Lady Clifford nodded. “I see. When was the last time you heard from her?”
The duchess hesitated, then murmured, “Six years ago.”
Six years?Georgiana’s eyebrows flew up. “That’s, er…quite a long time, Your Grace. Forgive me, but something must have happened to prompt your search. Did someone see her, or was she—”
“I did. I saw her, or…” The duchess’s troubled dark eyes met Georgiana’s. “Or Ithought I did.”
“Well, that should make this easier.” Lady Clifford gave the duchess an encouraging nod. “Where was this?”
“On Albemarle Street. She was in a carriage outside Lady Tilbury’s townhouse. It was dark, and I only got a glimpse of her. At first, I thought I’d imagined it, as Lady Tilbury never leaves her country estate in Herefordshire, but then I recalled she arrived in London this week with her grandson. The child is sickly, so she’s come to consult with Doctor Cadogan regarding his health.”
“Clara Beauchamp was—or is—acquainted with LadyTilbury, then?”
“Lady Tilbury was a dear friend of Miss Beauchamp’s mother. I thought if Miss Beauchampwasin London, Lady Tilbury’s house would be the first place she’d go.”
“You said you only caught a glimpse of her. Are you certain it was her?”
“I can’t be entirely certain, Miss Harley, but I believe it was her. Miss Beauchamp’s hair is a very fair shade of gold—nearly white. It’s distinctive, and difficult to mistake.”
Lady Clifford considered this, then asked the question that was hovering on Georgiana’s lips. “Do you have any reason to suppose Miss Beauchampis in danger?”
People didn’t, after all, simply vanish for six years for no reason, regardless of whether they poppedback up again.
“No, nothing like that.” The duchess’s reply was too quick, then she bit her lip, as if afraid she’d given herself away. “But she may be in some financial difficulties. I thought if I could find her, I might be able to help her.”
Georgiana and Lady Clifford glanced at each other. This wasn’t the sort of business the Clifford School typically involved themselves in. If the lady had been a victim of foul play, then perhaps—
“I understand you don’t…that your services aren’t generally…I realize this is a small matter.” The duchess twisted her hands in her lap. “But I thought you might be persuaded to grant me this favor in the interest of a future friendship between us.”
Georgiana took the duchess’s meaning at once. Lady Clifford didn’t take money for her services, but she did accept patronage. Her connections to the titled and powerful citizens of London had proved invaluable to the Clifford School. If they did agree to help the duchess locate Miss Beauchamp, they would continue to enjoy her support even after the matter was settled.
The Duchess of Kenilworth’s patronage was nothing to scoff at.
“If that’s not of use,” the duchess went on, “perhaps my friendship with Lord and Lady Darlington mightpersuade you?”
Ah, now that made some sense, at least. Lord Haslemere and Lord Darlington were good friends, and the duchess had become friendly with Cecilia through her brother.
“I believe we can come to some arrangement, Your Grace.” Lady Clifford gave the duchess a reassuring smile. “You mentioned Lady Darlington. Does she know about your search? Did she recommend you contact us regarding Miss Beauchamp?”
“No! That is, I didn’t mention anything about Miss Beauchamp to Lady Darlington. She knows only that I have some business I wish to see resolved,nothing more.”
“I take it, then, that this matter requires…discretion?”
“Indeed, Lady Clifford, it must be kept strictly between us. The duke is very busy, and I don’t wish to worry him with something soinsignificant.”
“What of your brother, Lord Haslemere? Does he know of it?” Georgiana could feel Lady Clifford’s eyes on her, but she kept her own gaze on the duchess. Surely, it was a reasonable question? She only wanted all the facts at her disposal, nothing more.
“He does not, and it must remain that way. Indeed, I insist on having your promise you won’t breathe a word about any of this to a soul, and inparticularnot to Lord Haslemere.”
“Of course not, Your Grace.” Lady Clifford’s tone was soothing. “We keep all our business private.”
The duchess let out a relieved breath. “Thank you. Fortunately, he’s at his country estate in Surrey and intends to remain there for the time being to see to some repairs on the house. It should be easy enough to keep it from him.”
Lord Haslemere wasn’t returning to London for the season?
Cecilia had told Georgiana that Lord Darlington expected Lord Haslemere in London this week, but of course the duchess must know her brother’s intentions better than anyone. The news that he would not in fact be returning to London caused a peculiar pang in Georgiana’s chest.
Relief, no doubt.
