Robert smiled on getting a nod of approval from Donna then said, “Even though I’ll be along for protection we will take a footman as well.”
With not one, but two footmen following at a discrete distance, Robert led them out onto the veranda then down the granite steps. Strolling across the perfectly cut and maintain lawn they entered the garden.
He wasn’t surprised when Kristina released her hand from his arm and rushed ahead to inspect several of the rose bushes. Robert then watched as she dashed off to look at other plants along their path.
“My dear, don’t get far ahead,” he called out to her.
He was happy when she stopped and returned to him and Donna.
“The beds are beautiful. I can’t wait to return so I can spend more time here.” Her breathless voice made him smile.
Robert glanced down to his wife’s upturned face and grinned. “With luck, that will be soon. Now we need to return to our task at hand.”
Back in the office with Robert at his desk, Kristina settled on the blue settee while Donna was ensconced on the chair she’d claimed earlier they continued with their research.
After the walk, all three appeared more intense. Robert felt rejuvenated as he looked from his wife and sister who were engrossed in their work. Taking up the last sheet from the previous year, he sat and started reading it, only to bolt upright as a name, until not now mentioned appeared.
It’s not a man we’re searching for but a woman. He looked to see if the others had noticed his action. He relaxed slightly as they seemed intent on the pages they were reading.
All along they’d gone by what Donna had told them, the person she’d seen was tall, thin and dressed as a man. What if this woman had worn men’s clothing to throw everyone off if things hadn’t gone as originally planned.
Setting everything aside, he stood and walked over to the bell pull and rang it twice, which would summon Mrs. Swanson.
“Ladies, it’s time we take a break. I’m going to have tea delivered.”
“Thank you as my eyes are starting to cross from all this reading,” Kristina said.
A knock on the solid oak door announced the housekeeper.
“Come in,” Robert called out.
“M’ lord?” she said then curtsied.
“I’ve a job for you, which is very important. As housekeeper you know all the maid. Do we employ one who might be tall and thin?”
“I believe we do.”
“Please have the maid report here under your guidance at once.”
“Yes m’ lord,” she curtsied then left the room shaking her head.
“Robert, would you care to explain your request as it makes no sense to me.” Kristina stood and glided over to him.
“As I’m confused as well,” his sister spoke.
“Ladies, shortly everything will become clear. Now shall we relax and await the tea?” He tilted his head slightly up so he could gaze into his wife’s beautiful blue eyes as she’d taken a seat on the arm of his chair. The furrow on her brow was intriguing to him as he watched her study the papers on his desk.
“Is—”
“Don’t even say it. We need it to come as a surprise,” he whispered, which brought an even more confused look to her face.
Minutes later, Mrs. Swanson returned with a nervous maid in tow. “M’ lord, this is Sallie.”
“Good, now if you both will follow me, I’ve something to discuss in private,” he instructed the two women.
Returning to his office, five minutes later, he was met by a confused wife and, and even more so, sister.
“Would you care to explain what’s going on?” Donna demanded.
“Ladies, all will become clear but not at this moment,” he answered, taking a seat on the divan beside his wife, who glared at him.
Over refreshments, delivered by a confused Bing, Robert directed the conversation to suggesting since they’d accomplished so much to take the rest of the afternoon off. He pointedly didn’t mention his wife was showing signs of being fatigued from their early morning martial activities.
“Yes, then mayhap later we can pick up again and go over what we’ve found so far. If you don’t mind, I’ll take a book out to the gazebo and read for a bit,” Donna requested.
“As long as a footman accompanies you, I don’t have a problem.”
“I was also thinking of having Judy join me,” Donna said.
“And while you’re reading I think I’m going to take a nap as someone kept me up last night,” Kristina teased, with a knowing grin to her husband.
“Then I suggest you lock yourself into the viscountess suite and don’t let him in,” Donna kidded, earning a groan of displeasure from her brother.
“Thank you that piece of advice and that’s exactly what I’ll do.” Kristina then stood and, with Donna at her side, swept from the room leaving Robert befuddled at how they’d been able to out maneuver him.
Chapter Six
With his bride locked away from him, not that she didn’t need her rest, and his desk cleared, Robert strolled over to the window overlooking the garden. From where he stood, he had a nice view of the gazebo where his sister was relaxing with a book. Knowing her preference in reading material, he wouldn’t be surprised if it was one of those insipid romance novels she always loved, unlike Kristina and her affinity for mystery stories.
He watched as Donna relaxed and stretched across the bench seat. Turning about he went over to the bell pull and rang it twice for Mrs. Swanson.
When she arrived a few minutes later, he ordered refreshments for three to be prepared and delivered to the gazebo. He wasn’t surprised when his housekeeper didn’t question the number as he knew she was aware of his treatment of the staff.
“I’ll be sending the footman back.”
“Yes, m’ lord. I’ll arrange for it to be sent at once,” she answered.
“Also inform the maid I’d spoken with earlier she won’t need to do as discussed. I’ve decided to go about the problem using a different tact,” he declared, and with a nod dismissed Mrs. Swanson.
