Page 85 of Her Lion of a Duke
“I do not doubt that,” he drawled, before leaving the room.
CHAPTER 29
Two days had passed since Cecilia’s disappearance, and Leonard was growing more concerned.
He did not doubt his wife’s ability to handle herself, but he knew how men could be. He knew that a duchess wandering alone could only attract trouble, and with him not knowing where she was, his mind wandered to the most unthinkable places.
“You ought to search for her,” Mrs. Herrington suggested that morning. “I know that it is what you want to do.”
“Be that as it may, I know my wife. If she has left, it is because she wants time and space. What sort of husband would I be if I did not give her that? Her own space was one of the things we agreed upon before we got married, after all.”
“There were many agreements. None of this is in line with what you promised one another on your wedding day.”
Leonard did not know what to make of that. His housekeeper was supposed to understand him more than anyone, given that she had known him for most of his life, and yet she had seemingly forgotten Cecilia’s betrayal.
“I do not know where to look,” he muttered. “She can return when she wants to. Until then, I will be here, waiting for her.”
“I do not think that is a good idea, but if you insist…” She turned and left the room.
Leonard wished that she did not. With Cecilia gone, Henry would not leave him be. He knew why his brother was there; his conscience was trying to make him see differently. But that did not make his brother go away.
He had taken to wandering the halls, focusing only on his footsteps rather than everything that was tormenting him. It worked for a while, and then everything came back, but that short respite was like gold dust.
He rode his horse that afternoon, racing to the far end of the estate. He urged his horse to go as fast as possible, feeling the wind rush past his ears and tousle his hair.
He hoped to find freedom in it, but there was none. The only thing he knew could help was a strong drink—something he did not want to indulge in.
Cecilia would come back, he told himself over and over as he rode. She would return soon, and this time, when they discussed the matter, they would do it calmly. There would be no bitterness between them, only mutual understanding.
He did not care what she had done at that moment. He simply wanted her home.
He returned to the manor in the early evening, before handing his things to a footman and making his way to the stairs. As he took the first three steps, Mrs. Herrington hurried toward him, her face pale.
He instantly assumed the worst.
“Lady Beatrice is here to see you,” she announced quietly, gesturing to the drawing room.
“Lady Beatrice?” he echoed, knowing that if she had sought him out, it could not be good. “I must change my clothes. I will be with you shortly.”
When he entered the drawing room, he found Beatrice perched on the settee, looking at the portrait of his family. She was almost transfixed by it, but then she noticed him standing there and rose to her feet.
“Good evening,” she greeted quickly. “I apologize for calling without prior notice.”
“Cecilia is not here,” he blurted.
He did not know how to explain it, but Beatrice seemed to know already.
“I am aware. That is why I am here.”
His eyes widened, and he approached her.
“What did you do?” she asked. “Emma told me that you had an argument.”
“I have not done anything. I did not tell her to leave, that is for certain, I simply—how did you know she had left?”
Beatrice sighed, and her face softened.“I know this is impolite, but I have not eaten. Could we have tea? I have a lot to explain.”
Leonard agreed, not wanting to quarrel with the young lady.
