That was her last thought before darkness closed in.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Have you seen my wife?” Marcus asked the trio of Kent ladies.
“About a quarter hour ago, I think,” Mrs. Kent said. “She was headed off to the retiring room, but she ought to be back by now.”
Tremont arrived and handed his marchioness a glass of lemonade.
“Did you see Lady Blackwood at the buffet tables by any chance?” the latter asked.
“No, princess,” Tremont said. “Why?”
“Lord Blackwood is looking for her. She’s missing.”
“Who’s missing, Thea?” This came from Ambrose Kent, who approached his wife and settled an arm around her waist.
“My wife,” Marcus said. “None of you have seen her recently?”
Everyone shook their heads.
His nape prickled. He knew his Penny. At social events, they didn’t live in each other’s pockets, but they did check in with one another. Regularly. It was unlike her to absent herself for so long without telling him where she was going.
“I’m going to look for her,” he said.
“For who?” The Duke of Strathaven sauntered over.
“His wife,” the duchess said. Her clear brown eyes widened as she took in the newly arrived gentlemen. “One moment. Why are all three of you here… where’s Violet?”
“I thought you had her,” Strathaven said to Kent.
Kent turned to Tremont. “I thought you did.”
“Hell,” Tremont said succinctly.
Marcus didn’t stay for the rest. He strode out of the ballroom to look for his wife. He was in the hallway heading toward the foyer when a breathy voice called out from behind him. “Blackwood?”
Devil take it.
Turning, he acknowledged curtly, “Lady Ashley.”
“You’re not leaving already?”
Her voice had a tremulous quiver. In truth, it always had. He didn’t know how he’d missed how annoying it was until now.
“I’m looking for my wife,” he said. “Have you seen her?”
The countess’ lips trembled. She clasped her hands over her chest, her fingers twisting together. “I… I may have.”
Relief filled him. “Where?”
“Marcus, please, can’t we talk a moment?”
His shoulders stiffened at her overly familiar use of his name.
Her eyes shimmered. “You saw how Ashley was. He doesn’t care about me at all. I’m so alone.”
Bloody hell.
