Chapter 15

C hapter 15

I stared open-mouthed at Marianne, but Nathaniel did not waste one second. He waved down a hackney, and we were on our way to Harwood House within the space of a minute.

“Tell us everything,” he demanded, leaning across the coach toward Marianne.

She took a shuddering breath. “The family retired to their rooms last night as usual, including Miss Harwood. After helping her prepare for bed, I went to sleep.”

“What time?” Nathaniel pressed.

“Around eleven,” she said. “Perhaps half past.”

“Then what?”

“This morning, a chambermaid went to stoke the fire in Miss Harwood’s room,” she said. “The maid noticed the bed hadn’t been slept in, so she alerted the housekeeper, who told Lady Harwood.” Marianne shook her head, eyes filled with tears. “They searched the entire house and could not find her anywhere. There is no note. She’s simply gone. Vanished into the night.”

Her words didn’t make any sense to me. They entered my head, and yet, I could not comprehend them.

“Have her parents contacted Lord Blakely?” Nathaniel asked, his voice steady. Calm. Just hearing it helped settle the racing of my pulse. Yes, Lord Blakely. Perhaps Elizabeth had gone to her betrothed.

“Yes,” she said, her eyes red-rimmed. “They sent a message to him, but I left before he responded.”

I managed to clear my head enough to pose a question. “Was she acting strangely last night? Anything suspicious?”

Marianne shook her head. “No. Well, no more strange than normal. You know as well as I that she has not been right since the robbery. I thought it was lingering fear, but now ...” She closed her eyes. “I am ever so worried, Miss Travers. I know she trusts you, and so I came for you straightaway.”

Trusts me. Those words hit me hard. She’d trusted me enough to hire me to find her missing letter yet not enough to tell me what was in it. But I had to believe she had a reason.

I consoled poor Marianne until we arrived at Harwood House a few minutes later. When the coach rumbled to a stop, Nathaniel helped us both down, then led the way up the front stairs. The door was opened before he could knock, and by none other than Lady Harwood.

I nearly did not recognize her. She wore only her dressing gown, knotted messily at her waist, and her hair was a mass of graying waves about her shoulders. But it was her face that drew my eyes—lines of desperation and tight fear across every inch.

“Verity,” she cried. “Please, tell me you have seen Elizabeth.”

Marianne’s words hadn’t felt real, but now, with Lady Harwood’s plea, the gravity of the situation hit me full force. Elizabeth was truly missing. She could be in danger. She could be—

No. I could not allow myself to spiral into vague possibilities and terrifying guesses. I had to manage this one minute at a time.

“Lady Harwood.” I grasped her hands. They were cold and shaking. “I haven’t seen her. I am so sorry.”

Her shoulders bowed, and she looked smaller, like a frightened child.

“Come inside, Lady Harwood,” Nathaniel said gently, one arm around her shoulders. “It is cold.”

The house was in a riot, whispering servants gathering on the stairs as voices came from the open parlor door.

“—and you are certain the doors were locked?”

That was Sir Reginald’s voice, more thunderous than I’d ever heard him.

“Yes, Sir Reginald, the house was secured for the night.” That must be the butler. Poor man, to come under such scrutiny.

Nathaniel escorted Lady Harwood inside the parlor, and Marianne and I followed. I took in the scene all at once. Sir Reginald paced before the fireplace while Lord Blakely sat rigidly on the sofa, his handsome features creased with worry. The butler stood at attention nearby, and an older woman I presumed to be the housekeeper lingered at the back of the room.

Sir Reginald whirled as Nathaniel helped Lady Harwood to an armchair. “What news?” he demanded. “We sent word to Bow Street nearly an hour ago.”

Nathaniel straightened. “I’m afraid I know nothing more than what Miss Harwood’s maid has told us. She only just found Miss Travers and me.”

If anyone wondered what the two of us were doing together, no one voiced their curiosity. Instead, Sir Reginald strode to Nathaniel and gripped his shoulder. “But you know what to do, yes? You can find her?”

Nathaniel’s eyes flicked to mine. We both knew it was not a promise he could make.

“I will do everything in my power,” he promised instead. “Now, please, sit. Tell me everything you know.”

As Nathaniel began questioning Elizabeth’s parents, I stepped to the housekeeper beside the door. “Some food and tea for Lady Harwood, I think,” I said. “She needs to eat.”

