Page 90 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
Kitty would wonder where she was and grow worried, but what would the duke do? Lady Stratford would likely have an excuse about Juliana’s absence to keep her brother from discovering she had been kidnapped. Without the duke to come and rescue her, the situation looked hopeless.
However, Juliana could not give up now. She had escaped once before, and she could do it again with enough determination. Only this time, she wouldn’t have Kersey to help her or the luxury of a well thought out plan. Juliana was all alone.
Chapter 20
Nash looked out of the parlour window, hoping to see the tell-tale signs of a carriage coming up the path. Hours had passed since Isabella left the house, yet she hadn’t returned from the market. This was unlike her, and it worried him. Isabella would not forsake her chores for a day spent shopping, but that was precisely what Ellie had told him.
“Are you certain you saw her in town today?” Nash asked, turning to his sister.
“Of course. Would I lie to you? I went into town to purchase a new reticule, and I found her outside the baker’s shop. She seemed rather happy and at ease. Perhaps she has fallen in love.”
Nash’s chest tightened, squeezing the breath out of him. “Love?” he croaked.
“Well, yes. A woman always has a certain look in her eyes when she has fallen in love, and I saw that same look in Isabella’s eyes. It seems our servant might leave us soon and get married.”
“That’s a lie, Ellie,” Nash accused. “You barely tolerate the woman. How can you know so much about her?”
“It is a guess, Nash. Besides, I do not understand why you are so concerned about a servant. They are replaceable people.”
“Would you be so quick to say that about Mrs Black or Stevens?” he asked.
“They have been in our family for years. Why would I say that about them? Isabella is the most recent servant, and people like her are quickly replaced.”
Nash shook his head. “That is a lie, Ellie. You and I know that Isabella is far more worthy than you give her credit. She has been an asset to this home, and I believe all the servants would agree with me.”
Ellie shrugged. “What do I care what the other servants think about her? They are not the ones who pay her wages.”
“You are right, dear sister. I am the one who pays her wages because she is loyal, kind, thoughtful, and hard-working. I doubt Mrs Black can do without her.”
Ellie threw the book she had been reading aside and glared up at him. “Please stop talking about this woman as though she is a saint! She will likely return home tonight.”
Nash narrowed his eyes. “How do you know that?”
“I spoke to her briefly outside the baker’s shop. She mentioned that she wished to see a friend. I imagine she forgot the time and has stayed out longer than expected. I’m certain she will return and apologise to you for her tardiness.”
“But why did you not say so before?” Nash asked. “Why mention it now?”
“I did not mention it because I have only just remembered. I had many things to do today, Nash. I cannot be expected to recall everything, especially when it has to do with a servant.”
Ellie stood up, her lips thinned.
“I am tired of this line of questioning and refuse to have you berate me about a servant. I will be in my room once you come to your sense and remember that I am your sister.”
The woman walked away, her head held high and her back straight with tension. Usually, Nash would call her back and apologise, but something didn’t feel right. Ellie paused at the doorway, waiting for him to stop her, but Nash remained silent.
She turned to him, briefly showing the anger and pain in her eyes before walking out of the door. Sighing, Nash returned to the window and resumed his watch. This truly was unlike Isabella, and he was inclined to believe that something had happened. However, Ellie claimed Isabella was with a friend, and he wanted to believe his sister.
Would Ellie lie to me? I do not think so. I have taught her better than that.
Perhaps Isabella did get caught up with visiting her friend and had not noticed the time. He was the same whenever he was with Jasper, but Isabella had responsibilities. Kitty had to take over her chores, and while the young maid had not protested, it was still unfair.
Needless to say, this behaviour was unlike Isabella; however, if she was in love as Ellie had claimed, then perhaps love had clouded her mind. Nash didn’t know whether to be angry or sad at the thought of Isabella loving someone.
It didn’t bear thinking about, so he simply took his sister at her word and believed Isabella was with a friend, preferably a female friend. He would give the young woman a talking to once she returned.
***
Nash glanced at his watch. Dinner would be any time now, and Isabella had still not returned. Although Ellie had suggested that she would return this evening, it still bothered Nash to have her out so late and not even tell Mrs Black where she went.
