Rose in the Brier

by Liz Rein

  Taking a deep breath she and Sterling entered the building and started up the stairs, the office was on the second floor. The outer office was dark, law books lined shelves and a small window let in little light. Sterling approached the clerk working at the desk. ”Lord Sterling Fairchild and Miss Cecilia Wright to see Mr. Squibley.” Sterling said handing him his card.

  Quickly standing the clerk executed a short bow and turned to knock on the door behind him. He entered the room and closed the door behind him. A minute later he returned and said, “Mr. Squibley will be with you in a moment, my lord.”

  Nodding Sterling looked to Cecilia hoping to calm her anxiety. Suddenly the door open and Mr. Squibley appeared. Mr. Squibley was a short, slight man with a balding plate. He slicked the few hairs that he had left down before approaching Sterling. “My lord, it is good to meet you. When I received your note I must say I was flattered. Are you looking for new representation?”

  “I was hoping that we could discuss this in private.”

  Flustered Mr. Squibley said, “Of course, of course.” and invited them into his office. He blushed slightly at forgetting common courtesy with his excitement at the prospective of a new client.

  Taking a seat behind his desk he started eagerly, “How may I help you my lord? Do you need any legal work? Papers to file?”

  Not liking his overeager if somewhat slimy demeanor Sterling was short with him. “No. we are actually here about a current client that you serve.”

  Confused he asked, “A client?”

  “Yes, Lord Thornburg.”

  Instantly nervous, Squibley visibly swallowed. “Lord Thornburg?” he hesitated then rushed on, “I am sorry my lord but I cannot discuss my other clients. Privacy is paramount, you understand.”

  “Yes I do. But Miss Wright is Lord Thornburg’s daughter. Since he is deceased and they were immediately related I believe that privacy can be waived.”

  “His daughter? I did not think that he had any ligit….” he squeaked for the first time looking at Cecilia. Recognition dawned in his eyes and he immediately looked down to hide his reaction. Although he had not dealt with the Blackbrier estate in over two years he recognized the name. “I did not think that he had any children.”

  “Yes, questions have arisen about the Earl’s will and proper ownership of BlackBrier Park. We would like to look at the original will.”

  Flustered Squibley sputtered, “My...my lord, I assure you that the Earl’s will was completely proper and handled with the utmost care.”

  “Never the less we want to look at those documents.”

  Nervously he twitched then said, “The papers are not here but filed away. It shall take a few days to retrieve them.”

  “That is fine we shall be in London for the next week. Monday next should be enough time to collect them.” With that Sterling stood and offered Cecilia his hand assisting her out of her chair.

  In the carriage on the way back to the Duke’s home Sterling ran the interview over in his head. He suspected that the solicitor was hiding something, he had made a little slip about Thornburg having daughters, it could have been a coincidence but he did not think so. He was too nervous as soon as he mentioned the Earl’s name and seemed startled at the mention of Cecilia as if he knew about her. His behavior was guilt ridden. Maybe he changed the will, sold the property and pocketed the money. He wanted to get to the bottom of this matter but he needed evidence.

  ****

  “My lady, there is a gentleman to see you.” the butler’s tone suggested that he was anything but a gentleman. He handed her a slightly wrinkled card on a silver tray as she sat in her morning room stitching a sampler. Glancing at the card without touching it she said, “Show him in.” If the butler was surprised at her acceptance he did not show it.

  The nervous man was shown into the room and with a gesture from the lady the butler closed the door. Clutching his top hat in his hands he cleared his throat. ”My lady a gentleman came to my office today to inquire about the Earl’s will.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me.”

  Mr. Squibley told the lady everything about the meeting from Cecilia’s presence to Lord Sterling, the brother of a Duke, accompanying her. After relating his story she quickly dismissed him and then sat in silence pondering the new situation.

  Coming to a decision she moved to the library and wrote a note to a man she knew with a reputation that suggested he could handle, or knew someone who could handle such a situation.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The day after meeting with the Solicitor in charge of Cecilia's father’s will they decided to see the sights of London together and to stop at a well known Apothecary. Cecilia wanted to see what advances in medicine London had made over the last few years. She had hoped that such a large city had progressed in healing techniques. The last time she had new research was before her father died two years before. The journal that Sterling had found although helpful, was a Treaties of Ancient Medicine, it had nothing of new techniques. It was interesting but not as helpful as she would have liked.

  They were returning from exploring the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels when the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Apothecary shop. Sterling handed Cecilia down from the carriage and escorted her to the sidewalk and into the shop. With a nod to the Dukes’ driver he continued on down the street looking for a place to rest the horses while they shopped, then he would meet them later.

  The shop’s storefront was lined with windows that displayed drying herbs, medical texts and jars of medications. Over the door was a large wooden sign with the word Apothecary engraved on it as well as a bowl and grinding stone. Sterling opened the door and with a gallant gesture made way for Cecilia to enter.

  Even with the windows the shop was dark. The combination of dark woods and hanging herbs made the shop seem smaller than it was. Looking around one would not know that this shop was one of the most progressive in all of Great Brittain. Cecilia inhaled the familiar aroma of barks and herbs that invaded her senses. No matter the shop every apothecary had the same scent of herbs that made a distinct smell.

