That infuriated Stephen. He loved his country estate in Dorset. It had been in his family for generations. “Hell, if I’d known about all of this, if she’d been my sister, I would have said to hell with the house. I would have bought her a better one somewhere else and made her leave Carmichael.”
“I suspect P-Pen has just as much p-pride as you or I. Neither of us w-would let anyone give us something, and quite f-frankly I think she simply didn’t want to let Carmichael win.”
Jonathan was right. Pen would never give up and let a man like Carmichael defeat her. Yet in a way he had. “He’s defeated her because she is too scared to remarry and yet she longs for children of her own.”
“If I had not met Dorothea I would have asked Pen to marry me.”
“Did you, do you, love Pen?”
“If you’d asked me last y-year I would have said y-yes, but since I met Dorothea I kn-know what I felt for Pen was f-friendship and attraction. It w-would have been enough for me with my st-stutter, but probably not for Pen. Everyone deserves to find that sp-special person you cannot l-live without, but I realize only a han-handful of us do.” Jonathan eyed him as if he was deciding if he should say more. He obviously did want to as he uttered, “If y-you find it, y-you would be all kinds of a fool to t-toss it aside. For w-whatever reason.”
He turned to look back at the sea. “Dorothea told you.”
“We sh-share everything. I’m family. I’m also very g-sood at keeping c-confidences.”
He should be angry but he knew his condition would come out at some point. He had to tell Alex soon, and that meant telling his family first. Jonathan was right. He was now family.
“I’m not looking for a wife.”
Jonathan laughed. “I w-wasn’t looking either. Dorothea was a g-gift, one I was c-clever enough to grab.”
Stephen didn’t want to discuss this topic anymore, so he turned Charger toward town. “We have people to question. I want to start with Jamie Stewart. One of the staff said he’s staying with a woman near the docks.” Then he kicked his stallion and set off at a gallop.
The small cluster of dwellings a block east of the dock was where they directed their mounts. The one at the far end, a small timber Tudor cottage, looked neat and tidy from the outside. Little flowerpots lined the front wall and he could see washing hanging on the line beside the cottage.
Jonathan and Stephen looked at each other as they dismounted. It did not look like a place a despicable child trader would live. Just as they tied their mounts to a post in the yard, the door flew open and three children came racing out. Two boys and a young girl. They stopped when they saw them. The eldest boy turned back and yelled, “Mama, some men are here.”
A pretty, petite woman came to the door, wiping her hands on a very clean apron. “My lords, how can I help you?”
“I’m Lord Clevedon and this is Lord Helmstone. We were told Mr. Jamie Stewart was staying here.”
“I’m Mrs. Hennessey. He is here. He’s my dead husband’s cousin. He’s still abed.”
The way she talked made it obvious she had no liking for Stewart. “Shall I go and wake him?” Stephen asked with a smile.
The smile worked. The thankful smile she sent back was enforced when she added, “And if you could persuade him to move on that would be most appreciated.”
Jonathan spoke up. “Why don’t I s-sit and talk with Mrs. Hennessey and the ch-children while you see to Mr. Stewart.”
He nodded and left them with Jonathan as he entered the house.
“He’s in the back room,” Mrs. Hennessey called out.
He noted how clean and tidy the house was and then he entered Stewart’s room. It was a mess. Dirty clothes lay on the floor, empty bottles of booze everywhere, and a full chamber pot made the room reek.
Stewart didn’t even stir at his intrusion. He picked up one of Stewart’s boots and threw it at his head. He came awake with a murderous look upon his face until he saw Stephen standing in the doorway.
“Get up and get dressed. I want to talk to you and then you’ll be moving on. Mrs. Hennessey doesn’t want you in her house and if I hear you have caused her any trouble I’ll personally hunt you down and you won’t like it when I catch you.”
With that he left the stinking room before he lost the contents of his stomach.
He waited by the hearth, conscious of the others outside.
It took Stewart only a few minutes for him to join Stephen in the outer room.
“What is this intrusion about?” Stewart asked.
“I am investigating Lord Rotham’s accident. Apparently, you were more than his valet.”
Stewart’s face paled. “No. No. I was his valet. That is all.”
“That is not what I have heard. And if that was so why have you not left Seaford? Lady Penelope gave you a good reference. Why have you not sought another position?”
“I wanted to spend time with my cousin’s widow.”
“That’s a lie. She wants you gone and I can see why.” He also wondered if it was because Mrs. Hennessey had a young daughter. If Jonathan’s facts were correct, no young girl was safe with Stewart and he wondered if Mrs. Hennessey had somehow picked that up.
“If you want to leave Seaford then I suggest you start telling me the truth. Let’s start with what business activities Lord Rotham engaged in. Helping me can only help you get out of the situation you are now in.”
Stewart was visibly shaking. “I don’t understand what you are wanting. I know nothing of Lord Rotham’s business. He was a gentleman. He did not engage in business as far as I knew.”
Stephen pinched the bridge of his nose. “Another lie. If you don’t start telling me the truth, I’ll think you are party to Lord Rotham’s smuggling operation.”
Stewart almost asphyxiated on the spot. “I don’t know anything. I swear.”