The housekeeper dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “Right away.”

I gestured to Marianne to join me on the settee near the window, out of the way but close enough to hear everything the others said. Nathaniel had brought out a little book and was jotting down notes as Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald spoke, telling him everything they knew, which was, essentially, nothing.

It was as Marianne had said. They’d all gone to bed around eleven o’clock, and when the maid had gone into Elizabeth’s chambers this morning, Elizabeth was gone.

“No signs of an intrusion?” Nathaniel asked, his tone brisk.

“None,” Sir Reginald insisted. “Her windows were locked. So was every window and door in the rest of the house.”

“And Elizabeth said nothing about leaving to meet anyone? No appointments?”

“In the middle of the night?” Lady Harwood said with no small amount of disbelief. “Of course not.”

“Not even to see her betrothed?” Nathaniel asked, sending a curious glance Lord Blakely’s way, no doubt wondering if the two had arranged some sort of assignation.

But the earl shook his head. “No. We had no such plans, I swear.”

I believed him, mostly because I knew Elizabeth. She would never do such a thing. But then, where was she?

Nathaniel tapped his pencil against the leather cover of his book, his brow furrowed.

“Is anything missing from her room?” I ventured. “Anything that might tell us where she went?”

Lady Harwood looked affronted. “I do not understand this line of questioning. Elizabeth did not go anywhere. She was abducted, quite clearly!”

But even Sir Reginald seemed to realize that theory made no sense. He shook his head, patting his wife’s knee. “We would have heard if anyone had forced their way into the house. There would be signs.”

Lady Harwood’s lower lip trembled. “But ... but why? Why would she leave?”

Her husband could only shake his head. I stared glassily past them as I wrestled within myself. They did not know about Elizabeth’s missing letter or that whatever was in that letter was enough to make her panic at the thought of anyone finding it. Was it enough to make her want to disappear?

Then, of course, there was her admonition to me two nights ago. She’d asked me to stop investigating, with fear in her eyes even as she’d pretended nonchalance. But I hadn’t stopped. In fact, I’d done the opposite and had thrown myself into finding Higgs, as if that would solve everything. But if I had instead told Nathaniel or her parents, Elizabeth might be sitting here today, just like any other morning.

This was my fault.

“I may know why she left,” I said softly.

They all turned to stare at me.

“What do you mean?” Sir Reginald said. “Did she speak of this to you?”

“In part,” I admitted.

Nathaniel’s gaze was piercing from across the room, but he did not speak.

I took a deep breath. “Elizabeth knew my brother had been a Bow Street Runner. She thought I might be able to help.”

It wasn’t the whole truth, but I did not think Sir Reginald and Lady Harwood ready to accept a lady investigator, and it would only distract from finding Elizabeth.

“Help how?” Lord Blakely repeated, brow furrowed.

For a moment, I hesitated. Should I be speaking of this in front of Elizabeth’s betrothed? Her parents were one thing; her intended was quite another. But it was too late now. I had to hope Elizabeth had put her trust in the right man.

“After the robbery outside the theatre,” I said, “Elizabeth told me about a letter in her stolen reticule. She was afraid that the thief would read it and asked me if I had any ideas as to how she might recover the letter.”

“But ...” Lord Blakely shook his head. “But what was in the letter?”

“I do not know,” I said. “She refused to tell me. But I cannot emphasize enough how worried she was. Anxious. Upset.”

Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald stared at one another, seeming to have a conversation within a simple glance. What must that be like, to know someone so long and so well?

“She did seem different,” Lady Harwood stammered. “I thought it was the robbery. I did not realize it was something more.”

“And did you find the letter?” Sir Reginald asked me urgently.

I shook my head. “The night the painting was unveiled, she told me to stop looking into the matter. She attempted to laugh it off, but I knew better. Something spooked her, I am sure of it.”

I could not bring myself to look at Nathaniel. What did he think of my revelations? Was he angry? Hurt that I had not told him sooner?

“And so she ran away,” Lady Harwood whispered. “Am I so terrible a mother that she could not come to me?”

Sir Reginald dropped his head into his hands, no doubt feeling the same. I ached for them.

“Elizabeth loves you both,” I said quietly. “Whatever her motivations, I believe she was trying to protect you. But I am sorry I did not tell you sooner. She asked me not to, and I thought I was doing the right thing, keeping a friend’s confidence. But it grew beyond us so quickly.” I swallowed hard. “I should have said something.”

