"He knew I had Compton's permission to enter his room and left thinking no more about it."
"Were there no further investigations made into the matter? Surely if you'd taken it on that occasion, it would have been too obvious that you were the thief when you were known to be alone in his room"
"Compton said that it had been in the room just before my visit, but when he followed closely in my wake, it was gone. What other conclusion could they draw?"
"There is more to this than meets the eye! You are sure no further inquiries were made?"
"Not to my knowledge, Ned"
"Was a search made of your room?"
"Yes."
"And nothing came to light?"
"How could it, if I were innocent? They were convinced that I had hidden it."
"And what was to be your motive for stealing it in the first place?"
"Monetary. It's well known that my pockets are to let, and the saber was of value."
"Then I will go to see the Principal myself. I will not allow you to be accused on so slender a case. Investigations will be made-you may rely upon it. You must remain here, but I will travel to Oxford tomorrow."
Perry grinned with great relief, his faith in his brother's abilities unshaken. "Knew you would know what to do. I know I should've come to you as soon as I was accused, but..
"There is no need for self-recrimination. Thankfully, I was notified of the case and will now at least have some chance of putting it to rights. Now go and get some sleep. You look sorely in need of it."
"Devil a bit," agreed Perry, rising to take his leave. Then, as he gained the door, he turned and said simply, "Thank you, Ned"
Sinclair waved him away, not allowing him to see the grimness that had settled about his mouth.
The earl left for Oxford at first light, leaving Estelle at Fly, deeming it prudent that she remain with Perry and give him what support she may. The boy had assured him that he would fare well enough on his own, but the earl preferred that he have company to prevent him from dwelling on the case.
For the whole of the morning Perry played the dutiful host and showed Estelle over the estate, as he thought his brother would have wished. However, once luncheon had been served, deeming he'd discharged his duty, he hailed Caesar and, making his excuses, headed out to inspect the covers.
Left alone, Estelle wandered the corridors of the house, examining the portraits of the Thurston ancestors, each one bearing a striking resemblance to its predecessor. She stopped before the present earl's likeness, which had been captured when he first took his commission in Marchant's Cavalry. Her features softened as she examined the earnest young officer who showed such obvious pride in his regimentals. Drawing parallels with her own dear husband, she felt tears come to her eyes as she thought of the ravages the war had wrought on all their lives. During their time in the campaigns, Sinclair had become as dear as any brother to her. She felt it keenly that at times he appeared so downcast, when it had been her hope that, once he'd returned to England, he would be able to recommence his life.
So lost was she in her reverie that she failed to hear the arrival of a chaise and was brought to sudden awareness when she heard voices in the hall below, one of which she instantly recognized. Immediately she went to meet the new arrivals.
"Where is he?" demanded Flora of Croft. "Don't tell me he's off on one of his harebrained schemes. He should be confined to the house until the matter is settled."
"His Lordship is gone to Oxford, and Master Perry is out with his infernal hound," growled Croft, uncertain of whom she spoke.
"Arrange for our luggage to be taken to our rooms," ordered Flora, appearing not in the best of humors. "Lady Jennifer and Master Frederick are staying, and Carlton will be joining us as soon as he is able."
"I will go to look for Perry," said Freddie, making a hasty exit, determined to seek out his friend.
Jenny stood transfixed as she watched Estelle, with a welcoming smile on her face, descend the stairs, and she thought for a moment that she looked so comfortable there, almost as if she belonged.
"Estelle!" exclaimed Flora, going forward to embrace her as she gained the final tread. "Forswear, I never thought to see you here"
"I came to bear Edward company," said Estelle, "but now I see I need not have worried that he lacked support"
"Allow me to introduce Lady Jennifer to you" Flora smiled, drawing Jenny forward.
Smiling, Estelle made a slight curtsy. "You must forgive me, my dear," she said. "I did not immediately recognize you, as your hair is quite different."