He walked toward Stewart, crowding him toward the back wall. “I am losing patience. Either start talking or I shall take you to the magistrate and he’ll lock you up until I start to hear truthful statements.”
Stephen was quick but not quick enough. A flash of steel and a knife sliced his coat, luckily not breaking the skin. He jumped back and it gave Stewart time to smash the wooden chair over Stephen’s head. He did not see it coming from the side. He crumpled to the floor, seeing stars. Which gave Stewart enough time to slip out the window in his bedroom at the back and escape.
He was only dazed for a moment but as he tried to get to his feet he cursed his failing sight. Once again it had put those around him in danger. Who knows what would have happened if he’d come here on his own.
Just then the door burst inward and Jonathan, holding a pistol, was in the doorway.
“I saw S-Stewart running toward the d-docks. What happened?”
“I underestimated him. He tried to knife me then hit me over the head with the chair. I’m sorry I didn’t see the chair coming at me.”
Jonathan merely shrugged.
“Well, at least that proves our theory. Stewart, if not in league with Rotham, must have known what he was doing. When I mentioned smuggling he just about had a fit.”
They walked back outside. Mrs. Hennessey was looking worried. Jonathan spoke to her. “I don’t th-think you’ll see Jamie Stewart again but if y-you do, send the boy to the t-tavern and the men will come to help.”
She thanked them both and they mounted their horses. Stephen said, “I don’t think there is any point chasing after Stewart. There are many places to hide and we could be hunting all day.”
“I concur. Let’s t-talk to Todd at the Cock and Bull tavern. He knows everything that happens in Seaford and if he doesn’t know, he can find out.” Stephen nodded at Jonathan’s suggestion.
“I’ll let you take the lead as you know him.”
Jonathan nodded. “Todd runs a fine e
stablishment.”
* * *
—
The afternoon patrons at the Cock and Bull tavern were mainly older men who had sons to work for them. The other thing they had in common was they wanted to talk about Carmichael. All seemed to dislike the man.
“He was smuggling something but no one could ever find out what or who he was working with. Most of us were too scared to find out. It was secret, and men like Carmichael were known to kill to keep it that way.”
Jonathan looked over at Stephen before asking them, “So no ideas at all.”
Todd looked at each patron before clearing his throat. “Well, we did hear several rumors but one in particular stuck, but we could not believe it.” The men sitting drinking all looked at the floor.
“What was it?” But Stephen knew what Todd was about to say. “We have heard something too.”
“That Lord Rotham smuggled young girls into England from France but we have no proof.”
“Do you know who started the rumor and when?” Stephen thought that would be a good place to start. They must know something to have instigated gossip with this type of accusation.
“David Gregory.”
Why did that name sound familiar?
“Lady P-Penelope’s maid, Jane. D-David is her brother,” Jonathan whispered.
“That’s good. Where can we find David?” But his gut clenched. The link through Jane to Penelope was strong. What would Pen have done if she had heard the rumor? Would she have killed Carmichael or got someone to do it for her? How could Pen not know? She and Jane were close. She’d said it herself.
Protect. Protect her, screamed in his head. He didn’t care what she had done. If the rumor was true, then Carmichael deserved everything he got. But Rotham had a case. If Pen was found guilty she could lose everything and she’d been hurt enough. For the first time since he’d started this investigation he suddenly did not wish to see it to its conclusion.
He’d always been a man of honor. He always tried to be a good man. Could he lie for Penelope? He shook his head to clear it of the conundrum. He would face that question when the time came. For all he knew Penelope was not behind Carmichael’s death. He would continue to think this way until convinced otherwise.
Todd answered. “Gregory has his own fishing boat. It’s moored over at Lowry Bay. He’ll be working over there. He’s not going fishing for another two days.”
Jonathan and Stephen moved away from the group of men for a private conversation. “I think we should p-pay David Gregory a visit. It’s on the way b-back to Hadleigh anyway.”
Stephen asked, “You don’t think we should talk to some of the store owners first?”
“We need to l-learn more about this r-rumor. Jamie Stewart’s behavior and these r-rumors lead me to believe this is all c-connected with whatever ‘business’ C-Carmichael was in.”
Stephen nodded. “Perhaps you are right. If Carmichael’s business partner killed him, this could get dangerous. Perhaps I should investigate on my own. You have Dorothea to think of.”
They remounted their horses. As they cantered out of town Jonathan added, “We are m-merely questioning David. But I take your p-point. We should w-watch out for each other and no q-questioning or s-searching on our own. Someone sh-should be with us at all times.”
“Agreed.” Stephen was going to have to get Penelope to agree too. He could just imagine her coming into town with only Jane by her side and start questioning the wrong people. At least the villagers would protect her but she would be vulnerable on the ride to and from town.
It didn’t take them long to reach Lowry Bay. There were several fishing boats anchored in the bay and men working on nets along the shore. Jonathan pointed out David and they tied the horses to a tree and wandered toward the shore.
David looked up and came toward them; the resemblance to Jane was obvious. “My lords, what brings you to Lowry Bay?”
Jonathan did the introductions. “Gregory, this is Lord Clevedon.”
