Rockwell straightened hiscravat and smoothed down his jacket as he stood before the imposing doors of the Duke of Blackstone’s townhouse. The sleepless night clung to him like a shroud. He’d spent a restless night tossing and turning, his mind churning over how to convince Farah to marry him. Should he lay his confused heart bare before her and pray she would see the genuine feeling beneath his clumsy words? Now, in the harsh light of morning, he felt woefully unprepared. But he knew he had to convince her that his feelings were indeed genuine.
Taking a deep breath, he raised the brass knocker and rapped sharply. It wasn’t every day a man called to offer his hand in marriage just to avoid a scandal, but then again, nothing about his relationship with Farah had ever been ordinary. Yet he didn’t know what her answer would be. After a moment, the door swung open to reveal Blackstone’s butler, his expression as impassive as ever.
“Good morning, Lord Ware,” the butler intoned.
“Good morning, Howard. So sorry to call so early—”
“His Grace alerted me to the fact you might call early. He’s in the drawing room. I’ll announce you.”
“I know the way, Howard. Perhaps you could let Lady Farah know I’m here.” His hopes for a private moment with Farah crumbled like sand upon learning His Grace was awake so early. He’d have to convince him to leave him alone with Farah. Awry smile touched his lips. It wasn’t like he could damage her reputation further.
“Of course, my lord.”
Rockwell entered the drawing room to see Blackstone pacing the floor.
“Ah, you’ve arrived. I sent a servant to alert her to your presence and she should be with us shortly. I thought while she’s getting presentable, you and I could go over the marriage contract.”
His Grace was getting ahead of himself. “I’m sure I’m happy with whatever you feel is appropriate. Her dowry I’d like to put in trust for her to use should something happen to me or for any daughters we may have. I want her to know she’ll always be taken care of.” His voice softened with genuine feeling. “As you know, I have considerable wealth and an estate in Suffolk. I will, of course, have to purchase us a London townhouse.”
The men sorted out the details rather quickly. “I’ll have my lawyer send the contract to you.”
Rockwell merely nodded, his stomach churning as he waited to see Farah.
“Where is the girl?” her brother said for about the hundredth time. He walked toward the door as if to go fetch her himself when Howard entered. His face was white. “Where is she?” His Grace demanded.
The butler’s face remained carefully blank. “I’m afraid I couldn’t say, my lord. Her ladyship’s whereabouts are unknown to the staff at present.”
Rockwell closed his eyes, a groan escaping him as his worst fears took shape. She wouldn’t…
“What do you mean her whereabouts are unknown? Where is my sister?”
A horrible thought struck him. What if she had run away to avoid marrying him? She had threatened to do so, but he’dthought she was being fanciful. The idea carved a hollow in his chest that he refused to name as heartbreak.
Well, there was only one way to find out. If Farah had fled, she would have gone to one of her friends for help. The ladies were a tight-knit group, a sisterhood really—surely one of them would know where she was.
“Maybe she’s gone to speak with one of her friends. She was a tad upset last night.”
His Grace swung to face him with relief, clearly evident. “Yes. That is what she’s done. I’ll send word to you once she’s home.”
“I’ll speak to my sisters to see if they know anything. If you’ll excuse me, I have a fiancée to find.” And he knew where he’d start.
Decision made, Rockwell strode purposefully down the street. His first stop would be his brother’s house to talk with Tiffany. As his sister-in-law, she was the most likely to have aided Farah in any escape attempt, given she held the finances for the women.
But when he arrived at Wolfarth House, Tiffany became most distraught at the news Farah was missing. Farah had not contacted her, and she knew nothing of any plan to run away. “We must alert Wolf and talk to Ashley and Ivy.” But they too knew nothing, either.
“Who would she go to for help if not us?” Ivy asked.
“Lauren is unlikely to be the one, given she’s Lucien’s brother.”
“Or Courtney,” Ashley added dryly.
Rockwell turned to leave and called over his shoulder, “Then I shall have to visit Claire and Valora.”
“Surely Claire wouldn’t aid her. She’s far too sensible. But Valora… That’s a possibility,” Tiffany added.
“Of course, we’re assuming she didn’t just simply run.” Everyone turned to stare at Ashley. “I’m just saying…”
He too had considered that, but his stomach heaved at the idea of her on the road in the dark—alone. “Let’s not panic just yet until I’ve spoken to Claire and Valora. I’ll send word as soon as I’ve found her.
