London, England – Barclay Manor

“There is still no trace of her my lady,” the Bow Street detective said as he sat sipping tea with the Dowager duchess and her son. The serene woman frowned.

Violet Wickham, the widow of the Alexander Wickham, seventh Duke of Barclay and the current Dowager duchess was the type of lady a person did not easily forget. She carried herself with confidence, her green eyes filled with defiant fire, her spirit and sharp tongue not dulled by age in the slightest. The woman was in her seventies yet still insisted on attending balls and taking daily jaunts in the park.

Now, however, Violet was concerned for the granddaughter who had no idea of her heritage. The fault was mainly her’s, and her daughter Elizabeth’s, yet Richard Davenport was not without blame either.

It had happened when Elizabeth, her second daughter and the youngest of her three children was just eighteen years old. She had met Richard Davenport at a ball during her first season as a debutante. According to Elizabeth, Richard had been the most handsome, refined and courteous gentleman at the entire ball. Of course, Violet had disagreed, due mainly to the fact that the man was merely a merchant with less-than-worthy bloodlines who was just looking to make it rich off an unsuspecting young heiress.

But it had been not two months later that Elizabeth had become pregnant with Richard’s child. Violet had, accordingly, been furious with her daughter. Her other two children had married well and she felt that she had failed her youngest, who had the most spirit and determination of the three.

Violet and Elizabeth had argued and argued to no avail. Violet’s husband had washed his hands of the whole situation and chose not to speak to his daughter any longer. Sadly, Violet had rashly done the same thing, not knowing what else to do at the time.

She had heard, through the grapevine, that the couple had married and had a beautiful daughter with brown hair and green eyes named Kalinna Ann. Violet had been happy at the news, but her pride kept her from visiting her youngest at the couple’s small townhouse.

Unfortunately, the years had passed with no contact until Violet had received word of her daughter’s death. That was a blow like none other. She had attended the funeral, kept to the back, but had caught her first glimpse of the granddaughter she had never met.

Fourteen-year old Kalinna was the spitting image of her mother Elizabeth. Violet had felt the tears come to her eyes at the sight of the confused young girl who couldn’t seem to accept the fact that her mother was dead.

Oh, Violet had wanted to run to the child and take her in her arms, tell Kalinna that everything would be okay. But she didn’t know how to approach the broken family, not after years of neglecting them and pretending they did not exist. So she just went back to her house and tried to forget.

Unfortunately, her husband died and Violet finally realized that it was time for her to try to make amends with her estranged family members. The only problem was that Kalinna was gone and Richard was refusing their help. So Colin had insisted on hiring a Bow Street detective, but thus far, it didn’t seem like Detective Beddingfeld was able to find anything.

“I want you to continue your efforts. I will pay you whatever you need to find my granddaughter,” Violet responded as she sighed, “I should have taken her in when that wretched son-in-law of mine first decided he wanted to marry her off.”

“Mother, you had no idea she was going to run away,” Colin Wickham, the Duke of Barclay, consoled his distraught mother, “It is partially our fault as it is for not taking it upon ourselves to see to the raising of Elizabeth’s child.”

“It was because I was too proud to forgive Elizabeth for the mistakes she made when she was younger. And now look what has happened. Elizabeth has been dead eight years and my granddaughter is missing,” the elderly lady moaned, becoming more distraught by the minute.

“My lady, if you please, I will be sure and double the efforts in the search for Miss Davenport. We will find her,” the detective assured the woman.

“I know you will detective, I have all the confidence in you and your men,” she responded as she stood up; the two men stood as well, “Now if you two gentlemen will excuse me, I need to rest for a bit.”

“As you wish my lady,” Detective Beddingfeld said as he took the lady’s hand and kissed it.

“I’ll be sure and show the detective out mother. You just go lay down and I’ll take care of everything,” Colin Wickham told his mother as he gave her a reassuring smile.

“Thank you Colin; good day Detective Beddingfeld,” the Dowager concluded.

“My lady,” the detective replied as he slipped into a courteous bow before the regal lady left the drawing room.

As soon as his mother was gone, Colin turned a questioning gaze to the detective. He knew there was something that the man had not said in front of Violet, and he was afraid the news was not going to be pleasant.

“I take it you have some news that is unfit for my mother’s ears,” Colin said as he motioned for the detective to regain his seat; Beddingfeld did so immediately, a worried look on his face.

“It is the strangest sort of news,” Detective Beddingfeld began as he tried to relax under the Duke’s scrutiny.

“Please proceed,” Colin urged the man.

“Well, as you well know, the government believes that a leak has occurred that could result in an attack from the French,” the detective continued, “And we have men working on it as we speak.”

“Yes, I’m quite aware of that, but what does that have to do with my niece?” Colin questioned, a little puzzled.

