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The Colonel nodded. “Of course, My Lord.”
“This way,” Stephen said, leading Jasper out of the study.
The two gentlemen stepped out into the hall. Jasper shut the door. Stephen glared at Jasper, furiously.
“First, I find that you’re sneaking off with Lady Selina, and now, you’re accusing me of theft and murder. I thought that you knew me better. That you trusted me. First of all, you know you shouldn’t be sneaking about with a lady. I can’t believe that you would treat Lady Selina in that manner. Secondly, I would never accuse you of anythingso horridas murder and theft.”
“Stephen,” Jasper said. “I had hoped that it wasn’t you. There simply isn’t any other explanation, and I’m sorry, but…we need to search the house and your person.”
“So, it’s come to this,” Stephen said, nodding. “Well, in order to prove my innocence, you and the Colonel may search the premises,Your Grace.”
“Stephen, I—”
His friend held up his hand. “If you’ll allow my butler to attend to your search, I am going to go and sit downstairs, with a healthy glass of brandy. If you need, you may send someone to watch me donothing. As I have been doing since I left yourfarce of an attemptto catch therealculprit.”
Jasper watched as Stephen stormed down the hallway. He felt awful. In Stephen’s position, he, too, would have been angry. He turned toward the study, where Colonel Fitz waited.
* * *
The family at Kirby Hall were all seated in the drawing-room. After all the excitement, they sat, sipping tea and waiting for word. After the Duke had left, along with Colonel Fitz, everyone else in attendance had begun to filter out in groups, guarded by soldiers from the regiment. Dinner had not been served. The Dowager Duchess had retired to her room, with apologies to all gathered.
Selina could barely sit still. She didn’t think that Lord Sandbourne was capable of theft or murder. She could only hope that Jasper had been able to clear his good friend’s name.
Mr. Wickes opened the door and peered inside. “The Duke of Gillingham,” he announced. The whole family looked toward the Duke.
Jasper entered, looking exhausted, a sign which did not bode well for Lord Sandbourne.
“Well, Your Grace?” Uncle Latimer asked.
“We didn’t find anything at Sandbourne,” Jasper said. “However, he might have stashed it on his way home, or given it to one of his accomplices. So, the Colonel has taken him into custody. He’ll be questioned, further.”
“Oh, this is all my fault,” Selina said. If Lord Sandbourne hadn’t caught them, kissing in the hallway, then he would have been in the Great Hall, and not a suspect. Unless he had done it…she didn’t know what to think.
“No, My Lady,” Jasper assured her. “We would have come to a similar conclusion, albeit much later.” He gave her a half-hearted smile. Then, he looked around at the family. “I just wanted to bring you all the news. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my mother. She’s likely devastated. Those pearls were a family heirloom, and she’s also very close to Lord Sandbourne.”
He bowed, and then he was gone. Selina placed her hand over her heart as her pulse roared in her ears. The whole drawing room melted away as she thought. Nothing seemed to fit in. Lord Sandbourne seemed so…harmless.
