Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow

Author:Virginia Barlow [Barlow, Virginia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency romance; abduction; aristocratic hero; aristocratic heroine; frustrated attraction; gambler; gambling; hero as guardian; hero as protector; pa
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Back at the townhouse, the duke paced up and down his study. “I find it interesting Chauncey and Hargrove have both gone missing. The question remains. Which one abducted Amora? If Chauncey has her, we will find her at the docks, but if Hargrove took her, she could be anywhere. And the kerchief leads us to Pembsy. Did they abduct her together, or did someone else, and if so, why? Send for the footmen, Lord Antony’s as well. Call all the servants together. Someone witnessed something, and I will have an answer.”

Alexander understood his chances to recover Amora grew more faint with each passing hour. The problem came with knowing which direction to take and where to look. Running in circles would accomplish nothing.

One of his housemaids reported a man outside the garden gate one day wearing Pembsy’s colors. He did not appear to be doing anything but smoking, so she did not give him her attention. The Earl of Chauncey’s valet approached Lord Antony’s youngest footman the day before and asked about Antony’s plans for the night. Thinking the earl meant to join Antony, he informed the man of the entertainment at the Winchester’s with Lady Amora singing.

Alexander dismissed them, ordering his phaeton brought around. “We waste time. Pembsy, Chauncey, and Hargrove all joined the same set at the club. If the two are involved, chances are the other is also. These men are not fools and will suspect I am aware of Amora’s abduction by now. They will want her far away where I cannot find her, and the quickest way to ensure their success would be selling her in Asia. We go to the docks and investigate any ships leaving for Singapore. Hargrove and Chauncey will no doubt find a hole to crawl into or leave the country until the scandal dies down. I will send a note to the constable asking them to pay Pembsy a visit while we go to port.”

Winding their way through the tight streets, they crossed London bridge and raced toward the waterfront. Several ships were docked along the wharf. Men of all color and race roamed the docks, looking for work or enjoying their time on land. Ships came from all over the world, many staying for months before returning to the sea.

The duke sought out the nearest constable and spoke of his concerns, requesting police help to find his ward. A group of sailors listening nearby caught his attention.

“How would you like to earn some coin?”

After taking note of his fine clothes and listening to his dilemma, they agreed to help. Soon, Alexander had a small army of men searching for Amora.

The duke and Dante walked down the left side of the port, asking about departures and destinations until they discovered one ship setting sail for Asia. The captain ordered the gangplank taken down and made ready to leave.

Alexander jumped the side of the railing and hurried up the gangplank before the sailors stowed it, but his heart grew heavier with each step.

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