*~~*~~*
“Not here? What do you meannot here?”
Perry’s words sounded oddly familiar to him, but he pursued his line of enquiry with a stern woman who was obviously Grace’s housekeeper.
“Do you mean she isnot at home, or is shereallynot at home?”
Mrs. Heathers sighed. “Both, Sir Peregrine. Mrs. Chaney is not in Seton Hall at all.”
“But she couldn’t have arrived that long ago,” he complained.
“That is true, sir. And since she mentioned your presence, it is not unusual that you should know her activities earlier today. But after arriving from Mowbray House, she determined that she had a very important errand to undertake.” The woman paused. “At least I think that’s what it was. Anyway, she refreshed her person and then called for her horse.”
“She’sriding?”
“That is correct. Mrs. Chaney, if I may be permitted to say so, is a fine horsewoman. You need have no worries on that score. Been riding Snowball for several years, she has.” She frowned.
“If not on that score, then what? I can see you are concerned,” said Perry with gentle encouragement.
“Well, sir, I will note that I am always concerned about Mrs. Chaney. She is much loved here at Seton Hall. So her going off without a groom like this, and it’s a winter afternoon and it’ll be getting dark soon…” The woman wrung her hands. “I do worry so, sir.”
“Without a groom? That does sound unlike her.”
“It is.”
“Then I understand your concern. Mrs. Chaney is lucky to have you at her side.” He thought for a moment. “Now, I would certainly like to find her and make sure she is all right. Can you tell me anything that she said before she left? Was there any indication or mention of her destination?”
“None at all, sir,” the housekeeper sighed. “I am quite beside myself. Said she was off to get her Christmas present, she did. That was all.”
“Did you know of this gift?”
“Not a thing. First I’d heard of it. But she was quite excited, I’ll tell you that.”
“Really?” Perry blinked at that piece of news. “More excited than usual?”
“More than I’ve ever seen her, sir. Not given to flights of excessive emotions is our Mrs. Chaney. She’s usually a quiet and somewhat sombre lady. Pleasant of course, but not one to fly into the boughs at all.”
An idea dawned in the back of Perry’s mind.
“Well, since she’s not here, I’ll be off then,” he said. “Thank you, Ma’am. You’ve been a great help. And I’m sure Mrs. Chaney will return soon, safe and sound.”
“I do hope so sir. I really do.”
“Now you just go and have a nice cup of tea. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Very good then, sir. And thank you.”
“Happy Christmas, Ma’am.”
“And to you, sir.” She curtseyed as she closed the door.
Perry hurried down the steps to his horse. “One more ride, my lad. Let’s see if we can outguess our quarry, shall we?”
His horse responded with a look that spoke volumes about his master, the cold air, and the advantages of a warm stable and fresh hay.
“Oh come on. Cheer up. I am hoping the lady may have a similar goal to myself.” He swung up into the saddle and buttoned his thick coat up to his throat. “If that’s true, then you’ll be home and snug soon enough.” He grinned. “So will I.”
