"It's quite simple, and I will state it as baldly as I am able, sir. Compton fell heavily into debt and pawned the weapon to help pay the score. He involved Jameson in the deed when he realized the enormity of his actions and how his father would survey the saber's loss."
"What need was there to involve Perry in the plot?"
"A scapegoat needed to be found to account for its disappearance, and apparently Compton often used Perry's name to avoid detection when he placed items into hock. So who better to take the blame in the form of theft? It's not until you see the boy that you realize the description given by the pawnbroker also matches Compton exactly. Neither boy was brought before him for identification; therefore, the description and name were all they had to go on"
"Have you made the Dean aware of your findings?"
"I have, sir."
"Good. Then our meeting is assured. I would not wish further unpleasantness on Perry's behalf. The boy's suffered enough" Rising up from the stile, the earl extended his hand to Randall and smiled. "It appears I am once more indebted to you."
Randall took his hand. "There's no need for gratitude, sir. I but do my duty by you and Master Perry."
"Your duties do not include rescuing my recalcitrant brother from schoolboy scrapes"
"This was no schoolboy scrape, sir. It was a serious accusa tion, and one I would be loath to subject the young master to if I was able to put it to rights."
"Most admirable sentiments," approved Sinclair, laying his hand on Randall's shoulder. "I am indeed fortunate to employ such a loyal retainer."
They started back along the lane, and the earl saw that Randall was grinning.
When questioned on the source of his mirth, Randall replied, "It's just occurred to me, sir, I will now be at liberty to remove myself from The Star and its delightful landlady."
"If the thought does not find favor with you"-Sinclair chuckled-"arrangements can be made that you remain a while longer."
Randall laughed. "That will definitely not be necessary. Unless, of course, it's your wish to join me there, my lord?"
Not wishing to leave its occupants in uncertainty, Carlton was dispatched hotfoot to Fly Hall with the news of Perry's exoneration. After conferring with the Dean, the two brothers traveled to London for a few days so that Sinclair could introduce Perry to some of the sights of the city. He also thought it time that Perry be initiated into some of the more innocent forms of entertainment available to young gentlemen on the town.
Though too young to be proposed for membership, he was made known to members of the few exclusive clubs to which the earl belonged. They visited Jackson's Boxing Salon, drank in only the most fashionable coffeehouses, and shot wafers at Manton's Shooting Gallery. Perry, who was given a lesson in the masterly art of fencing at one of the most select galleries, found he had a decided flair for the sport, and badgered his brother for membership to the hallowed school. Being granted this, his final triumph was to tool Sinclair's curricle around Hyde Park at the fashionable hour. Sitting beside him, the earl showed an obvious pride in his ability, even going so far as to promise him an equipage and team of his own once he had completed his schooling.
Carlton and his news had received a rapturous reception. Flora, finding recourse to her handkerchief, declared she knew that her beloved Perry would be vindicated. Indeed, she'd never doubted it, and she blamed not Edward for indulging the boy.
Freddie would have immediately gone to join them in London if Jenny hadn't prevented it. He declared it most shabby that he was not allowed to go. Nevertheless, he consoled himself with the thought that his friend would be returned in but three days. He'd grown tired of none but female company and declared himself as having enough of petticoats, for, as he confided to Caesar, "They do naught but chatter about the inconsequential. They have no interest in the more important things in life, whereas Perry is top-rig. He knows where you might find the best sport, or buy the best horse, or indeed anything that a chap might desire, and whatever he's not familiar with, Sinclair can always be relied upon to know." Caesar regarded him with doleful eyes, not knowing his meaning, only that he was required to bear him company in his master's absence.
"You are sure your wish is to return to Oxford?" asked the earl as he and Perry left the confines of London to return to Fly.
"I'd prefer to take a commission, sir," came the reply.
"You will not!" stormed Sinclair, causing Perry to draw back into his seat at the fury on his brother's face. "If you hold hopes that I will pay your commission, I tell you now, you may as well forget them!"
