“The intermission will be starting in a few minutes,” Meredith whispered. “Why don’t you go to the other room and enjoy a quick brandy?”
“I’m fine,” Trevor insisted. “Besides, I do not want to leave you alone.”
“You are not fine. You are restless and bored. Now go.”
He hesitated, and she glared again. “All right, if you insist. But I shall be gone for only a few moments.”
She shooed him away with a dismissive wave, then turned her full attention to the incredible music being played. As the last crescendo faded away, Meredith stood up, along with many of the other guests, and clapped enthusiastically.
“I do beg your pardon, Lady Dardington, but there is a delicate matter that needs your attention.”
Meredith lifted her eyes to the man who had spoken. He had moved to stand in front of Trevor’s empty chair. She could tell from his garments he was an upper house servant, yet for some odd reason he seemed vaguely familiar. “Are we acquainted, sir?”
The man blushed. “I am flattered you would remember me, my lady. We met briefly a few months ago when you sought my assistance concerning a duel.”
Meredith’s face brightened into a smile. “Of course, now I remember. You are Mr. Wingate’s valet, are you not? Wait, don’t tell your name.” She tapped her foot impatiently as she tried to recall it. “Hawkins? Is that right?”
“Yes, it is, my lady.”
She nodded her head in satisfaction. “Without your help that morning, I never would have been able to prevent the duel. I do not forget a kindness, Hawkins. How may I be of aid to you?”
“I do not ask on behalf of myself, but for Miss Elizabeth Sainthill.”
“Elizabeth asked you to deliver a message to me?” Meredith asked incredulously. “I find that rather difficult to believe.”
His face reddened and Meredith drew back. He looked so fierce and angry for an instant it startled her, but then he hung his head contritely, and Meredith realized he was embarrassed.
“Forgive me, my lady,” he said softly. “I did not mean to be presumptuous. Naturally Miss Elizabeth did not ask me to get you. I saw her speaking with one of your brothers a few moments ago. Everything appeared very congenial between the couple, but then Miss Elizabeth suddenly turned and raced away. As she ran up the stairs, I could not help but hear her sobs of distress.”
“Goodness, that does sound serious.” Meredith bit her lower lip. “Did you notice where my brother went?”
Hawkins’s eyes darted away. “No. I have not seen him since the incident.”
“Well, you were right to come to me, Hawkins. I am very interested in anything either of my brothers are doing, especially when it involves a young, impressionable girl like Miss Elizabeth.”
The servant sighed with relief. “From the direction she fled, I assume she went to her chambers. If you like, I can take you to her. Or I can call a female servant, if you prefer.”
Meredith lifted her chin and scanned the room anxiously. Many of the guests had left their seats and were milling about the room. She did not see Trevor anywhere.
“Is there a problem, my lady?”
She shook her head. “I was looking for my husband.”
“I believe the marquess is in the green room with several of the other gentlemen.” Hawkins bowed politely. “Shall I fetch him for you?”
Meredith hesitated. If Elizabeth was upset over something Jason had said or done, she might want to discuss it. In that case, Trevor’s presence would be a hindrance. “I will go to see Miss Elizabeth first. If she asks me to stay with her, will you bring a message to my husband and let him know where I am?”
Hawkins’s chest puffed with obvious pride. “As you wish.”
Meredith nodded and smiled pleasantly. Then, with her mind focused on poor Elizabeth’s plight, she followed Mr. Hawkins from the room.
Nineteen
The hall clock chimed ten as they ascended to the third floor, but Meredith paid it little heed. She was trying to think of how best to manage the coming meeting and wondering why Elizabeth was so distressed.
Meredith had difficulty imagining her brother doing something to deliberately harm Elizabeth. He might be foolish, irresponsible, even thoughtless at times, but his affection for and infatuation with the young girl seemed genuine. Hopefully it was only a silly misunderstanding between the two that had caused this upset and could be easily rectified.
With that in mind, Meredith glanced at her surroundings. They were now in a very old and obviously little used section of the house. There was a musty, stale odor to the air and evidence of dust on the floors and carpet runners. Few candles were lit, casting dark and eerie shadows along the hallway that narrowed, twisted, and turned at abrupt angles.