“Apparently, your niece seems to have joined the crew of Justin Timberlake,” the man said, wincing when he saw the scowl pass across the duke’s face.

“That’s impossible,” Colin scoffed, “The Duke of Schellden is posing as a pirate to try and discover the traitor amidst our people. He would never accept my niece ab0ard. There has to be some mistake.”

“She was apparently dressed as a boy,” Beddingfeld supplied. The duke cursed.

“Where is the ship now?” Colin demanded, as he rose and paced in front of the fireplace, his agitation evident in the quickness of his stride.

“They are currently out at sea and will be for the next five months,” Beddingfeld supplied, nervously watching the duke.

“Is there any way we can send a ship to overtake the duke’s and bring back my niece? You understand that this kind of news would greatly upset my mother and with her age, it could seriously affect her health,” Colin Wickham explained as he returned to his seat and faced the detective.

“I understand my lord, but to try and go after the Christina would certainly blow the Duke of Schellden’s cover, which we cannot afford to do at this moment,” the detective responded, “I’m sorry sir, but the best that we can do is wait until the duke’s ship returns to London.”

“That is six months away!” Colin cried, running a hand through his hair in frustration, “My mother is becoming sicker as the days pass. She wishes to see her granddaughter and make amends before she passes on.”

“I understand the urgency my lord, but I assure you that we will have your niece here in one piece on time,” Beddingfeld stated. Colin merely grunted at the detective’s overconfident manner.

“Is there any way I can get a letter to the Duke of Schellden?” he suddenly questioned, “I’m sure his ship has to dock at some point. Is it possible that I can send a letter and have it waiting for him when he arrives in port?”

“I will try my best sir. The next spy ship leaves within the hour, and will dock at Port Chamblay in a week’s time. Schellden’s best friend Anthony Maddox is currently stationed undercover at the port. I can have the letter left with him on the chance that the Christina will dock there, but I’m afraid that’s the best I can do short of blowing the duke’s cover completely.”

“I know, we can’t do that,” Colin ground out, starting to get annoyed with the detective’s repetitive sentences, “If you would give me but ten minutes, I’ll have a letter and you can be on your way.”

“Certainly my lord,” the detective agreed. He stayed where he was sitting as the duke hastily made his way to his study where he stored his ink and parchments.

Colin sat at his large desk, lost in thought for a moment. What was he supposed to say to this duke who unknowingly had his estranged niece aboard? He didn’t know the man at all, which only made him more nervous for Kalinna’s safety.

Then again, she was Elizabeth’s daughter. Elizabeth had been the most daring, the most resourceful, and the most courageous of the three of them, so there was no doubt that Kalinna’s was taking care of herself. At least, that’s what Colin hoped.

Sighing, he penned a few formal sentences to the young Duke of Schellden before signing the letter and closing it with his seal. It would have to do for now. Besides, it was doubtful whether the letter would get to it’s intended recipient anyway.

Colin walked back to the parlor where the detective sat waiting. After handing over the letter and biding farewell, Colin sent the detective on his way, praying that something came of this. He had no idea how much longer his mother would last. Her chest cough seemed to be worsening every day, and though she still insisted that she was fine, Colin and his wife Emily knew better.

Violet Wickham was slowly dying; she just was too stubborn to admit that to herself. She was clinging to the small shred of hope that she would get to meet her granddaughter before death took it’s toll on her. Colin just prayed that hope last her for another five months if the need arose.

The Duke of Barclay sat there for a few minutes, lost in his thoughts. He was startled to attention, however, when the butler announced the arrival of Richard Davenport. Not exactly the man Colin wanted to see at the moment, but he couldn’t very well turn him away.

Colin forced himself to his feet just as his brother in-law walked through the door. The man seemed to be in good form considering the fact that his daughter had been missing for the better part of two weeks. Richard Davenport quickly sat down across from the duke without being asked to.

“What’s this I hear about you hiring a Bow Street detective to search for my daughter?” Richard barked without preamble, “I thought I told you that I didn’t want any help from your family; I can take care of my own daughter and have been doing so for the past eight years.”

Colin stiffened at the man’s demanding tone. He didn’t like being talked to like that by the man who had ruined his little sister’s life. But Richard did have a point. He and the rest of the Wickham family had done nothing for Kalinna over the years, so it would seem rather strange that they would want to help now of all times.

“It is better that we have more than one resource searching for Kalinna,” Colin coldly replied, portraying an aloof countenance towards Richard, “My mother wishes to see her granddaughter before she dies.”

“Who the hell cares?” Richard cried, an angry expression darkening his brow, “She never wanted anything to do with her before now.”

“I suggest you hold your tongue, sir, or else I bid you good day,” Colin practically spat, growing impatient with the merchant’s lack of good manners, “My mother made mistakes, she would tell you that plainly herself, and now she only wishes to make amends.”

