Page 43 of To Tempt a Scandalous Lord
Chapter Fifteen
“An urgent note has arrived for you, your ladyship.”
Alicia quickly slid a sheet of paper over the essay she was drafting and looked up. “Who is it from, Stewart?”
“The Duchess of Ashwood, my lady.”
The seal on the back of the letter was her sister-in-law’s, and she felt a pang of concern as she opened it. Niall had not come home the previous night. She’d guessed he’d stayed away due to their argument, but now she wasn’t so sure.
Alicia had kept an ear trained to the door connecting their chambers, and she had not heard movement in there at any point during the night. After she had risen for the day, Jane had confirmed that the marquess had not returned to Campbell House the night before. Her maid also had mentioned Niall’s valet had seemed anxious, but the man would not disclose what had him distressed.
Plucking the seal free, Alicia quickly took in Juliana’s hasty script before the import of the woman’s message slammed into her like a runaway horse.
“Stewart, have the carriage brought around as quickly as possible.”
Jumping to her feet, Alicia raced to her chambers and tore into her dressing room, on the hunt for a serviceable gown.
“I thought you liked that day gown,” Jane said from behind her. “The jonquil color is flattering against your complexion.”
“Because you have a great eye for such details, dear Jane. And I love this dress, but I can’t wear it to the foundling home,” she murmured, pushing aside ensembles much more suited to a drawing room than a sick room.
Jane cleared her throat. Rather noisily. “I thought you told me his lordship asked you not to visit Little Windmill House anymore?”
Alicia paused for a heartbeat, an ache throbbing in her chest. “He did, but that was before there was an outbreak of sickness sweeping through the home.”
“What do you mean?”
“Juliana’s note indicated that Niall has fallen ill, along with several of the youngsters.” She glanced over her shoulder at her friend. “I have to see if I can help.”
“Well, of course you do,” the maid huffed, nudging Alicia aside. Striding to a clothing rack on the other side of the room, she quickly grabbed a rust-colored muslin gown Alicia used to wear while gardening. “This should do.”
“It will do perfectly.” She immediately spun about so Jane could help her out of her pretty day dress.
Ten minutes later, Alicia raced down the stairs, a nondescript cloak about her shoulders and a serviceable apron tucked under her arm. Her maid followed closely on her steps.
“Are you sure I cannot go? I’d like to help,” Jane said.
“Until I see for myself what the status of the situation is, I’d prefer for you to stay here.” Alicia enfolded the other woman’s hand into her own. “It might be dangerous, and I want you to remain safe.”
“What about you, my lady?” Jane squeezed her fingers. “Who will make sure you’re safe?”
A shiver ran through her body, and Alicia clenched her jaw against it. “If this is what I suspect it might be, I should be able to keep myself safe and hopefully help those who are ill.”
As she settled onto the carriage seat and watched Campbell House disappear down the street, she hoped she was right.
When the carriage stopped in front of Little Windmill House, Alicia flew out of the conveyance and up the front steps before the footman had a chance to assist her.
A worn-looking gentleman answered the door. “We are not accepting guests at this time, ma’am. I’d be happy to schedule an appointment for you to tour the premises on a future date.”
“I do not need an appointment,” she declared, pushing past him into the foyer. “I am here to see my husband.”
The man’s eyes were owlish. “Your husband?”
With his rumpled coat, messy hair, and cravat askew, it was obvious the man was exhausted. Alicia felt for him, but she had a task to see to. Storming away, Alicia called over her shoulder, “Where is Lord Inverray?”
A gasp chased her, immediately followed by rapid footsteps. “I apologize for my rudeness, your ladyship.”
“You were not rude in the least, Mr…?” She frowned at him as he came to walk by her side. Alicia could not place him, but then she was aware she had not met all the teachers yet.
