Page 104 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“Yes, Bailey,” she said. “I will go now.”
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Dinner guests began arriving at eight, and Bailey announced each one, his little voice resounding through the halls of the great house like that of a town crier.
“The Duke and Duchess of Granmere.”
An elderly couple entered the parlour with arms linked and were immediately beset with footmen offering drinks.
Madeline had been conversing with Papa when the couple arrived, and Papa approached them warmly.
“Hello, Granmere,” he said, his arm thrust towards the Duke.
The man returned the warmth. “Ah, Stamford. It’s a pleasure to find you here.”
“May I present my daughter, Lady Madeline.”
“Yes, yes,” said the Duke. “You are getting married soon, are you not?”
A flurry of nerves stirred within her. She’d all but forgotten her deception regarding Oliver.
“Yes,” she stammered. “I am most excited.”
“Lord Oliver is a good man and a credit to his race,” said Papa.
“Glad to hear it,” said the Duke.
“The Most Honorable Marquess of Lincolnshire.”
A younger man with a stern face entered and greeted Papa and the Duke without changing his countenance at all. Madeline wondered if the man might not be wearing a mask.
“His Grace, the Duke of Briarmere.”
It took a full half minute for Madeline to realise whom it was that had just been announced. And by that time, she found herself gripping the back of a velvet-lined armchair for support, for Lord Peter stood before her, a knowing smile on his lips.
Chapter 74
“So,” said Madeline, “you’re a friend of Uncle Roger’s.”
Lord Peter smiled sheepishly. “I wouldn’t say that. More of a business acquaintance. I didn’t recognise the name.”
“He’s my mother’s brother,” said Madeline, her head spinning.
A footman presented a tray of drinks. Peter took one for himself and handed one to Madeline.
“How are you, Peter?” she said.
“I’m well. There is yet much to be settled in regards to Father’s affairs. It seems I am at last a man.”
She chuckled at this, and then noticed the black armband he wore. “Oh, Peter, I suppose you’re still in mourning.”
“Yes. It hasn’t been easy.”
She looked around. “It’s getting rather noisy in here, isn’t it? Shall we go for a walk? It is still some time before dinner.”
“I would be delighted to walk with you, Lady Madeline.”
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