“Of course Aunt Dorothy,” replied Magnolia. “Of course you can take her with you.”
“Then I will see you later,” Aunt Dorothy said happily, before walking out of the house followed by Mrs. Clarke.
“This is perfect!” Magnolia said to her husband, as they headed up the stairs. “We have the house to ourselves.”
“Do you still think we should search the library? Or check James’ room?” Adam asked.
“I searched James’ room already. And thoroughly, I might add. Perhaps we should search the library once again.”
“The usual places?” Adam pushed the library door open.
“Yes. And the unusual places as well,” Magnolia replied. “But this time we are looking for James’ journal.”
Once again, they began to search the library, but now they both searched the same row at the same time.
“Do you remember what changed between the last time we were here, and now?” asked Adam, with a slight smile. His hands were full of files which he had taken from the library.
Magnolia looked at him from the corner of her eye. “What changed?”
“Why not think about it?” he went on, with a mischievous smile.
She frowned, trying to reason it out. “Well, the last time, we were here, I felt so terribly awkward from the attraction between us. I could barely breathe knowing you were just inches away from me.”
“You do not say,” Adam laughed.
“And now,” she continued, “now there is no need to be awkward when I can always do this.” Magnolia leaned closer, grabbed him, and kissed him. Then she pulled away as they both laughed.
“Yes. We were not married then, and now we are.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Magnolia shrieked, for she had found the brown leather journal tucked somewhere at the top of the fourth library. No one would have seen it up there unless all the files in the row were completely taken out.
“Finally!” Adam said, “I cannot believe I never caught James writing into this. He told me everything.”
Magnolia chuckled. “Well, apparently, you never knew everything about him.” She took a seat and began to go through the journal.
The first page made no sense to her. It contained lots of figures and symbols all listed under different alphabets.
ugjbmb89607098352896
hvhjwiego-083407r958734e87
hvcehjdegcu-iu89860-87r3e098327-u932t9t
She turned the second page. It was the same, though this time there were figures without alphabets.
“I do not understand,” Adam started, taking the journal from her. He flipped through the pages and all the ten filled pages contained the same thing.
He exchanged a look with Magnolia, who seemed disappointed. “These are all codes.”
Magnolia took a sharp breath. “How on earth are we to understand this?”
Adam shook his head. “I do not know. Neither one of us can read it.”
“These codes can lead us to the killer,” she went on. “They can help us understand a lot of things. We need someone who can decipher these codes, Adam.”
He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I shall talk to Richard in regards this. He might be able to help us.”
Magnolia frowned. “Are you certain it would not put his life in danger?”
“He can take care of himself. Besides, he would be disappointed if I hide this from him.”
“All right. That means you will not be waiting for Aunt Dorothy anymore. I shall wait while you go talk to your friend.”
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam arrived at the Waterston manor an hour later. He met Richard in his study, who was busy going through some files.
“Is everything all right?” Richard asked. “I did not know we were supposed to meet today.”
“Well, you and I both know I come unannounced when there is a problem and I need your help,” Adam replied, taking a seat. He brought out the journal and threw it at Richard from across the table.
Richard caught it with both hands, throwing Adam a quizzical glare. “What is this?”
“My late friend’s journal,” replied Adam, leaning back.
Richard gasped. “As juicy as I think the content will be, I do not think it is a good idea to share your dead friend’s secrets with your living friend.”
“This is not a joke, Richard. I mean it. I need your help. The journal is full of codes. Would you mind taking a look at them?”
Richard opened the journal and paged through it. After a while he looked up at his friend with a confused expression, and then returned to it. After a few moments he dropped the journal and gasped.
“Your friend was really into a dangerous thing when he was alive. Your wife is lucky to be alive, I must say.”
“Well? Can you decipher the code?”
“I can try,” Richard said, standing up. He removed his jacket, hung it on the next seat, and rolled up his sleeves.
Adam watched quietly as Richard gathered together a sheet of paper, a small bottle of ink, and a quill. “First of all,” said Richard, “we will write down the digits on the first line. And then write the…”
He stopped, and sighed. “I do not think that would work.”
“I do not follow,” Adam said, leaning forward.
“What letter is the eighth in the alphabet?”
Adam frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“I have a feeling your friend must have written a message by using alphabetical numbering. For instance, A is the first letter and therefore stands for the figure 1.
