Frances shook her head. “I cannot leave without knowing that the twins are safe.”
“But…”
“Christopher will find them,” Esther said firmly, her eyes filled with a fierce determination. “He won’t stop until they’re safe.”
Frances nodded, though tears streamed down her cheeks now. “I know,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But what if?—”
“No what ifs,” Esther interrupted gently but firmly. “We have to believe in him. He’ll bring them back.”
Phillip carefully lifted Theodosia into his arms, holding her close. “We should get her back to the estate,” he urged softly, his eyes filled with worry. “It’s safer there.”
Christopher’s eyes blazed with determination. “I need to move now,” he said sharply, turning to him. “Stay with them. Keep them safe.”
Without hesitation, he sprinted towards the path Theodosia had indicated, his long strides eating up the distance.
* * *
All Frances could think about was the children. She paced the length of the hallway, biting her nails down to the quick in frustration.
Where is he? Did he find anything? Are the twins alright?
Nothing was could make her feel better at this moment.
Theodosia was in one of the guest rooms with her parents by her side. Her condition seemed to have improved greatly.
Frances wanted to be there for her too, but she could not bring herself to rest even for a moment until the twins were here.
After an hour of waiting, Christopher returned.
“Christopher!” Frances ran to him, barely able to hold back her tears.
“I have come to change into my riding gear,” he told her, his face set in a mask of determination. But his words did nothing to soothe her.
“Oh, but did you not find anything?”
“It would be better and more efficient if I involve the staff into the search. I’ve alerted them,” he stated quickly. “They’re searching the grounds and surrounding areas.”
Frances clung to his arm, her voice choked with emotion. “Christopher, please… find them. Bring them back safely.”
Christopher cupped her face in his hands, his gaze steady and filled with a fierce promise. “I will find them, Frances. I won’t rest until they’re home.” He leaned down, pressing a quick, reassuring kiss to her forehead. “Trust me.”
Frances blinked in surprise. “I’m coming too,” she declared, her voice firm. “I need to be with you. I need to help.”
Christopher looked at her, his eyes softening for a moment. “I understand that you’re worried about the boys, but it will be dangerous. You must stay home.”
Frances shook her head stubbornly. “Be that as it may, those boys are my family. I won’t sit here and wait.”
“Frances, be reasonable please,” Christopher pleaded.
She could tell that he was feeling guilty about refusing her, but she could not see reason right now.
“Shall I prepare another horse, Your Grace?” the butler asked.
“No!”
“Yes!”
Frances and Christopher replied at the same time.
