The tension in Belle’s drawing room was thick enough to slice with a knife. Unable to sit calmly another second, Thomasina jumped up and marched across the thick carpets. “No one has heard a word from Alex. We cannot just sit and do nothing. The man was a rake. I can spot them from great distances.”
“Calm yourself, Thom.” Belle spoke with an unusual grimness that had Thomasina pulling up.
“Calm myself? Calm myself? Our friend has been missing since ten of the clock last night.”
“He didn’t appear to be a horrible man. His voice was most attractive,” Victoria said.
“No? What of a scoundrel? A rogue? A libertine?” Thomasina demanded. “If Winsome learns she’s missing, he’ll never allow her out of the house again.”
“Winsome’s not going find out. Not if we can help it.” Belle stood and picked up the pacing where Thomasina had left off. “For all we know, she’s at home right this very minute.”
“Well, we need to find out for certain,” Thomasina said.
Belle’s gaze moved around the group. “It will have to be one of you.”
Philomena’s brow creased. She was Thomasina’s identical twin sister, “Why? Wouldn’t it be best if we all went?”
“No. By sheer good fortune, Alex told the duchess she would be staying a few days with me. Thom, you and Victoria go.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s almost two now. Act as if you are stopping by for a morning call. If Alex is there, she’ll meet with you, if she’s not the duchess should inform you, she is here.” Belle marched over to her vacated chair and sat down.
“That does seem the wisest solution.” Thomasina started for the door. “But what do we do if she’s not there?”
“Come back here straight away, and we’ll decide from that point.” Belle had spoken.
“Fine. Hurry, Victoria. The sooner we find Alex, the better I shall feel.”