Page 69 of Redemption for the Baron

But when she arrived, he wasn’t there.

Bridget stood motionless, scanning the jagged cliffs, the restless sea below. She had been so certain she would find him here. Her stomach twisted, disappointment cutting sharper than she expected.

For a long moment, she stood there, listening to the crash of the waves, letting the wind whip at her hair. The wind bit through her gown, but it was the absence of him that chilled her most. He wasn’t there. And now, she had to face what came next, alone.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The drawing roomheld an uneasy calm. Conversations had turned polite but subdued, the usual vibrancy of the house party dulled considerably. The guests might have resumed their usual distractions, but tension simmered beneath the surface.

Barrington, standing near the fireplace, let his gaze sweep the room, ensuring he had everyone’s attention before he spoke.

“I will not keep you long, but there is something you all should be aware of.”

The low murmur of conversation ceased, heads turning toward him in expectation.

“Mr. Townsend has received a request for a meeting and will be leaving the estate briefly.”

A flicker of unease passed through the guests. Lord Davenport leaned forward slightly, his brows drawing together. “A request from whom?”

Barrington’s expression remained carefully neutral. “A party that may have information regarding Lord Alastair’s death.”

Miss Hathaway set down her teacup, fingers tightening around the saucer. “And he’s going alone?”

“He is more than capable,” Barrington assured them. “This is not a reckless decision.”

Blackwood, seated near the window, let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “And we’re simply to accept this without question?”

Barrington met his gaze with practiced patience. “I do not answer to speculation, Lord Blackwood. I am telling you this as a courtesy. You will notice Townsend’s absence, and I would rather not encourage unfounded gossip.”

Lady Worthington’s lips pursed. “If this is connected to Lord Alastair’s death, shouldn’t the magistrate be involved?”

Barrington’s response was measured. “Judge Scofield has already taken steps to ensure this investigation is properly handled. Mr. Townsend’s meeting is part of that effort.”

An unsettled murmur rolled through the guests, but no one dared to challenge him outright.

Blackwood, however, leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. “Curious, indeed. First, you assume authority over this house, and now, you send men off on mysterious errands. Tell me, Lord Barrington, just how much more do you know than the rest of us?”

Barrington’s jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained calm. “I am ensuring that order is maintained, Lord Blackwood. Nothing more.”

Blackwood exhaled, his smirk unwavering, but he said nothing further.

Barrington turned back to the room. “I see no need for alarm. Townsend is a cautious man, and this meeting is a necessary step toward understanding what has transpired.”

The guests exchanged uncertain glances, their unease lingering, but there were no more objections. Barrington had given them just enough to satisfy curiosity without feeding panic.

With that, he inclined his head slightly. “I suggest you continue as you see fit.”

The conversation resumed, though with a distinct edge of tension.

By evening, the household was thrown into quiet disarray as Townsend prepared to leave. The staff moved briskly to assist him, gathering what he needed and saddling his horse while the guests whispered among themselves. Everyone sensed the gravity of the moment.

Bridget stood near the entrance, her arms crossed tightly, her face carefully composed. She hadn’t spoken much since the afternoon, since overhearing the truth about Thomas’s father. But even with her thoughts storming inside her, she couldn’t ignore the tension that gripped the house.

Barrington caught Townsend near the stables, his expression tight. “Are you certain about this?”

Townsend nodded, adjusting the strap on his satchel. “If I don’t go, we lose our best chance at uncovering what they’re planning. This might be the only way to stay ahead of the Order.”

Barrington’s jaw clenched. “And if it’s a trap?”

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