“So, here, he wrote ugjbmb 89607098352896. We shall tackle the digits first before going to the alphabetical characters. Now, the eight letter of the alphabet is – what?”
“Letter ‘I’’ replied Adam.
“Good, good.” Richard dipped the quill in the ink bottle and wrote down an I on the paper. “He must be trying to tell us something he did. What have we after that?”
“The figure 9, which should stand for J.”
“We have two letters now, I and J. Let’s see the rest. It might be something related to ‘just’ or ‘jumped’ or ‘jogged’.”
“F,” replied Adam.
Richard frowned. “F?”
“Yes, that is the next letter.”
Richard frowned. “I J F makes no meaning.”
“So, you mean you cannot decipher it?”
Richard inhaled deeply, and then shook his head. “I wish I could, but it requires a professional. What I can decipher has its limits. But I can get someone who can do it for you.”
“How soon? And where is this person?”
Richard went back to his seat. “He is in Spain. It will take time and days to decipher these codes, Adam.”
“I understand, Richard, but I need it done as soon as possible. It can help us solve everything confusing about the murder of my friend and his family.
“Yet you must be very careful. I hate that I had to drag you into this. I do not want to make you a target. Once the psychopath realizes you are searching with us, he might start hunting you as well.”
Richard smiled. “Your concern is touching but it is also annoying. I’m not a child and neither are you. We are lords. We rule. We control whatever happens to us.
“Now, you make sure you take care of your wife. She must be extra careful now that the journal has been found. I would implore you spend more time with her and less time traveling.”
Adam nodded. “Thank you very much, my friend.”
“You are welcome, my friend. I shall leave for Spain tomorrow.”
Chapter 22
Magnolia Richmond Avery, the Countess of Strickland
“But you really must be careful this time around,” Caroline said, after listening to all her friend had to say.
They were both walking in the garden, for Magnolia had invited her to the house that morning. “I still cannot believe James could write in codes, Caroline. I feel as if I nev
er even knew my brother. He must have been involved in dangerous things! And I’m even angrier knowing that Father knew about it. If Mother had known, she would have been completely furious. She would never forgive either of them for such secrecy.”
Caroline took a deep breath. “You and I both know your father and your brother were the closest members of your family. They spent most of their time together, much of it in that office.”
“Now I understand why they sometimes stopped me from coming in. I used to be so angry then. Little did I know they were onto something like this!”
“Well, it cannot be as bad as it seems. Whatever they were doing must have been for a good cause.”
Magnolia sighed. “I must have something to take my mind off of all these worries. I need a diversion.”
Caroline stopped and thought for a while. “When did you last get invited to a party?”
Magnolia shrugged. “I can hardly remember. Weeks ago, before I got married.”
“Why not throw your own party?” asked Caroline.
“My own party?”
“Yes! You can invite everyone. It might just be a dinner party, but it will take your mind off of lots of things – not to mention that your mother-in-law will be delighted. She has not been going out often due to her health, but now she can host her own party.”
Magnolia nodded. “That is a very good idea. I will talk to Adam once he gets back.”
* * *
Later that night, while on the bed, Magnolia decided to bring up the idea with her husband. “So, Richard left for Spain?”
“Yes. This afternoon,” replied Adam, putting his arm around her.
“I wish him a safe trip. Perhaps he can get back on time so I can invite him to a party I am thinking of holding.”
Adam leaned a bit back and stared at her. “You want to hold a party?”
She nodded.
“What for?”
“Why – to lighten the air, of course. We have been so preoccupied about this journal and the whole investigation. It is ruining our social life.”
Adam frowned. “When were you planning to discuss this with me?”
“That is why I’m bringing it up right now,” she replied. “I just came up with the idea today, as a matter of fact. I think a dinner party would be delightful.”
Adam sighed. “Very well then. Who are you planning to invite?”
Magnolia had not thought about that. “Caroline, of course. Your friend. My Aunt Dorothy.”
“You want it to be a family dinner?”
“Of course not. I am still thinking of people to invite. Oh! Lord Wilde, too, of course.”
Adam’s countenance changed upon hearing the name. “You are inviting that man to our home?”
She frowned. What was he talking about? “I am inviting my friend to a dinner party, Adam. What do you have against Lord Longsheer?”
He shook his head, but his facial expression remained the same. “I just do not trust him. I still do not understand why you should invite him.”
Magnolia sighed. Adam could really be difficult sometimes. “I am sorry, but he is coming,” she said. “I would also really appreciate it if you can be nice to him.”
