’ lord, Jonny what can we do to help?” the oldest one said.

  Robert forced himself to sit up in the saddle and glanced down to his left arm. He watched as slowly the sleeve of his dark brown jacket turned dark from the blood. As much as he didn’t want to admit it but Jonny was correct in needing him to get back where his wound could be cared for. But, at the same time, he also needed to know where this person was going. For that he turned to the workers.

  “I’m Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire. You are to follow that trail,” he turned and pointed to it. “It dumps out at Jonny’s parent’s holding. You are to protect them as this person, given the chance, will kill them if either saw her.”

  “Yes, m’ lord you have our assurance nothing will happen to them.” Again it was the oldest man talking.

  He waited until the men were on their way then turned to Jonny.

  “Let’s get me back to the mansion as I’m starting to feel lightheaded,” he directed the groom.

  Not wishing to risk for fear he might fall off Robert kept the pace to a trot.

  Instead of going to the barn Robert led Jonny directly to the forecourt only to be met by his wife along with the duke and duchess.

  “Your Grace, I do believe the doctor is needed as I’ve been shot but fear not dear wife it’s not as serious as it would seem,” he cried out sliding from the saddle and ending in a lump on the ground. Fortunately he only heard the beginning of a scream from Kristina before blackness overtook him.