The Hunt Ends (Markson Regency Mystery Book 6) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  The Hunt Ends

  Markson Regency Mystery

  Lindsay Downs

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  The Hunt Ends

  Copyright © 2016 LINDSAY DOWNS

  Cover Art Designed by Heidi Sieverding

  If you purchase this book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher. In such case the author has not received any payment for this “stripped book.”

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  DEDICATION

  To the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Hampshire estate, 18 May 1817

  Five exhausting, long months had passed since Kristina had last seen Robert. He’d departed with her brother, Ethan, in an attempt to bring Estelle to justice. Due to Kristina’s delicate condition, at the time two months increasing, she had elected to return home to wait out the birth of their child and her husband’s coming back to her.

  Since he’d left, she’d not received any word as to the success of the mission. Ethan had sent a vague letter stating they were in France. Her frustration was palpable.

  Now, stretched out on the settee in the viscountess’ parlor, Kristina started to turn the page of the mystery novel when her mother, Lady Sylvia Rosewood, swept in. Placing the book onto the table, Kristina looked up. “Did you have a pleasant rest, mother?”

  “Yes, I did darling. I hope you did as well?”

  “No, not really. Every time I tried to relax the baby kicked. I fear Robert may be correct. Only a son would do that with such disregard to his mother’s ribs,” Kristina declared.

  “My dear, that’s not entirely fact. When I was increasing with you, many times I had the same problem when lying down. Your feet were always in my ribs. In contrast, Ethan was never a bother.”

  “If only he was still no trouble. My husband is chasing around France hunting for that despicable Estelle woman because of Ethan’s insistence.”

  “Ethan has others who would have taken the commission, if asked. However, something tells me William, Duke of Clarion, might have been involved in sending your husband.” Her mother clasped her hands together tightly, as she did when she was in deep thought.

  “And why is that? Because he helped bring the sister, Désirée, down?”

  “I believe so, yes.”

  Kristina opened her mouth to respond, only to be interrupted by a soft knock. She found Sydney standing in the doorway.

  “Yes?” Kristina sat up straighter.

  “M’ ladies, I just received word that a footman has spotted a rider heading this direction.”

  She turned to her mother, a spark of anticipation filling her. “Do you think…?”

  “I wouldn’t hazard a guess. Let me help you up then we can make our way to the front porch.”

  As they made their way down the stairs, Kristina repeated a silent prayer that it was her husband finally returning. Stepping out onto the portico she saw the rider approaching at a fast gallop. She immediately recognized the coffee colored jacket. It belonged to Robert. Panic struck her. He was sitting on the beast in a slumped position. His arms encircled the horse’s neck as if he held on for dear life.

  “Sydney, get several footmen at once as His Lordship appears injured,” she ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lady. I’ll find something to use as a stretcher as well.”

  Kristina watched as Robert rode in closer. Although she wanted to descend the stairs at a fast race, a sharp kick to the ribs reminded her of the precious child she carried. She carefully made her way, at an awkward wobble, down the front stoop to the cobblestones. The sound of running was heard through the hallway from footmen, she could only hope, then Kristina saw several grooms racing toward the barn.

  Robert came into the courtyard and one of the stable hands cautiously approached the horse so not to frighten the beast. Kristina held her breath, watching as one of the men grabbed the reins, bringing the horse to a halt.

  More footmen ran out to aid Robert, all helping and catching their master as he slid from the saddle. Standing rooted to her spot, she kneaded her hands together until her knuckles ached. Oh, he must be okay.

  His jacket front was covered in blood and automatically she responded, racing toward her husband, hearing his moan of pain. She started to touch him, but jerked her hand back, afraid of hurting him more. “Darling, you’re home. We’ll take care of you,” she whispered.

  “Estelle is coming,” he murmured just before his head rolled to the side. Fear caused her knees to weaken and one of the footmen must have sensed this because he grabbed her elbow, balancing her. Drawing in breaths, demanding herself to stay brave, she pulled away from the helping hand and leaned closer to her husband, searching for a pulse. She couldn’t feel anything. Lowering her head to his chest, she listened. Relief spread over her. “He’s still alive! Hurry. Let’s get him in the house.”

  “Take him to his suite. Call for the Cook and the housekeeper. Their assistance is needed,” Lady Sylvia ordered.

  Kristina was grateful that her mother had a handle on things because she felt herself growing weaker until her legs finally gave out. Everything went black and she had the faint sensation of falling…

  Opening her eyes, she blinked against the light, realizing she was in her bed. The first person she saw was her mother then Amanda who was hovering in the background.

  “What happened?” Kristina asked in a hoarse voice.

  “My dear, you fainted.” Her mother had deep creases of worry around her eyes. “I want you to stay in bed. I’ll go see how Robert’s doing.”