"Why should you recognize me, when we've never met?" replied Jenny with a slight reserve. "Indeed, I wouldn't expect you to even know of my existence."
Estelle appeared taken aback by the coolness of her reception, but, seeing the difficulty of the moment, Flora took a hand in the conversation.
"We would not have known of the accusations if Freddie hadn't taken it upon himself to make us aware of the situation," she offered in explanation of their arrival. "We saw it as our duty to come immediately. We cannot leave everything resting on dear Edward's shoulders, and Perry must be in need of encouragement to revive his spirits."
"With so staunch a band of supporters, he will scarcely have need of me," replied Estelle. "Perhaps it would be prudent for me to return to London. I don't wish to appear de trop.11
"I will not hear of it," replied Flora, linking arms with the widow and Jennifer and drawing them toward the salon. "We shall take some tea and discuss the situation. We make quite a gathering, do we not? At least Perry need not fear he's without support. Forswear, my sympathies are wholly with him, for we cannot doubt his innocence. Indeed, I will not allow his integrity to be questioned."
Throughout the remainder of the afternoon Jennifer continued her observation of Estelle. However, no matter what her thoughts might have been on the subject of Sinclair's bringing her to Fly, try as she might, she could find no fault with her. Indeed, by the time they repaired to change for supper, the three found themselves very much in accord on the situation.
Sinclair, upon his return some three days later, appeared much taken aback by the sight of both his sister and Lady Jennifer, who, having witnessed the arrival of his coach from the drawing room window, awaited him in the hall.
"Have no fear, you have not been invaded in your absence" Flora smiled, coming forward to greet him. "But I'm sure you must see that we had to come"
"I'm prodigiously glad that you did," the earl assured her, embracing her and dropping a dutiful kiss on her brow. However, it was Jennifer who held his gaze, and it was a moment before he could tear his eyes from her pale countenance.
"I take it that this is Freddie's doing." He smiled, putting Flora from him and advancing to meet Jenny with hand outstretched, taking hers in a warm clasp. "I hope you weren't badgered into coming. I know only too well how insistent these young cubs can be, and I'm sure Freddie gave you no option."
Jennifer smiled, unable to resist his obvious pleasure at seeing her. "Not at all. I would have come of my own accord had Freddie not had a desire to drive down immediately. When I spoke to Flora on the matter, she stated her intention of coming and asked if I wished to accompany her. Anyone knowing Perry must instantly doubt his guilt. My only hope is that you don't think me to intrude."
"Certainly not. I am most pleased to see you. Indeed, such support must not fail to revive the boy's spirits."
Flora stamped her foot, drawing her brother's attention back to her. "Enough of these pleasantries, Edward. You sorely try my patience. Tell us how you fared. Have you been able to right the matter?"
The earl sobered instantly. "I'm no further with the case," he confessed. "My inquiries were hindered at every turn, and I am still requested to remove Perry." Recollecting that they still stood in the hallway and that Croft remained, he said, "But we must not stand here discussing the matter. Come into the sitting room, and I will explain all."
"Has the weapon come to
light as yet?" asked Jennifer once they were all seated about the hearth and Croft had brought in the tea tray.
"Thankfully, it has," replied Sinclair.
"Surely that must prove Perry's innocence," cried Flora.
"Not quite. It was retrieved from a pawnbroker." As Flora would have spoken again, the earl raised his hand. "A pawnbroker who, apparently, Perry has been in the habit of using."
"I can't believe that he's had the need to recourse to a pawnbroker for money," Flora scoffed. "Surely the allowance you make him is sufficient for all his needs"
"Then that shows just how little you know of a young gentleman's `needs' while away from home. The man, Gerard, who owns the establishment, assures me that the name given was the Honorable Peregrine Thurston, and the description he gave to me fit Perry exactly. He said that Perry had availed himself of his services on several occasions over the past months"
"I still can't believe him capable of theft," insisted Flora.
