Page 82 of Memories Made At Midnight

“But Cassius, you’ve only just returned, and you are done in.” His mother clasped her hands together. “Surely if you know where Beatrice is going, you can rest today and go after her tomorrow.”

Already halfway up the stairs, Cassius shook his head. “No, Mother. I love her, and she shall know this day how very much.”

“But—”

“Darling, don’t waste your breath.” Father draped an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “He’s in love.”

Yes, I am.

Moreover, Cassius was almost giddy with joy.

He loved Beatrice.

Marvelous, unique, intrepid, kind Beatrice.

His father’s chuckle followed Cassius down the corridor as he sprinted to his bedchamber.

After taking the fastest bath in the history of Hefferwickshire House and donning clean clothes in record time, Cassius bounded back down the stairs.

Simms and his parents waited for him in the foyer, along with Grandmama, Siobhan, and Aurelie.

Eyes shining with happiness and tears, Mother embraced him again. “Go fetch your Beatrice and bring her home.”

“That gel is special, Cassius.” Grandmama pulled him in for a fragrant hug amidst of chorus of tinkling bracelets and pendants. “I knew it the moment I laid eyes on her. And she is absolutely perfect for you.”

“Indeed, she is.” Only he’d been too blind, too self-absorbed and wallowing in self-pity to see how magnificent Beatrice was.

Stepping back, Grandmama cocked her head, reminding him of a little sparrow. “She’s not taking the major route. Look for her where you’ve been before.”

No one asked how Grandmama knew that bit of information. She had ways of knowing things that no one else did.

Still, her comment made no sense.

“What?” Cassius didn’t know what she meant. “I don’t…”

Look for her where you’ve been.

The Frolicking Fox.

He gave her a swift hug. “Thank you, Grandmama.”

“I suppose this means there will be another wedding to plan.” Mother didn’t sound the least perturbed.

“If all goes well.” Cassius couldn’t contain his triumphant grin.

Simms handed him a small bundle. “Sustenance for your journey, Lord Cassius.”

“Thank you.” Cassius sprinted down the front stairs and leaped onto the saddled horse. Thank God, he could travel faster on horseback than Beatrice could by coach.

He meant to scold her soundly for not convalescing for another week or two and for traveling alone, although with the duchy’s behemoth drivers, Farrel and Baldwin at the reins, Cassius was confident she was quite safe.

“I’m coming Beatrice Fairfax, and by heavens, I shall convince you to marry me.”