The Lost Duchess

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌⁠Anonymous

I

"Has the duchess returned?"

"No, your grace."

Knowles came farther into the room. He had a letter on a salver. When the duke had taken it, Knowles still lingered. The duke glanced at him.

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌⁠"Is an answer required?"

"No, your grace." Still Knowles lingered. "Something a little singular has happened. The carriage has returned without the duchess, and the men say that they thought her grace was i