"Thought you'd say that," said Perry, heaving a heavy sigh. "That's why I've resigned myself to returning to Oxford, though I must admit, a cavalry post is what I most desire."
Sinclair appeared to hold himself in check, but the darkening of his countenance proved the ferocity of his feelings on the subject. "While you are under my guardianship, you may forget all thoughts of the military," he ground out through clenched teeth. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "And don't think yourself able to enter into the Navy either. I know youyou'll try by whatever means you may to get your own way in the matter, but I will not allow it. You must put all such thoughts out of your head. It's but a phase you go through"
"Father never stopped you," complained Perry hotly.
"No, he did not," replied Sinclair, "and what further proof do you require?"
They fell into silence that was broken only by the sound of the horses' hooves on the cobbled roadway, but an unease still existed between them.
After some reflection, Perry said thoughtfully, "Perhaps, then, I will try the Law."
"You may try whatever else you wish," was the earl's relieved reply. "Though there's no need for you to find employment of any kind, as you well know."
"But I want to be of worth," cried Perry earnestly. "I want to achieve something rather than waste my youth"
"Your sentiments are very commendable, but we will see what thoughts you have on the subject once you've completed your stint at Oxford and spent a season on the town. Then will be the time to evaluate your future. When you are master of Fly and all it entails, you will find more than enough to occupy your time."
"Surely Fly will go to your heir," said Perry, much perplexed.
"I have no heir, save you."
"Perhaps not at this moment, but surely you will have, given time."
"Humph!" was Sinclair's only reply.
From the window of her apartment, Jennifer watched with mixed emotions the approach of the chaise containing Sinclair and Perry. She knew that their return to Fly heralded her own return to London and Hawley, but her desire to see the earl overruled that, and she hastened to the hall below to join the others in a welcoming committee. All were gathered there with the exception of Estelle, who remained in her apartment, unaware of their arrival.
While his brother lingered a moment longer in conversation with his groom, Perry was first into the hall and couldn't keep the wide grin from his countenance when he saw everyone awaiting him.
"Knew everything would be right and tight." He grinned as they flocked around him to offer their congratulations on the outcome of the dealings. To his profound discomfiture, he found himself taken into a warm embrace by Flora, who, with tears in her eyes, declared herself most relieved to have him returned to the fold.
"I couldn't have borne it if you'd been taken into custody," she cried.
"I was never in any danger of that," he scoffed, disengaging himself from her hold. "If they had found me guilty, the most that would have happened was that I would have been expelled."
"A more stupid remark I've yet to hear you make," admonished the earl, entering the hall. "Who knows what the outcome would have been? It's as well we were able to resolve the matter before it was taken further. There was none more apprehensive of the outcome than you, so don't disparage Flora's fears"
Perry looked uncomfortable at his brother's words, but Carlton came to his rescue.
"You mustn't be too hard on the boy, Edward" He laughed. "Despite all, he remained calm and handled the whole extremely well."
"And so he should," returned Sinclair. "With such support, he couldn't fail to have confidence in his acquittal."
Carlton shook Perry's hand. "And how did you fair at Manton's?" he asked. "When last I saw you, you were about to be introduced to the gallery."
As Perry would have given an enthusiastic reply, the earl interrupted. "He did tolerably well, but 'tis not a pastime I wish to encourage. He wants to join the military, and I will not have it."
"Neither will I!" cried Flora, once more gripping her younger brother's arm. "I will not have it that you follow in Edward's footsteps"
Looking considerably discomfited, Perry assured her he'd put all thoughts of it from his mind.
Carlton took Sinclair to one side. "It doesn't necessarily follow that if the boy shoots, he will want to take up arms," he said.
"I know you are right," replied the earl, "but I'm sure you can understand my way of thinking."
"In boys of his age, it's the military this week and something totally different that takes their fancy the next," Carlton assured him. "I think you need have no fear of his taking a commission."
