As she spoke, Huxstep came to join us. “The police are on their way, Your Grace, and I suggested that they send their most senior man. Is there anything I can do for you until they come?”

“Lady Georgiana is going to take me to see my son’s body,” she said. “Please have somebody bring me my raincoat and my brogues.”

“Your Grace, I think, given the inclement nature of the weather . . .”

“Your job is not to think, Huxstep,” she said curtly. “Your job is to bring me my raincoat.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” he said. “I only wanted to spare Your Grace the distress of seeing your son’s body.”

“I thank you for your concern, but I am not a child, Huxstep. Nor am I a frail old woman. My coat, please. And an umbrella.”

While we waited I asked, “Is there any news of Irene?”

“The doctor is administering a stomach pump,” she said. “He thinks he will be able to save her. Two children in one fell swoop. It was bad enough when I got the news about Johnnie. I don’t think I could bear it if the others were both taken from me. Where is my grandson? Where is John?”

“I don’t know, Your Grace. I haven’t seen him at all this morning.”

“He should be informed that he is now Duke of Eynsford,” she said with great dignity. “This is his house now. I realize that he is not yet twenty-one; thus, he will need a guardian to administer it for him until he reaches majority. I hope he will have the sense to allow me to guide him.” Her hand was at her throat again, clutching the jet-and-diamond brooch. “Your friend Lord Kilhenny’s son. Do you think he could be persuaded to come down again? A young man like John will need the strength and example of someone nearer his own age.”

I didn’t like to say I had no idea where Darcy could be found in London. He had no fixed address in town, but usually managed to live rather nicely in the houses of those who were wintering on the Med or were off at their country seats.

“He said he would come down as soon as he was able.” I felt overwhelmed with great longing to have him here with me, to feel those strong arms around me. “I will see if I can contact him.”

Huxstep returned, and produced the raincoat; an elderly maid carried the duchess’s shoes. The latter sat on a chair while her maid knelt to remove her footwear.

When she had put on the brogues, she turned to me. “In the glen, you say?” and she started toward the front door.

“You can’t go alone, Your Grace.” Huxstep stepped forward to block her path. “One of the staff should accompany you. Let me summon Frederick.”

“It’s all right. I’m going with Her Grace,” I said.