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“Yes,” Daphne whispered, tears clogging her throat. “God forgive me, but yes.”
Chambers went to her then, gathering her hands in his. “Don’t, Daphne. In some men, the good is so deeply buried that one must spend a lifetime digging in order to find it. As for you, no forgiveness is necessary. For, despite this lapse of faith to which you allude, your belief prevails and your search for Harwick’s goodness continues.” He kissed her forehead. “Come. Let’s be off to the school. While we walk, you can tell me all about this mysterious Mr. Thornton. And I shall regale you with the latest deeds of your Tin Cup Bandit.”
Instantly, all else was forgotten. “Tell me,” Daphne demanded, nearly bouncing with excitement. “What has the bandit done now?”
A hearty chuckle. “I thought perhaps that would capture your attention. Now, mind you, it’s still only hearsay.”
“I know, it’s always hearsay. Yet, all the stories turn out to be true, and each and every one of the bandit’s exploits is recounted in the Times day after day. So, tell me, Vicar, whose manor was invaded this time? Through which window did the bandit enter? What jewels did he take? How much money did the stolen gems yield? Which stone did the bandit leave behind from the collection he pilfered from the Earl of Gantry’s estate four nights ago? Which workhouse benefitted from the theft?”
Chambers threw back his head and laughed. “Gather up your basket, Snowdrop. I’ll fetch the pile of books I’ve collected for the school and we can be on our way. I shall do my best to answer all your questions while we walk.”
Minutes later, Daphne and the vicar trudged purposefully through the village streets.
“I’m not certain precisely what was stolen or how the bandit gained his entry,” the vicar began. “But I do know that the theft occurred the night before last.”
“Somewhere between two and three a.m.,” Daphne supplied in a reverent whisper. “That’s always when he strikes.”
“Yes. Well, this time it was the Viscount Druige’s estate.”
“I knew it! Remember I told you about the garish ruby-and-diamond necklace the viscount bought for his wife? According to Mama, the entire ton was buzzing over it. She said the poor viscountess could scarcely keep her head erect, so heavy were the jewels. The bandit must have heard the gossip—or perhaps he saw the piece himself. Vicar,” Daphne’s voice rose in baffled wonder. “Who is he? How does he know just whom and where to strike?”
“I honestly don’t know. I only know that, because of your bandit, dozens of hungry children will be fed, clothed, and o
ffered hope where none previously existed.”
“Which workhouse received the money?”
“The one in Worsley.”
“Oh, thank God,” Daphne breathed. “That was the workhouse you planned to visit this week, the one in dire straits.”
“Exactly. The poor headmaster there had contacted every parish for miles, begging for assistance. His funds were gone; there was no food. Within weeks, innocent children—little more than babes—would have been forced into the streets, or begun starving to death.”
“The headmaster himself sent you word that the bandit had been there?”
The vicar smiled. “Evidently, your brazen bandit left his tin cup right on the headmaster’s desk. He came and went before dawn, silent and unseen.”
“How much money did he leave them?”
“Just shy of five thousand pounds.”
An awed gasp escaped Daphne’s lips. “The man is a savior.”
“The man is a thief,” the vicar reminded her gently.
“How can you say that? You of all people must see what he’s done for—”
“You needn’t defend him to me, Snowdrop. I bless the man each and every day. Still, facts are facts. And, in answer to your earlier question, the Earl of Gantry’s diamond cuff link was found in the tin cup placed upon Viscount Druige’s pillow—a tin cup that was identical to the one placed on the desk of the Worsley headmaster.”
“Just as always—a jewel from the previous theft left at the scene of the crime. Two identical tin cups, one at the crime, one at the chosen workhouse.” Daphne glowed. “The bandit is brilliant. Not to mention generous and crafty. And I, for one, hope the authorities never catch him. I can hardly wait to read of their stupefaction in this morning’s newspaper.”
“Can you contain yourself long enough to distribute your treasures?” the vicar chuckled, coming to a halt before the village school. “The children are eager to see you.”
“Oh! I didn’t realize we’d arrived.” Daphne scurried forward to peek through the window. “They appear to be immersed in their studies,” she murmured, her voice laden with disappointment. “Does that mean we must delay our visit?”
“Miss Redmund, their teacher, is expecting us. I suspect she’ll be more than delighted to abandon her lessons.” Scowling, the vicar knocked, leaving Daphne no opportunity to question his apparent disapproval of the school mistress.
“Yes? What is it?”