  Wanting to run to be by her husband’s side, Kristina was also logical. She had to think of the wellbeing of their baby.

  “Yes, mother, please see how he’s doing and come right back to let me know,” Kristina pleaded.

  “I will return quickly.”

  Her mother disappeared through the adjoining door and Amanda stepped up to the bed, her face twisted with worry.

  “I’m happy that you are fine,” Amanda said. “As Her Ladyship said, rest. I’ll get you something to eat so you may regain your strength faster. I know you wish to be by your husband’s side.”

  “Thank you. As much as this will astound you, I promise to remain abed, at least until I a
m certain I won’t faint again.”

  “That makes me very happy. Now, I’ll get your tray.” Amanda hurried from the room.

  With the room silent, Kristina was able to hear the mumbled words coming from where Robert lay next door, hopefully in much better condition than when she saw him, his chest covered in blood, pale and barely breathing.

  What happened to him? Had he been shot? Or maybe a stab wound? Her heart pounded in her chest as she rolled around in her mind all the possibilities.

  Finally, after what seemed like hours but was only minutes, her mother returned. The worried expression had been exchanged for a semi-smile. Kristina pushed herself upright, waiting with anticipation.

  “Set your mind at rest, my dear. Your Robert will recover fully and in short order. I know the blood made you believe the worst, but it’s not as tragic as it appeared.”

  “Mother, I don’t understand.”

  “He has sustained a gunshot to the chest. Just a minor grazing though. All of the bouncing about on the horse caused him to bleed more.”

  Kristina dropped back to the pillows and let out a sigh of relief. ”I will want to see him, but as promised, I will gain a little more strength first.”

  “That’s a splendid idea. I’m not sure I can take another episode like that.” Lady Sylvia fanned her face.

  “I’m sorry, mother. Sit down for a minute before you end up in this bed alongside me.” Once her mother was seated, Kristina took the liberty of asking more questions. “Is he awake? Is he saying anything more about Estelle?”

  “He’s in and out of being awake.” Her mother’s color was slowly coming back. “Not saying anything really except that he wants to see you.”

  Kristina’s heart skipped a beat. “Then I must go to him.” She started to push back the cover, but her mother’s hand stopped her.

  “Not so fast, my dear. You’ll be no good for him in this condition.”

  Realizing her mother was right, Kristina settled back into the bed reluctantly. “Then be my eyes, mother. Tell me what you saw.” She had to know. She couldn’t just sit here in the dark.

  “It’s not necessary—”

  “It is to me,” Kristina said.

  Nodding, Sylvia clasped her hands in her lap. “From his physical condition, Mrs. Swanson and Cook believe he’s been racing here for more than a week. Most of the blood on his clothing was already dried. He is weak, yes, but coming about. I didn’t see the wound myself. Once you eat and wash your face, then you may see him and his condition for yourself. You must keep your child in mind.”

  “I promise.” Kristina placed her hands over the firm bulge in her abdomen, rewarded with a sharp kick that let her know the baby was fine.

  Amanda bustled into the suite carrying a tray, then stopped, one corner of her mouth turning down. “I’m sorry, m’ lady, I didn’t realize you were here, otherwise I would have brought you tea,” Amanda stated to Lady Rosewood.

  “Worry not about me. Care for your mistress as she needs sustenance more than I.”

  Amanda went about preparing the plate while Kristina straightened the sheets over her lap then accepted the tray from her maid. With her mother looking on, Kristina nibbled at the bread and cheese. She wasn’t very hungry, but she forced herself to eat as much as possible, knowing her mother would demand it.

  With most of her food gone, she was helped up and into her private room and there she washed. Together with her mother, they went to Robert’s suite and was shocked when she heard voices coming from the room.

  “That must be the doctor with Robert. I had Sydney send for him,” her mother said.

  “Thank you. Looks like I’ve come at the right time.”

  Kristina opened the door and swept in. The doctor was placing something upon Robert’s chest—black, shiny and appearing to be wiggling. A breath fell off her lips. Storming further into the room, she glowered at the doctor, ready to tear him apart limb by limb. “Get those disgusting thinks off His Lordship,” she demanded.

  “M’ lady, we need to use them to bleed the viscount,” the man replied, staggering slightly.

  His slurred words told Kristina that he was drunk. Now, she was beyond furious. Balling her hands into fist, ready to charge the doctor, her mother’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.

  “I want you gone now!” Kristina ordered through clenched lips. When the doctor ignored her, she turned to Sydney. “Get two footmen and, if necessary use force to get this drunkard away from your master.”

  “With pleasure, m’ lady.”