He knew with the change in plans came a risk but it would be less stressful for Donna. Now, he needed to figure out how to tell her what he’d read and had kept hidden from the ladies.
“Robert dear, it would appear I can’t rest without your presence beside me,” Kristina said as she glided his office.
“Darling, I’m sorry to learn that. Mayhap in the future we should relax together.” He walked over and gently settled his lips over hers as he enfolded her in his arms.
Separating his lips from hers, but not letting her go, he gazed down into her blue eyes and smiled.
“I’ve ordered tea to be taken to the gazebo for Donna. Would you care to join us?”
“I would love to and then mayhap you can explain the document from earlier that had you so excited,” Kristina rose on her toes and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“That was my plan and the answer will stun my sister so I’m glad you’re coming along. It seems someone from her past wasn’t all he seemed to be,” Robert collected the damning sheet of paper.
Minutes later, they climbed the gazebo steps after dismissing the footman.
“Donna, I’ve ordered tea for us. I hope you don’t mind,” he said.
“Thank you. Judy, with the Viscount and his wife present you may retire to the house. As we’re dressing for dinner tonight I think the dark blue as it’s the closest to mourning I have.”
“Thank you, m’ lady. I agree on the gown until this mess is cleared up and we can get you into proper bombazine gowns.” Judy gave her mistress a curtsey before slipping away.
Robert settled his wife on a well-cushioned wicker seat vacated by the maid, which had a simple wrought iron and glass table in beside it. He took the chair opposite so he would be able to watch both ladies when he informed them what he’d learned. However, he waited until Mrs. Swanson had left the tray and departed the building.
Once filled teacu
ps, small plates and finger sandwiches were passed, he peered over to Donna then his wife. He wasn’t surprised at the glares from them both.
“Well, we know you have something to tell us,” Kristina all but demanded of him.
“Yes. As you both noticed from the document I was reading I feel I know not only who but why Bryce was killed. Interestingly it had nothing to do with his previous life as a spy finder. It seems one of his agents was able to find out some delicate information about a certain individual and the death of his wife.”
“Brother, if you’re referring to Lady Williams, it was agreed by the authorities her death was an accident.”
“Ah yes, but it seems they were paid off, which brought Lord Williams finances desperately low but now is slowly increasing his funds.”
“So what happened?” Kristina queried.
“From what the document I read said it seems Williams was approached by a Frenchman to spy on our soldiers,” Robert said, in answering his wife’s question.
“I find that interesting for what I remember of him he preferred to stay hidden in the country. What on earth could he offer them which would be of any value?” Donna declared.
“That’s exactly what he had to offer them, the country. Donna, don’t you remember, one of his smaller holdings is on the Cornwall coast. Bryce learned Williams was letting the French land spies on his land. There they’d hide out until the hue and cry had past then send them along to London or other cities,” he explained.
Taking a sip of tea then a bite of a watercress sandwich, he studied both ladies as they digested this new information.
“That’s all well and good Robert, but still doesn’t explain how he was able to refill his coffers without causing suspicion,” Kristina asked.
“Excuse me, but I think I might be able to answer that question. He was always good at deceiving people, as we well know now. On several of his estates are tin mines, which were never very productive thus his need for money. What if he takes the proceeds then adds the ill-gotten gains from the French, gives everything to his man of business thus hiding everything?” Donna asked.
“That would explain part of it, but still doesn’t tell us who murdered Bryce,” Kristina said.
“There’s where things become interesting. Remember he sent you the note here, not London. Why would he do that unless he knew you’d retreat here? From this—” Robert withdrew the document from his jacket. “—it seems he has a friend who was getting concerned he, Bryce, might go to the authorities which would have ruined everything.”
“Robert, may I see that.” Kristina reached for the document.
Without argument, he handed it over to her, wondering if there might be something in it he’d missed. Then again, she did love a good mystery so he wouldn’t be surprised if she did. He watched her face, loving how it changed expressions from worry to concern then to understanding. It wasn’t until he saw her reposition herself so she was facing the setting sun and hold the parchment against the light did he realize Kristina had found the answer. Or, at least part of it as her features relaxed then glanced to him.
“Darling husband and sister, you both know how I love a good mystery, well this is one of the best I’ve come across in a long time. Not only is Lord Williams innocent of aiding the French as Bryce knew he also was aware you’d come to us seeking aid.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.” Donna poured herself another cup of tea then did the same for her brother and Kristina.
“Thank you. It’s actually very simple, your late husband knew Williams was innocent or so he claims. This he got from another of his agents and he encoded the information in the same document, which named him a traitor. My guess, right now Lord Williams is either running for his life or hiding somewhere he knows is safe. Safe from the English authorities and the Frenchman sent to kill him, probably the same person who killed your husband.”
“Excuse me, but if he’s not a traitor and indirectly obtaining money from the French wouldn’t he know it when he sees his estate reports?” Robert asked. He was amazed at his wife’s logic except for that part.