"Nor I. There's definitely something that doesn't sit right. I attempted to speak to Compton, but he wouldn't even agree to a meeting, and I couldn't push the issue. The whole episode appears suspect, but the college authorities take his side in the matter. Further investigations must be made, but I am too well known by those involved to get to the bottom of the issue. I may not be able to further the inquiry, but I have one in mind who might."
"Then you must engage his services immediately," cried Flora.
"There's no need. He's already in my service," replied Sinclair. "'Tis my agent, Randall, who worked as a runner for a while, and I believe he still has connections at Bow Street. Where better to look for a solution? He's eminently more qualified to deal with the investigation than I."
"Excellent!" cried Flora enthusiastically. "He must be set to the task immediately."
"My very intention," replied the earl, "but I must need speak to Perry first. By-the-by, where is he? The house seems uncommonly quiet. Even Caesar deserts us?'
"There's no mystery there" Jenny smiled. "They are gone with Freddie and Estelle to the kennels. They were determined that she should see the new arrivals, and, as she appeared not opposed to the idea, they went immediately after lunch."
11Oh, Lord. Estelle! I'd completely forgotten about her," cried Sinclair guiltily, sitting forward in his seat. "She must think me a very indifferent host. Almost as soon as we arrived, I found it necessary to desert her and haven't given her a thought since. Poor girl, she will wish she never accompanied me."
"I don't think there's any fear of that," assured Flora. "She's made herself quite at home and, despite the situation, appears to be very much enjoying her sojourn."
Smiling, the earl put aside his cup and rose. "Then I must go in search of them before the young numbskulls drive her to distraction. I must not be accused of neglecting my guests."
"I swear to you, Ned, I've never been near a pawnbroker," cried Perry, once more standing before his brother in the library.
"Never?" queried Sinclair with raised eyebrows. "Then how come he knows your name and likeness?"
Perry dropped his gaze guiltily. "Well, maybe, just once," he conceded.
"And that was when ... T'
"When I first went up to Oxford. I was short of cash, and Jameson said all the chaps did it. You were away, and I couldn't apply to Carlton for funds, so I pawned the telescope you gave me until the next quarter's allowance came through"
The earl laid his hand to his brow. "You don't make things easy, do you?" he groaned. "I was hoping you'd never been near the place and we could discredit Gerard's identification of you. As it is, you must speak to Randall. I've arranged for you to meet with him in the morning. You may see him alone so that whatever information you have to impart will be solely between the two of you. I shall not interfere, but you must be completely honest with him. To hold back on anything could jeopardize the outcome of the investigation."
"I understand and will do as you say," Perry assured him in little more than a whisper. "Though I must tell you, Ned, I am most deeply sorry for all the trouble I've caused you. I will find some way to repay you-truly I will."
"You will repay me by keeping your spirits up. I will not have you acting in this dejected manner when this whole matter is not your fault. When this is over, you may decide whether you remain at Oxford or not. I will not influence you either way. I believe it to be a decision you alone must make. In the meantime, I will not pressure you. We will prove your innocence even if it necessitates taking the whole matter to court"
Perry's eyes widened. "I couldn't bear it, Ned. To have it thrust so into the open would expose the whole family to ridicule. Even if I were found innocent, accusations would still be leveled."
Sinclair brought his hand down forcibly onto the desk. "I will not allow this defeatist attitude." He saw that the boy appeared near to tears and relented, rising to press Perry into the chair set at the side of the desk. "Come now," he said more quietly. "We must place our faith in Randall and his colleagues. I'm sure they will succeed. There are too many discrepancies in the case for it to be taken further. Indeed, it surprises me that it ever came thus far."
"I believe it to be Compton's father who insisted they find the culprit," said Perry, regaining some of his equanimity. "Compton himself appeared not to wish to press the case"
"It matters not who is the cause for your persecution. We will prove your innocence and then redress the issue. Go to bed now. I believe Randall will wish to travel to Oxford as soon as he's spoken to you on the morrow. Therefore, you must speak to him as early as possible."
