Part 28 (2/2)
Holdt came to Lord Adrian's chair and whispered, ”Your mother wishes me to tell you she shall take
luncheon in her room. She will not eat at the same table as 'that person.'”
”That is fine, Holdt. Do you know where our other guests are?”
”I believe most have kept to their rooms, my lord.” ”Probably not up to snuff after last night. It was late
after all.”
Mr. Dougherty's presence had a subduing effect on those who did sit to luncheon. It was a quiet and hurried affair.
”If you will excuse me,” Lord Adrian rose when he finished.
”I am certain she will be recovered sufficiently by this evening. Amuse yourself until then with what you can find. Look over the grounds. The gardens are quite extensive-whatever interests you,” answered Lord Adrian. He left before the runner could object or ask further questions and made a mental note to instruct the staff about Mr. Dougherty.
Lord Adrian next went to Juliane's room. He entered without pausing to allow time for her to answer his
knock. Finding the room empty, he sent for Bess, and looked around the room while he waited, absentmindedly closing the jewellery case he saw open on her dressing table.
”What is it, my lord,” puffed Bess, winded from her run up two flights of stairs.
”Where is Lady Juliane?”
”I don't know, my lord. I helped her into a riding habit early this morning and she dismissed me-said I wasn't needed,” said Bess with an injured air.
”Did she say where she was going or when she would return?”
”No, my lord. It was strange of her-asking for the valise and all.”
”What valise?” he asked, alarmed.
”Lady Juliane wished me to fetch the smallest valise in the house. I have no idea why.”
”That will be all,” Adrian dismissed her curtly. ”Is everything all right, my lord?”
”Of course,” he snapped as he slammed through the pa.s.sageway into his room.
Mallatt started guiltily at the sight of his lord.
”What is wrong with you?” snapped Lord Adrian.
Holding out his hand, Mallatt slowly opened his hand. Lord Adrian stepped closer and reached for the
rings.
”She has gone,” he said hollowly. Walking to the bureau, he laid them down.
”We don't know that, my lord, or the reason, if she has,” countered Mallatt.
”Was anything else out of place?”
”Her ladys.h.i.+p has taken one of your pistols. She went through the bureau drawer hurriedly and it was not closed properly,” he offered in explanation.
”My G.o.d!” Adrian rubbed his forehead. ”I am going to Cavilon's room. Try to learn if she has actually
left the house and then join us there.
”There is a runner in the house-Dougherty. Avoid him.”
”Yes, my lord. Should I have our horses readied?”
”No. We have to sort this out carefully before we move. Quickly now.”
Striding through the halls, Lord Adrian heard Cavilon's voice coming from the library. Slowing his pace drastically, he sauntered in to find Lord and Lady Stern, Sir Percival, and Lady Cecile visiting with his friend. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied Dougherty lounging in the background.
”We heard Lady Juliane is not well,” said Lady Stern. ”Is it something serious?”
”No, no. Too much excitement. She will join us later,” Lord Adrian smiled.
”I am pleased to hear that,” tossed in Dougherty, who had risen and joined the group. ”I have learned some most interesting information.”
”Is that for certain?” asked Lord Adrian.
”Everything is interesting about Lady Juliane,” Lady Cecile threw in cattily.
Lord Adrian tossed her a scornful look. Approaching Cavilon, He slapped him on the back. ”I am sorry we must leave you all for a time, but there is a matter that must be tended to and only my friend here can a.s.sist me.”
”Not another of your wild wagers?” asked Lord Stern.
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