Free A Disappearance in Drury Lane by Ashley Gardner

bothering to tell me. She could by lying low for reasons of her own. With Felicity, one never knew.
    Donata had not found Felicity hiding in the house either, including in the guest room I’d occupied the day before. My concern increased. I made myself feel better by sending a message off to Denis in London, asking him to keep an eye out for her. The messenger left from the posting inn by fast horse, bolstered by the large tip I gave him and the promise of a larger one from Denis. He did not look happy, but he went.
    I itched to begin my search for Abigail Collins, but I could not until my sojourn here was over. I already had obligations, including the grand New Years’ ball Lady Pembroke had planned for tonight. Half the county would attend, and I was expected to be there for the full of it.
    Fortunately, while the night’s entertainment was lavish, and the guests did stare at me, they were at least polite. We rang in the New Year, I kissed my bride again in front of her family and friends, then we retired for the night.
    I was enjoying married life so far. Once we were abed, I took from the bedside table a small box that contained Donata’s New Year’s gift. A pair of earrings, tiny and gold, agonizingly chosen with the help of Louisa Brandon.
    I knew Donata possessed jewels of far greater cost and ostentation, and earlier this winter I’d presented her with a tiny miniature portrait of a young girl, painted several hundred years ago by Hans Holbein. But Donata’s eyes softened when she saw the earrings, something truly from me. She handed me my gift, a watch, heavy and gold, inscribed: To G. with much esteem, D., 1818.
    My way of thanking her lasted well into morning. We drowsed as the sun rose, bringing in a new year, a new day, a new life.
    A tap on the outer door of the suite was followed by it opening and someone coming quietly into the sitting room. The inner doors to the bedchamber were closed, so I could not see who’d entered. The step was too light for Grenville, too secretive for a servant—in this house, they strode boldly about their business.
    I rolled from the bed, donned a dressing gown laid out for me, thrust my feet into slippers, and went out.
    It was my daughter. I closed the bedchamber doors behind me and ran hand through my mussed hair. Gabriella was in her dressing gown as well, her hair hanging down her back in a long braid.
    “Good morning, Father,” she said softly. “Happy New Year.”
    I went to her and took her hands. “Happy New Year to you, my dear. I have something for you.”
    I started to turn to fetch the bracelet I’d bought her, but Gabriella tightened her grip, stopping me.
    “I came to tell you something. You were looking for the maid who came with you? I found her.”
    “Felicity? She’s all right?”
    “I should say so.” Gabriella gave me a grim smile. “Come with me. I’ll show you.”

Chapter Six
     
    Gabriella led me by the hand through the series of anterooms outside our suite and around a corner to a more modern part of the house. She put her finger to her lips and took me about halfway down a long corridor lined with ornately paneled doors.
    We stopped in front of one of the doors, but Gabriella did not move to knock upon it. She gave me a little shake of her head to indicate we should wait.
    For a few moments, nothing happened. Then I distinctly heard Felicity’s low, throaty laughter. Oh, good God.
    I pointed at the door. “Whose?” I mouthed.
    Gabriella led me back down the corridor to its end. A niche between that hall and the older part of the house held a wide window with a window seat overlooking the grounds.
    “I believe his name is Lord Bradford,” Gabriella told me. “An older gentleman, and married. His wife’s room is a little way down the hall.”
    “Good Lord.” I debated storming in and pulling out Felicity, but while I would not mind enraging Lord Bradford, it would embarrass Lady Bradford, not to mention my host and hostess. I