‘Apparently, we have matters to discuss.’
Ruby cocked her head to one side. ‘You’d better go if you brother demands it.’
‘It is because he demands it that I don’t want to go.’
Dora came to his side. ‘It would be a good opportunity to find out more about Mr Langhorne’s background. His father works for Lord Furness, doesn’t he?’
‘The gunpowder manufactory? You’re right.’ He framed her face and kissed her. ‘We mustn’t narrow our focus on Knotte when we have other suspects. Thank you for giving me a decent reason for doing what I don’t want to do. It will save me an argument later.’
She smiled prettily at him. ‘If you are feeling grateful, then please take Alex with you. I don’t think any of us should be alone and I’d be happier if I know you have his escort.’
‘And what will you be doing?’ He’d been counting on leaving Alex at the cottage to make sure the ladies were safe.
‘I’ll stay here with Ruby and make notes on what we’ve learned and write some letters to London. I want to find out if Knotte went to see any publishers in July.’
‘That sounds a good plan. I’ll send a message to Moss, get word of Wright and suggest Moss meets us here this afternoon. It’s possible he might already know who was in London at the same time as the attack on Leyburn.’
‘True, but don’t you want to check on Wright yourself?’
‘They’ll send for me if there’s any change. Promise you’ll stay inside– and don’t let anyone else in?’
She went up on tiptoe and kissed him. ‘I promise.’
‘Aw. I suppose you two are quite sweet, in your own way,’ said Ruby. ‘A little bit more luxury, Dr Sandys, and this might be an arrangement Dora can be proud of.’
* * *
Elleray was a once humble house on the banks of Windermere that had been renovated out of all recognition into a gentleman’s residence– walls punched out, bay windows built, views cut through the trees to ensure the best vista onto the lake. Jacob saw it as evidence of the fad for English tourism, a relatively novel idea; this area had been dismissed for centuries as a backwater, a place to raise sheep and survive; now it had become fashionably sublime. The owner enjoyed hosting his friends– and impressing them with the level of comfort he had achieved. Jacob thought wryly of Ruby’s comment about luxury as the maid took their hats and walked them towards the morning room. While he employed a local woman to clean and do the laundry twice a week, maybe he should engage a live-in maid?
‘Is the gentleman going in with you, Dr Sandys?’ the maid asked at the door.
No servant, he didn’t want the interference.
‘He is,’ confirmed Jacob.
‘He could wait in the library if he prefers,’ she tried again. ‘It’s only across the passage here.’
‘No, he is coming with me.’
With a sour expression, she stood back. ‘Follow me then, gentlemen.’
Lady Alice was seated at a pianoforte on her own, framed by the window and the lake beyond, a portrait pose that reminded him of Vermeer. She was playing a delicate piece that tripped up and down the scales, clever and winding. It was familiar, probably Bach, but Jacob wasn’t an afficionado of music.
‘Dr Sandys and Mr Smith,’ said the maid.
The lady stopped playing and got up to bob a curtsey in answer to their bows.
‘I didn’t expect you to bring a guest,’ she said, then blushed.
Ah, so this scene had been orchestrated so that he might come upon her on her own. Someone was trying to cook up a romance. The maid was in on it, but he suspected more hands were stirring this particular broth.
‘This is Alexander Smith, a good friend and one of our employees at the agency,’ said Jacob unapologetically. ‘Smith, this is Lady Alice Furness.’
Alex gave another bow, his manners impeccable. As a golden-haired Adonis he had been a great favourite in society until very recently and he knew how to charm his company. ‘You play the piano beautifully, Lady Alice. Bach, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”?’
She smiled at him and waved away the compliment. ‘I’m barely proficient but thank you for the unwarranted praise. And yes– a lovely piece, isn’t it? Tea?’
‘Thank you,’ said Jacob. ‘Is my brother here? He sent for me.’