“I do not care for my daughter to be introduced to your family,” Richard announced. Colin seriously considered punching the man, but thanked the heavens for his restraint.

“Still shouting your demands, I see,” a sharp feminine voice suddenly announced from the doorway. Richard’s mouth dropped open as he beheld the Dowager standing in the doorway, a cold stare on her face.

“Mother, I thought you had gone to lie down,” Colin said as he hurried forward to escort the elder into the room.

“I’m am not incapable of walking Colin,” Violet retorted as she brushed her son’s arm away and marched into the room to settle onto a chair, “Now Mr. Davenport, why do you wish to keep your daughter from meeting her relatives?” For a moment, Richard didn’t know what to say.

“You didn’t care about her when she was born, nor when her mother passed away eight years ago. What gives you the right to demand an audience with her now?” Richard finally stated as he crossed his arms over his chest, “I see no reason for introducing her to your circles when she will be an outcast anyway.”

“That she will not be,” Violet countered, emerald eyes flashing, “Kalinna would be a lady, introduced only to the finest ladies and gentlemen of the ton. Despite the fact that you and my daughter led a simple life does not cast your daughter into the shadows of scorn.”

“What makes you think that she will even be accepted by society?” Richard demanded, “There was quite a scandal when Elizabeth and I got married, so who’s to say that Kalinna wouldn’t be cast aside because of that simple fact?”

“I cannot say for sure. But I will forever be on her side as will Colin and his family. Nobody will dare question her heritage or her good name,” Violet concluded, “Now, do you really want to deny her what is her right?”

“I am her father, I will decide what’s right,” Richard practically yelled. The Dowager pretended not to notice his tone of voice. “I already have made arrangements for her hand in marriage to a viscount.”

“A horrible, disgusting creature of a man if I understand correctly,” Violet countered. If looks could kill, she would have been dead a hundred times over. “Now, I have set aside money for her as her marriage dowry. Would you deny her the greater match that that would bring?”

Colin almost snorted in disgust. He could practically see the dollar signs lighting up in Richard Davenport’s eyes. It’s no wonder his sister had been miserable in her marriage to this scoundrel.

“I guess I could bring her around to meet you,” Richard hesitantly stated, trying not to look too eager at the prospect of lining his pockets all the more, “I’m just not sure how well the lass will take it when she learns of her true heritage.”

“If she is anything like my Elizabeth was, she’ll adjust just fine,” Violet confidently replied, “Now, if there is nothing left to discuss, this time I do intend on taking a nap. Excuse me gentlemen.”

Richard and Colin immediately hopped to their feet until Violet was out of site and the door was firmly shut. Once Colin was sure his mother was gone, he turned to glare at the merchant, who still stood, a smug smile on his face. Colin itched to wipe it off, but he knew that violence would not solve anything. Especially when his niece was concerned.

“Don’t think for one minute that you are getting one coin from Kalinna’s dowry,” the duke threatened, “My mother has worked it out so that the contract is ironclad. Nobody but your daughter and her future husband may lay hands on that money.”

“Oh, I’m not worried,” Richard nonchalantly replied.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Colin demanded, not trusting how Richard seemed to be unaffected by this announcement.

“Nothing,” the man responded as he donned his hat, “Well, good day to you my lord.”

Without another word, Richard quickly made his way out of the large manor and entered his carriage, a lightness in his step that left the duke quite confused. If only Colin, Violet and the rest of that loathsome family really knew what he was planning. The old bat would be sure to croak if she ever found out.

Richard smiled evilly to himself as he instructed his driver to take him home. With that new dowry that Violet had conveniently arranged for Kalinna, he was bound to attract a higher French lord than he had originally intended. And by aiding the French government, he was sure to get a title himself.

Soon, he would be living in France, a wealthy man who would no longer have to worry about whether his ships made it to port on time and with the right goods. No, all his worries would be gone once this plan was executed.

He knew the British government suspected something, but they had no idea what he was actually planning. And he had covered his tracks well enough that even if they suspected him, they could never prove that he was actually involved. Of course, once everything was over, they’d know he was the mastermind behind the entire plan.

He would go down in history as the man who single-handedly undermined the British government. Finally, he would be known as somebody other than that merchant who didn’t always deliver the right goods. No, life would be smooth sailing in a few months.

The only hitch in his plan was that Kalinna had disappeared. She was the key part in getting his title and power in France, but as of now, he wasn’t quite all that worried. He had a reliable source that confirmed that she had left by port.

Well, whatever ship the chit had left on was bound to return sooner or later. He would have a man waiting so she couldn’t escape again. No, he would teach his daughter never to disobey him again. After all, he was her father and was in charge of her life.