“No one is stopping you,” Winston said.
“I won’t go home without my wife and son,” Isaac responded.
White appeared beside him. “Yes, my lord?”
“Send for the constable,” Winston ordered. “It would appear that I have caught a thief.”
Isaac’s eyes narrowed. “I’m the thief?” he asked incredulously. “You are the one who stole my wife and son from me.”
White tipped his head and went to do his bidding, but not before Winston noticed two footmen had come to stand behind him.
“We stole nothing,” Winston said. “It is merely your fault that you misplaced your wife and son.”
Isaac walked over to the open window. “This isn’t over, my lord,” he mocked.
“I think it is, considering stealing is a serious offense,” Winston said, his tone unyielding.
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Isaac responded, “I stole nothing.”
“The constable might think differently,” Winston remarked. “There is no place for you to hide now.”
Isaac grinned, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “You underestimate me, and that is going to be your undoing.”
“I truly doubt that,” Winston said. “Your words are just the words of a desperate man.”
His grin dimmed but didn’t disappear entirely. “I will show you desperate.” With that, he leapt out the window.
Winston hurried over to the window and saw Isaac’s retreating figure, his boots slapping against the wet lawn.
A footman spoke up from behind. “Shall we go after him, my lord?”
“There is no need,” Winston replied. “We know where he is residing. I will direct the constable to his cottage.”
Melody stepped into the study, her face etched with concern. “I heard shouting. Is everything all right?”
Winston turned to face his sister. “Isaac was here, searching through Father’s desk. No doubt he was trying to learn of Aunt Sarah’s location.”
“Was he successful?”
“No, considering we don’t know where Aunt Sarah even is,” Winston replied, approaching his sister. “But White is sending for the constable. I will ensure Isaac pays for breaking into our home.”
Melody glanced at the open window, her unease palpable. “I do not like knowing that Isaac was here. I do believe I will sleep with a pistol under my pillow for the time being.”
“That hardly seems safe,” Winston remarked, frowning at the thought.
“Perhaps not, but it would greatly ease my mind,” Melody said.
Winston placed his hands on his sister’s shoulders. “I will keep you safe,” he promised.
Something flickered in Melody’s eyes—determination, perhaps, or maybe a flash of anger. It was hard for Winston to decipher.
Melody took a step back and Winston’s arms dropped to his sides. “It is late, and I think it is best if we both retire tobed,” she said.
Winston knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep. Not now. “I will remain here until the constable arrives.”
“All right,” Melody responded. “Goodnight, Brother.”
After his sister left the room, Winston went to retrieve the sheep farm ledger from the desk and tucked it under his arm. It was going to be a long night.