Lady Harwood shook her head and reached out for my hand. She was all that was prim and proper, but now, with tears in her eyes and her features so pale, she looked nothing like the feared Society matron most people saw. “I am simply glad she had a friend to call upon for help,” she whispered.

I squeezed her hand, unable to speak.

Lord Blakely stood suddenly, clasping his hands behind his back and pacing to the window. “Are we certain,” he said, “that she was not taken by someone? You say, Miss Travers, that the thief has the letter from her reticule. Could he have read it and come back for her for some reason?”

I shook my head. “Without knowing the contents of that letter, I cannot say.”

Nathaniel spoke for the first time since I’d begun my confession. “It is very unlikely Miss Harwood was taken, considering that no servants sounded the alarm and no locks were forced or windows broken. I cannot see how a kidnapper would have managed it.”

“Still,” Lord Blakely said, “it is a possibility. And if so, should we not gather a search party?”

Nathaniel considered that. “Yes,” he agreed. “It is better to be sure. She could very well still be in the city, whether she was taken or left of her own volition.”

Lord Blakely did not wait another moment. He strode toward the door. “I can have a dozen carriages out searching for her within the hour,” he promised.

I could not help being impressed. Lord Blakely seemed unfazed by the revelations about Elizabeth and only wished to do everything in his power to find her. His actions spoke well of his character.

After the earl left, Nathaniel sat forward on his chair, his face all business as he looked at the Harwoods. “If she did run away, we need to know where she might have gone. I will ask Bow Street to assist in the search here, but can you think of who she might call upon for help outside of London? Or a place she might feel safe?”

Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald looked at each other. “Perhaps Augusta?” she ventured, and he nodded.

“Augusta?” Nathaniel repeated.

She turned back to him. “My sister, Augusta Howard. She and Elizabeth are quite close. In fact, they spent a few months recently touring the south of England together.” Then she gasped, sitting up straighter.

“What is it?” I sat forward on my chair.

“Elizabeth spoke of her aunt last night,” she said, eyes dim. “After dinner. She mentioned how she missed Augusta after having traveled so long with her.”

“And where does Mrs. Howard live?” Nathaniel’s gaze took on a new sharpness.

“Bath,” Lady Harwood said eagerly. “It is entirely possible that Elizabeth would run there. In fact, I think that very likely indeed.” Her voice still shook, but her shoulders lifted with a dash of hope.

It was then that Marianne’s expression caught my eye. She glanced between Nathaniel and me, chewing her lip, as if she wrestled with something in her mind. She caught me watching her and ducked her head. Whatever it was, she did not wish to share it.

“We’ll go to Bath,” Sir Reginald said firmly. “We’ll find Elizabeth.”

But Nathaniel shook his head. “You and Lady Harwood should stay here in case she returns. I will go to Bath. I’ll leave as soon as I arrange everything with Bow Street.”

Sir Reginald started to argue, but Lady Harwood rested one hand on his arm. “He’s right,” she said resolutely. “Let Mr. Denning do his job, and we will continue the search here.”

Sir Reginald hesitated, then sat back wearily. “Very well,” he conceded.

I was surprised the baronet gave in so easily. But I could see the fear behind his eyes, the worry for his daughter. He was out of his depth and trusting that Nathaniel knew best.

“I’ll send word the minute I learn anything,” Nathaniel promised.

I noticed he made no mention of me. No matter. I would bide my time.

“May we search Elizabeth’s bedroom?” I asked Lady Harwood. “Perhaps we might find something useful.”

“Of course,” she said. “I can show you up myself.”

“No,” I said gently. “You must try to eat something, Lady Harwood. Marianne can take us.”

Lady Harwood nodded in clear exhaustion and sank back into the sofa as Nathaniel and I followed Marianne from the parlor.

As soon as the door closed behind us, I faced Nathaniel. “I am coming with you to Bath.”

He did not even look at me, starting up the stairs after Marianne. “No, you are not.”

“And why is that?” I managed to keep my voice cool as I took the first few steps.

He let out a frustrated sigh. “For a great many reasons, Verity. It could be dangerous. We haven’t any idea what Elizabeth is mixed up in. Then there is the issue of your reputation. We can hardly travel together.”

