Page 80 of Memories Made At Midnight

Twenty-five

Hefferwickshire House

NINETEEN DAYS LATER ~ JUST AFTER NOON

Bone-weary and his heart heavy, Cassius plodded up Hefferwickshire House’s front steps. Exhausted, Father had come home last week. Adolphus, Lucius, and their cousin Torrian Westbrook, also a private investigator, continued to search for Layton.

These past weeks hadn’t been in vain. They had located the abductors, but Layton had already escaped captivity and then disappeared without a trace.

Cassius hadn’t given up hope and prayed daily that Layton would be found alive and well.

However, he could not in good conscience neglect Beatrice any longer.

What must she think about him abandoning her before she’d even regained consciousness?

Only Fletcher’s reassurance that Beatrice’s wound appeared worse than it was and she would make a full recovery persuaded Cassius to leave her side and hunt for Layton. After all, if it weren’t for Cassius roping his brother into helping, Layton would not have gone missing.

He glanced upward.

The clear blue September sky and tranquil setting belied the battle within him. His mind warred between anticipating seeing Beatrice and despair about not finding his eldest brother.

Inhaling a deep breath to clear his thoughts, he opened the door without waiting for Simms, the butler.

Father had likely informed Beatrice that her uncle had orchestrated Layton’s abduction.

How had she taken the news?

Not only had Fletcher already notified the magistrate of Highbury’s involvement, but he had also delivered a letter from Father testifying to Highbury’s guilt, which ensured the earl’s arrest. The privileged sot wouldn’t like life behind bars, but he’d abducted a powerful duke’s son.

Highbury would face the consequences of his actions, peer or not.

A brisk tread on the black and white marble announced Simms’ approach.

Sympathy crinkled the faithful servant’s eyes at the corners.

“Lord Cassius, I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a bath and a tray for you.”

How did the man even know Cassius had returned?

“Thank you.” Cassius summoned an exhausted smile. “My parents? Miss Fairfax?”

Simms arranged his features into the neutral mien he reserved for guests.

Ah, so the butler knew something.

Something unpleasant.

“Your parents are in the duchess’s private salon, Lord Cassius.”

“Cassius?” Mother rushed into the foyer, her arms outstretched. “My dear, you are a frightful sight.” She wrinkled her nose. “And you smell.”

Nevertheless, she encircled him in a warm embrace.

Father followed in her wake, also hugging him. “Any word?”

Cassius didn’t need to ask the duke to clarify.

He shook his head. “Lucian, Torrian, and Adolphus are following up on a lead in Hexham.”