Page 12 of The Duke Who Loved Me (The Duke's Estates 1)

“Great-grandson,” Cecelia amended, suppressing her impatience. “And he is missing.” She realized then that he was the subject of the letter she’d read in Tereford’s chaotic library.

“Haven’t I just been telling you?” Impatience was an inadequate word for Lady Wilton’s expression.

“Yes, ma’am. You have. I still don’t know why, however.” Cecelia knew she sounded sharp, but she couldn’t help it.

“So you will make Tereford do something, of course! He is head of the family now. He must bestir himself. Percival never would, but James hasn’t the excuse of being half-mad.” The old lady grimaced. “Or completely mad. Percival saw no one in recent years, but the signs were there.”

Cecelia was puzzled by her odd command. “You should speak to Tereford about this matter,” she replied. “Not to me. Indeed, I don’t know why…”

“Because no one else has ever gotten James Cantrell to lift a finger.”

This startled Cecelia into silence.

“Ha, you know I’m right about that,” said Lady Wilton.

“I have not…”

“Don’t play missish with me, Cecelia Vainsmede. Everyone knows that your father was never hisrealtrustee. Tereford will listen to you. You must make him track Ferrington down and bring him back to London. I shall take over after that.”

“I have no particular influence over…”

“Rubbish!”

“What does the new earl look like?” asked Charlotte Deeping.

Lady Wilton turned to glare at her. “He looks insolent, rather like you, young lady. I don’t know why you are speaking to me as I do not believe we have been introduced.”

“Lady Wilton, this is—” Cecelia began.

“I don’t care,” she interrupted. “I’ve no time for impertinent chits. You will do as I say, Miss Vainsmede. I expect to hear from you by tomorrow.” She rose with no sign of difficulty despite her age. And then, just when Cecelia thought this ordeal was over, she snapped, “Did you come to this ball alone? Again.”

“No, Lady Wilton, I am here with the Finch party.”

“Good! Valeria is utterly useless, you know.” With a final sniff, she swept away.

Cecelia’s companions slowly drew closer again. Sarah reclaimed her chair. “I wonder if Lady Wilton is acquainted with your aunt Julia,” she said to Ada.

“They certainly seem like sisters in spirit,” the girl answered.

“Though Lady Wilton looks more like a buzzard,” said Charlotte.

“Or an avenging harpy,” said Sarah. “Her hands are rather like claws.”

“She is a good deal older than Ada’s aunt,” said Harriet. “There is time.”

Cecelia bit back a laugh, and then found she was facing four pairs of sharp, interested eyes.

“We are very good at solving mysteries,” said Charlotte. “We could help you find the missing heir.”

“I like the sound ofthat,” said Sarah. “The search for the missing earl.”

“I shan’t be doing any such thing,” Cecelia assured them. She didn’t have to imagine James’s response to such a request. She was certain he’d refuse. And she didn’t see that it was any of her affair.

“But how can you resist?”

“It would bemuchmore interesting than parties and balls,” said Charlotte.

“Not more,” protested Sarah. “But as.”

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