Chapter Thirty-Seven

Soon Cassandra and Lady Madelaine entered the room. His mother tried to sound aloof. “What is it Gordon that you disturbed my lessons in the art of crochet? I cannot believe I was so inept. Cassandra had years to learn in the Winston School on holidays and such when she had to occupy the many hours she was forced to spend alone.”

“Please sit, Mother.”

Samantha moved behind Cassandra as she took a sturdy chair.

“This is difficult for me, ladies. I would ask you hear me out and do not panic.”

Cassandra clutched at her chair. The dowager extended her hand to Cassandra and held it tightly. Samantha rested hers on her cousin’s shoulder.

“Nanny was assaulted in the park. The perpetrators wounded her and kidnapped”—he took a deep breath—“Alicia.”

Cassandra went to rise. “No. No. No. This couldn’t happen.” She was restrained, barely.

Gordon went to her. “I will do all within my power to secure her release. Cassandra, trust me. Alicia has come to mean as much to me as she has to you. I will arrange the ransom money. Bow Street Runners and members of the Saints are on the way here. I need you to be calm, difficult as it may be, because you cannot endanger our child. Samantha and my mother will be with you. I will bring her back to you. I give you my word.” If she is still alive and not yet sold.

Cassandra reached for her husband’s hands. “Gordon, please find them before she is sold to slavers.”

The expression on her face worried him. “I am prepared to pay.” He settled his wife in the chair. “I will do all possible to secure her safety. Trust me on this.” He cupped her face in his hands. “She is part of my family and I hold her dear.”

She moved her head to the side and tears rolled down her cheeks. Lady Madelaine handed her a handkerchief, and Cassandra dabbed her cheeks with one hand, her other hand over her stomach protectively. “I do trust you, Gordon. I feel strange. Who would want to hurt such a lovely child?” Then a flash of recognition crossed her face. “Brent? Could Felicity have…”

Her brother spoke softly, “If it was, she will pay dearly for this outrage. Blame me, also, Althorn, for against my better wishes I let that woman rule my life. I will find out if I have to beat it out of her.”

“No,” said Althorn. “We don’t want to go off half-cocked. The Runners and a few of the Saints will be here shortly. Cool heads are needed.” He looked to Chester. “Pour stiff drinks for the men. Summon tea for the ladies.”

Chester rang the bell pull, poured drinks, and when a servant came, ordered mint tea for the women. Cassandra covered her mouth with her hands. She took quick breaths. “Gordon, please return Alicia to me unharmed.”

“Us, Cassandra. You and me. You aren’t alone in this.” He held her eyes and smiled in a way that made his intention clear. “I know this is difficult for you. Kindly follow my instructions. There is enough pressure on me, on all of us. If I have to concern myself with your safety and the baby’s, it works against me. I’d like the three of you to stay here while the cadre of men I’ve assembled and I meet in my study.” He went to her. “We will find her alive. I give you my word, dearest. Wait here. I will return with Alicia in my arms. This I promise you.” Or die trying.

Gordon motioned to the Duchess Samantha.

“We will remain calm. Althorn, did you say a physician was in attendance? Perhaps he can prepare a harmless draught for Cassandra to calm her nerves?”

“Good thought, my lady.” Chester was given the instructions.

The men departed to the study.

The physician entered, was advised of the situation. From his black bag he prepared an herbal potion, and assured the couple it wouldn’t hurt the babe. “It should make her drowsy, but not enough to encourage a full deep sleep. I won’t give her any laudanum.” The doctor asked, “A word with you outside, your Grace?”

Unrequested, Samantha arose and went with the duke.

“She’s early in her second trimester, about four months by my calculation. It will be helpful if her stress level is reduced. The potion will help, but any bad news should be kept from her. It can trigger a miscarriage.”

“I will take care of her,” Samantha said. “Send me notes if at all possible, and I’ll handle all with consideration for her condition.”

“Thank you.” Althorn kissed her hand.

“You’re welcome, you rogue. I love her, too. Now go find Alicia.” She walked back to the ladies.

Althorn secretly blessed her demeanor and then left.

Samantha fluttered about and spoke to Cassandra, “I do believe you might be drowsy, my dear. Why not recline on the lounge where you can nod off?” Cassandra arose and was led to the chaise and settled there. “I envy you, Cassandra. There’s a baby on the way and time to sit and have us care for you. Enjoy it, my dear.” Samantha laughed and held her cousin’s hand. “I might add, you have a husband who adores you and is concerned. At this particular moment, if you asked, I do believe he would pluck the moon for you.”

“I don’t need the moon.”

Samantha patted her cousin’s hand. “Speaking of the moon, I came across an old saying while I was studying the stars, ‘The sun loved the moon so much, he died each night so she could breathe.’”

“That’s beautiful,” Cassandra daydreamed. “Wherever did you see it?”

“It’s a very old poem, it seems. Written By:* Lokesh Fouzdar (Pleiades 513). It took me a good time to research. Isn’t it profoundly romantic?”

Cassandra sighed at the lovely thought. “Gordon might whisper such to me.”

“I had in mind to have it included in the poetry lessons at my school for young ladies,” Samantha said.

“Utterly divine. It makes me want to die for love, too.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, Cassandra, but it does stir my heart. I can see, my dearest, you are much in love. Tell me about Gordon.”

She and Lady Madelaine listened with interest until Cassandra nodded off.

****

“Thank you all for your assistance,” Gordon said. “It’s a difficult task because we don’t know who perpetrated this kidnap, however, we have a solid idea of who masterminded the plan.”

He explained his suspicions to all. “Montgomery, go with the two Sacred Order of Mortal Saints to the theatre. Find the actor, Lawrence Acton, either there or at the hotel nearby, and beat him within an inch of his life if he does not confess his deed. If you run into your wife, subdue and handcuff her and bring her to the constabulary under my orders. She isn’t to be released for any reason. Though she may deserve it, don’t harm her. Do you agree?”

“Of course, I’m not a dolt. I’d be glad to see her rot in prison for her infidelity and revenge on the poor child who has done naught to deserve such hatred.”

Montgomery motioned to the Saints. “Let’s leave at once. We will return here when we have obtained the needed information. Alicia could be held anywhere.”

They left with dispatch.

Morgan, head of the Bow Street Runners, spoke. “Your Grace, I have stationed guards at all entrances of the villa. Two will be outside the main entrance, armed and ready.”

“Good. Let’s assume Montgomery will be successful in his mission. Now this is what we will do.” He strategized and each of the men offered comments. After an hour or so, Montgomery returned with Lawrence Acton in tow, handcuffed and—bruised.

“This blighter hired the thugs and paid them at my wife’s instigation. There is a cottage where the child is held. It’s on the north-most corner of your land, Althorn. I’ve taken the liberty to summon our carriages, as many as needed. They await outside.”

Gordon went to his map case, removed one, and pointed to a spot where the cottage was located. “Difficult to reach. We may have to leave the coaches and approach on foot. My people rarely use this cabin. Ocean at their back, boulders in the front where they can hide behind and shoot at us while we approach. Let’s reconsider our plan.”

“What about him?” One of the men pointed at the battered man.

“Althorn has a small jail in town. We can deposit him there until we’re prepared to ship him off to Newgate in London. Assign someone to keep watch over him.” Montgomery spoke with the utmost pleasure.

“There they will make good use of his talents, but they won’t be for his performance as an actor.”