“Davidson’s previous wives could not conceive, and he still requires an heir,” Beaufort explained.
“Likely the fault lies with his lordship,” Graham observed.
Richard agreed, but he would not speak of Davidson’s likely impotency, especially after what Mrs. Dove-Lyon said of Davidson’s manhood. “My concern lies more in those within Lady Emma’s household who informed Davidson of her ladyship’s whereabouts.”
“And we must not forget there could be someone in Duncan’s household who is performing likewise,” Beaufort added.
“What do you mean?” Richard asked.
Beaufort shrugged. “I thought either Duncan or Lady Theodora would have mentioned it to you. Duncan instructed Lady Emma to remove her things from her room to my quarters at Duncan Place.”
“Naturally, we had a discussion regarding Mrs. Braylon’s constant interference and the disappearance of the maid who we suspect has a connection to the coat worn by Duncan’s shooter, but I was not privy to the change of rooms before coming to Buckinghamshire. Was it absolutely necessary?” Richard asked. “When did Duncan make that decision?”
“I cannot say with assurance,” Beaufort admitted. “My written orders stated Lady Emma would be in my quarters, not hers.”
“Someone searched for you?” Richard demanded.
Emma shrugged her confusion. “All I know is while you and Lady Theodora were at the pianoforte, Lord Duncan instructed me on how to proceed. I assumed you knew and had given your approval. All I know with assurance is someone came into Lord Beaufort’s quarters,” she confided. “I could see the light from the candle the person carried, but little more. I could not tell whether the person was a man or a woman. The intruder looked in the wardrobe and behind the drapes. It sounded as if he even looked out on the small balcony.”
“How did this person not discover you in his search?” Richard asked in real concern.
For a second time, Lady Emma shrugged her response, but Beaufort explained, “Our Lady Emma was quite resourceful. She hid her trunk among my empty ones, stacked beside the wardrobe, and then she wedged herself under the bed.”
“A tight fit, my lady,” Graham remarked. “Yet, very creative. No one would think to look there because the bed sits low. Well done.”
“My nose could touch the mattress,” she admitted.
Graham grinned. “Fortunately, Beaufort has not slept there for many months. I am confident Mrs. Chester has aired the room out properly before now.”
“I was asleep when Lord Beaufort came for me. Not much to do when one can barely move,” she told them.
“Then we do not know who searched the room for you,” Graham summarized.
“My money is on the maid who brought Lady Emma her nightgown that first evening. She snuck back in to learn more of Lady Emma. Perhaps she is in cahoots with the men Davidson had watching the house. I understand she has an ill relation and likely required money for the person’s treatment,” Beaufort explained. “She would have a motive for selling the information to Davidson on Lady Emma’s presence in Duncan’s house.”
“Marksman seems to think Mrs. Braylon could be the one,” Graham shared.
“She does take too many liberties,” Richard shared. “I caught her listening in on Duncan’s conversation with Mr. Rheem.”
“Caught her where?” Graham asked in concern.
“The servants’ passage leading to Duncan’s quarters. I wanted to hear what Rheem truly thought of both Duncan’s and Lady Emma’s prognosis.”
“What did Duncan say of this? You did tell him, did you not, Orson?” Graham demanded. “Marksman says he thinks the woman wishes to be the next Lady Duncan.”
“That is also Theodora’s opinion,” Beaufort shared.
Richard added, “Duncan said he meant to release Mrs. Braylon once Lady Emma was safe, first from Davidson, and then from her attacker.”
Beaufort frowned deeply. “The woman will likely claim Duncan compromised her to force his lordship’s hand.” He apologized immediately. “I did not consider my words, Lady Emma. Forgive me.”
Lady Emma nodded her understanding. “I did not take well to the woman, but I thought my reactions had more to do with my confusion than her nature.”
“If Marksman’s supposition proves true,” Richard said in an attempt to lighten the mood, “Duncan may take up Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s offer of a contract with another woman who wishes to marry our Lord Duncan.”
“You jest!” Graham declared.
“No jest,” Richard swore. “Do you remember how Mrs. Dove-Lyon asked to speak to Duncan when we were all leaving the Lyon’s Den on the night Duncan was shot?”
