Aubrey paced to the window in hopes she’d see him chatting with one of the ostlers, or Mr. Daniels even, but it had grown too dark to see much of anything. She peeked out of her chamber and into the tight corridor next and even slipped outside to knock on the door to chamber number eight.
Nothing. Of course, though, because he would have brought Mr. Dog back to her.
Stifling her ever growing panic, Aubrey returned to her own room and stared out the window again.
Where was he?
He would not have abandoned her! He would not have! Especially not while in possession of her dog! Aubrey twisted her hands together, imagining all manner of calamities that might have occurred.
Some thieves could have set upon him, a man, alone. Or even worse, a murderer!
At the same time, she rebuked herself for imagining such dramatics… Oh, but where was he? She clasped her hands, twisting them together as she paced back and forth across the room. Perhaps he’s met up with an acquaintance and began conversing and had simply forgotten the time.
Or a woman.
She swallowed hard. But he has Mr. Dog with him!
By the time the sun had set completely, with only the light of the moon outside, she donned her coat and strode out of her chamber, scanning the faces in the tap room as she descended the stairs.
Mr. Bateman and her dog were nowhere in sight.
Feeling quite conspicuous, she ducked her head and marched past a few boisterous tables to the exit.
It was relatively quiet outside. He was nowhere in the yard… nor the stable… Staring into the deep shadows of the forest, she shivered. What could have possibly happened to them?
Worry warred with outrage.
Returning to her chamber, all hunger forgotten, she wondered if she’d ever see him and Mr. Dog again. How could he do this to her?
If he’d wanted to abandon her, why would he take her dog? And why not simply tell her? Why slink away in the night?
But he would not have done either! Something dreadful must have happened.
She fought the turmoil for what felt like hours although not quite two had passed. When a knock finally sounded at her door, she swung it open, took one look at his face and promptly burst into tears.
“Ma Princesse,” Mr. Bateman set Mr. Dog onto the floor and took her into his arms. “What is the matter? What has happened?”
“I thought… I was…” Aubrey had little success getting any words out while sobbing almost uncontrollably.
“Hush.” He lifted her chin and peeked down at her face. “You were worried about me? I am so sorry it took so long. A rabbit enticedLe chien, your son, and he slipped out of his collar, leading me on a merry chase. I could not return without your dog. I am so sorry,Princesse, for frightening you.”
“All this time? You were chasing after Mr. Dog? You were not leaving me?”
His brows rose at her question. “I would not leave you without a word. I would never leave you without saying goodbye, surely you realize this?”
She shook her head and then she nodded, still in his arms. “I didn’t know. I couldn’t find you.” And then catching sight of Mr. Dog, “You naughty boy. You naughty, naughty boy!”
“He disappeared into the forest. I lost him completely for a little while, but I could not return without your son!”
Aubrey was feeling foolish, though—to break down so completely. She pulled away, sniffled a few times and turned her back to him. “I’m sorry. I imagined all sorts of horrible things…”
“I would not leave you. What kind of person would do such a thing?”
“I know. I just… My imagination got carried away once darkness fell. You could have been attacked, murdered, even—“
“Or abandoned you, taking your dog.” He seemed sad as he finished for her. His shoulders slumped. “I’m going to go downstairs. Shall I have something sent up for you?”
Aubrey turned back. “I just didn’t know.”
