Ethan sat at the head of the table.
“How was your morning?” he inquired.
“Very pleasant,” Kate replied. “I helped Robbie with his lessons. He is rather rambunctious today. All he talked about was riding his horse.”
“Yes, I saw him yesterday. I believe he has a natural talent. He’ll be galloping around and jumping fences in no time.”
“Not too soon, I hope. The boy is fearless, and if given free rein, who knows what he will do.”
Emily joined them, soon followed by Hugh.
“You were up early,” Ethan directed his statement to Emily.
“Yes, I had to check on Mr. Winters. His poor foot has been bothering him.” Emily placed her napkin on her lap. “Then I made some calls in the village. And before you make a fuss, I asked one of your men, Brooks, to accompany me.”
Ethan happened to see an odd expression cross Hugh’s face. Was that jealousy? Why would Hugh be jealous of Emily taking an armed guard with her?
“What have you and Hugh been doing?” Emily’s question brought Ethan back to the conversation.
Hugh spoke first. His expression once again neutral. “There is not much to do at the moment. No one has returned to the house in the woods since the night we saw the smoke. Damn frustrating.” He stabbed at his fish for emphasis.
“I was out to some of the farms this morning,” Ethan said to his sister.
They all fell into a light conversation during the meal. There was no further mention of Kate’s predicament or the lack of leads on their suspect.
Kate was speaking to Emily when a footman interrupted. “Pardon, but a letter arrived for you, my lady.” He handed it to Kate.
Her hand trembled as she took the note. Kate tried to open the letter, but her fingers kept slipping over the seal. Ethan rose from his seat and went to her. She stopped fumbling with the letter and tilted her head to meet his gaze. Her words from the previous night about the tough exterior of a woman came back to home, but at this moment, he saw her façade crack.
“May I?” he asked as he put out his hand.
The letter slipped from her hands into Ethan’s. She sighed in relief, as if the weight of the letter had been too heavy a burden to bear. Ethan hesitated, but she nodded her approval. He opened the letter and scanned the contents.
“Bloody hell! The letter is from your parents’ housekeeper, Mrs. Crawford. One of the maids, Mary, was found dead this morning.”
“Oh, God!” Kate exclaimed. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she put a hand to her mouth to stifle any further outbursts.
Ethan continued, “The girl was found in the kitchen this morning. They have called for the doctor.”
Kate pleaded, “I have to go. This is all my fault.”
Chapter 14
One of Kate’s worst fears had come true; someone had died. She knew her own life was be in danger, but to have an innocent life taken was too much. Kate tried to rise from her chair, but her legs were weak, and she stumbled. Thankfully, Ethan was there to catch her. He swept her into his arms, carried her into the parlor, and laid her on the couch. Hugh and Emily followed behind them. Kate closed her eyes and tried to tamp down the sudden flood of emotions. At the forefront was anger. She was angry at Arthur for doing this, for who else could it be?
“I have to go to the house. I have to speak with the staff and try to figure out how this could have happened,” Kate insisted.
“You’re not going alone; I’m going with you,” Ethan demanded.
Emily had the servants pack Kate and Ethan’s bags.
She saw Ethan motion to Hugh, and the two men left the room. She knew they were planning their next move. In that instant, Kate was powerless. It seemed no matter what they did, the villain was one step ahead of them. How many more people had to suffer before they brought the bastard to justice?
As thoughts raced around her head, Kate suddenly, remembered, “Robbie!”
“Don’t worry, I’ll look after him,” Emily reassured her. “You go with Ethan and do what is necessary. Hugh and I will be here to make sure Robbie is safe. We are all here for you.”
That was the problem; everyone was here because of Kate’s predicament. She had brought danger with her, and now others were paying the price. Kate would not allow any more lives to be harmed because of her. This madness needed to end.
When the men returned, they did not speak except to say that Ethan would take six guards with them to her parents’ house.
Kate went to tell Robbie she was leaving.
She hugged her son goodbye and said, “Now, you are to mind Nana and Emily while I am gone.”
Robbie sniffled. “When will you be back?”
“I should be back tomorrow. Until then, you behave, all right?”
Robbie nodded his head and gave Kate another hug. She kissed his head before leaving the nursery. Within ten minutes, they were in the carriage headed to her parents’ estate. Kate’s nerves were on knife edge, and she wanted to spur the horses to move faster.
“What about my parents? Someone will have to notify them about the incident.”
“Not yet, it would only make them come home, and we don’t want them involved. The less people who know right now the better.”
He was right; if her parents knew, they would rush to her side. Then, there would be two more people put in harm’s way. She would keep her parents in the dark until they caught her tormentor.
When they arrived, they went to the parlor to wait for the housekeeper. One of the upstairs maids escorted the older woman into the room; she still looked shaken.
Kate motioned the older lady to sit and take the seat beside her. Mrs. Crawford had been at the house since before Kate had been born. She cared for the woman and felt sorry that she had witnessed such a scene.
“Mrs. Crawford, if you could, tell His Lordship and I what happened.”
