Page 40 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“What is this, Papa?”
“Patience, child,” he said.
Presently, Mama entered, her hands clutched before her. She was followed by Foster, who tugged his vest and intoned, “Lord Oliver Hartwell.”
Emily stiffened at the announcement, her head snapping towards the door.
“Greetings, Lord Stamford, Countess,” he said with a nod.
“Lord Oliver, sit down, please. You too, Abigail.”
Emily scrutinised her mother’s face. The woman obviously was in the know. A feeling of disconnection made her sink in her seat.
“I have an announcement to make,” said Papa. “I have received a second letter from our dear Madeline.”
Emily let out an audible gasp as Papa withdrew a small envelope from his pocket.
“You’ll allow me to read it through in its entirety.” He cleared his throat. “My beloveds, I must beseech you not to search for me, for you place me in great danger by doing so. I have been instructed to inform you to deliver one thousand pounds to a large oak tree near Gran’s Hollow in Briarmere. I’ve enclosed a map of the precise location. From there, you are to depart and not look back. Any hindrance to the collection of this money, I have been assured, will result in my certain death. Comply, and I will be delivered to you safe from harm. Oh, family, I implore you to follow these instructions to a tee! Your darling Madeline.”
He took a deep breath while surveying the reactions of the group.
“I shall take the liberty of anticipating the one question that is in all your minds. The answer is yes, I am going to adhere to these instructions. Furthermore, I am hereby calling off all efforts to locate our Madeline.”
“Papa!” cried Emily.
Papa raised his hand. “Now, child, let me explain. I do not wish any injury to befall your sister, and only wish for her safe return.”
Emily looked at her mother. “And you approve of this?”
“I do,” said Mama.
“You’re both traitors! Worse than traitors!”
Lord Oliver rushed to her side. “Lady Emily, peace.” He turned to Lord Stamford. “My Lord, I regard you as a most honourable, trustworthy, and intelligent man, but I cannot for the life of me fathom why it is that you would so willingly comply with this lot.”
“Lord Oliver,” said Stamford, “I invited you here as a courtesy out of respect for our dear Madeline. I would further invite you to govern your tongue in my house.”
Emily rose abruptly. “Is he not entitled to a say in the matter?”
“No, he is not.”
“Oh,” said Emily, “so, it is you and you alone who decides the fate of the poor girl. And you, Mama, you allow yourself to be led like a lamb by this man.”
“This manhappens to be your father, Emily! Say no more and I shall overlook your impertinence.”
“I cannot believe my own ears,” said Emily, her voice breaking. “Papa, what evidence do you have that any of these people are on the level with their demands? Is there a code of ethics amongst abductors of which I am unaware? Tell me!”
“Enough, Emily,” said Papa, his eyes full of fire.
“Lord Stamford,” said Oliver.
“And you,” said Stamford, turning to him with such great force that it made Oliver recoil, “perhaps ought to reexamine your loyalties. And if you have the trust in my wisdom as much as you say you do, you’ll understand that this is all for the sake of the safety of your future wife! Now, straighten up, man!”
Lord Oliver stiffened. “My Lord, I will concede to your decision on the matter, but I’d like it to be known that I do so in protest.”
“Very well,” said Lord Stamford. “I’ll remember this moment, I assure you.”
Lord Oliver bowed. “Then with that, I must take my leave. Good day, Lord Stamford, Countess, Lady Emily.”
