AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Lady Wilton gave James a note the earl wrote to her,” continued the duchess. “We will compare it to the letter sent to the magistrate to see if the handwriting looks the same. James means to ride over tomorrow and procure the letter.”
“Oh. That’s…a good idea.”
Cecelia was obviously disappointed in her reaction. She began to look puzzled. “We also have a description of the earl. But Lady Wilton was not able to supply much detail. Anyone might have dark hair and eyes and a ‘commonplace face.’ It’s not as if he has a scar or some other distinguishing mark.”
Harriet nodded, her mind filled with the idea that she must tell Jack about this plan. If he had written that letter, this was bound to catch him. He’d given her his word, but…hewasa rogue. Rogues played confidence tricks.
“Are you all right, Harriet?” asked Cecelia. “I thought you would be pleased with our cleverness. And have all sorts of suggestions of your own.”
“I…ah… Of course I am.” She was not behaving like herself. Or perhaps she was. She was simply less focused on the mystery to be solved than on a…a friend to be saved. She searched for words.
“Travelers,” exploded her grandfather. Harriet’s mother shrank back in her chair and looked even more cowed than she had for the entire visit. “Filthy, thieving rabble!”
Harriet made a small gesture, encompassing the scene—her grandfather’s intemperate rage, Mama’s fear, the constant, dreadful disharmony of their household. Cecelia looked, assimilated, and seemed to accept this as an excuse for Harriet’s responses.
“I tell you what we should do,” her grandfather continued. “Gather some men and chase them off.” He leaned forward, fixing the duke with a fierce stare.
Her grandfather knew he didn’t have the authority to carry this off on his own, Harriet realized. If the duke joined him, however, objections would be muted.
“I understood they had permission from the landowner,” Tereford said.
The older man brushed this aside. “Once they’re gone, everyone will be glad. An apology is always easier than permission.” He smiled. He meant to be ingratiating, Harriet thought, but he only managed to look predatory.
“I think the matter must be left to the local magistrate,” said the duke.
“That fool! You cannot side withhim.”
This was a step too far. The duke raised one black eyebrow. His blue eyes grew cold. “I beg your pardon?”
Her grandfather’s face went even redder. Harriet’s mother looked terrified. An intemperate insult, followed by a definitive setdown, loomed. And after that, disaster. Harriet sprang up. “We should be going,” she said.
Cecelia popped up at her side. “It was so kind of you to call.”
“It was delightful to see you again.”
“Indeed, I am glad we are to be temporary neighbors.”
“Are you ready, Mama?” asked Harriet. She tried to bring her mother to her feet by sheer mental influence. Unfortunately, Mama cowered backward, as if she hoped for invisibility.
Cecelia moved to take her hand. “It was so pleasant to see you, Mrs. Finch.”
Harriet saw her practically drag Mama up from the sofa.
The duke rose as well. He had begun to look amused rather than haughty, which was good.
“You have someone coming up from London to see you, don’t you, Grandpapa?” Harriet asked.
The old man glowered at her. “He can wait.”
“You said it was very important business, I believe.” He hadn’t, but he liked all his affairs to be treated so. Harriet made herself smile at him, though it felt more like gritting her teeth.
“As if you understood anything about it,” he growled. But he stood. Perhaps it had penetrated that he didn’t want to offend the one duke he’d managed to meet.
“We will see you again soon, I hope,” said Harriet to the Terefords. She herded her family toward the door.
“Perhaps your mother will spare you to me one afternoon,” answered Cecelia. “I would enjoy your company.”
Harriet nodded. She would be glad to spend time with her friend. And then she realized Cecelia gave her a perfect excuse to visit Ferrington Hall’s environs any time she liked. She would make certain those visits included Jack, she vowed as they went out to the carriage.
