The butler coughed. “I beg your lordship’s pardon, but if I might say so, Sir Richard would hardly change his raiment for the execution of—of what I apprehend your lordship means.”
“No. No, very true! He would not, of course!” agreed George, relieved.
“Moreover, my lord, Biddle reports that Sir Richard’s drawers and wardrobe have been ransacked, and various articles of clothing abstracted. Upon going to rouse Sir Richard this morning, Biddle found his room in the greatest disorder, as though Sir Richard had made his preparations for a journey in haste. Furthermore, my lord, Biddle informed me that a portmanteau and a small cloak-bag are missing from the cupboard in which they are customarily kept.”
George gave a sudden croak of laughter. “Bolted, by Gad! Yoicks! gone awa-ayl”
“George!”
“I don’t care!” said George defiantly. “I’m devilish glad he has bolted!”
“But there was no need!” Louisa said, forgetting that Porson was in the room. “No one was constraining him to marry—” she caught Porson’s eye, and stopped short.
“I should inform your ladyship,” said Porson, apparently deaf to her indiscreet utterance, “that there were several other Peculiar Circumstances attached to Sir Richard’s disappearance.”
“Good heavens, you talk as though he has been spirited away by magic!” said Louisa impatiently. “What circumstances, my good man?”
“If your ladyship will excuse me, I will fetch them for your inspection,” said Porson, and bowed himself out.