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

  “What Sylvia, Countess of Crossington, doesn’t know about assisting in child birth then I should be able to as I’ve also brought my share of babies screaming into the world,” Jolene, Duchess of Clarion declared, announced from the door then swept into the parlor at the duke’s side.

  The pronouncement brought Robert and Syliva to their feet as Kristina also attempted to stand.

  “Lady Kristina, don’t you even dare try to stand and give us a curtsey considering your condition,” William ordered.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Wonderful, now everyone please retake your seats,” Jolene requested.

  Once everyone was seated Kristina felt a gentle tap on her arm. Aware Robert was attempting to gain her attention she leaned toward him and raised a brow.

  “Simply put, after landing in London I posted a letter to them alerting the duke and duchess of Estelle’s return,” he paused and addressed them, “I didn’t expect you to arrive but I’m happy you’re here,” Robert explained.

  “And no sooner had we received the post when I ordered Ethan to stay at the ducal estate to watch over the little Marquis Brendan and Lady Katherine,” William continued.

  “Properly chaperoned I hope, as I wouldn’t trust my brother under any circumstance,” Kristina declared.

  “Of course, my dear. Ethan and you may not have always gotten along but with our daughter he has always been a perfect gentleman,” Jolene declared.

  “Before we go any further, please forgive my manners. I’ll have Mrs. Swanson open a suite for you,” Kristina stated.

  In minutes, Mrs. Swanson appeared and curtsied.

  “Have the brown suite in the family wing opened and make sure there are rooms for the duke and duchess’ staff,” Kristina directed.

  “Certainly, m’ lady,” Mrs. Swanson replied.

  “Yes, very good.” Kristina returned her attention to their guests. “Have you had dinner? If not, I’ll have Cook set up trays for you.”

  “How generous of you, but we stopped at a tavern for dinner,” William uttered.

  “Your Grace, if you will give me ten minutes I’ll have the room set to rights,” the housekeeper stated, curtsied then slipped from the parlor.

  “Mother, with Jolene here and familiar with childbirth you will then be able to do the tenant calls tomorrow.”

  “Why don’t I go in your stead, Sylvia. This Estelle person doesn’t know what I look like. This way you will be able to stay with Kristina in case anything happens unexpectedly. Not to mention the fact I haven’t been in disguise, helping to hunt down traitors alongside the duke, in quite a long while,” Jolene uttered.

  “Our housekeeper will be accompanying you as she’s familiar with the people you are scheduled to visit,” Robert added.

  “What time will we be departing as I will need time to get properly dressed,” Jolene said.

  “Eight of the clock. Cook will have everything packed in the cart and Seth will have a groom handle the reins. There will also be several mounted grooms with weapons,” Robert stated.

  “And as the time is getting along and I hope to sleep undisturbed by the little one, if you’ll excuse me I wish to retire.”

  Kristina let Robert help her stand. With her mother on one side and Robert on the other, they carefully made their way to the second floor and were greeted, with bows, by several footmen.

  “Yes, Your Graces, you will find footmen at both ends of all the corridors,” Robert explained.

  At the door to her suite Kristina entered to be met by her maid.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  On hearing footsteps coming down the corridor toward where he was working in his office, Robert looked up just as William entered.

  “Good morning, Your Grace,” Robert said, then started to stand only to be waved down by the duke.

  “And to you Robert. I’m happy to see you’re up and about so soon after being wounded. My only question, is Kristina aware you’re down here working?”

  Robert stood and stepped over to the duke.

  “Of that I’m not sure, William. After rising and when ready to start the day I peered into her suite to find her sleeping.”

  “What precautions have you taken to ensure yours and Kristina’s safety?”

  “My gamemaster, along with the head gardener and stable master, are setting up and maintaining watches over all the entries onto the estate. One thing I’m not going to allow myself this time is to be over confident. I’ve learned to not take anything for granted with that woman. With Estelle alone and on the hunt she will become even more dangerous than before.”

  “That is why I, along with Jolene, came. Hopefully, we will be able to assist in bringing her down, for good.”

  “William, is that why your wife and I suspect you, brought different clothes so you will be able to blend in wherever needed.”

  “Yes, if you remember in Scotland when I appeared at your castle as Mr. William Atkinson to save Viscount Underwood from being falsely accused of murder. Now, besides helping with the tenant visits how may we be of assistance in hunting Estelle down?”

  This was a problem as Robert had no answer to the duke’s question. With Kristina soon to deliver their first child he wondered if she would be very helpful as her attention would be on the impending birth.

  “William, if you remember the last time we went up against her and Désirée they hid out in a hovel. Something tells me she won’t make the same mistake again. I thinking she will attempt to change her appearance by dying her hair. This will allow her to hide in plain sight.”

  “She will also have had the time, granted almost a year, to lose most of her French accent to where she can pass herself off as an émigré,” Kristina announced from the door.

  Robert watched as she glided in, nodded to the duke then took a seat on her favorite settee.

  “If that is the case we need to alert all the farms to be on the lookout for her, as I’m sure that’s where she’ll hide,” Robert said.

