“I will join in the search this time,” Clemmie said. The words had come out before she’d even thought about it. Never in her life would she volunteer to clamber over a mountain, but she also knew she’d already done it. She was stronger than she’d convinced herself she was. “I can help.”
Partially, she also felt strong in her conviction, and maybe the Roman soldier would even give her a sign when it was necessary. If that was even possible, she didn’t know, but she would look for a sign all the same. Because of this, she knew she had to go.
Mr. Weber bit his nail as if he was worried. “I hope Mr. Luchon does not stand in the way.”
“As a policeman, how could he stand in the way of a search? He should be motivated to find these men.”
“He is very suspicious of you,” Mr. Weber said. “And he would be naturally suspicious of your suggestions.”
“That may be as it is, but this search must happen. Oliver is up the mountain somewhere. I’m convinced of it. That man must have been taking me there. He’d definitely been taking me along a road leading off this road out here. That must be where we search.”
Something in Mr. Weber’s expression told her he wasn’t convinced, but right now, she didn’t care—as long as a search party was called together. “Maybe we can convince Mr. Luchon that this search is his idea.”
“No, that will take too long. Call together the search, and we will search. That man seems too set in his ways to be reasonable. I’ll deal with him afterward.” Likely there would be accusations of wasting people’s time if they didn’t find anything, of attempts to misdirect attention away from her.
That was all things she had to think about later. Right now, she had to consider if she had shoes that were sturdy enough to tramp around mountains. The answer was no, but there was little she could do about that.
“I will send one of the boys around the village to see if anyone is willing to join us. I’m sure Mr. Schonberg will be willing to help. Possibly Mr. Luchon.” He drifted off in thought for a while as he planned the search. Then he looked at her. “If you are to join the search, then you should eat a hearty breakfast. Service hasn’t started yet, but return in…” He checked his pocket watch, “… half an hour.”
Clemmie nodded, feeling proud and excited she’d achieved getting this search planned. All she’d done was ask for it, but it still felt like an accomplishment. In her heart, she knew they would find Oliver today. The question was what state he would be in. The Roman hadn’t said anything about it, other than where to find him.
Curiously, she still remembered the dream vividly. Normally, dreams started fading for her the moment she woke, but she recalled his face and his voice. Although she couldn’t tell what language they’d been speaking. As a Roman, he wouldn’t have known English, and she spoke no Latin, but perhaps in dreams, communication was in something other than language.
Underneath, there was fear in her that they’d come back from this search empty-handed—that all of this had been nothing more than her imagination. But they were not fears she could give into.
With a nod, she agreed and then left him. She returned to her room, passing one of the newer couples staying at the hotel. It felt strange being cordial as she would in the normal way, when she was wary down into her bones that someone would switch character completely and try to hurt her.
But they simply nodded in return and continued on their way. Once passed, Clemmie rushed up the stairs and to her room, locking herself inside as had become an essential habit now.
What clothes did she have that were suitable for a search party? None, really. It wasn’t something she’d expected in her wildest dreams. Well, her traveling coat was sturdier than anything else, so that would be what she wore. And shoes. There was one pair of walking shoes, intended for walking down the Mall and such places, but they would have to suffice. There was a good chance they wouldn’t survive the day, but she didn’t care.
Dressed to brave the weather, she returned downstairs again for the start of the breakfast service. The Schonbergs stood waiting to be invited in.
“Ah, Mrs. Rowland,” Mrs. Schonberg said. “We hear there is to be another search.” The woman looked her up and down. “Are you to participate?”
“Yes,” Clemmie said.
“Those boots are not suitable.”
“I am aware. It is the best I can do.”
“I have a pair I can lend you. You will be much better off wearing a pair with sturdy leather soles.”
Never in her life had she even considered purchasing boots with sturdy leather soles. “That is very kind.”
“Are you sure you are up for the task?” Mrs. Schonberg asked.
“I’ll manage.”
“Good. We will both be joining.”
“I am very grateful for your help throughout. You have both been very kind.”
“Mr. Weber was saying there was a good chance Oliver was hidden in the hotel while we searched, and dispo… and moved later.”
Clemmie smiled tightly. “It seems to fit how this man does things.”
“But now we must eat,” Mr. Schonberg continued brightly. “One needs strength for a search. I wonder if they will bring dogs again.”
“I should bring something of Oliver’s for them to smell.”
“With so many days passed, a trail has likely dissipated. But I am not an expert on dogs. Perhaps it is a good idea.”
One of the serving women invited them in and they walked in to see steaming plates of porridge and eggs. There were also cold-cuts and cheese. Clemmie laid on a generous portion for herself, and she joined the Schonbergs at their table.
“We have decided we will return home once the constable says it's acceptable for us to leave. This has
