Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 106

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The Day Before the Wedding

As the morning light bled through the curtains, casting pale stripes across the plush carpet, Marguerite remained an island of stillness amidst the rising tide of the day. Chester, a furry ball of warmth, snuggled against her chest, his gentle snores the only comforting sound in the heavy silence. Sleep had evaded her once more, chased away by the relentless weight pressing down upon her. The impending departure of Jacob, a constant ache in her heart, now mingled with the bitter sting of Matthew's refusal.

Her world was falling apart, and she sought solace in the few tangible reminders of Jacob that remained. Chester and the tucked-away notes. A bittersweet smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she absentmindedly stroked the dog's soft fur. Their chance encounter with Chester had revealed a hidden facet of Jacob, a glimpse of the brave, selfless man beneath the carefree facade. Chester would forever be a reminder of him, of the stolen moments of joy they shared, a connection both beautiful and fleeting.

A soft rap on the door splintered her reverie. Marguerite thought it was Mary, but the door clicked open to reveal an unfamiliar maid, a sturdily built woman in her thirties with a kind smile. The new maid entered the room carrying a vase overflowing with white lilies, their pristine blooms a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Marguerite.

"The Master sent this for you, Miss," the maid announced, placing the vase on a nearby side table with a gentle thud.

"Thank you," Marguerite's voice was barely a whisper. The arrival of the flowers felt like a silent plea from Matthew, a desperate attempt to bridge the emotional chasm that had opened between them. She watched as Chester leaped off the bed and bounded towards the maid. He'd been developing quite a fondness for humans lately, eagerly greeting everyone who came near.
The maid chuckled heartily and knelt down to offer Chester a friendly pat. "Oh, hello there, handsome! What a fine fellow you are!" The dog responded by enthusiastically placing his paws on the woman's knees, tail wagging furiously in his quest for more attention.

"Are you hungry, big boy?" the maid cooed, scratching him playfully behind the ear. She then looked up at Marguerite, her smile widening. "Mind if I take him to the kitchen, Miss? We've got a whole bunch of treats just waiting for a hungry pup like him."

"Sure," Marguerite replied softly, sitting up straighter. "Go on, good boy," she added to Chester. "Enjoy your feast."

The little dog yipped happily, trailing after the maid as she left the room. His soft panting echoed in the hallway for a moment before fading away.

Almost an hour later, a frantic pounding on the door startled Marguerite. Before she could even call out, the door flew open, revealing the maid from earlier. The woman stood shaking in the doorway, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm so sorry!" she stammered, her voice thick with panic. "I... I lost your dog!"

Marguerite's heart lurched into her stomach. "Chester's missing?! But how?"

Guilt contorted the woman's face. "The butcher's boy came with the meat order, and I must have left the back door slightly ajar. The dog must've slipped out when I wasn't looking," she choked out, her voice cracking with sobs.

Despite the rising panic, Marguerite forced herself to stay calm. A clear head was needed to find Chester. "He can't be far. Have you looked outside?"

"The whole block! But he's nowhere to be seen!"
Soon afterwards, Marguerite rallied ten male servants. Together, they scoured every nook and cranny of the neighboring streets, from bustling avenues to murky alleyways. No sign of Chester. They questioned everyone they encountered â€" the grumpy shopkeeper next door, the young paperboy, the kindly muffin seller... but no one had seen a lost dog.