"I can guarantee it, as I will not supply the funds," stated the earl.
Over his brother-in-law's shoulder, the earl caught sight of Jennifer standing to one side as if awaiting his notice. She'd not come forward with the others, deeming it only right that family should be the first to greet them, but, as Sinclair turned from Carlton, she made toward him to add her congratulations to those of her fellows. However, as she would have taken his outstretched hand, a cry was uttered from the stairs, and Estelle, suddenly aware of their arrival, came running down to warmly embrace the earl. He appeared somewhat taken aback by his reception but nonetheless returned the embrace. Jenny fell back, her welcoming smile fading, her hand dropping to her side as she stood transfixed by the whole.
Suddenly realizing how it must appear, Sinclair raised his eyes to hers, and, seeing the hurt there, he gently put Estelle from him.
"It's most gratifying to be received as the conquering hero," he said, smiling flippantly, holding Jenny's gaze and attempting to lighten the moment. "It almost makes the whole worthwhile."
She turned away. "I'm sure that's not how Perry sees it," she snapped. "One would suppose he would have preferred it not to have happened in the first place."
"Steady on, Jen," interpolated Freddie hastily. "Sinclair only makes light of it. No one is more conscious of Perry's sensibilities than he"
"You are right, of course," she said generously, coming forward and once more extending her hand to the earl. "You must forgive me, Edward. It was not a tactful remark to make"
He took her hand and pressed her fingers lightly, smiling down at her. "'Tis I who should've had more tact," he said quietly so that only she could hear.
Blushing, she pulled away. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean"
"I suspect that you do, my dear," he replied, dropping his voice even lower.
"Edward, Edward," cried Flora imperatively. "Carlton has come up with the most excellent idea that we remove to Brighton, now that the London season is closed. Indeed, he's sent his man of business to secure a property on Marine Parade. Would it not be delightful if we all could go-that is, if the Earl of Hawley will agree that Jenny and Freddie should join us, and Estelle has no objection to the move?"
A general babble of agreement ensued, only Flora noticing that neither Jennifer nor Sinclair added their tones to the general consensus that it was an excellent suggestion. Perry and Freddie went so far as to declare it a ripping idea, as it would be their first season at the resort and promised all forms of hitherto unsampled delights.
Later that evening, when challenged on her thoughts of the projected scheme, Jenny confided to Flora, as they sat slightly apart from the others in the drawing room, that she doubted Hawley would agree to their going.
"Then I shall send Carlton to visit him," Flora assured her. "He will scarcely refuse his permission when approached in person, and, when need be, Carlton can have such a persuasive air about him."
"If he can be persuaded, then I would be glad to go," replied Jenny, smiling. Then, as indifferent as she could make the question, she asked, "Do you think Edward will join us?"
"Who can tell?" replied Flora. "Though I promise to do my best to ensure that he does. He never had a great liking for Brighton and its society, but perhaps the thought of a congenial gathering may change his mind." She studied Jennifer for a moment, then, leaning confidingly close, she asked solicitously, "Has there been a falling-out? There appears a new restraint between you."
"Indeed, I don't know what you mean," cried Jennifer. "There has been no falling-out, I assure you"
"Then if it's Estelle who concerns you, you may put all thoughts of a match out of your head."
As Jenny would have given an indignant reply, there appeared to be an animated conversation taking place at the far side of the room as Estelle attempted to persuade Sinclair to join her in a duet while Carlton played the piano.
"I have no voice," complained the earl defensively.
"Nonsense. You've the most pleasing baritone when you choose. I've heard it on several occasions when we were in Spain," declared Estelle.
"They were campaign songs, hardly suitable for a drawingroom recital," replied Sinclair, nonetheless appearing pleased by the compliment.
"Then 'tis settled. I know the very piece. Do you know `The Turtledove'?" she asked Carlton enthusiastically.
"I most certainly do," he replied, taking his seat at the piano and running his hands over the keys.