David Gregory eyed him warily. “You are here to help clear Lady Penelope. My sister has told me all about you.”
Stephen’s teeth grated together. “There is nothing to clear. We just want to ensure Lord Rotham cannot cast aspersions on her ladyship.”
David said nothing for a moment before nodding. “What is it I can help you with?”
Jonathan patted David on the back and the three men moved away from the others on the shore. “We want to ask you about Carmichael’s apparent smuggling operation and what you know about it.”
David looked toward the beach. “Those are dangerous questions you are asking. Many think the smuggler is no longer in operation but I think, no I know, otherwise. A boat came in just last week.”
“What boat? Who is behind this? And what are they smuggling?”
David looked at him as if he had two heads. “Can you keep your voice down? I don’t think they all heard you.” David took a big breath. “They are bringing young French girls to England. I don’t like to dwell on what for; it’s too awful to contemplate. I believe Carmichael was his contact here. The man who distributed the cargo throughout England, so to speak.”
“Why do you think that?”
“My evidence is thin. I saw Carmichael in town with a man who is not from around here and he had a French accent. Since Carmichael arrived in Hadleigh at least two or three young girls have gone missing each year. It started when he arrived and funnily enough has stopped since his death. And finally, Jamie Stewart”—he stopped talking and spat—“is back in town and he met with whoever came in on the boat last week. I think he’s taking over from Carmichael.”
“Could Stewart have killed Carmichael so he could run the operation?”
David looked away. To Stephen it appeared that the young fisherman knew more but didn’t want them to know. “I don’t think so. Carmichael had access into society. He knew important people. Jamie Stewart won’t be as well protected so no. I think he preferred to be the man in the background.”
“Why is he taking over, then?” Jonathan asked.
David rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “I don’t think he has a choice. That’s why I don’t think he killed Carmichael. He’s been told he has to continue the trade.”
“If that is true then the smuggler wouldn’t have killed Carmichael either. Can you tell me more about the girls that have gone missing? Perhaps it is someone seeking revenge.” Again, that look. Stephen knew David was hiding something.
David gave them a list of names and Stephen wondered out loud, “Why has the magistrate not sought help from the revenuers in regard to the missing girls?”
“That is a very good question and one that a man such as you could ask,” was David’s reply.
“You suspect the m-magistrate is in league with Carmichael. Bugger.” Jonathan kept cursing.
Now Stephen understood why the original investigation had not been thorough. The magistrate wanted it to be an accident. He hoped no one would think otherwise. Why would they? The estate should have gone to Rotham and no one would have cared how Carmichael died. He must be cursing Carmichael and the stupid will Carmichael signed with Penelope.
David looked at them both. “There are plenty of people, dangerous people, who don’t want anyone poking their noses into how or why Carmichael died.”
“Or plenty of p-people who would like nothing better than to q-quickly point the finger at Lady P-Penelope. And Rotham will t-turn a blind eye to anything else b-because it does not b-benefit him.” Jonathan spoke the truth.
It really was up to Stephen, and now Jonathan, too, to uncover the truth in order to protect her.
“I think I need to have a word with the magistrate.”
Stephen made to walk back to the horses but David called after him, “He’s in Chelmsford for at least another three weeks.”
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br /> “I could go to Ch-Chelmsford and you stay here,” Jonathan suggested.
Stephen shook his head. “I’ll send word to him in Chelmsford stating I want him here in Seaford immediately. Being a Marquess does hold some advantages.” He mounted his horse. “In the meantime, let’s post a reward for the apprehension of Jamie Stewart. He won’t stay underground for long if the reward is big enough.” He nodded at David. “Can you spread the word about the reward, especially at the tavern?”
With that, the men galloped home. “Let’s stop on the cliff top. I want to see where this ‘accident’ happened.”
It didn’t take them long to find the spot. Someone had put flowers in a vase near the cliff’s edge. Stephen dismounted and tied Charger to the small tree, the very tree Carmichael’s horse was found tied to. He glanced behind him. It seemed incredulous that Carmichael could have stumbled accidentally over the edge as the tree was a good fifteen feet from the edge.
It had been over twelve months since he fell, but still Stephen studied the ground. But of course, any signs of a scuffle were covered with new grass.
He turned to Jonathan. “Hard to see how this could have been an accident. His horse was found tied to this tree and even in the dark he’d have had to be completely sloshed to have walked off the edge.”
Jonathan nodded in agreement. “I would w-wager everything I own that someone k-killed him by throwing him off. Any jury or j-judge that came up here would think it was no accident. Rotham has a s-strong case.”
“Well, he’s not going to accuse Penelope. I will make sure of that. Besides, all her staff swear she was at home all night.”
“Of course. They all h-hated Carmichael and how he t-treated her. They would say anything to protect her.”
Stephen’s mouth dropped open. “Are you saying they have lied?”
“No. No, it’s just…Look, P-Penelope would never k-kill anyone. I know it, but…I have this awful f-feeling she’s hiding s-something.”
Stephen turned away. He refused to admit that he thought so too. “She didn’t kill her husband. Nor did she ask someone to kill him for her. We both know that.”
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