Laudanum is a dangerous preparation to give too often.
Mary turned Lennox’s words over in her head as they waited for Agnes and Malcolm to complete their search of the house. Where had Lady Grizel gone and why so abruptly when Lennox’s wounds had not yet been seen to be without threat?
“Nothing, Malcolm?” Lennox asked the elderly retainer when he came paiching up the basement stairs. “We must hope Agnes has more luck.” Mary heard the strain in her husband’s voice and it only heightened her feeling of being on the edge of a discovery. What had Lennox found when he and Duff went chasing back out into the gloomy streets?
She looked through the side panel beside the huge front door and could make out the torches burning in their sconces by the edge of the platt, but nothing beyond. They might live in the most modern of buildings, but there was still more than enough untamed wilderness around.
“Sorry, my lord, I canna find Lady Grizel. Her fur-lined cloak is gone frae the bedroom and ane o’ the heavy pairs o bits.” Agnes rushed the words out as if they hurt her to say. She would have sunk onto a chair, Mary was sure, if her situation did not forbid it. Mary took the woman by her arm and led her to one of the hall chairs.
“Sit down, Agnes, you look ready to drop and we will have need of everyone if we launch a search.”
“Oh no, my lady…”
“Please, Agnes, just do as I suggest,” Mary said kindly. Didn’t she know all too well what it felt like to be shocked beyond bearing?
“Searches will not be necessary,” Lennox said grimly. “I know where Mama will have gone.”
BELLA’S BETROTHAL an entertaining romance with humour and a touch of thematic mystery.
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