The Viscount of Shadows Rakes -Karyn Gerrard by Karyn Gerrard

Author:Karyn Gerrard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, historical fiction, suspense, victorian, lady sleuth
Publisher: KG Publishing
Published: 2023-10-11T03:00:00+00:00

* * *

Edwina Callen paced back and forth in the Duke of Chellenham’s drawing room. Althea sat beside her duke fiancé on the sofa, her bandaged leg resting on a pillowed stool.

“I have only known Claudia briefly, but she would not stay out all night and the next morning without sending word. Miss Althea, you made that stipulation quite clear in our training,” Edwina declared.

“Yes, I certainly did. Always let others know where you are,” Althea replied. “What has Claudia told you?”

“I last saw her at afternoon tea yesterday. She mentioned she was about to head to Notting Dale to follow her subject. She always returned around one or two in the morning on previous nights. Sometimes, I waited up for her. Last night, I was too tired and went to bed around half past eleven. When I arose in the morning, I saw her door was shut and assumed she was sleeping late as she had been since accepting this case.” Edwina wrung her hands in agitation. “Oh, if only I had checked earlier!”

Althea could not help but be worried. This is the first time someone from their agency has not checked in. “Her subject is Bryan Wollstonecraft, Viscount Tensbridge’s younger brother, correct?”

Yes, it is,” Edwina replied.

“I should head to Oliver’s and see if he knows anything,” Damon interjected.

Althea held out her hand, and Damon took it and squeezed it assuredly. What would she have done without this beautiful man by her side these past weeks? He was with her every step of the way during her operation and continued recovery. When the kindly Doctor Stevenson initially told her that she might have to use the cane for a few years, Damon held her as she cried out her crushing disappointment. Thankfully, that feeling passed, for many had it worse off.

Damon had reassured her that all would be well and that she could continue with her investigative agency. And so far, that had come to pass. Althea felt more robust each day and eager to begin her new life, blending being a duchess with her professional life. It would be a challenge, but one she happily accepted.

And Damon’s much younger half-siblings coming to live with them after their marriage? Althea looked forward to that, too. Damon had already hired a governess and a nurse to assist. The future looked bright, indeed. But back to the matter at hand.

“Yes, by all means, go to Oliver’s. I will go with Edwina to Cleveland Street. We will meet you there.”

Damon kissed her forehead, then headed into the hall, shouting for the butler and footmen.

Althea’s brows knotted in worry. Claudia’s first solo case, what if she had run afoul of some nefarious criminals? The agency never had any dealings with Notting Dale before. Perhaps they should have canvassed the area more thoroughly before sending in a novice.

Enough doubting.

The young woman was confident, capable, and resourceful if Althea gained anything from her initial interview and subsequent dealings with Claudia Ellingford.

Hopefully, there will be a logical explanation for her absence.

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