Page 43 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“No, she has not my lord.”
“I have checked her quarters and the drawing rooms and she is not there. Where is she?”
“The countess has left the residence, my lord.”
“I did not think she would wish to visit anyone today since we had the ball last night.”
The butler looked uncomfortable and he shifted his weight from one leg to the other. Alexander sensed his discomfort. “Out with it,” he encouraged.
“Well, the lady had packed some of her belongings, my lord. She did not say where she was going nor when she would return.”
Alexander froze. Elizabeth had left him. “I see,” he replied, embarrassed that he had found himself in this situation. It was of his own making. Nonetheless, there was no use crying over spilled milk. Elizabeth must have gone to her parents’ town house and he would go after her immediately. He must put things right between them.
“Has my mother awakened?”
“She did, my lord. She broke her fast and went back to her bedchamber. She asked not to be disturbed.”
“I see. I shall go for a walk.”
Barlow’s town house was within walking distance. He would use the time to clear his head. He needed to see Elizabeth but he could not hide his irritation. How could she leave their home without speaking with him first, especially in her condition? She was quite unpredictable but even so he was not expecting her to walk out on him.
Alexander departed and walked down the cobbled streets of London. The streets were bustling with the afternoon’s activity but the carriages and pedestrians passed him by in a blur. His only focus was getting to Elizabeth and he would consider nothing less than her return. He was pleased when he finally arrived at Barlow’s town house. He rapped on the door then announced himself and asked to see Elizabeth.
“Lady Thornton is not here, my lord,” the butler replied.
Alexander raised a brow. “I will speak with Barlow.”
“Please come in, my lord. I will show you to the drawing room.” Alexander followed the butler to the room. He was offered a chair but he could not sit. Elizabeth was not here.What is the meaning of this? The butler closed the door softly behind him and Alexander paced in front of the fireplace. He felt a sense of unease for the fact that Elizabeth was not here did not bode well.
The door opened and Barlow walked in.
“Thornton,” he offered a clipped greeting.
“Barlow. I suppose you know why I am here.”
“Please have a seat. I surmise you discovered that Elizabeth has left.” They both sat in armchairs opposite each other.
“We had a bit of a disagreement yesterday and I did not find her when I awakened. I thought she might be here.”
Barlow’s brows furrowed. “A bit of a disagreement you say? It must have been some disagreement.”
“You know that Elizabeth is quite compulsive and not one to conform. She has her own notion as to what the rules should be. Did you know that bounder Salisbury had the gall to attend our ball without an invitation? He was bold enough to ask Elizabeth for a dance.”
“Elizabeth told me. We both know Salisbury is a bit of an opportunistic snake but I cannot see what he stands to gain by causing a disruption.”
“I have been thinking of the same myself and I could not come up with a sensible answer.”
“Hmmm. Elizabeth told me about Salisbury but I know there is more. Something more transpired between you two. She was very upset and I cannot see how a dance could account for her distress.”
“I need to speak with her urgently before I can say more, Barlow.”
“I am afraid she is not here, Thornton.”
“Not here. What the hell do you mean, not here!”
“As I said Elizabeth was very distressed and she decided that she needed some time alone. She was implicit in her instructions. She does not wish to see you and I will respect her wishes. You know that I love my sister and I will do what she asks. I will not disclose her location.”
“This is a serious matter, Barlow, not one to be trifled with ….”
