Page 27

“Where have you searched?”

“I left a man watching Ryland’s house. He’s to get word to me the moment Ryland reappears. I have spent the day visiting each of his neighbors, from Mr. Crawley in the south to Mr. Fitzroy in the north.” Mr. Wellington scowled. “There’s been no sign of him anywhere.”

Running his fingers through his hair, William did another circuit of the room. Where would the man go? Surely he would not order his trunks to be packed only to leave without them. Unless he was using them as a ruse. William paused his pacing. Was Ryland that devious?

“Have you checked his stable and carriage house?”

“Yes, my lord. His conveyances are all accounted for. He exchanged your horse for one of his own. I believe your steward has returned the one Ryland left at the beach and has reclaimed your mount already.”

So Ryland was on horseback. That opened up his destination to an almost impossible number of possibilities.

“Did you ask Ryland’s butler if he knew where the man might have gone?”

“I did. He said that his master rarely journeyed anywhere beyond the Broads.”

William swung around. “That’s it!”

Mr. Wellington gave him a puzzled look. “I beg your pardon, my lord?”

“That is where Ryland has gone.” When Mr. Wellington showed no sign of grasping his meaning, William continued. “The man is fixated with the Broads. If he were to contemplate leaving the area, he would undoubtedly visit his favorite spots one last time.”

Mr. Wellington’s expression cleared. “By Jove, I daresay you’re right. It would be just like Ryland to stay in the marshland longer than he’d intended.”

“Indeed,” William said.

“A thorough search will require additional men,” Mr. Wellington said.

“I suggest you begin in the areas closest to Ryland’s land,” William said. “Since he’s been driving sheep along the beach, I will search the marshland that borders the sea.”

Mr. Wellington did nothing to hide his relief. “I am most grateful for your assistance, my lord.”

“I want the man apprehended, Wellington.” He opened the bottom drawer of his desk and withdrew a pistol. “And we’ve wasted enough time already.”

A light knock sounded at the door, and Sally walked in carrying a tray.

She bobbed a curtsy before approaching. “Mrs. Densley thought you might like some tea, miss.”

Charlotte smiled. “Thank you, Sally.”

“Of course, miss.” She set the tray on Charlotte’s knee. “An’ if you don’ mind me sayin’ so, it’s right good to see you lookin’ more like yerself.”

“Thank you, Sally. And I believe I have you to thank for taking care of me when I arrived here, wet and bedraggled.”

“Mrs. Underhill is the one t’ thank, miss. She knew just what t’ do.”

“I shall be sure to express my appreciation to her too.”

Sally offered her a shy smile and bobbed another curtsy. “Will there be anything else, miss?”

“No. Actually, yes.” Charlotte avoided looking at her grandmother. “Do you happen to know if Mr. Wellington is still meeting with Lord Cheston?”

“No, miss. The magistrate left about twenty minutes ago.”

“I … I see.” Charlotte swallowed her disappointment. William was no longer occupied with the gentleman, yet he had not returned. “Thank you, Sally.”

The maid turned to go and another knock sounded. Charlotte’s hope rose again, but when Sally opened the door, it was Lady Cheston who entered.

“Well, this is a sight for sore eyes,” she said. “I am most grateful to see you sitting up in bed, Miss Densley.”