Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) by Nellie Steele (english novels to read txt) 📗

husband of a grave crime. There is a truth to the matter. I wish to learn it. I also desire your cousins be present when I do, so that, if they are being dishonest, they might know it.”

Her words stunned Alexander. The duchess hoped to learn the truth about Michael and Damien’s story concerning Duke Northcott’s involvement in her father’s death. Did she suspect it may be true? Or did she prefer to prove them wrong? If the latter, for what reason? What did she gain by it?

“I judge your cousin, Damien, spoke in earnest last night when he told his story. Perhaps he is mad and does not realize the error of his ways. If so, he must be shown the error.”

“Quite right,” Alexander agreed.

“On the other hand, perhaps he is correct. In which case, I should prefer to learn the truth about my husband.”

Alexander wondered if he may be imagining the conversation. Was Duchess Northcott admitting suspicion of her husband? Were Michael and Damien correct in their assessment that her marriage was a mistake? “I shall ensure my cousins are available to you when you need them.”

“I shall request their presence tonight at midnight. I require your assistance as well. We shall meet at The White Horse pub. Are you familiar with it?”

“Yes,” Alexander said, still parsing through his shock. “I am surprised, Duchess Northcott, you are familiar with it.”

“I am not as naïve as you imagine. I am well-versed in many things. Give me some credit, Mr. Buckley. Now, are we agreed?”

“Forgive me, Duchess Northcott, but meeting at The White Horse at such an hour is unsafe for you.”

“I am capable of taking care of myself, Mr. Buckley. Now, are we agreed?”

“And what of your husband? How will you explain your midnight roamings to him?”

“My husband will be none the wiser to our clandestine meeting. I shall see to it that he is unaware of my absence.”

“I must admit, Duchess Northcott, I am stunned. But we are agreed. I shall see you at midnight to proceed with whatever plan you deem best.”

Celine stood, offering him the slightest of smiles. He leapt to his feet. “I’m glad we are agreed. Good day, Mr. Buckley.”

She strode from the room, leaving him alone. “Good day, Duchess Northcott,” he called after her. It took all his strength not to collapse onto her couch in astonishment. His weak knees carried him out of the house and away from the Northcott residence.

He pondered the conversation his entire walk home. He continued to question whether or not it occurred or if he had merely dreamt it. He had traveled to speak with Duchess Northcott, expecting to be berated at the very least, or faced with the news that her husband sought vengeance over the matter. Instead, she had assured him of her husband’s continued ignorance on the subject and proceeded to make plans to determine the legitimacy of the wild story Damien and Michael conveyed to her at the party.

He reached his home, climbing the steps and entering the foyer just before lunch. He removed his overcoat and joined Michael, Damien and Gray in the dining room.

“Alexander, sorry we missed you this morning,” Damien began. “We wanted to apologize again and see if there was anything we could do to rectify the situation.”

“Yeah,” Michael chimed in. “We feel terrible about it.”

“Actually,” Gray voiced, “I have already made arrangements for us to leave and travel back to the States. The Duke’s reach is far, but it gives us some time to plan. Perhaps if we are not immediately available, tempers will cool before he deals with us.”

Alexander seated himself across from Damien and next to Gray. He shook his head, still finding it hard to fathom what he was about to impart to them. “It seems that won’t be necessary, Gray.” He directed his next statement at Michael and Damien. “There is something you can do,” he informed them.

“Anything, name it,” Damien responded.

“Won’t be necessary?” Gray questioned. “Have you also gone mad? Surely Duke Northcott has learned of the accusations made against him last evening. He has a clear reputation as a cruel and unforgiving man. We shall be ruined if not disposed of.”

“He hasn’t learned of the situation.”

“You’re sure?” Gray queried.

“Quite,” Alexander assured him.

“How are you sure?” Gray questioned further.

“I have been to visit Duchess Northcott this morning. I paid her an early morning call, hoping to prevent her from speaking to her husband.”

“My God, you ARE mad,” Gray interjected.

“She has not informed her husband of the situation,” Alexander told them.

“I find that hard to fathom,” Gray responded.

“Instead, she has asked for my help in ascertaining the truth of the situation.”

“You’re joking,” Gray ventured.

“I am not,” Alexander answered, shaking his head, still finding the situation incredulous himself. “Although, I understand your bewilderment. I was party to the conversation and still find it difficult to believe.”

“Tell us what happened!” Damien insisted. “It’s a good sign she didn’t tell the Duke, and that she wants to learn the truth!”

“As I said, I paid an early morning call to the Duchess. I threw myself upon her mercy and begged her forgiveness for the entire incident,” Alexander explained. “She informed me that she had kept the matter secret from her husband and planned to continue to do so.”

“That’s great!” Michael said. “We’re in the clear!”

“I assumed so, however, she confided that the incident disturbed her. Nevertheless, your conviction as to the truthfulness of the matter struck her. She judged you to be earnest in what you told her. She feels compelled to determine if your story is true.”

“Now, that’s the Celine we know!” Damien exclaimed.

“She asked us to meet her at The White Horse pub at midnight. She prefers you to be present when she verifies the factual nature of the story so that if you are found in error, you might realize it.”

“Please tell me you did not agree to meet her,” Gray queried.

“I did. I’d rather that than have her discuss the matter with Duke