Obediently Perry rose to leave, but the earl delayed him a moment longer. "Tell me, did you retrieve the telescope?" he asked, smiling. "Or does it still languish on the pawnbroker's shelf?"
"I redeemed it as soon as I was in funds" Perry grinned in return. "How could I not, when it was you who'd given it to me?"
Intent on joining his guests in the drawing room, Sinclair paused for a moment outside the closed door, listening to the pleasant hum of voices. However, it was one voice in particular that held his attention, and he stood listening to the tones as she joined in the conversation, a small smile touching his lips. The topic was of no consequence, the ladies discussing no more than trivialities, but still it held a fascination for him. He stood so for several minutes before Croft, entering the hall, brought him from his reverie, and, pushing open the door, he made his entrance.
Later that night, when all had retired, he sat by the window in his bedchamber dressed in his shirtsleeves, the miniature resting in his hand. He could not remember a time when the beloved face had not filled his thoughts. At times his longing appeared almost as a physical pain in his breast, but still he could not relinquish it. He gave a heavy sigh, realizing that the miniature's possession did naught but perpetuate the torment he felt. It drove him to question the nobleness of his motives at not throwing caution to the wind and declaring himself, but still he thought such avowals inappropriate. For as much as he'd regained his former strength, the devastation wrought on his frame was still too apparent.
Although he had in part become reconciled to his disfigurement, the thought of inflicting its consequences upon another, upon one he held so infinitely dear, was insupportable, and he tightened his fingers over the frame. Feeling the metal cut into his flesh, he welcomed the pain as a diversion from his no less painful thoughts.
He knew not how long he sat thus, or what the hour, but a deep exhaustion overcame him, and, resting his head against the winged back of the chair, he fell into a restless sleep, the portrait slipping from his fingers to lie face upward on the floor.
Coming to sudden consciousness, Jennifer immediately recognized the cause of her awakening. Hearing the earl's voice in the throes of his night terrors, she threw on her robe and hastened along the corridor to his bedchamber.
Reaching the door, she did not hesitate to push it open, but the scene before her halted her advance. Sinclair was not alone. Unaware that s
he was observed, Estelle bent solicitously over him as he slept in the chair and, as Jenny watched, stooped to retrieve something from the carpet and place it on a nearby dresser.
Her worst fears confirmed, with sinking heart Jennifer turned away. She would not intrude when it was so obvious she was not needed. Hearing someone running down the landing, she turned to see Perry dressed only in his nightshirt coming down its length. As he gained her side, he would have pushed her into the room before him, but she held back. He tried once more to urge her to enter, but she said with a catch in her voice, "There's no need for me, Perry. Estelle attends him." And, turning quickly, she was gone.
Confounded by her departure, Perry watched her retreat for but a moment before hastening inside. To his vast relief, he found that his brother was calming, and at his arrival Estelle relinquished the earl into his care. Assured that the terror was all but passed, she returned to her own bedchamber, leaving him in sole charge. Perry helped Sinclair to undress before finally assisting him abed, waiting only until he finally succumbed to the exhaustion that inevitably followed the terrors and slept.
As the earl's breathing became more even, Perry took his candle and made toward the door, but as he passed the dresser, a metallic glint caught his eye, and he took the object up. At the sight of it, he gave a low whistle. "So, that's the way the wind blows," he whispered to himself. "I would never have suspected it." And he returned the frame to its resting place before once more retreating to his own chamber.
Randall left for Oxford immediately after his interview with Perry was concluded. He made no promises but assured the boy that he would gather what information he could and report his findings as soon as he was able. Perry held out no great hopes of an early conclusion, but his mind felt a little more at ease with Randall's assurance that he would leave no stone unturned in his investigations.
Sinclair took a turn about the gardens with Flora while his brother and guests entered into a game of croquet on one of the well-manicured lawns. As he moderated his pace to fit hers, she linked her arm in his, squeezing it gently to gain his attention, as his gaze was wont to wander to the players.
The Portrait Page 15