“No, I suppose you wouldn’t have.” Lark wrote something on the paper, but paused to say, “Canbury had too much to drink and was telling bawdy stories in mixed company. Everyone, including the Wakefields, seemed delighted, but the old guard thought his behavior… inappropriate.”
“Inappropriate?”
“We must protect the delicate sensibilities of our debutante class, I suppose. I think his offense is relatively minor in the scheme of things, more a faux pas than a status-ruining event, although your mother already does not like him, and this did not endear him to her, I would imagine.”
“No, she had some unkind words for him.”
Lark finished writing down the address and brandished the paper. “Which is why this is folly. Your mother will never allow you to court Adele.”
Hugh reached for the paper and grabbed it from Lark’s hand. “I am not asking her permission. Last I checked, I am the duke and a grown man at that, capable of making my own decisions.”
“It’s not just your mother. Canbury has a lot of enemies. You’d be aligning yourself to him, which could have disastrous consequences for your businesses and will undoubtedly affect your reputation. Not to mention, you still have not fully recovered your memories. You should not be making these kinds of decisions under the circumstances.”
“What harm is there in courting the girl?”
Lark sighed. “Well, you clearly aren’t listening. What harm is there? Besides turning the wrath of Canbury’s enemies on you? Besides the fact that some villain likely still has designs to harm you?”
“Yes, besides that.”
“You could fall in love.” Lark laughed. “Look, I am sympathetic to your plight, as I too have found my heart pulled toward exactly the wrong sort of person. And I like Adele, I do. But you must know this cannot happen.”
“Then why did you give me her address?”
Lark sighed. “I am just as foolish as you, I fear.”
Hugh took his own carriage to the Sweeney house. When Wilton answered the door, he said, “Hello, Your Grace. It is agreeable to see you looking so well.”
“Is Adele in to callers?”
“I’m afraid she is not. She left this morning and I do not know her whereabouts nor when she will return.”
That was certainly bad news. “Left? Not for good, I hope.”
“No, not quite, but it is my understanding that Lord Sweeney is determined to remove to the country at his earliest convenience and we will be closing down the house.” Wilton leaned close. “I will tell you, Your Grace, that I overheard Lord Sweeney discussing a new position with Adele, but I do not know the outcome of that.”
“Is Sweeney in?”
“No, sir. He and his wife had some business to attend to. I am not certain when they will return, either.”
Disappointed, Hugh said, “I thank you for your help, Wilton. Do let Adele know I stopped by and wished to speak with her. And offer my condolences to the Sweeneys.”
“I will, Your Grace.”
It felt like a dead end. Hugh walked back to his carriage, worried now that he would not be able to track down Adele. He did not have the wherewithal to hunt all over London for her today, but perhaps he could set a few surrogates on the task.
As he climbed into the carriage, he was hit with a dizzy spell and thought perhaps it would be better to go home and nap for a while. But then he would devise some sort of plan to find Adele again before she completely slipped through his fingers.
Chapter Sixteen
Hugh walked intohis club and was so relieved to see Lark and Owen in their usual spot that he nearly cried.
“Where is Fletcher?” he asked as he sat down.
“Obligated to take Lady Louisa to the opera,” said Owen.
There was something here that Hugh had once known, but he couldn’t quite recall it now.
“He’s making that face,” said Lark.