“So that would mean someone who is working for him is hiding the money, only letting a little be available thus keeping Lord Williams modestly comfortable while he thinks the increase is coming from the mines,” Donna suggested.
“You’re right. I’d suspect either his estate manager or man of business as they have the most to gain while protecting themselves,” Kristina informed them.
Robert let out a groan knowing what his wife said meant a trip to either Cornwall or London, probably both. With no hard evidence against someone other than Donna, returning to the lion’s den wasn’t something he wished to do. Taking a sip of his tea, he wondered if it was possible he could keep her here, where she was safe. Then knowing her stubbornness, which resembled that of his wife, he didn’t think she’d stay. As soon as his carriage was out of sight, she’d hie off on her own and end up in gaol.
He glanced to his wife, who was finishing the last bite of a cucumber sandwich, and smiled. “Darling, now that we know more of the truth, do you think there might be any hints as to who we need to search for in the documents we brought?”
“It’s possible. This time we only need to look at the ones from this year involving the agent. Then again, for all we know this contact of Bryce’s could be involved somehow.”
“Shall we start in again after dinner?” Donna exclaimed.
“That would be an excellent idea. If we find anything, we’ll know which direction to go next. And Donna, besides his office, do you think Bryce might have kept papers someplace else?” Robert asked, in the hopes he was correct.
“I can’t think of any other spot.”
“Then I suggest we retire to our suites as it’s getting close to the time we need to change for dinner. Not that I don’t trust Sydney, I’d prefer to select the wine for the fish course.” Robert stood then assisted Kristina and Donna to their feet.
What did puzzle him was the unusual expression on his sister’s face, like she was trying to remember something. Then without warning, she bolted from her seat.
“That’s it, brother. I would never had thought about the wine cellar unless you mentioned it. Bryce used to go there occasionally on the pretense of selecting a bottle himself. Is it possible he had someplace in the basement where he might hide even more sensitive documents?”
“Very possibly, but let’s discuss this over dinner as I see your maids and Evan storming through the garden toward us.” Robert stood then escorted the ladies down the stairs.
“Yes, yes, we know it’s getting late and we still have to dress for dinner,” Kristina told Amanda who nodded weakly.
“Then m’ lady, might we return as your bath water is cooling,” she said.
Robert saw Judy was collecting Donna and the six started back through the garden, then he realized something interesting.
“Everyone halt,” he ordered.
“M’ lord, might I enquire as to the meaning of the tone in your voice. It’s very ungentlemanly,” Kristina demanded.
“Ah, um,” he tried to sputter out but couldn’t.
“M’ ladies, I think I know what you’re thinking because I see the resemblance too,” Evan clarified.
“I apologize for my tongue-tiredness, but he’s correct. Either tomorrow or the next day we’re going to need to return to London, the reason Ladies Markson and Kersey know. As such, it would seem our roles will be reversed. Judy and Amanda will portray their mistress’ while Evan me.”
He wanted to chuckle at the wide-eyed panicked looks on the two maids’ faces but was stopped by the glare from the other two ladies.
“It’s very simple and I’ll explain everything after dinner,” Robert announced. He then stepped to his wife, grabbed her around the waist and marched her to the mansion, leaving the others to follow.
With the pleasant dinner finished, Robert led the ladies to his office then called for the two
maids and his valet.
“Captain and m’ ladies, you wished to speak with us regarding the earlier conversation?” Evan said then bowed.
“Yes. We need to sneak down to Cornwall while giving the impression we’ve returned from somewhere to London. To that, you three will impersonate us and enter through the front door of my townhouse. We, on the other hand, will continue on to southern England without passing through the city. This way Bow Street will continue to maintain a watch over you as us, while we investigate another possibility,” Robert clarified for them.
“Captain, this is an interesting tact you’re taking. One that I do believe we used in Spain to confuse the French,” Evan said.
“On that you’re correct. Divide to conquer. While you three confuse the authorities, that will allow us to search out what we need to. But, it will only work if you stay inside but let people looking in see you as us. I’ll send a letter along explaining everything to Bing and Mrs. Stoneworth.”
“Then Captain, m’ ladies, if you’ll excuse us we have trunks which need packing.” Evan bowed.
“Do what’s needed,” Robert said then with a nod dismissed the three.
“Why are we going to Cornwall? The chances of Lord Williams being there is very small?” Kristina asked.
“That’s because we’re not. I only mention that direction to them in case they’re questioned by Bow Street.” Robert halted, then glanced to his sister. “Donna of all the places he mentioned loving to visit, which was his most favorite?”
“Stratton upon Avon. He used to love to fish there. He would tell me it was the only way he could relax.”
“Good, then that’s where we’re going,” he announced, then collected the documents from the current year so they could review them.”
Now that they knew what to look for it was much easier this time going through the sheets of papers from Bryce’s office. Robert did express his interest in what, if anything, was secreted in the wine cellar.
Two days later, they climbed into an unmarked carriage and started for where Lord Williams might be hiding while the viscount coach with the three staff turned for London.
To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection Page 13