  They walked the parameter of the shop examining the shelves as the only clerk on duty wrapped his customer’s order. Once the transaction was done he approached them and with a polite smile inquired “Sir, Madam, how may I help you?”

  Sterling, not knowing what Cecilia was looking for, let her speak to the clerk while he perused the shelves. There were many glass jars filled with unknown mixtures that were only identified by Latin names that he could not decipher even with his schooling, although he recognized some. After a few minutes he returned to Cecilia and the clerk finding them at the register with a stack of books and several jars. Cecilia was reaching for her reticule when Sterling stopped her.

  “What is the total for the purchases?” Sterling asked.

  The clerk answered with a minor sum and Sterling pulled out the appropriate amount of pounds. Sterling could see that Cecilia wanted to protest but he stopped her with a look. If not for her doctoring he would still be in constant pain and a few pounds to replenish her supplies was the least he could do.

  Although Cecilia was hesitant to let Sterling pay for her purchases and essentially give her a gift she was excited about her finds. She was able to get two new journals of medicine from progressive doctors that she recognized. Plus some new ones that she had heard about but were not available in the country. The herbs were new to her and came from the Far East, and she was excited to explore the possibilities. Both the texts and herbs will help her practice.

  They exited the shop, the overhead bell tinkling with a thank you for coming. Once they were outside they looked for the carriage to pick them up. With his extra height Sterling was able to see the carriage several blocks down the road as it slowly made its way toward them. With a quick decision Sterling took their wrapped packages from the clerk who had followed them out the door and began walking down the s
treet. He would rather walk the few blocks than wait for the carriage to slowly make its way a few blocks in the crowded streets.

  They walked in a companionable silence nodding to the other pedestrians and looking into the shop windows as they passed. About half way to their goal, crossing between the side streets, they heard a sound of distress coming from the alley. They both turned toward the sound. Cecilia stepped into the alley to investigate, she always helped those in need so she did not think before entering the alley.

  Sterling, used to London's unsavory underbelly quickly went to retrieve her but hampered by the packages and holding his cane he was not able to stop her in time. A few feet into the dark alley footpads jumped out from behind piles of trash and boxes. They were walking menacingly toward them when Sterling saw a flash of a blade and quickly dropped the packages. As he rushed forward he released the latch on his cane and withdrew the long blade prepared for the mêlée.

  When Cecilia saw the men and the blade she quickly started backing away. Behind her Sterling surged forward and engaged the men. The first man with the blade was dispatched quickly, he obviously did not know how to handle the blade beyond slashing at his target.

  The second man, seeing the expertise that Sterling used with the sword cane turned and ran in a cowardly fashion leaving the third man. Cecilia could not see them fully in the dark but after a few minutes of some feet scuffling and grunting Sterling was able to subdue the man. He had the man pinned against the damp brick wall of the building with his elbow pressed against his throat and his sword pressed against his chest to discourage any movement.

  “Three footpads seem a little excessive to rob someone of their purse.” Sterling said. Cecilia silently agreed. “Perhaps your intent was for more?”

  “Do you know the consequences of killing a lord?” he asked.

  The footpad began to panic, struggling against Sterling, cutting his shirt in the process. “The laidy said she was some hussy, not a lady!”

  “Who?”

  “A laidy, I dina know who she was.” Gesturing to the fallen man he continues, “Jack said that a laidy was payin’ a hundred quid to kill her.”

  “Jack was gonna do it, I never kilt anyone.”

  It was clear that they were not going to get any more information from either man. At that moment the carriage came abreast to the alley opening, Sterling had the driver call for a runner. He had an idea who the ‘laidy’ was and if his hunch was right they may need a runner again.

  ****

  Sterling went alone to the solicitor’s office on Monday; he did not want to put Cecilia in danger again. Cecilia was understandably frustrated at being left behind. All her life she was free to move about without fear of her safety. These footpads were dangerous and she understood that, but it did not make her any less restless.

  Sterling arrived at the office early, he did not want to take the chance of another attack and if Squibley was the culprit he did not want to serve himself up at the appointed time. For the same reason he let himself into the office without knocking. The clerk from the previous visit was not at his desk and Squibley visibly jumped at his arrival.

  A sweat broke out on his brow. Squibley had hoped that the lord would not return, that the lady would take care of the matter. He was worried, if anyone found out about what they did he knew that he would hold the blame, nobility often circumvents the law and cit’s are the ones who must bear the brunt of punishment. While he would languish in some frigate on the water of the Thames, she would bask in the warmth of the Italian sun on the continent.

  “My lord.” he said bowing.

  “Squibley, I trust you have the paperwork.”

  “Yes, my lord. Here they are.” He pulled the paperwork off a pile on his desk and opened the folder. He waved the deed in front of Sterling’s face hoping that like most nobility he would not know the intricacies of the law and would only give the papers a cursory glance. He was in no such luck.

  “Thank you, I will look these over and return them in all due time.”

  “You are going to take them with you?”

