increased his linen order last night with Katherine’s emporium. When I went to introduce her, that’s when I discovered she was ‘ill.’” He rested one arm against the mantle and stared into the fire, hoping for additional inspiration. He had to find her. “I want to respect Katherine’s wishes, but…”
“Your heart won’t let you?” Grayson answered.
Christian’s heart ached. Hell, everything inside ached for her. “Indeed. I wish I were with her. I want to know that she’s safe. Why couldn’t she tell me?”
Grayson stood and came to Christian’s side. “You could send your reconnaissance-trained footmen to find her. Perhaps hire an investigator.”
“I’m not certain that would be a wise decision.”
“Probably.” Grayson nodded in agreement. “I don’t know much about love, but I do know something rare when I see it. I’ve never seen you so alive as when she was in your life. You became another person, one who found delight in ordinary things. If you feel this way, chances are she does also. I don’t think her leaving London means she’s leaving you.” He took his time piece from his pocket. “I must go. I’m meeting with several colleagues to discuss a new idea that’s being proposed by some French scientists. They think there might be a way to harness the sun’s energy. I’ll be back this evening to see if you’ve made any progress.”
“Until then,” Christian said.
The marquess headed toward the door, then turned around. “Where’s the portrait? The one you use for keeping track of things?”
“I found someone to restore it.” Christian walked to his friend’s side. “Or I should say, Katherine did.”
“Remarkable,” the marquess exclaimed softly. “So, I take it you’re going to hang it again in the library?”
“No. It has a permanent place in the attic. As Shakespeare once said, ‘An ill-favored thing, sir, but mine own.’” Christian shrugged.
“Good decision.” Grayson squeezed Christian’s shoulder in affection then left.
Afterward, Christian strolled to the window overlooking the courtyard. Whatever Katherine was doing must be something she felt she had to see to. He ran his hands through his hair. The feeling of helplessness was foreign to him. For God’s sake, he didn’t even know if she was in London or not. The only thing he knew was that she’d taken Willa with her.
All of it left a hole in his gut. His heart seemed to trip in its beat as if its rhythm was off. For a million times that morning, he wished he would have told her he loved her just one more time.
Wheatley stood at the door. “Your Grace, a young lad by the name of Rodney is here to see you. Miss Greer sent him.”
“Send him in.” Christian rushed forward, ready to greet the young lad, who worked in Katherine’s workshop.
Wheatley waved a boy of about ten years into his study. “Your Grace, this is Mr. Rodney…”
The boy fidgeted slightly as if shy. “Smith. My name is Rodney Smith.”
“Come in, Rodney,” Christian offered.
“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a tray of sweets that you might share with the young man,” Wheatley said.
“I can’t stay for that. I need to get back to my work.” The longing on the boy’s face at the mention of sweets reminded Christian of himself as a lad.
“Wheatley, would you ask the cook to wrap them up so Rodney can take them with him?”
“Of course.” Wheatley softly closed the door behind him.
Christian studied Rodney as Rodney studied him. Tall for his age, the boy looked to be mostly arms and legs.
“Come in.” Christian escorted the boy to a chair in front of his desk, then took his own seat. “How long have you worked for Miss Greer?”
“Ever since she found me begging on the street,” he murmured.
Christian closed his eyes briefly. That was Katherine. Always concerned for others.
“She’s paying me extra to come here.” Rodney reached into his cloth bag and pulled out a package wrapped with one of Kat’s linen samples and tied with a ribbon. “I’m supposed to give you this.”
Christian took the bundle from the boy. Kat’s violet scent drifted around him as if embracing him.
“Miss Greer told me to wait until daybreak.” Rodney nodded. “I must get back to work.”
“Wait, please.” Christian would do anything to keep him here a little longer. He wanted to know everything the boy could impart about Katherine. “Did you see her this morning?”
A sad smile lit his face. “Bright and early, like the sun rising. Brought me some iced biscuits. She said she was going on a trip.”
“Did she say