I heard the knocker sound downstairs and decided that whoever it was would have to be told I was not at home. I must be on my way to Sidwell's if I wished to return to London by the time of the auction.
Satisfied with my Venice-blue coat, buckskin breeches, and gleaming Hessian boots, I picked up my hat, selected a carved ebony cane from my collection, and closed the door to my bedchamber behind me.
I had almost reached the stairs when Robinson stopped me.
"Sir, one moment, please."
I held up a restraining hand. "I am not at home to anyone who has had the misfortune to call." I put my foot on the first step.
"Sir!"
"What is it?" I demanded impatiently, swinging around to face him. "The hired coach is waiting out front."
Robinson assumed an injured air. "I am sorry to delay you, but thought you might wish to know that Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of York is in the drawing room."
I stood thunderstruck. "Good God, man, what is she doing in Town? She rarely leaves Oatlands." I felt my chest tighten in alarm.
I gave Robinson no chance to reply. I hastened past him and threw open the double doors to the drawing room. There was Frederica, the Royal Duchess herself, seated in a chair. My heart raced.
"Freddie! What in heaven's name are you doing here? Not that I am anything less than delighted to see you." I paused only long enough to deposit my hat and stick on a nearby table, then rapidly crossed to her side and bowed.
She rose to clasp both of my outstretched hands. We stood like that for a moment looking at one another. She is a small, dignified lady of some thirty years. Her brown curly hair was held back from her face with a pale green silk bandeau which matched her gown. A few tendrils of hair framed her face, the rest fell to her shoulders. Her normally serene countenance was marred by worry.
"Oh, George," she said in her sweet, light voice. "I am much distressed."
"Please sit down," I said, indicating a chintz-covered sofa. I took the place next to her, apprehension filling me at this unprecedented visit. I often spend weekends at Freddie's country estate, Oatlands, but she has never come to my rooms. This is, after all, a bachelor's residence. And I had just had her letter telling me of the new puppies and her prediction that she would be a busy lady this week. "Tell me what is wrong, Freddie."
"Forgive my manners, George. I know I should be complimenting you on this enchanting room--"
"Never mind that now!" I blurted. "Are you ill? No, I can see you are the picture of beauty and health."
That brought a tremulous smile. "You are always the perfect gentleman."
"Do you need tea? A glass of sherry, perhaps?"
"No, thank you, dear. I shall tell you the news straightaway. Lady Wrayburn is dead!"
I am uncertain what I had expected, but it was not this. Confusion was my first emotion. "I am afraid I do not understand, Freddie. I saw the lady yesterday, and she had plenty of life in her, let me tell you. Was it her heart?"
Before the Royal Duchess could reply, I muttered, "Forget that. The woman had no heart. Recollect the time you rescued that old hound she ordered shot because his bad hip made him limp?"
"I remember it well, but listen to me, George. The countess was murdered!"
My eyebrows rose incredulously. "Murdered? By whom?"
"That is the problem. The police office at Bow Street thinks Miss Ashton, her companion, poisoned her. But I know, George, I simply know that cannot be true. You see," she ended on a soft wail, "I recommended Miss Ashton for her position with the countess, because I knew her father."
"Good God, Freddie," I managed to utter.
"People will talk about how I gave my approval to her character, and there could be a scandal. But more importantly, what will happen to Miss Ashton? I cannot stand by and do nothing. That is why you must help me . . . and Miss Ashton."
"Freddie, I am Beau Brummell, not Bow Street. What can I do?"
"There is only one thing to be done, George. Find out who really killed Lady Wrayburn." The Royal Duchess turned the full force of her compelling blue eyes on me.
Alas, I never have been able to deny her anything.