He grudgingly nodded and she kissed him. “I shall go talk to your mother about the party,” Magnolia said, and then climbed out of the bed, grabbed a robe hanging on the chair, and left the room.
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam could not understand why he had this strange feeling whenever his wife mentioned “Wilde,” but just could not control it. He despised the man for no reason. The first time they had met, it had not been pleasant.
Adam always felt as though he was competing for Magnolia whenever Wilde was involved. It was childish but he couldn’t help it.
He stood up and walked to the table, intending to draw up a plan to invite important guests to the dinner party since his wife, apparently, did not know very many people. He would hate it so much if Wilde was the only person she could invite outside the family.
* * *
Adam stood with some of his guests at the corner of the room. He had invited about twenty people aside those invited by his wife. He could see his mother smiling and greeting every one of their guests. She was feeling much better and the party seemed to bring out the lively side of her.
Adam felt happy watching her. He had also invited some of his father’s old friends, who were now entertaining her with conversation.
The rest of the people had separated into distinct groups. In one corner of the room, several lords and ladies were gathered around a gentleman playing the mandolin. He was quite good. Other guests sat on chairs or sofas, while some stood around discussing politics.
He brightened when he saw the only person he was looking forward to seeing. Richard had promised to be back from Spain that very afternoon, and here he was.
They embraced, and then Adam signaled to a footman. “How was your journey?” he asked, in a lower voice while they stood in a corner of the room.
“It was pleasant. Carlos promised to respond to me in a week,” Richard replied, lifting a cup to his lips.
“Thank you so much, Richard, for doing this for me. Magnolia and I are in your debt.”
Richard snorted. “Please. What are friends for? And where is Magnolia? It is been some time since last I saw her.”
“I think she is upstairs getting dressed. Her friend is helping her.”
Richard almost choked on his drink. “Caroline is here?”
Adam eyed him suspiciously. “I had no idea that you and my wife’s friend were on a first-name basis.”
“We are not,” Richard replied. “I just like to think we are. Blimey! I never thought I would be seeing her again. I do hope she remembers me. Tell me, how do I look?”
Adam frowned. “You look all right, I suppose.”
“No, please. Tell me more. Do I look good enough to sweep her off her feet?”
Adam shook his head. “You must ask her that yourself,” he replied, pointing towards the staircase where Caroline and Magnolia stood giggling. They both looked dazzling in their off-shoulder blue and black gowns.
“Oh, heavens!” whispered Richard, as he caught sight of the two women. “Magnolia looks so beautiful, and Caroline – so divine.”
Adam smiled as he looked at his wife and couldn’t stop the pride from building up. “I am a lucky man.”
“Indeed you are, my friend,” replied Richard. “What do you suppose they are talking about?”
Adam frowned. The two ladies were standing by the bannister rail and giggling non-stop.
“Well, perhaps, talking about a better-looking man for Caroline,” he joked.
“You hurt my feelings, friend,” Richard joked.
Adam laughed but was distracted by the newest entry, Lord Longsheer. Adam’s frown deepened on seeing his wife waving at him and rushing towards him, leaving Caroline behind.
“You look like you are about to blow up. What’s gotten into you?” Richard asked, looking at him.
“Do you know that man?” Adam asked, pointing at the man his wife was hugging.
Richard frowned. “I do not think I know who he is. What’s the name?”
“Nicholas Wilde, the Marquess of Longsheer,” he replied, very coldly.
“Wilde? The name sounds familiar. I must have heard it before, but I have no idea who he is. Why?”
“For some reason, my wife thinks it wise to trust him and to invite him into our home. However, I do not like him.”
Richard frowned and turned to take a better look at the man. “He is handsome. Your wife seems quite relaxed in his company. I see why you don’t like him, You are jealous.”
Adam glared at his friend. “Jealous? Why on earth would I be jealous of him?”
“Because your wife likes him, and you do not. And also because he has a higher rank than yours.”
Adam shook his head. “Not quite so. I just have this strange f
eeling that he shouldn’t be trusted, that is all.”
“The same thing I was saying. Well, poor Caroline is standing alone. I would hate it very much if someone talked to her before I get to have my chance. You can stand here and watch your wife spend time with Lord Longsheer, or you can simply march over there and be part of whatever they are talking about.”
A Mysterious Quest of a Seductive Lady: A Regency Historical Romance Novel Page 16