With a far-off stare, the housekeeper explained, “I went into the kitchen, first thing this morning, same as I always do. I went around the table, and there she was. Poor Mary was lying on her back with a look of fright on her face. Her eyes were still open. Those eyes. She looked so afraid.”
The woman cried, and Kate put an arm around her. “She was a sweet girl. I don’t know who would want to do Mary harm.”
“Mrs. Crawford, how long had Mary worked here?” Ethan asked.
“Almost two years, Your Lordship.”
“And there was nothing suspicious? She did her work with no problems?”
“None, sir. Mary was capable and did her work with no complaints.” The housekeeper answered.
“There isn’t anyone who would want to do her harm?” Ethan inquired.
“None, that I know of.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Crawford. My men and I will question the rest of the staff to see if we can find any further information.”
Kate turned to the maid and asked, “Will you take Mrs. Crawford up to her room, please?”
The maid guided the housekeeper out of the parlor. Just as they were leaving, Dr. Wallace entered. He shook hands with Ethan and Kate, then took a seat.
“This is dreadful, most horrible news. I couldn’t believe it when I got the message this morning.”
“Did you have time to look at the body, Doctor?” Ethan leaned forward, his hands on his knees, eager for any clues.
“I did a preliminary examination, and it appears that someone strangled the girl. I do not know if it was by hand or with an object. The kitchen servants said nothing was out of place. I don’t know if the murder happened there or if the body was moved.”
“Any other traces on the body?” Ethan asked.
“She had a few broken nails, probably from the struggle. There was nothing more that I could see. Do you want me to do a more thorough exam?”
“If you do not mind, Doctor. It would be greatly appreciated.”
Ethan exchanged a glance with Kate. The doctor did not know there was more to the situation, and they wondered how m
uch they should tell him.
Kate spoke up, “Dr. Wallace, there is a man trying to harm my son and I. I believe he is the man responsible for Mary’s death.”
“Why would he kill a scullery maid?”
“He’s toying with us,” Ethan scowled. “The devil thinks himself superior, and he is showing us how smart he is. If you can help us with any clues you may find on the body, we would be grateful. In the meantime, please speak of this to no one, and please do not notify Lord and Lady Danville.”
“This is certainly most unusual.” Dr. Wallace rubbed his neck.
“I understand, Doctor, but the fewer people who know about this, the better. I have my men scouring the county for this man, and I do not want to cause a panic.”
“Very well, I will do as you ask. As you say, it is for the safety of those around us. I will have the body transported to my office and will let you know if I find anything else.”
Kate thanked the doctor and sank back into the chair. Someone must know something. Mary was a young, pleasant girl. She must have confided in one of the other servants.
She looked at Ethan. “Now what?”
“I’ll have my men question the servants and see if anything useful turns up. For now, I think you should rest.”
Kate jumped up from the couch. “I’m not some delicate creature who faints at the first sign of trouble; I’m fine.” It annoyed Kate when people coddled her. She was just as capable as Ethan. Besides, she had been dealing with this on her own for months.
Ethan drew Kate into the warmth of his arms and kissed her. “I’m sorry; I did not mean for it to come out that way.” He rested his head on top of hers. “I only meant, it has been a trying day already, and it may take some time for my men to question the staff. In the meantime, you might want to rest. As soon as I learn anything, I will let you know.”
“I’m tougher than I look, Ethan.” Kate pulled away to peer up at him. His eyes matched the green in his jacket, and his blond hair was disheveled from running his hands through it. He had a rugged look, which seemed out of place in this stylish parlor. Then again, Ethan had always stood out.
She had been drawn to him from the day they had met as children. These last five years had not dulled his looks; they had only become more well-defined. There was an intensity about him that both excited and scared her. He had changed from a carefree adolescent into a focused, intense man accustomed to having his orders followed.
Even with the change, Kate saw the softer side of Ethan when they were together. She did not doubt that he had feelings for her, but she wondered if they would change once he knew the circumstances surrounding her departure five years ago. She had to tell Ethan the truth tonight. He deserved to know everything. For now, she would do as he suggested and rest. It would give her time to gather her thoughts.
Kate backed out of Ethan’s arms. “I will go to my room, but I doubt I will be able to rest. Promise me you won’t question any of the servants without my presence.”
“Agreed,” Ethan assured her.
As Kate headed to her bedroom, she scanned her surroundings. Her childhood home, once a haven of safety and support, now felt like a strange place. Everywhere she went, death and destruction followed her. Kate entered her room and locked the door. She checked under her bed and in the closets before sinking into the chair by the fireplace. She just needed to rest her eyes for a moment. Within a minute, Kate fell asleep.
Two hours later, a knock on the door roused Kate. The fog of sleep was still thick, and it took her a moment to realize someone was knocking. “Who is it?”
“It’s Ethan.”
Kate opened the door.
“There is a maid who might know something more about Mary. I told them to bring her to the study in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be there. Thank you.”
He nodded and left the room. Kate freshened up, then made her way to her father’s study. Ethan was already there with Mrs. Crawford and a girl who could not have been over seventeen. The poor girl looked frightened. Her complexion was pale, and she kept her gaze fixed on the floor. Once Kate came in, Ethan excused Mrs. Crawford.
