Page 47 of A Night of Forever
“She’d need money,” Maitland said thoughtfully. “I imagine she has her money under another name. If we can learn the name of her account…yes.” He clicked his fingers. “That’s it. The money Northumberland left her. We should find someone at the bank willing to disclose if there were any large transfers from the Countess of Northumberland’s account. Then, once we have the details of whom it was paid to, we try to trace the money trail. She must have known she’d need to run at some stage, and she’d want her money in one account.”
“Good thinking.” Grayson clapped Maitland on the back. “Now, whom do we know in the bank who could do some searching for us?”
“Why not use Isobel?” At Arend’s quiet question everyone went silent. “It would be a good test. If she refuses to help us, it could indicate she’s hiding behind Victoria.”
The more Arend thought about it, the better he liked the idea. “We ask Isobel to visit her bank. I could accompany her to look into her accounts and the estates finances. If she can distract the clerk long enough, I might get the opportunity to go through Victoria’s papers too. She might even be able to raise a question about her father’s affairs that would open up Victoria’s accounts.”
“No offense, Arend,” Maitland said, “but I think I should accompany her. I’m known for my investment expertise. If Isobel suggests I’m looking into both her and Victoria’s finances, no bank would even question my interest. Besides, it never hurts to have a duke on hand if necessary.”
Arend was not offended in the slightest. All the same…
“We’ll both go,” he said. “We find the source of Victoria’s money, trace any withdrawals, and find her. She has to have the money sent to her somehow. Now, how do we guarantee Isobel is informed when money is withdrawn from the account and where it’s being sent?”
Grayson shrugged. “Victoria’s in hiding. Perhaps we can convince Isobel to tell the bank we think someone has kidnapped her stepmother and may force her to make large payments from her account. We’ll tell them we—the Libertine Scholars—are trying to discover who is holding her captive. We’ll ask the bank to work with us and tell us the minute they receive any requests for large withdrawals.”
“Brilliant,” Hadley said. “She can’t travel as the Countess of Northumberland or it will be too easy to track her. If she travels under another name, then she may not have access to credit.”
“It may already be too late,” Philip said. “She’s probably halfway to Paris by now.”
Philip’s observation sent a chill down Arend’s back, but he shook his head. “She won’t have made the coast yet. Isobel told me she’s petrified of horses. Victoria always uses a carriage because she can’t ride.”
Hadley leaned forward, eyes lighting up. “That makes sense,” he said. I wondered why she did not simply bolt for freedom. She could have taken one of the horses in the stable the night we captured her. She must have been too frightened.”
“Even if we can beat them to the southern coast, there are miles of coastline where she could take a boat, any boat, across to France. Smugglers take anyone anywhere for a price.” Sebastian paused, slapped his thigh. “She has to wait to get the money. No smuggler will take credit. Maitland, your idea is genius.”
They ordered another round of drinks and toasted the success of their plan. Even if Victoria escaped to Paris, following the money trail would lead them straight to her.
Now the major factor that niggled at Arend was Isobel. The plan hinged on her cooperation. He hoped to God she was not in league with Victoria.
“Where is Isobel staying when Colbert brings her back to London?” Arend said. “It is probably unwise to take her to her own home. If she’s genuinely innocent, it could put her in danger.”
“She could stay with us,” Christian said, “but I don’t want to jeopardize the children, just in case.”
“I think,” Maitland said, “that she should stay with us. Marisa not only likes her but also swears the girl is innocent. She can keep a closer watch on Isobel than any of us can. My half sisters are staying with Christian. We have no children to be endangered. She can hardly stay with Arend.”
The men discussed Maitland’s suggestion and decided that placing Isobel in his home with Marisa was the best option.
Once the details were settled, they sat back—and for the first time in several days took some time to relax.
Arend didn’t care that he was drinking too much. He still couldn’t believe that he was safe with nothing more than a bung knee to show for it. As for Victoria, it didn’t matter where she went. They would find her, no matter how long it took.
The other men gradually drifted off to their rooms abovestairs to get a few hours’ sleep before heading back to London.
When Arend found himself alone with Hadley, he raised his glass. “I neglected to congratulate you on your nuptials.”
“Thank you. It’s been an amazing couple of weeks, apart from Victoria escaping.”
“Anything else you’d care to share with me?” Arend probed.
Hadley frowned. “Not that I can think of.”
“Perhaps that Sealey is your son? I noticed his resemblance to you the day I accompanied Isobel to the park, but she swore me to secrecy.” Evangeline, Hadley’s long-lost, recently widowed ex-lover, had returned to London with a son, whom society presumed to be the son of the deceased Viscount Stuart.
A smile lit up Hadley’s face. “That is supposed to be a secret. He’s Viscount Stuart as far as society is concerned.”
“One look and the truth will be known. I knew before you. I knew the day I met him.”
Hadley’s jaw went tight. “Yes, some friend you are. You could have told me.”