“My reputation is fine,” I snapped. “It is the last worry on my mind at a time like this.”

He turned, eyes flashing. Considering that I stood on the step beneath him, he towered over me. “And what of the fact that you hid the truth about Elizabeth’s letter from me? Did you not think that I should know something so critical to this investigation?”

“Considering I hardly knew you a few days ago,” I retorted, “I think I had every right to keep my friend’s secret.”

“Yes, but after yesterday? After we—” He stopped, jaw tight as he glared over my shoulder. “I simply thought,” he finally said, his voice low and sharp, “that I might have earned such a confidence. You must know I only wish to help.”

“I know,” I said in a soft voice. “Of course I know that. But I could not have known Elizabeth would run away. I was trying to do my best, and now we must press forward with the information we have now.”

“ We are not doing anything,” he said. “There is no reason for you to go to Bath.”

“There is every reason.” I crossed my arms. “I know Elizabeth better than you do. You must acknowledge that I will be useful.”

“That doesn’t matter. I have to consider—”

“I am going ,” I said firmly. “Either with you or on my own. I’ll leave it to you to decide.”

Our eyes drilled into one another. Nathaniel’s mouth was clenched, his shoulders stiff, but I did not back away.

“I’m going,” I said once again, quiet but steady.

“Blast it.” He groaned and raked a hand through his thick hair. “Fine. We’ll go together. Heaven only knows what sort of mischief you would find on your own.”

I bit back a grin of victory. But before I could say anything, Marianne spoke from the top of the stairs.

“Actually,” she whispered, “I do not think either of you should go to Bath.”

I’d forgotten she was there, so involved in our argument I had been. Nathaniel took one step toward her. “Why should we not go to Bath?”

But Marianne beckoned us up the stairs, eyes wide. We followed her to Elizabeth’s room, and once we were all safely inside, she closed the door and faced us, wringing her hands and avoiding our eyes. “Elizabeth isn’t in Bath,” she said.

“How do you know that?” I asked, baffled. “Has she contacted you?”

“No,” she hurried to assure me. “No, I haven’t heard anything from her. But—but I know where she would go.” She took a deep breath. “Bibury. It’s a village in the Cotswold Hills.”

“Bibury?” I shook my head. “Why would Elizabeth go there instead of to her favorite aunt?”

Marianne raised her eyes to mine. “I promised Elizabeth I would not tell. But you must believe me. If she is running, she ran to Bibury.”

Part of me wished to disbelieve her. Bath seemed the surer option. But there was no doubt in her eyes, and the certainty in her voice spoke more than her words. How many secrets was Elizabeth keeping?

Nathaniel looked less convinced. “We cannot abandon a solid lead for a hunch. I need more information than that.”

“It’s no hunch, sir.” Marianne looked to me for support, her features pained. “I won’t break Elizabeth’s confidence, but I will admit I know more than her parents do. They have no knowledge of any of this. Elizabeth did not go to Bath, I swear on my life.”

I took her hand. I believed her. “How are we to find her there?”

“Ask for Rosemont Cottage,” she replied, relief crossing her expression. “Someone can direct you. ’Tis a small hamlet.”

A cottage in Bibury. I’d never been to the Cotswolds, but clearly, Elizabeth had. Perhaps during her months of traveling with her aunt? And if she had visited the town before, then Marianne likely had as well, as Elizabeth’s maid.

Nathaniel and I looked at each other, each trying to gauge the other’s reaction.

“It does make more sense for Elizabeth to go somewhere we wouldn’t immediately suspect,” I said finally. “Besides, the Cotswolds are not so very far from Bath. We can travel there after if we do not find her in Bibury.”

Nathaniel paced away a few steps, then stopped and braced his hands against his waist. “You are sure?” he asked Marianne, glancing over his shoulder.

“As sure as can be,” she said, her voice trembling. “Please, you must help her.”

Nathaniel blew out a long breath and turned back at me with resignation. “It appears we are going to Bibury.”

I nodded, trying to force away the apprehension that kneaded through my chest. I’d never been so personally attached to a case before, and it changed everything. I wasn’t simply trying to earn a bit of money or build my clientele. I was searching for Elizabeth . She could be in danger or, at the very least, in a great deal of trouble.

I had to find her, even if it meant casting my own fears away. I had Nathaniel’s help this time, after all. Things would be different.

They had to be.