Page 67 of A Countess of Convenience

“If they’ve gotten wind of this,” he indicated the paper in her hand, “and the courts may well have sent Downing a copy this morning, they may have gone somewhere quite different. Simply to avoid having to give in and let you see your daughter.”

“Why would he be so cruel, John?” To do such a thing made no sense, not even for Lord Downing.

“It may simply be for that reason, love.” John held her close, his warmth comforting when there was nothing in the world that could console her. “There seems to be no profit in preventing you from seeing her, so perhaps he is punishing you for what happened to his son. Had you not been unconscious, he would not have turned to molesting the governesses, would not have been in a duel, and his son would still be alive.”

“Such an action certainly is not beyond my vindictive father-in-law.” Getting a hold of herself, Judith tried to breathe slowly and was rewarded with a measure of calm. At least her face no longer streamed with tears. “What can we do next?”

“Our only recourse is to return home. Sir Reginald Matthews is coming round. He may have some idea how to discover Lord Downing’s whereabouts.”

Head pillowed on John’s chest, she nodded. How could the happiest day turn so tragic so quickly?

By the time they reached home, Judith’s head had begun to hurt abominably as it was wont to do unexpectedly these days. Perhaps she would go lie down until Sir Reginald arrived. But when they pulled up at John’s townhouse, an unfamiliar carriage stood out front.

“Matthews must have arrived already. At least that’s a piece of luck.” John helped her down and they headed into the house, Judith leaning on him as the headache worsened.

“Are you all right?” He peered down at her, frowning.

“Another headache is all. I will be fine.” She hoped. This one seemed more savage than the others.

Sir Reginald had indeed been placed in the receiving room, where he stood by the window and turned toward them when they entered.

“My lord, my lady.” He bowed and came toward them.

“My dear, this is Sir Reginald Matthews. Please tell us you have good news, Sir Reginald.” John indicated a chair while he and Judith went to the sofa.

“Sir Reginald, how nice to meet you.” The sheer confidence that exuded from the gentleman opposite her instilled a hope she’d not thought to feel now. “We’ve had a blow this morning.”

“A blow, Lady Haxby?” The magistrate’s demeanor immediately altered. He straightened his already straight back, cocked his head toward them, and pierced them with his steely gaze. “Pray, what has happened?”

“My wife was given visitation rights by the court, but when we went to Downing’s residence, they had gone.” John took her hand. “My wife is, of course, devastated.”

“I wished to pursue them, Sir Reginald, but we have no idea where they’ve gone.” Judith twined her fingers with John’s, seeking any comfort she could.

“Unfortunately, my lady, since the child is Downing’s legal ward, he may take her wherever he chooses.” Sir Reginald’s face was kind, but his voice firm. “However, since you do have the order for visitation, Downing must be able to produce the child for those visits to be able to take place. To try to avoid them will land him in court for contempt.”

“Could such a judgment be used to overturn his guardianship?” Judith’s heart skipped a beat. Had Downing just handed her the key to end her problem?

“It would be a better argument than most, I’d say,” Sir Reginald nodded, “but I do have other news that may also help in that regard.”

Judith glanced at her husband, and he squeezed her hand. “Tell us, please, Sir Reginald.”

“As I promised Lord Haxby, I consulted my wife and some of her friends, who always seem to know everything in town. From what they have told me, Swindon’s pockets are light. Too light for a betrothal to Swindon’s heir to be advantageous to Downing or the girl in any way. So the question is still, why did Downing arrange this marriage?”

“I can guarantee you, Sir Reginald, Lord Downing would do nothing that was not in some way profitable for him.” Judith could be adamant about that. Her own dowry as well as Dora’s settlement with Lord Trevor had been financial windfalls for her father-in-law. “So why settle so much money on Anna?”

“If Swindon’s finances are dismal, he can borrow against the dowry of his son’s future bride.” John leaned forward. “Could that be their scheme? To borrow against the money and then split it?”

“That would benefit Swindon, of course, but not Downing. It was his money to begin with.” Sir Reginald sat back, his gaze far away. “If Swindon needs money, how does he persuade Downing to arrange this betrothal? What does Downing gain from it?”

“Silence.” Judith pressed her hands against her skull, against the pain of her headache.

“My dear, are you quite well?” John’s face was lined with concern. “Should you go upstairs where it will be quiet?”

“No, I will be fine shortly.” The headache had already begun to ease. “And I do not require silence, but Lord Downing does.” She looked at Sir Reginald, his puckered brow showing his concern as well. “That is what he gains from the betrothal. Lord Swindon’s silence.”

Sir Reginald stared at her with a keen eye. “Silence about what?”

She sent a knowing look to her husband. “The same matter upon which Lord Haxby and I were recently threatened with extortion.”