  “Yes, is there a problem?” Sterling said with his most arrogant look.

  Seeing no reason Squibley gave in and visibly shrunk. “No, My lord.”

  Tucking the papers back into the folder Sterling exited the office without a backward glance. Something was definitely up with Squibley and he was hoping that these documents will reveal all.

  Sitting at Marcus’ desk Sterling pulled out the documents. He first took a few minutes to read over the will for any obvious transgressions. It looked like a standard will leaving all monies and unentailed properties including Blackbrier Park to the Earl’s wife. The rest of the properties were left to his heir, a Mr. Michael Wentworth. Seeing nothing unusual, Sterling pulled some personal papers left at Blackbrier Park by Cecilia’s father. Taking a close look at the signatures authenticating the will and the signatures on some contracts, Sterling knew that the paperwork didn’t match.

  Sterling sat back into the chair and contemplated the significance of the mismatched signatures. Now he knew that Squibley was involved, that he had participated in the deception that took away Cecilia’s dowry. He was the weak point, with some pressure he knew that Squibley would crack revealing the depth of deception, confirming the identity of the ‘laidy’.

  The next afternoon, accompanied by a Runner, Mr. Macintyre, Sterling paid the solicitor a visit. A meeting that morning with Macintyre and the Magistrate agreed that the mismatched signatures were suspect but not enough evidence, now they needed the solicitor to confess and name his conspirators.

  Before entering the building Sterling and the Macintyre devised a plan. They decided to bluff, to say that the footpad had confessed all including Squibley’s part in the forged will. They hoped that he would fall for the ruse and tell them who the ‘laidy’ was.

  Walking up the staircase to the offices’ reception room they opened the door leading into Squibley’s office without waiting for themselves to be announced. The clerk who was at his desk today was protesting weakly, intimidated at the sight of a lord and a runner. Squibley jumped at the intrusion and when he saw who was at the door became even terrified.

  “Lord Fairchild?” he squeaked. Squibley was surprised to see Lord Fairchild. He had thought that what ever she had planned would have come into effect and they would not be back. For the first time he noticed his companion, the red jacket marked him as a runner. His fear increased exponentially, this was not good.

  Trying to cover his emotion he cleared his throat and said, “My Lord, I trust you found all the documents are in order.”

  “I did not.”

  “No?”

  Changing the subject matter Sterling continued, “Funny thing happened the day after our first meeting. Ms. Wright and I were attacked by a pair of footpads. Obviously they were unsuccessful at killing us. After some prodding they told the magistrate some interesting things.”

  “Oh?” Squibley began to panic.

  “Yes, and looking at these documents I am partial to believing them. “

  “The documents?”

  “Yes, the documents. They seem to have been forged.”

  “Forged?”

  “Yes, and after being attacked I am inclined to believe the footpads when they say they were hired to cover up the forgery.” Continuing on he said, “Forging documents of a Lord and hiring thugs to kill another lord is a serious crime, I believe a hanging offense. Isn’t that right, Macintyre?” Sterling asked.

  “Yes, my lord.” Macintyre replied.

  “The Runner here is to take you to Newgate.” Sterling told Squibley.

  “Newgate! I did not hire them, she did!”

  “She?”

  “Yes, Lady Octavia.”

  “Ah yes, Lord Thornburg’s widow.”

  “Yes!” Squibley practically squealed. Seeing a lifeline he confessed, “She is the one who hired them. I did not know anything about it. All I did was re-
write the will leaving all of his unentailed property to her.”

  “And Ms. Wright?”

  “In the original will Lord Thornburg left her Blackbrier Park and a sizeable income.” 

  Squibley confessed all, his part in everything for the forgery and the payoff. He no longer had the original will but in his written confession taken down at Bow Street, he outlined Cecilia’s rightful inheritance. In exchange for his confession Squibley avoided the hangman’s noose, but not Newgate .

  Chapter Fourteen

  After getting Squibley’s confession and confirmation that it was Cecilia’s father’s widow who paid him to alter the will it was time to confront her. Unlike when he visited the solicitor Cecilia insisted in accompanying them to Lady Octavia’s. She wanted to stand up to the woman who tried to take so much from her. She was determined to show her that she could not take advantage of people no matter her reasons, which she could not fathom. Her father had left her a huge monthly stipend as well as several properties. There was no reason to take her inheritance as well.

  They called on Lady Octavia at two o'clock. The runner was to meet them in front of Lord Thornburg’s London house. Lady Octavia had yet to move out of the house even after the new lord Thornburg was found and came to London to claim the title. It seems that she was in no hurry to move on to the dower estate in the country or any of the other estates she inherited upon her husbands’s death.

  Sterling handed down Cecilia from the Duke’s carriage. Sterling thought it best to pull out all the stops when dealing with Lady Octavia so they used the Duke’s carriage with the family crest prominently displayed on the door.

  Mr. Macintyre, the Runner, met them at the walk before the house. Dressed in his bright red suit that the Runners were famous for he nodded to Sterling and bowed to Cecilia. Cecilia had met him the day before when Sterling told her of Squibley’s confession and Lady Octavia’s involvement.