  “No, dear husband. This time Estelle will be in plain sight in the village. I vaguely remember what she looked like. I can do a drawing of the woman then have the grooms show the sketch to the tavern owners,” Kristina stated.

  “And all the shop owners as well,” William added.

  “Yes and if she tries to rent a cottage, Estelle would have to go through my estate manager as I own all the buildings. She would also need to show him she was either working in a shop or opening one,” Robert stated.

  “The store would need to be new and to the best of my knowledge we have all the shops needed to serve everyone in the area,” Kristina uttered.

  Seeing a strange lady following Sylvia enter the office Robert immediately became defensive. He curled his hands into fists and stepped over to protect his wife and their unborn. Not until he finally recognized the duchess did he relax.

  “Jolene, I didn’t recognize you. Kristina and I could walk past you on the street or in the park and not be aware of who you are.” Robert stated.

  “My, dear young man, you both have on several occasions. Now, as I believe Mrs. Swanson is ready to depart, William would you care to see us off? From what I understand we won’t be back until after luncheon so Cook has prepared baskets for us and the grooms.”

  “Jolene, that is such a silly question. Don’t I always watch you leave the ducal estate when you make tenant calls, so why would here be any different,” William declared.

  “Mayhap, because Estelle might be keeping a watch over the mansion, having slipped past the guards and traps set for her. Thusly, if she did and spies you, William, the woman will learn who is accompanying the housekeeper,” Sylvia stated.

  Robert tensed while he studied both the duke and duchess. When they both nodded their understanding only then did he relax his shoulders.

  “Have you come up with a story which will explain why you and not my mother are accompanying Mrs. Swanson?” Kristina asked.

  “We have. I will be her sister, Mr
s. Atkinson, who has come to help her out with some of the daily tasks as you are close to giving birth. That way I can even go into the village without anyone aware I’m truly the Duchess of Clarion.”

  “And as such she will be able to snoop around more easily than any of us can,” William added.

  “As I said, I must be off and will take the servant stairs and meet up with the good woman in the kitchen. Until I return, all I ask is to stay safe,” Jolene pronounced then with William following made for the rear of the mansion.

  Robert retook his seat at the desk when he glanced over to Kristina who didn’t appear happy about something. He wondered if she could be close to having their baby. He then peered over to Sylvia who had taken a chair near the settee where Kristina rested. She had a slightly worried look in her eyes.

  “Are you all right, my dear? You appear to be in a little pain.”

  “No, but thank you. The baby is getting quite active all of a sudden. If you don’t mind I’m going to call for Amanda to help me upstairs so I may rest.”

  “Let me assist you, my dear.” Robert suggested.

  “As much as I appreciate your offer, between mother and my maid they can help me.”

  “And I agree with your lovely wife. This is one of those times where we men aren’t needed. We are best seen, maybe, and definitely not heard,” William declared, strolling back into the office.

  Aware that not only this battle, but the war was lost too, with a resigned shrug, Robert waited for Sydney to appear.

  “Have Amanda come down to help Lady Kristina to her suite,” Robert directed.

  “Certainly, m’ lord, except as before Amanda is waiting in the hall.”

  Once his wife was on her way, safely, back to her suite Robert turned his attention to the duke.

  “Is there anything I should worry about with Kristina seemingly so close to giving birth to our first child?”

  “Let me ask you this first. Has she hired a wet nurse? Has the nursery been set up along with a dry nurse to look after the baby? Not to mention a nanny?”

  “As to the first, no. Kristina wishes to take care of that duty herself.”

  “Then expect many sleepless nights as Jolene did the same.”

  “For the nursery everything is ready for either a boy or girl and she, while I was away chasing a shadow, hired a nanny. The woman has been staying in the nursery and eats with the staff. As for who will help look after the baby, we’ve several maids, including Mrs. Swanson, who have said they would when the woman has her day off.”

  “So then, for that you are all set. Let’s get back to the task at hand. Finding where Estelle might be hiding. What were you able to learn about the woman when chasing her in France?”

  “Not very much. Besides, as we are aware from before, she likes to use a knife but has become modestly skilled with the pistol. The only other things I learned, she loves excellent food and paintings. Neither of which will help locate her.”

  “No, you’re wrong. You have given us the needed clue on finding her. If I’m not mistaken aren’t there several ruins and scenic views people have been known to travel for days to paint.”

  “Yes and they stay in the traveler’s inn which sets a nice table,” Robert said.

  “Then, that’s where we should concentrate our search once Kristina has done the sketch for us,” William declared.

  Robert heard people running up and down the servant stairs. As that activity wasn’t permitted within the confines of the mansion he stormed out of the office and down the hall. Opening the door, he watched Sydney racing up the stairs with a bundle of sheets in his arms.

  “Halt. You are aware rushing about, except in an emergency, isn’t allowed. Now, explain yourself.” Robert demanded.

  “M’ lord, so I am aware. However, wouldn’t Her Ladyship being in labor be considered a crisis.”

  Robert’s jaw fell open on hearing this news. After a heartbeat of two he was able to collect himself and his thoughts.

  “Yes, now go,” he blurted.