Taking hold of Sinclair's hand, Estelle pulled him from his seat to stand beside her at the instrument, holding him there as he would have pulled away. But as the melody began, he appeared to relax, and soon they were joined together in the melodious strains of the song.
Their voices appeared to match perfectly, and once the song ended, the gathering called for an encore.
None seemed aware of the effect the duet had on Jennifer. Pleading a headache, she quietly left the company, but her leaving did not go unnoticed. Seeing her departure, Sinclair had the desire to follow in her wake but, much to his frustra tion, was prevented from following his inclination, as everyone joined the performers around the piano to add to their tones.
The following morning, having reached a momentous decision during many wakeful hours, Sinclair rose shortly after dawn and penned a brief note to Jennifer requesting that she join him in riding out immediately after she had breakfasted. Folding the missive, he gave it to his valet with the instructions that it be handed to the lady's maid as soon as possible.
However, upon its receipt, and feeling much piqued at the mode of communication, Jennifer tore it into pieces and returned it from whence it came with the added rejoinder that if my lord wished to communicate with her, he should do so in person!
Uttering an oath and disparaging all willful females, as soon as he'd been assisted into his riding coat, Sinclair strode along the corridor. Now that his decision had been made, he was impatient to put it into action, and, oblivious to Croft's questioning gaze, he rapped none too gently on Jennifer's apartment door.
As the door was opened by an inquiring maid, he pushed past her into the sitting room, demanding to see her mistress. When informed that the lady had breakfasted but was still at her toilette, he forgot himself enough to demand that she be told to hurry herself.
There had been no need for the maid to repeat his words to her mistress, as Jenny had heard them well enough through the closed door, but she went through the motions of listening to the message. "You may tell my lord," she replied in only a slightly calmer tone than his, "that I will be with him directly and will join him at the stables."
The groom preparing the earl's horse for the projected ride confided to his companion that he'd never seen the master appear in such
an agitated state. No matter what the cause, he always managed to keep his temper. Quite unlike the old master, who was likely to throw whatever came to hand at your head if his will was crossed. Indeed, the earl was acting quite out of character.
Seeing Jennifer approaching across the yard, Sinclair strode to meet her, but at the sight of her pale countenance, his mood took a complete turnabout, and he appeared contrite.
"Forgive me, Jenny, for acting so imperatively, but I wanted to speak to you alone," he said, standing before her. "The house seems overfull, and we are forever being interrupted. We never have the opportunity to be private."
"And what purpose would that serve?" asked Jennifer curtly, refusing to meet his gaze and drawing on her riding gloves. "Indeed, why should it matter when you've others who would be only too willing to be private with you?"
"My God, you're jealous!" cried Sinclair, falling back in amazement.
"Certainly not," she cried hotly. "To be jealous, one needs to be ... And I am not. Most definitely not"
Sinclair gave a crow of delight, but as he briefly took his eyes from her, she ran across the yard and, with the aid of the groom, quickly mounted her waiting horse. Almost before the earl could realize what she was at, she'd urged the horse to a canter and headed out toward the park. As he would have taken his own mount, it sidled and fretted at the leaving of its stablemate so that he was unable to mount immediately, and Jenny was out of sight before he, too, was able to leave the confines of the yard.
Seeing her some distance ahead, Sinclair set his mount at a reckless gallop, ignoring obstacles, intent only on halting her headlong flight.
He called her name but to no avail as, becoming aware that he gained on her, she urged her mount to even greater efforts, the wind taking her breath at the speed they traveled.
Realizing that she did not know the terrain as well as he, Sinclair decided to take a chance and, leaving the pathway, headed across adjoining fields, attempting to head her off before she should reach the roadway. The maneuver paid dividends. She'd slackened her pace somewhat as she entered a heavily wooded area, but as she emerged from the trees and was about to set out at a gallop once more, she found her way barred as Sinclair sat patiently waiting across the path. She drew rein and sat defiantly before him, her face flushed with the exertion of the ride.
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