Page 30 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“Yes, but, man, I know how business operates—”
“As do I,” Oliver snapped. He stared intently at the man. “Forgive me, Lord Stamford.”
“Not at all, Oliver. You’re tired and tormented with worry. Any man would have broken apart by now. Perhaps my driver can take you home.”
“Thank you, My Lord. I prefer to ride. It’s not far.”
“Very well,” said Lord Stamford. “Please keep me abreast of your plans.”
“If it’s all the same to you, My Lord, I will continue my own independent search for Lady Madeline. Joining our forces may tend to shrink the proper area of focus. Apart, we stand a better chance of covering diverse courses.”
“Understood,” said Stamford. “Please, be well.” He turned to leave.
“My Lord?”
Stamford stopped.
“I’ve let you and the Countess down.”
Stamford shook his head. “‘Twas circumstances beyond your control.”
Indeed, thought Oliver.Beyond my control indeed.
Chapter 21
“Papa,” said Lady Emily, “may I come in?”
Lord Stamford sat in the library before the fire, the stem of an unlit pipe in his mouth. He seemed unaware of her presence until she asserted herself once more.
“Papa?”
He snapped towards her. “Ah, child. You gave me a fright.”
“I’m sorry, Papa. You’ve been so full of sorrow, so wretched, it breaks my heart.”
He removed the pipe from his lips and tapped the seat beside him. “Come, child.”
“You’re not smoking?” she said bemusedly.
He shook his head. “I can’t seem to bring myself to enjoy any of life’s pleasures these days. Although I can’t say your mother is so terribly cut up over this. She does detest the smell of it.”
He tried to smile; she could see that.
“Papa,” she said. “What was in that note?”
He looked at her. “What note?”
“Come, Papa, I’m a grown woman now. You can’t pretend around me any longer.”
“This isn’t for you, child.”
“You call mechild. You think to keep me safe from all life’s horrors. It cannot be, Papa. You know it to be so.”
He took a deep breath and stared into the crackling fire. “God, how I’ve yearned to keep you both safe from life’s horrors. Yes, child, I’m guilty as charged in that regard. And yes, I call you child. What of it?”
“Show me the note, Papa.”
He shook his head.
