Dear Inkdrops, I was really blown away by the positive feedback I got on the last chapter. Thank you so much, your support really means a lot!
Now, let's drive into some side-plot.
Light trigger warning for allusion to period-typical racism and mentioning of abduction/running away (I won't spoiler what it is in detail yet).

April 1804

Consultations

Laura Roslin

The Valeriis really were a nice family, Laura decided after her second call, the first one in their new house. It had all come together nicely and she had to admit that Miss Valerii had impeccable taste. In fact, it was all very pleasant. The father even more educated than she had suspected, a great conversationalist and formidable opponent at chess. The daughter well-bred, a proper lady, but not bland at all - just the opposite. She was a breath of fresh air, much like Kara, it was just a pity that London society would not appreciate her for local standards unconventional beauty. If she had fairer skin and puppy-eyes, the girl could have made a formidable match, Laura was certain. Just as she was walking down the stairs, a bit lost in thoughts, she nearly bumped into somebody. As she looked up, she saw it was the oldest Agathon son who bowed politely. Behind him, Violet bobbed a curtsy (after all, they were in the middle of the street).

"Are you two calling on the Mr and Miss Valerii?" Laura asked.
Karl nodded, seemingly unsure what to say.
"Mama wanted us to make further introductions," Violet supplied.
"I bet she did,"Laura answered graciously,"I hope your family is well?"
Violet nodded. "Yes, thank you. We are all fine, though Papa currently has to work a lot."
The older woman hummed thoughtfully,then smiled."Pray,tell your mama I will call on her some time in the next couple of days. Now, my dears, don't let me keep you!"
"Not a problem, at all, let me help you into the carriage first!"the young man offered quickly.
Laura smiled. "You really are a dear one."

After saying their goodbyes, she heard the coachman call back to her.
"Whereto ma'am?" he wanted to know.

The man was new, actually still quite a boy, and currently helping out since some kind of stomach illness seemed to pass through the ranks of the servants. His name was Roland or Roberts or something like that, Laura hadn't really bothered to learn his name yet.
"Richmond, please," she answered.
As the man still didn't react, the woman sighed. She really hoped Mr Gaeta would be well again soon, she hated dealing with untrained servants.
"Riverton Manor," she supplied.
"Very well ma'am," he called, seemingly not bothered by her mood. That man had nerves!

She had to admit though that his knowledge of London streets was impeccable. When suddenly the path was blocked by some kind of accident, he easily found a way around it, not even slowing down the four horses Laura had requested for the rather presumptious carriage. As she had done so, she had expected Mr Gaeta to be on duty today and been quite anxious about the newcomer driving in the city, but apparently he knew what he was doing. After a while, she started to relax and simply look out of the window as the city passed by. It was peaceful, in a way, being remote from the flurry of activity. When she saw the stately house coming nearer, she sat up, rightening her clothes and hat. It wouldn't do to look rumpled in this location!

Footmen were already briskly walking out of the house to help her get out of the vehicle, she was quite positively surprised as this Riley- or Reagan-Man gave clear orders for how to deal with the horses. Maybe he really wasn't that useless. As she was shown inside, the servant immediately informed her that unfortunately the earl and his wife had already departed for the countryside and the viscount was out making calls. Laura nodded earnestly - of course her cousin had already informed her about his departure and she had hoped for the viscount's absence.

"I would like to speake to the Colonel, at least," she answered with nonchalance.
"Of course, I will fetch him," the servant replied, still, he first showed her into the blue parlour.

The furniture in the blue parlour was actually blue, a fact that one couldn't take for granted in these crazy times (in Laura's opinion). She passed her time looking at the portraits hanging on the walls - ancestors that she mostly shared with the current Earl of Matlock. Suddenly, the door opened, and the young Colonel burst in.

"Dearest Aunt, to what do I owe the pleasure? I thought I was expected to call on you?"
"You were Richard, though since I had the time, I thought I might just visit. The weather is so beautiful and Riverton is quite a bit remote from the hassle of the city. What would you say - shall we take a turn in the garden?"

The young man nodded as he saw the determined look in her eyes - he had to admit he wasn't quite sure himself which servants here were trustworthy. As they left the house, they began strolling across the lawn, making pleasant smalltalk with Laura teasing him about his bachelor ways and politely inquiring about Lady Catherine. Richard took great pleasure in telling her about the trouble she was currently going through searching for another clergyman since they didn't seem to stay long, leaving as soon as they found another opening.

"She needs somebody who appreciates her fully. All of her wit and decisive opinions," Laura declared.
Richard raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you are not talking about yourself?"
She levelled him with a stare. "Think about your words and your place, lad. Also," she added with a dismissive flick of her hand, "I am in no need for a new clergyman. Mine is not running away. Or planning on dying, as far as I know."
"Doesn't mean I am wrong," the young man grumbled, as Laura smacked him on the back on his head.
"Now Richard, I am not here to talk about your opinions on my life, which, no doubt, you do have many," she sighed exasperatedly, "and, to be honest, I am not too bothered about." She sighed again, more exhausted this time. "Have you found her, or any information since your last letter?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I think I have - I don't know. You see, I made my enquiries and I got a trace. It lead to Scotland, which in itself is not surprising. However, there it fades somewhere around Edinburgh. I hired a private investigator, just as you had proposed, but the man disappeared - unfortunately after taking the money. I have not heard from him for weeks, I doubt he will reappear. What about your research?"

"I used all my ressources, and the only thing I could find out is that nobody has seen her in or around London or in the South of England. Or in Wale,s for the matter. But for all I know, they could be in France by now!"

"But we can't just sit and wait, can we?" Richard huffed.

Laura sighed. "Of course not. We have to find her. And I fear we cannot ask your parents for help since they will only judge her for her own stupidity. That girl! So, what I will try is to arrange an invite to a hunting party in Scotland for you. Some gentlemen still do owe me a couple of favours. You go, have some fun and keep you eyes open. Maybe you can find that silly girl anywhere. Or, if not, at least get an idea where they might have gone."

"But I will ask you again, what if she doesn't want to go with me? Or if the man causes trouble?"

"If he causes trouble, we shall deal with it. Money is usually a good incentive, especially with rakes likes him. And if she doesn't want to go - well, at least I will rest easier knowing Kat is happy."

Just a little sidenote - Richard calls her "aunt" here, which is technically not correct since she is his father's cousin. I know Mr Collins calls the children of his cousin also "cousin", but, to be honest, since LAura is nearly twice the Colonel's age, I comehow found "aunt" a bit smoother - sue me. ;)