  Soon after, the butler returned with two tall, burly staff. In a matter of seconds, they had the doctor picked up, then cleared from the suite. Sydney carried the jar of leeches, Kristina having removed the horrid creatures from Robert’s chest herself.

  “Mrs. Swanson, please get warm water and flannels. I wish to clean His Lordship up and get the slime off him,” Kristina directed.

  “M’ lady, I’ve already sent a maid to collect a pitcher as soon as I saw what that disgusting man was doing. She should be… ah here she is now. Why don’t you have a seat and we’ll take care of His Lordship,” the housekeeper said.

  Still feeling weak, Kristina took a seat by the fireplace yet close enough that she could see and keep an eye on Robert.

  “Relax, my dear,” her mother whispered. “I know His Lordship will be fine. I assure you, and as you can see, the wound is just a graze. He’s tired from the blood loss and no sleep. After a good amount of rest, he will recover. I would also suggest, until he’s stronger, you sleep in the viscountess suite. And before you say anything, I know you and he share the same bed,” her mother uttered softly.

  As if he wanted to intervene, a loud moan came from Robert.

  Kristina started to stand, but was halted by a firm hand on her arm. “Why can’t I go?” Kristina demanded.

  “Let Mrs. Swanson and the maid finish getting Robert cleaned up. Then go see him.”

  “I’d only be in the way?” She dropped back into her chair.

  Kristina kept a close eye on the two women, silently wishing they’d hurry up. Finally, Mrs. Swanson turned and gave her a reassuring smile.

  “M’ lady, His Lordship is trying to awaken. Your presence will help him.”

  Kristina stood and quickly, as she could in her condition, made her way over to the bed. She took his strong hand into hers, seeing caked blood in his nails that couldn’t be cleaned. That’s when the tears started and the wetness slipped down her cheeks, silently.

  “Darling, I’m here. Please try to open your eyes,” she said softly.

  She felt a weak squeeze on her fingers.

  “Do it again,” she uttered, encouraging him.

  And he did, bringing a smile to Kristina’s lips. His normal complexion was returning and he finally opened his eyes. “Hello, my dear,” he whispered.

  “Oh, Robert, I’m so happy you’re alive,” she said, giving him a warm smile. The tears had turned to one of joy.

  “That makes two of us. I was beginning to believe I’d never see you again.”

  “M’ lord, you should rest,” her mother directed from behind Kristina.

  “Sylvia, as much as I’d love to, first I need something to eat. I’ve been riding hard for three days,” Robert explained.

  Kristina called for Mrs. Swanson. “Have Cook send up some broth and plain biscuits.”

  “Yes, m’ lady.”

  “I would much prefer a sandwich and glass of wine,” he muttered.

  “If you can keep the broth and biscuits in your stomach, I’ll think about letting you have what you requested,” Kristina suggested.

  “Fine. By the way, where is Evan? I would have thought he’d be hovering over me.”

  “He went to wash up and put on clean clothes as he’d helped with dressing the wound. He should be along shortly,” Sylvia stated.

  “I’ve returned,” Robert’s valet stated as he stepped into the suite.

  “Good. Help me up. I’m getting
dressed. If Her Ladyship is insistent on me having broth and biscuits, I’ll not be eating while lying here. I want to sit in one of the chairs by the fireplace.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Robert waited until Kristina and Sylvia left, tossed off the covers then inspected the bandage across his chest. He noticed little bite marks. Those he knew were from leeches, which meant the doctor had been here. He wondered if Kristina had seen what the man had been doing and sent him packing. Knowing her as he did, that’s exactly what had happened.

  Carefully, and with Evan’s help, he stood, gained his balance then took a step toward his private room. Weak, his knees gave out, but Evan caught him. Slowly, they continued on the short journey.

  “It will be easier if I wear a pair of trousers along with a shirt. If I’m up to it later a cravat and jacket,” he directed to Evan.

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  After taking care of his needs Robert stood in front of the mirror and removed the wrap covering his injury. Carefully, he examined the wound. It wasn’t as bad as he thought, but he would certainly have a scar. He wondered how Kristina would respond once she saw the injury. He knew it would be difficult for her at first, but she would get used to the appearance. Returning to the suite, he looked for extra wrapping. He found a roll along with one of Mrs. Swanson’s poultices sitting on the dressing table.

  “Evan, I need your assistance in getting bandaged. And before you say you can’t, I know you helped the surgeon treat soldiers while we were in Spain.”

  “Yes, m’ lord, that won’t be a problem. Let’s get your trousers on first. I’ll take care of it as I’m sure Her Ladyship is most likely becoming impatient.”

  Robert suspected Evan was correct in that his wife would be eager to ply him with broth and biscuits.

  Trousers on and exhausted, he took a seat on the bed while his valet applied the medicine on the wound then wrapped the injury in a clean strip of cloth.