“I need to speak with both you and Henry. Now. It’s important.”
William didn’t waste time asking why. He simply gestured for her to follow him. “I think he mentioned needing a moment to himself after charades. Likely in the library or his office. He lives in there.”
They made their way down the corridor in silence, the echo of their footfalls on the marble floor almost loud in the stillness. Once they approached the office door, William knocked and pushed it open.
Henry was inside, standing by the window with one hand resting on the sill, looking out at the lengthening shadows of the late afternoon. He turned at the sound of the door.
“Charlotte,” he said, surprised. “William.”
“Sorry to disturb you,” she said. “But I saw something you need to know.”
Henry’s brow furrowed, and he gestured for them both to come in. “What is it?”
She stepped into the room, taking a breath to steady herself. “I was outside just now, trying to clear my head, and I saw someone getting into a carriage out front. A man. From behind, he looked exactly like Sir Roger.”
Henry straightened slightly. “Leonard? Here?”
“I think so,” she said. “I can’t be certain, but I swear it looked like him. And he left without anyone knowing. It didn’t feel right.”
William closed the door behind them with a quiet click. “Why the devil would Leonard be here? He hasn’t any connection to the other guests, does he?”
“None that I know of,” Henry replied.
Charlotte moved closer to the hearth, twisting her fingers together. “I thought perhaps he was behind the notes.”
Henry blinked. “Because of you?”
“I don’t know.” She frowned. “Maybe. At first I thought it seemed ridiculous, but if he’s angry about what happened between us—if he’s holding a grudge—maybe this is his way of retaliating. Not by ruining me, but by threatening you. After all, one of the notes did come to me directly and whoever it is clearly wants the engagement ended.”
William looked unconvinced. “You really think he’d go to such lengths just because you intervened between him and Charlotte?”
Henry’s mouth quirked. “You underestimate how far a man might go to win someone he believes he’s lost. If I thought I might lose you forever, I’m not sure I wouldn’t consider desperate measures myself.” He said the last to Charlotte, gazing deeply into her eyes.
That startled her, and she felt a faint flush creeping up her neck. She wasn’t sure what to say to that, and William, sensing the sudden atmosphere, cleared his throat and stepped back.
“I’ll make some quiet inquiries,” he said. “If Leonard was on the grounds, someone must have seen something. A stable hand or a grounds servant perhaps. Someone would have noticed the carriage if nothing else.”
Charlotte turned to him, grateful. “Thank you, brother.”
“I’ll let you know what I hear,” he said, already heading for the door. “Keep an eye out yourselves. If he’s involved in this, we need to find proof. Quickly.”
And then he was gone, the door closing softly behind him.
Charlotte turned back to Henry. He was watching her thoughtfully, his gaze flickering over her face as though memorizing it.
“There must be more to this,” she murmured. “With Leonard, I mean. He’s here to ruin you.”
“You truly don’t think it’s possible he’s only here because he wants you back?” he asked softly.
She shook her head. “I don’t think anyone would go to these lengths just to make me their wife.”
Henry’s expression changed slightly, but he said nothing.
Charlotte stepped forward just close enough for him to hear her lowered voice. “But I do think someone wants to hurt you. And I think Leonard’s the sort of man who might enjoy that. Perhaps he is acting for someone?”
Henry’s jaw tightened. “Then we’ll find out if it’s him.”
She nodded. “Sooner rather than later.”
