Page 52 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“Did you know about this, Father?” said Eric.
“I only found out about it last night at Almack’s. There was a certain Sir Anthony there who had just recently procured the services of a solicitor that also served for the Whitcombe family. He relayed the news to me that the eldest daughter had gone missing on her wedding day.”
“One and the same, Father,” said Peter.
“Well, this lands a few crumbs in the butter,” said Eric.
Peter paced before him. “Indeed it does. I’ve vowed to this girl that I will personally oversee her rescue.”
“When did you do this?” said Father.
“Last night. I’d prefer not to go into details at just this moment.”
“You haven’t been improper?” Father asked cautiously.
Peter straightened himself. “Not in the least, Father. I give you my word.”
Father nodded.
“Count me in,” said Eric.
“I intended to whether you liked it or not,” said Peter. “Father, I’ll need you as well. You are the best horseman in all of Briarmere, and not a braver soul exists.”
“You flatter me,” said Father. “But I accept. I shall summon your cousins Thomas and Geoffrey at once to aid us.”
A fire of pride rose in Peter’s chest. “Capital. We’ll all meet tonight, then, to discuss our plan? I want there to be no hesitation.”
“The General is in charge, eh?” said Father. “Command us, General.”
Lord Peter smiled. Then, as the full import of what lay before him, and in the light of the support of his family, he felt his eyes begin to well up.
“Thank you, both,” he said. Then, without another word, he departed.
Chapter 37
Lady Emily walked into the house just as the family was sitting down to dinner.
Mama’s eyes widened at the sight of her. “Child, where have you been? We’ve been worried sick!”
“Terribly sorry, Mama, but I’ve come from Lord Oliver’s house. I’m afraid there’s been an accident.”
“Accident? What accident?” said Papa.
“And what were you doing at Lord Oliver’s?”
“Please,” said Emily, “my head is still reeling from the events of the day. I went to Lord Oliver’s to make peace with the man after his having been outnumbered two to two.”
Papa threw down his napkin and rose from the table. “Emily, I will have no more of your insolence.”
“I’m afraid you must bear with it a short time more, Papa, for ’tis a fact that you and Mama were most unkind to him.”
Her parents exchanged glances, which seemed to soften Papa’s features.
“I meant no offence. I was hotheaded and spoke without thinking.”
“It would have been nice if you told him that.”
“I intend to, but what’s all this about an accident?”