The young maid watched the housekeeper leave as if her last line of defense had abandoned her. She turned toward the couple. Kate felt sympathy for the girl and took a seat close to her.
Kate asked, “What is your name?”
“My name is Elise, Your Ladyship.”
“Elise, I want you to know that you are not in any trouble. We are not blaming you for anything. We only want to ask you some questions. Just answer us the best you can.”
The girl nodded.
Ethan did not want to upset her, so he calmly asked, “Elise, how long have you worked here?”
“About two years, sir.”
“Did you know Mary?”
“Yes, we shared a room. She was my best friend. I arrived a few months before she did, so we were close.”
Kate spoke, “I’m sure she was a good friend.”
“She was very kind and had no trouble with any of the staff.
Ethan stood up and paced the room. “There was no one who would want to harm her?”
“No, my lord. She was so happy, especially lately.”
“Why?” Ethan asked.
Elise hesitated a moment, “Because she said she had met a gentleman sweet on her.”
Kate’s gaze collided with Ethan’s. The mysterious suitor could be the killer. She turned her attention back to the maid. “Did Mary say how they had met? Did she ever give you his name?”
“She never mentioned his name. They met in the village. He is not from around here, she said. He gave her some nice compliments; told her she was pretty and was made for better things than being a maid. Mary said he promised to take her away once he finished with some work he had to do.”
“Did Mary say what kind of work he was in or where he was working?” There was an edge to Ethan’s voice.
“I’m sorry, sir, she didn’t say. I didn’t think to ask.” Tears formed in the maid’s eyes.
Kate offered her a handkerchief. “It’s all right, Elise. Whatever you can tell us will be helpful.”
“Mary said she met her suitor at the inn on her afternoons off, which was on Tuesday. If she had any other time off, she would send a letter to the inn, and somehow, he would get it.”
Then, the inn was the next place to try. Ethan opened the door and yelled for one of his men. He gave the man orders, shut the door, then winked at Kate.
“Thank you, Elise. If you can think of anything else, please speak to me or the Countess directly.”
The girl hurried out of the room with a loud slam of the door.
“Well, at least we have something to go on.” Ethan sat in a chair.
“I assume you sent your man to the inn.” .
“You assume correctly, my dear. I told him to question the innkeeper and the regulars that will come in later tonight. There has to be at least one person who saw them together.” Ethan sighed and closed his eyes.
“Perhaps, you should rest for a while yourself,” Kate suggested. “This can’t be any easier for you than it is for me.”
“You’re right. It’s at least a few hours until dinner, correct?” Ethan asked.
“Yes.”
“Then I will go rest. It will help clear my mind. What will you do?”
“I’ll go back up to my room as well. I fell asleep earlier. It seems I was more tired than I thought.”
Ethan offered his arm and escorted Kate to her room. She turned to speak to him, but he was already making his way down the hall to the guest room. Kate went into her room and laid on the bed. She knew one of the maids would wake her when it was time to get ready for dinner.
Chapter 15
After Ethan and Kate left, Emily had thrown herself into the role of Robbie’s caretaker, even if it was only for one day. She went to the nursery and helped Robbie with his letters and colors. In the afternoon, she occupied the young boy with his
riding lesson, then put him down for a nap.
Now it was evening, and Robbie had come down to play a little before his bedtime. Hugh joined them while Emily read Robbie a story. He sat in the chair, quietly listening until she finished. As soon as she put the book down, he leaped off her lap and ran over to Hugh. Robbie whispered something in his ear, to which Hugh nodded his head. What followed next surprised Emily. She could hardly believe her eyes. Robbie had persuaded Hugh to be his horse while he played soldier.
The sound of giggles rang throughout the room. Hugh was on all fours, playing a horse to Robbie’s rider. He bucked up and down, bouncing the boy around the room, which led to fits of laughter. Hugh was fantastic with the lad; he had even helped with the riding lesson earlier in the day.
Emily was amazed at how attentive Hugh was to Robbie. Hugh always seemed the type of man who could not be bothered with children. He was forever riding off into battle or gallivanting around the continent for Sir Darnley’s agency. When he was home, in London, rumor had it that he spent most of his time at the local houses of ill repute.
The idea made Emily jealous. To think of those women, with Hugh’s hands all over them, made her want to scream. It frustrated her that he saw her as Ethan’s little sister rather than as a woman. Hugh repeatedly chastised her for how she acted or what she said. If Emily did not know any better, she would swear he was purposefully trying to provoke her.
Nana entered the room. “It is time for Master Robbie to go to bed.”
The boy moaned, “I don’t want to go to bed, Auntie, must I?”
Emily rose from her seat and picked Robbie off Hugh’s back. “I’m sorry, darling, but it is time for bed. There will be time to play tomorrow. Why don’t you say goodnight to Captain Fitzsimmons?”
Robbie turned in Emily’s arms and saluted. Hugh stood ramrod straight and returned the salute. Robbie laughed and wiggled out of Emily’s arms, then went to Nana.
He turned like he had forgotten something and raced back over to wrap his arms around Emily’s legs. She bent down and kissed Robbie on the head.
The Spy's Lady: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 2) Page 10