They moved out of the town at a brisk walk. They didn't look back, either. By the time the sun finally peered over the horizon, they had managed to reach a major crossway for carriages. It was just their luck that one was traveling on the same path they were on. The carriage was only carrying one passenger, too. A nobleman from a distant town. He encouraged them to board up on recognizing the detective. Once the carriage was underway, the portly nobleman was able to find out what happened.
"We were visiting my assistant's place of birth," Dupin said. He was offered some cheese and wine, which he accepted gladly. "Needless to say, we had overstayed our welcome."
"Truly?!" the man frowned and stroked his neatly trimmed beard.
"My family was happy to see me, but we did not like how we were treated with our belongings rummaged through. It was terrible," Marjery nodded.
"Such a tragedy! And you both were walking since then?" the man asked.
"Yes. Very exhausted, but very grateful to have run into you," Dupin smiled.
"Where is this town?" the man asked.
"I would advise to avoid it," Dupin warned. "They don't take well to outsiders. They almost imprisoned me for no reason. And this was even after they were told who I was."
"Such a shame," the man said with a hint of worry. Marjery was half asleep now. The stress she went through in the past twenty-four hours was finally hitting her.
"My dear, you can rest now. I'll wake you when we get to our destination," Dupin said softly. She yawned and nodded. He gestured for her to rest against his side. It was the only other place to do it.
"She is married now?" the man asked when he noticed the gold ring on her finger.
"Not exactly," Dupin sighed. "It was to protect her from a family that would have forced her into marriage. She had to pretend that she already was. Anyways, I need to get a bit of rest, too."
"I understand, but, a moment of your time? I was actually heading into the main city to see you," the man chuckled. Dupin rose a brow, but he carefully placed an arm around Marjery to stabilize her. She was already sleeping quite deeply. "I am Count DeMorgan. I'm sure you've heard of my estate?"
"That I have," Dupin nodded.
"I was wondering if you could help assist me with a problem I have," he sighed.
"How dire is it?"
"Oh, it's not too dire. If I could have your assistance in a week or two. That would be all."
"I can do that. I would have declined, if it was right away."
"No, no! It's merely a small case with a missing heirloom piece. It went missing about a month ago, and none have been able to find it since. Even the best investigators I have can't figure it out!"
"I see. Very interesting. I may be able to give you a call in one week. I still have something else to clear up first. I should be able to help you after that."
"Ah. With her town?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"I could send some support, too. As a form of down payment for your services."
"Really? I think we can work that in," Dupin grinned softly. This was simple proof of how powerful a man he was. The detective made new alliances wherever he went. At this new gesture of friendship, he confided in the man and showed him the diary with the old book references. The man was clearly appalled at what was discovered.
"It's good you rescued her from her fate!" the Count said gruffly.
"I know. I was the one that she pretended to be engaged to. It was my idea," Dupin nodded at the man's look of surprise. "It was an interesting experience."
"Do you wish for this experience to end?" the Count easily noticed how Dupin was with her.
"In truth...I'm not sure. Marjery is, quite possibly, the only female that I've encountered that seems to know me the best. And, she always helps me unlock my locks on a daily basis," he chuckled.
"So, you wish to marry her?"
"I was toying with the idea. But, I'm not sure how to bring it up."
"I do have an idea for you. She likes puzzles. It's quite obvious with your nature. Let me drop this into your lap," the Count grinned a touch boyishly. As the plan was laid out in full, Dupin could only smile. It would work neatly for what I need to do. The entire idea was given over the rest of the two hours it took to finally reach the main town. Of course, Dupin had his own modifications to the supposed plan, but the main part would easily work for him. Bidding the Count a fond farewell, and accepting his calling card, the carriage took him and Marjery to his home.
"Maggie," he whispered softly to rouse her. "We're at my home. Let's bring our things inside. We'll rest more afterwards."
"Of course, Detective Dupin," she yawned.
"You know," he said softly. "if you wanted to, you can still call me Dupin. I never minded it."
"Oh. Um...sure..." she blushed softly. She was still exhausted, but she understood. She helped him bring down the luggage and carry it into his house.