A half-hour later, Rockwell’s frown deepened as he left his meeting with Claire. She was beside herself with worry and was heading to Tiffany’s to meet with the rest of the ladies. Something was definitely afoot, and he didn’t like it one bit.
By the time he reached Lady Valora’s townhouse—and his last hope—Rockwell was seething with barely contained anger and worry. He’d wring Farah’s pretty neck for putting him through this, but then again, he’d given her no reason to believe he held strong feelings for her. If anything happened to her, it would be on his head.
He paced Lord Vale’s drawing room, waiting for Lady Valora. “Is Farah here?” he demanded as soon as the door opened.
“Good morning to you too, my lord.” Lady Valora said. “And why on earth would Farah pay me a visit so early after her ball last night? Especially as it is the talk of theton.”
“Don’t play games with me, Valora,” Rockwell growled. “Farah is missing. Yours is the last place I’ve sought her out. She must be here.” Because if she weren’t… God, she was alone and if anything happened to her… That familiar pain of not being able to do anything hit him. He’d lost Charlotte. He wouldn’t lose Farah before he’d even told her he loved her. God, he did love her.
Valora’s expression hardened. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, my lord. And I’ll thank you not to barge into my home making wild accusations.”
Rockwell ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Damn it all, Valora! This isn’t some game. Farah could be in real danger if she’s run off on her own. Tell me where she is.”
For a moment, Valora’s mask of indifference slipped, revealing genuine concern. “I’m sorry, Rockwell, but I do not know what you are talking about. Farah isn’t here. Are you telling me she’s missing?”
Rockwell opened his mouth to argue further, but the genuine concern in Valora’s eyes told him it would be useless. With a muttered curse, he spun on his heel and stormed out of the house.
He stood on the pavement for a long moment, at a loss. He had been so sure that one of Farah’s friends would give him answers. Now what was he supposed to do?
As much as he hated to admit it, there was only one option left. He would have to go back to Blackstone and confess that Farah had disappeared. Together, perhaps they could find some way to locate her before it was too late.
With a heavy heart, Rockwell made his way back to Blackstone House. This time, when he knocked, the door opened immediately to reveal the duke himself. The look on Blackstone’s face indicated Farah’s brother knew what he was about to reveal. “I have some disturbing news,” he said, pushing past Blackstone and into the house.
*
“Are you surethis is a sensible plan? Apparently, everyone is frantic, thinking you’ve run off on your own.” Farah looked up at her friend from where she was lying in a bath in Courtney’s dressing room. She’d slept with Courtney last night and was feeling rather tired and put out.
Courtney continued to pace. “Apparently, Rockwell is beside himself and is hunting for you across London.”
“I know what I’m doing. This is the only way to make everyone understand that this is my life and I shall decide whom and when I marry. Scandal or no scandal.”
Courtney pulled up a stool next to the tub. “Don’t get angry with me, but I think you’re being foolish. You don’t know what it’s like to be alone, thinking that you’ll be a spinster for the rest of your life. When I heard Lucien had died, my heart died with him. I thought I’d not want to marry any other man. I was happy to stay a spinster.” She flicked a guilty look at Farah and licked her lips. “But five years is a long time, and I came to understand how lonely and unfulfilled the rest of my life as a spinster would be. In fact, just recently I’d made the decision to marry. I may not find the enduring love I felt—feel for Lucien, but I would have children and a family and a life.” When Farah remained silent, Courtney added, “This scandal is far worse than Ashley’s, and I don’t know if your reputation would ever recover. You must see that you might never find a man who would marry you. Will you still feel satisfied with a spinster’s life as you get older?”
She slunk further under the water and tried to stop the fear that crept over her skin. What if Courtney was right? Could she be alone and content when all her friends would marry and have families? Would she be able to mix with her friends or would doors be closed to her like they were on Ashley?
Courtney pressed on. “Lord Ware is certainly upset. Isn’t that a good sign? Perhaps his feelings run deeper than you thought.”
“It’s probably guilt. Or he’s worried about his family’s honor.”
“That’s a tad unfair. Lord Ware is a fine man. He’d never lie to you.”
Farah picked up a towel and stood to exit the tub. “That’s why I know he doesn’t love me. He told me he doesn’t.”
“Did he?”
She hesitated. “Well, not in exact words, but he told me he didn’t want a wife because his first love was travel. Marriage to him would be lonely. Is sitting at home waiting for a husband who is hardly ever home any better than sitting alone but having my heart free to find someone else?”
“I suppose it isn’t.”
Just then, a little girl came barreling into the dressing room and skidded to a halt. “Farah’s here, too,” Ava-Marie called as she flung herself into Courtney’s arms. “Farah! Are you playing hide and seek? Everyone’s looking for you!”
Farah exchanged a worried glance with Courtney before smiling down at Ava-Marie. “Something like that, sweetheart.”
Ava-Marie clapped her hands, dancing on the spot. “I want to play too.”
Lauren popped her head in the door and gasped as she saw Farah standing there. She held out her hand to Ava-Marie. “Come, Ava. Let’s find some of Lady Courtney’s dolls and let Farah get dressed. I think we ladies need to have a chat.”
“Can we play hide and seek once Farah is dressed?” the little girl asked.