  Once the butler started up the stairs Robert was about to follow when he felt a hand on his shoulder. William was behind him. “No, don’t go to her suite, unless she calls for you. I’m sure Cook is already there helping Sylvia.”

  “So, what am I to do while I wait to see if Kristina wishes me at her side?” Robert asked.

  “What any self-respecting member of the peerage, in your present situation, would do. Go to your office, pour two glasses of whiskey, one for you and one for me. After which start wearing a hole in the carpet while you pace about awaiting word. Trust me when I say the first was always the hardest for us. After that the other births will become routine and you won’t give the event a second thought,” William explained.

  Marching into the office, Robert started for the sideboy then stopped. “William, how long can this take?”

  “If you’re talking about waiting for the birth of your child, who knows.”

  That was what Robert thought and decided remaining sober would be for the best. Pouring a drink for the duke he passed it over, looked at the unfinished report and suspected he’d not get any work done. Taking the second recommendation of William’s he started pacing the office.

  Not having any idea how long he’d been walking in a circle, he finally glanced to the mantle clock and noted the time. Robert heard a rumble coming from his stomach. He was hungry.

  “Shall we have trays brought up?” he asked.

  “Yes and you might wish to consider having them delivered for dinner as well.”

  Ringing for Sydney, Robert wondered how long it would take before the man made an appearance. Much to his surprise the butler, almost immediately, stepped in.

  “Your Grace, m’ lord. I’m guessing you need trays brought up. I’m sure someone has already started putting them together as Cook is assisting Her Ladyship.”

  “Is there any word as to when the baby will join us?” Robert said.

  “I’m sorry, m’ lord, but I was shuffled out of the room shortly after bringing the sheets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll collect the trays.”

  With the meal finished Robert forced himself to work on the report he’d started earlier. William selected a book, relaxed on a divan and was reading when Jolene swept in.

  “Now, isn’t this the perfect picture of tranquility. One lord working while the other reading,” she declared.

  Looking up from the sheet of paper, Robert peered over to the duke who’s set the book aside.

  “Jolene, as we’ve nothing to do until the baby arrives your husband and I needed to keep our minds busy,” Robert said.

  “Why didn’t you say so right off. I must go and see what I can do to help,” she declared, turned and rushed out of the room.

  “I thought I did,” Robert called after her.

  “Son, don’t worry about that. As with most ladies she sees things and events differently than we gentlemen do. For those such as yourself who has seen combat, very little disturbs us. Except awaiting the birth of their first, second or third child. Now, shall we return to what we were doing as I find this book very interesting. And they say Jane Austen tomes are only fit for ladies,” William uttered.

  Robert returned to his business. Finally, with the accounts and letters written he peered over his shoulder to the clock and groaned. Kristina had been in her suite going through pain and discomfort for close to ten hours. From what William had said this could go on for who knew how long.

  He started to take out another sheet of foolscap for a letter he needed to pen to his man of business in regards to setting aside a small portion of funds each month for the child. Later, he’d fill in the name once he learned if the child was a boy or girl. Selecting a fresh quill, he started to examine the nib when Sydney stepped into the doorway.

  “Your Grace, m’ lord. His Lordship’s presence is requested in the suite of Her Ladyship,” the butler announced.

  Robert bolted from his chair and raced upstairs to h
er room. Taking in a deep breath, hoping to calm his shaking nerves, he knocked and waited for permission to enter.

  “Come in, Robert,” Sylvia called.

  He found his wife in bed holding a screaming baby. Tentatively, he took a step forward.

  “Robert, Viscount of Hampshire, allow me to present to you The Honorable Jolene Markson,” Kristina declared.

  He turned to see his daughter’s name sake smile to him. In all his years Robert never thought his daughter, if he had one, would carry the name of a duchess. William stepped in. Robert knew what needed done next.

  “Your Grace, would you be so kind as to join the duchess?”

  When they were standing together, Robert took Kristina’s hand in his, and got a nod of understanding.

  “William, Duke of Clarion, and Jolene, Duchess of Clarion, would you do us the great honor of being our daughter’s godparents?”

  “Speaking for the Duchess of Clarion, we most graciously accept your kind offer.”

  “Thank you. Now as I see Kristina yawning shall we leave so they, both mother and child, may rest,” Robert suggested.

  Leaving Mrs. Swanson to watch over his wife and daughter, Robert led everyone from the room and quietly closed the door.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Over the next week, Kristina could feel herself growing stronger even though her sleep was frequently interrupted by breast feeding Jolene. Robert had her worried. Day by day he was becoming more irritable as he wasn’t able to go out and hunt down Estelle. Handing the baby over to the nanny who took her to the nursery, Kristina fastened the front of her gown just as Robert entered.

  “Good morning, husband. How has your day been so far?” she inquired.

  “Not very well. Jolene and William returned from the village, both in disguises, with nothing to report. Other than that, the stack of congratulation posts continue to increase daily. I also suspect that your father will be joining us soon as Sylvia sent him a separate letter regarding the birth.”

  “That’s quite all right, he may visit, but not my brother. For what he made you do while I was increasing I can never forgive him,” Kristina declared.