Chapter Fourteen
Alexander had permittedDuncan to explain what they suspected Honfleur had exacted against the citizens of London and the Bank of England. “We know without a doubt that he has passed over three thousand pounds in forged bank notes at a variety of businesses and even at several gaming hells. When those who run these establishments realize what has happened, they will come looking for Honfleur and exact their own type of justice. Either way, you, my dear, are in danger.”
“You wish permission to search my Uncle Jacobi’s study? Search his quarters?” Miss Moreau asked in surprise.
Alexander was quick to say, “Not without your agreement. I know this is all very difficult for you to believe and accept. Jacobi Moreau has been your only family connection since you were a mere child. Your loyalty to him cannot be abandoned simply because I arrived on your doorstep last evening.”
Duncan explained, “We have had agents following your uncle about London. In fact, we knew of his arrival weeks before it actually occurred. We have merchants collecting the uttered notes as evidence. We know you were to claim a message from a woman called Margaret Childers at the masque, and we knew it was planned for Mrs. Childers to disguise herself to pass theinformation on to you on the dance floor or at supper, but we were not aware she had been denied entrance by Lord Godfrey’s servants. Purely by accident, my Theodora intercepted the written message in the lady’s retiring room. We are also aware that your cousin retrieved another such message left behind a tree in a public park two days later. There are always amateur forgeries occurring on any given day in a city the size of London, but not in such an orchestrated manner.”
“Even so, I cannot permit you to search my uncle’s personal quarters,” his sister repeated. “I will lose his trust.”
She had not yet realized that she would no longer require Moreau’s trust once this was over, but Alexander presented Duncan a hard look to silence his lordship’s objection. “We had obviously hoped for a different outcome, but we value your feelings in the matter.”
Surprisingly, Duncan said, “You have the right of it, Marksman. Your sister knew interruption after interruption in her life until Moreau came along, but, child, you must know Moreau’s motives were not to save you. He meant to claim your mother to tend his daughter, as well as for more nefarious reasons.”
Alexander noted the tears forming in Annalise’s eyes. “The world will soon be aware of my history. Would it not be best…”
“You are not disappearing from my life again,” Alexander spoke in adamant tones. “I will not tolerate the idea!”
“How will you explain to your world the sudden announcement of a sister?” she demanded.
“You and I will craft the tale together,” he insisted. He squeezed the hand he still held to prevent her continued protest. “I do not expect to avoid gossip, and neither should you. Yet, what we share will be a version of the truth we can design to our benefit, not one thrust upon us.” He nodded to Duncan. “As I explained previously, Lord Duncan is aware ofthe truth because, even though I became Earl Marksman at a young age, it was only when I reached my majority that I was permitted to make decisions without Duncan’s approval, though I customarily seek his advice, even now. However, as I have always hoped to recover you and our mother, Lord Duncan shares my concerns for you. We will stand together, and, as he has always done, his lordship will assist.”
His sister swallowed hard. “If you believe it best to examine my uncle’s correspondence—”
Alexander offered, “Would you know more ease if you and I conducted the search together? In that manner, we could have confidence nothing was viewed as disturbed when Moreau returns.”
Audrey admitted, “I would prefer to keep this business between us.”
“My lords!” Duncan’scoachman came running when Alexander and Duncan emerged from the passageway behind the row of houses.
“What is the matter, Nichols?” Duncan demanded.
“It is the young mistress, my lord.”
“Did you not escort my daughter home, as was her wish?” Duncan said in escalating anger.
“We were in the mews, my lord.” The driver wrung his hands. “We only had a brief glance of her as she walked away with a gentleman. At first, we thought it be you, Lord Marksman,” the coachman nervously told Duncan. “Then he turned. Had dark hair, sir. Not your fairer head, my lord. Then the mistress looked back and shook her head as if warning us not to interfere.”
“Almano,” Alexander spit out the name. “Had to be him. Dora would not warn you away if she did not fear for your beingharmed. I should have paid the count a call before now. He frightened Dora the day of Richard’s wedding.”
“How was I not made aware of this?” Duncan demanded.
“Pardon, my lord,” Mr. Nichols said. “Thought you should know, the mistress say, ‘Not to worry. She and the gentleman were going for a ride, just as they had previously.’ Not confident the man approved of Lady Theodora speaking to us, for he gave her a hard tug.”
“I will kill him,” Duncan growled.
“The man had a gig waiting,” the coachman added.
“We must speak to Winston,” Alexander said as he hustled Duncan towards the waiting coach. “According to Richard, the maid was with Dora when your daughter nearly shot the count.”
“Shot!” Duncan growled. “Home, Nichols,” Duncan ordered, “and do not spare the horses.”
Less than a quarter hour later, Duncan was still barking orders and fretting about what he had not known of Theodora’s caller. “Winston!” he bellowed from the foyer.
“Two horses, Mr. Fields! Immediately!”
“You required me, my lord?” Winston asked as she rushed down the steps. “Has something happened to my mistress?”
