Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 13: The Duke's Ultimatum

The clock's relentless ticking tested my patience with each passing second. Mr. Edward Hughes, the detective, was rummaging through his documents, his jittery hands making the papers rustle incessantly. Finally, he looked up, his sharp eyes meeting mine.

"Lady Scarlett," he began, his voice a gravelly rumble, "Meredith was last seen by the coast with a man. We assume they are close to each other."

My heart skipped a beat at the news. Shifting in my seat, I glanced at the documents strewn across his cluttered desk. Among the scattered papers were notes from Mr. Edward's acquaintance, who had been working diligently on the case. The detailed accounts captured my attention, and I picked up a stack of pages to read through.

The first line was stark and clear as it read

Meredith at the Chapel 

Sighted in deep conversation with a cloaked figure, possibly her lover. The priest of the chapel mentioned she seemed distressed.

Secret Meetings

Meredith meets the same man in various secluded spots around the village. Always late at night.

Hidden Correspondence

Meredith seemed to exchange letters with a woman and we noticed she burned the letters into ashes after reading it.

Altercation at the Market 

Witnesses saw Meredith arguing with a well-dressed man. Described as intense but brief, with Meredith leaving abruptly.

Visit to an Apothecary

Meredith purchased various herbs and potions. The apothecary noted her peculiar request for rare ingredients.

Mysterious Disappearances 

Villagers reported seeing Meredith in the company of strangers, always different, always suspicious.

Sightings Near the Dock

Multiple reports of Meredith boarding small boats at odd hours, never the same one twice.

As I read through the pages, a pattern began to emerge, painting a complex and troubling picture of my sister's actions. The detailed notes, combined with Mr. Edward's insights, hinted at a deeper conspiracy that Meredith might be involved in. Is that man really her lover? Then why did  she agree to marry Darius in the first place and why would she lie about loving him?

I set the papers down, my mind racing with the impossibilities. Mr. Edward watched me closely, his anxious energy palpable.

"Lady Scarlett," he said cautiously, "These findings suggest Meredith might be in danger or she is conspiring something than we initially thought. The man she's with... he could be part of something much larger. If you give us the permission, we might investigate the man with her as well."

I nodded, absorbing the weight of his words. "Thank you, Mr. Hughes. Please keep me informed of any developments. I need to find my sister, anyhow. But first thing first, where is she?"

"She was last seen in a small village by the coast," Edward said, leaning back in his chair, his expression serious. "It's a promising lead, and I believe traveling there might yield more information."

A spark of hope ignited within me. "Then I must go there, Mr. Hughes. I need to see it for myself, to find her."

Edward's eyes widened with concern. "Lady Scarlett, I understand your determination, but I must caution you. Your husband, Darius Kingsley, is not a man who will allow his wife to undertake such a journey, especially not to a place fraught with potential dangers."