Page 53 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“The gig was not hitched properly. Oh, it’s all my fault. I insisted to Lisbelle that it be only she and I that called on Lord Oliver. Anyway, he’s suffered an injury to his leg and has taken a fever as a result.”
“Good heavens,” said Mama.
Emily took a seat at the table, her mind reeling with a thousand thoughts and images. “Papa, Madeline did not compose that letter. I have proof.”
“Proof? What proof?”
Emily explained the quote fromTom Jonesand about her sister’s unwillingness to read the book – a fact which did not surprise either parent.
“You are a most intelligent girl,” said Papa, as he padded over to her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “But I do wish you had come to me with this news first.”
Emily sighed. “I do too, now. And I apologise. I was a bit hotheaded myself.”
“I suppose the apple does not fall far.”
Emily gave her father a loving smile. “Papa, Lord Oliver is in no condition to resume his search. You must resume yours posthaste.”
“I agree, child.” He looked at the table. “Oh, I don’t know how I could eat at a time like this with so much pressing on me.”
“You’ll need your strength, Ambrose.”
“I suppose you’re correct. I’m heartily glad we’re not entertaining this evening.”
Foster’s immense frame entered the room vest-first. “M’Lord, there is a Lord Peter Lytton to see you.”
“Lord Peter Lytton,” said Papa, screwing up his face. “That can’t be Lord Briarmere’s son, can it? Thank you, Foster. I’ll see him at once.”
“Yes, M’Lord. He is in the drawing room.”
“Whatever could he want at this hour?”
Papa shrugged. “I suppose we shall soon find out.”
Chapter 38
While Peter was not sure what to expect regarding Lord Stamford, the man who entered the drawing room was not at all what he should have expected. He’d cultivated a picture of Lord Stamford by reputation alone. The man’s generosity and kindness were well-known and well-regarded by the peerage. He expected perhaps a large, portly man, pink-cheeked and jovial. But the man who entered the drawing room and greeted him heartily was instead stood tall and thin and rod-straight like a soldier.
“You do us honor by your visit, Lord Peter.”
“Thank you, Lord Stamford. I only wish the matter by which I come was not a grave one. I have news of your daughter Madeline’s whereabouts.”
The man’s jaw went slack. “You don’t say,” he said breathlessly.
“Yes, My Lord, and I’m here to say that we are at this moment formulating plans to retrieve her from her current situation and return her safely to you.”
A strange half-laugh came from Stamford’s chest as he stared at Peter, eyes wide in amazement. “I don’t know what to say. This is wonderful news. Is she alright?”
“A little weary from her experience, but yes, I am happy to report that she is indeed well. Now, I fear this may come as a shock, but she is being held against her will.”
“Yes, I was aware of that. Her captors, the dastardly folks, have seen fit to communicate as much to us through letters forged in my daughter’s hand.”
“Is that so?” said Peter. “I was not aware of that, but I cannot say I’m surprised. They are a most egregious lot, generously speaking.”
“Lord Peter, your coming here tonight is a blessing from the Almighty Himself. I shall relate the news to my family at once.”
“Yes, please do, for we’ll need assistance. It is to be a sneak attack, as it were.”
“Just tell me when, my good man, and I shall be there.”
