It was Sally, one of the maids at the estate. She had worked there for a long time.
“Your Grace.”
“What is it? Do you have any news?”
Sally shook her head, much to Frances’s disappointment. And then she pointed to the tray of food that remained untouched on the small table by the window.
“Please, Your Grace,” she implored gently, her voice soft but insistent. “You need to eat something or at least lie down for a bit. You’re exhausted.”
Frances shook her head, returning her attention to the window. “I can’t rest until they’re back. I need to know they’re safe.”
Sally sighed, wringing her apron. “But you won’t be able to help them if you collapse from exhaustion. Please, just a few bites…”
Frances knew that the maid only meant well, but right now her concern was irritating her.
“How can I eat when they might be scared and alone somewhere? How can I sleep when I don’t know if they’re safe?”
“I understand, Your Grace. But please know that His Grace is doing everything he can to bring them home.”
Frances felt the knot in her chest tighten further. She turned back to the window, her breath fogging the glass as she leaned closer, straining to see any sign of movement outside.
Christopher had left in the evening, and many hours had passed since then.
Just when she thought she couldn’t bear the waiting any longer, she heard the distant sound of hoofbeats on the gravel driveway. Her heart leaped to her throat, and she bolted upright, pressing her face to the window.
“Sally, do you hear that?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Sally moved to the window, peering out into the darkness. “Yes, Your Grace. It sounds like a horse. Could it be?”
Frances didn’t wait for confirmation. She hiked up her skirts and hurried towards the door. She flew down the grand staircase, her heart pounding as she reached the entrance hall.
And then she finally saw him.
Christopher was dismounting his horse, his face haggard and lined with fatigue. He turned towards her, his eyes meeting hers, and she searched his face for any sign, any clue of the news he brought.
“Christopher!” Frances called out and ran towards him, her emotions teetering on the edge of panic.
He caught her in his arms as she reached him. “Frances,” he murmured, his voice rough and weary.
“Where are they? Please tell me that you know something. Anything.”
Christopher’s frown deepened. “We haven’t found them yet, but we have a lead.”
Frances pulled back slightly, her eyes wide and desperate. “A lead? Where are they? What did you find?”
CHAPTER19
“We have a description of the man who took them.”
Frances felt her legs give way beneath her, and she clutched at Christopher’s arm for support. He caught her, holding her tightly as she sobbed against his chest.
“Oh, Christopher…”
He wrapped his arms around her, his voice filled with regret. “Frances, I’m so sorry. I should have been more vigilant. This is all my fault.”
Frances pulled back slightly, looking up at him through her tears. “No, it’s not. You’ve done everything you can. What did you do with the information you found?”
Christopher pressed his lips together. “I have informed the constables, and we have a sketch of the suspect. It is in their hands now, and they are doing everything they can.”
