The voice gave a dark chuckle. ‘You’re in the Earl of Bamford’s private asylum. Welcome to the family.’
Chapter Nineteen
Despite the late hour, no one residing in the Earl of Ravenstone’s rented townhouse had chosen to seek their bed, and despite their earlier animosity, the Duke of Blackmore had requested Max’s presence.
It had quickly become clear to his grace that the Marquess of Guildford did indeed harbour feelings for Patience, though Nicholas was damned if he knew why. Unfortunately, that particular question would have to wait for another day.
Once the Marquess had explained the whole story of his relationship with Patience, tempers had cooled, and Nicholas withdrew his challenge. ‘I still abhor the fact that you knowingly put a member of my family in danger,’ he stated grimly, ‘but for now we must put our disputes aside. Patience’s safety is the only thing that matters. And once she is returned, we will address the issue of your other … misconducts.’
Before Max could respond, the Duke turned to his father-in-law, continuing in a steely voice, ‘You and I, Augustus, are going to have a very long conversation when this business has been dealt with.’ The Reverend who appeared to have had the stuffing entirely knocked out of him, merely nodded, white-faced.
Adam then proceeded to fill the Marquess in on the events of the morning. Once Max heard about Freddy’s return without his mistress, he had to be almost forcibly restrained from going after the Earl of Bamford that very second.
‘The bastard has her, I know he does,’ the Marquess seethed. ‘This is his revenge on me for taking back the diamond.’
‘We cannot know that for sure,’ argued Adam. ‘It is a huge leap fromPatience is missing, toPatience has been kidnapped or murdered. As you said yourself Guildford, the chit is rarely where she is supposed to be. She could simply have lost track of time …’ He paused before adding drily, ‘And Freddy is not known for his obedience. The lead could have slipped from her hand.’
Max thought back to their impromptu meeting – was it really only days ago? The memory of Patience dashing round the corner with her shoes shoved down her bodice returned to haunt him.
‘She hasn’t just lost track of time,’ commented the Reverend wearily. ‘I know my daughter. She would have been back before now.’
‘She may well already have returned home,’ retorted Nicholas hopefully. Reverend Shackleford shook his head. ‘Bamford might not know exactly the relationship Patience has with his lordship, but he knows there is something. I agree with Guildford. I think Bamford has her.’
‘We will spend the rest of the day searching,’ Nicholas decided after careful thought. ‘If Patience is not found by sunset, we will assume she’s being held against her will. Whether her kidnapper is Bamford we have no way of knowing, but rest assured, if he is guilty, wewillget the truth out of him.’
Max gritted his teeth, tempted to argue, but knew that he couldn’t go against the Duke of Blackmore’s wishes, however much he might be desperate to do so.
Eight hours later, there was still no sign of Patience. Dinner had come and gone with no one even remotely tempted to eat.
Nicholas, Adam, Max and Malcolm had spent the entire day searching the length and breadth of Bath, but they found no clue as to where she could be, and now apprehensions were riding high.
The younger Shacklefords had been packed off to bed hours before with surprisingly little resistance. While they knew Patience was not in the house, this was such a normal occurrence that none of them appeared to give it any further thought.
Max glanced around the seven people present in the drawing room, his eyes lingering on the only member of the family he’d not yet met. Temperance, the Countess of Ravenstone was completely different from her younger sister and possessed a flamboyance that undoubtedly contributed to her being reputedly all the fashion.
He thought back to Patience’s matter of fact comments about her own less than favourable attributes, and his mind conjured up her features so clearly, he almost groaned with a sudden need to hold her in his arms. While she did not possess the poise and allure of her two older sisters, Patience had a uniqueness about her that had relentlessly drawn him in until he was lost. He would willingly spend the rest of his life proving to her just how special she was if she would simply let him in. He swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. If Bamford had harmed her, he’d see the bastard hang, no matter what the price.
‘Lord Guildford, I would like to say that it’s a pleasure to meet you, but given the circumstances, you will forgive me if I reserve judgement on whether the opposite is true.’ The Countess’s first words to him were cutting, and though Max felt their sting, he acknowledged that he undoubtedly deserved them.
He inclined his head. ‘My lady, while I understand that my actions to date have given rise to your current uncertainty concerning my character, you have my word that I hold your sister in the highest esteem and will do everything in my power to ensure her safe return.’
‘And we all know just how headstrong Patience can be when she’s determined to do something,’ commented the Duchess, offering him a slight conciliatory smile. ‘My suspicion is that once she found out about the diamond, our dear sister would have endeavoured to secure it with or without your help my lord.’
Max nodded ruefully. ‘Indeed, she said as much,’ he admitted softly.
Before anyone else had a chance to comment on the less desirable traits of their wayward sister, Felicity Beaumont coughed politely, drawing all eyes to her. Max noticed she was twisting her hands together anxiously as she looked over at the Earl of Ravenstone and nodded.
‘There is something you should know.’ Adam’s voice was impassive, but his face betrayed his concern.
Everyone turned to the Earl. ‘Is it something to do with Bamford?’ questioned Nicholas, raising his eyebrows.
‘It is,’ affirmed Adam. He took a deep breath and glanced towards Felicity before continuing.
‘You may not be aware that Felicity’s cousin was married to Bamford some ten years ago now.’ He looked round at the blank faces, all except one. When no one spoke, he went on. ‘It was apparently Bamford’s third marriage. Both his previous wives had met rather nasty ends I believe.’
‘That, I was aware of,’ interrupted Max. ‘When I was trying to discover the whereabouts ofSepideh, my enquiries led me to Bamford. I was told his first wife died after being thrown from her horse, and the second from a fall. I was also informed that his current wife has been under lock and key for some time but had no idea she is related to Miss Beaumont.’ He inclined his head sympathetically to the matron.
‘What does this have to do with Patience?’ questioned the Reverend with a frown.
