He leaned forward with clear purpose in his expression. “You have my word. I will pursue Lord Wetherington for this crime.”
“Thank you.” Allan reached forward and shook the constable’s hand then he took his leave.
As he left the station, he just had to hope that his threat to Lord Wetherington the night before hadn’t caused him to leave the country in a matter of hours. If Allan could see justice in the court of law, that would be the ultimate form of justice, and he prayed that it would show Frederica that she never needed to fear the man again.
* * *
When the carriage pulled up outside Honora’s house in Cornwall, Allan had the door open even before it had fully stopped. He jumped down, so dangerously close to the wheel that even the footman hollered out to him to be careful.
Allan just walked on, marching straight toward the door. He had seen the address in Honora’s letters to Frederica, for once they were married, she had shared them with him.
He quickly took in what a beautiful place it was. The house was modest though well-kept with roses and ivy trailing the walls and a fine garden filled with flowers whose blooms hadn’t been subdued in the recent rain. The sun was even starting to come out, peering between grey clouds, as if it had come to watch the event that was about to unfold.
Allan rapped his knuckles on the door repeatedly. His wounded hand stung at the action. At first, it wasn’t answered though he heard a commotion inside.
He had to keep knocking, but eventually it was answered, but not by a member of staff. It was flung open by Honora.
There was fire in her eyes as she glared at him.
“Lord Padleigh! No, no, this is wrong. You must leave at once. She doesn’t want to see you.”
“Then she’s here?” Relief flooded Allan’s bones. All day and all night he had traveled in the carriage, desperate for some news of her. Now, at least, he had it. “Is she well? She’s not hurt?”
“What? No, she’s perfectly well. In body, anyway,” Honora said, shifting her weight between her feet.
Lord Wetherington did not hurt her before she left. Thank God!
“Please, let me see my wife,” Allan begged.
“That, I cannot allow.” Honora suddenly stepped out of the door and closed it behind her. That loud thud was like a death knoll to Allan. To have come so far and yet be sent packing; he couldn’t bear it.
“Please,” Allan said again.
“She ran from you.” Honora spoke with great spirit, raising her chin. “I have tried myself to persuade her into talking to you, maybe even returning to you, but she will not have it. She is adamant, and I will not persuade her to do something she does not want to do, least of all speak to you now.”
“So much has changed though since she left. I have things to tell her. Good things. Things that will make her feel safe again.” Allan tried to step around her, but she firmly moved in his way. “Please, just let me see my wife. Everything I have to say will make things better.”
“You think that?” Her scoff was a dubious one indeed.
“Oh, God.” Allan moved back from her. Honora could be full of spirit when she wanted to be. Clearly, she was the best guard dog Frederica could have hoped for.
I have to see her. I have to!
Without knowing what else to do, Allan acted on instinct.
He turned back to face Honora then dropped to his knees, pressing his hands together.
“Oh my goodness. Lord Padleigh! Stand up at once.”
“I cannot.” Allan shook his head. “I am begging you. Please, let me see my wife. If you do not want us to be alone for the discussion, that is fine. You can be with us, but I beg of you to let me see her. There are things I need to tell her.”
“You’re getting my garden dirt all over your trousers,” she pointed out with a flick of her fingers.
“I don’t care.” He shook his head. “I’ll drench myself in dirt if it buys me just five minutes with her.”
“You’re a dramatic man, aren’t you?” She raised one of her eyebrows. “You rather suit my niece in some ways. I have always been fond of her dramatic ways, too.” She sighed and flicked her fingers toward the door. “You’ll find her in the sitting room. You may go in to see her.”
Allan scrambled to get to his feet.
