Page 94 of Marigold and the Marquess
Marigold sank onto her bed, utterly dejected and fighting to hold back tears. But after a moment, she regained her composure and had formed a plan. “Help me to dress, Jenny. But first have Sterling order the carriage brought around. I have errands to run.”
“Yes, m’lady.”
Marigold refused to shed a single tear for her impossibly stubborn husband. She was well beyond crying. Nor was she a weak, helpless lamb. If Leo was going to behave like a vengeful clot, then she was going to do her best to thwart him at every turn.
She could be just as stubborn as he was.
What was he thinking?
Cummings would be arrested within the next few days. Was there any doubt now that it was known he had been in London?
First, she had to speak to Ian and seek his help in stopping Leo, even if it meant confining Leo against his will. Leo had written about her never forgiving him. But the greater likelihood was that he would never forgive her once she put her plan into effect.
It did not matter.
She would deal with the consequences later.
One problem at a time.
Since she had no idea where Ian might be at the moment, she ordered Collins to drive her to his home. Dillie would know where her husband was, or at least would know how to send word to him. “To the Duke of Edgeware’s residence,” she said, scrambling into the carriage.
The two burly footmen Leo had hired to guard her were ever present and immediately took their positions at the rear of the carriage.
It was not long before they arrived at the magnificent Edgeware townhouse, one of the grandest residences in London. She hopped out and asked for Dillie as soon as the Edgeware butler opened the door.
To her relief, Dillie was home and came hurrying down the grand staircase to greet her. “Goodness, Marigold. You look frayed. What’s wrong?”
“I need to find your husband right away. Do you know where he is?”
Her cousin shook her head. “Dear me, no. He never tells me anything. But I have nothing pressing to do today. The children are well taken care of. And for once, I am not hosting a tea or society meeting or preparing the house for some grand affair. I’ll take you to his office.”
“You needn’t go to the trouble, Dillie.”
“Nonsense, it is no trouble at all. Besides, I could do with an adventure.” She studied Marigold. “And I think you could do with some supportive company. What has Leo done to send you off in frantic search of my husband?”
Marigold groaned.
“Never mind, you’ll tell me on the way. Men are such clots. Even Ian is sometimes, but mostly he’s wonderful. I’ll take you to his office, but we’ll use my carriage. Send your driver home.”
Marigold placed a hand on her cousin’s arm. “Dillie, this could be dangerous. I don’t mind your joining me while we track down Ian. But that is all you must do. Will you promise me?”
Dillie frowned. “What is this about?”
“As you said, we’ll talk on the way. Just keep in mind that you have children who need you, and a husband who will never get over losing you. So, I must be clear about this. You are to go home as soon as we locate Ian.”
“Did Leo give you this same lecture? And did you listen to him? Save your breath, Marigold. However, neither of us will do anything stupid. Are we agreed on this?”
Marigold nodded.
“Good, come upstairs with me while I change out of my morning gown, and then let’s find Ian. I hope he will be at the Home Office, safely seated behind his desk and not running off after dangerous scoundrels. Sometimes, I wish he was a lazy lump. But then, I don’t suppose I would love him as much as I do. He’s the wonderful fool who puts his life on the line for Crown and country every day. Fortunately, he knows what he is doing. But I will always worry about him.”
“How can you not?” Marigold commented as Dillie now slipped on a gown suitable for going about London. “There are so many bad people out there who need to be stopped.”
“Well,” Dillie said while her maid quickly pinned up her hair, “whatever it is you must tell Ian…just report it to him and then we must keep out of his way and let him attend to the matter as he sees fit.”
Dillie grabbed her gloves and reticule, took a moment to hug her children, and then led Marigold downstairs.
Since the Edgeware carriage was now being brought around, Marigold dismissed Collins and told him to return home. “Very well, m’lady.”
