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Chapter Twenty-Two
Jasper woke early the next morning. He lay in bed, thinking about all that he needed to do. He needed to head over to Colonel Fitz’s home in Brookdale, to see what had come about since last night. He’d gotten word from Lord Langley—who had ridden to as many houses as possible—there were no further robberies, leading them to believe that the culprit was at the moment, in custody.
Throwing back his comforter, he swung his legs out of bed, got up and walked to the window, where he peered through the curtains, out over the green fields of Gillingham Estate. Jasper wondered who could have helped Stephen, though. By all accounts, it had been either two or three individuals, who worked in Jasper’s mind—Stephen had been with him at the time of several robberies. Particularly, the ones with only two perpetrators.
Turning away from the window, he walked over to his nightstand, where he poured water into the basin. He splashed it on his face. He couldn’t believe that it had been his friend. How could he have not seen this coming? When had Stephen become a murderer?
He wanted, more than anything, to see Selina. She was the only person who might calm his mind, put him at ease. She would urge him to think logically, to try to sort through it. To put it simply, he missed her.
After his valet had helped him to shave and dress, he went into his study. He would need to eat something, but nerves made his stomach turn. He wasn’t there long when there was a knock on the door. He went to the door, opening it to find Reuben on the other side.
“I came to see how you’re holding up,” Reuben said.
“Thank you for coming,” Jasper replied, standing aside to let his brother in. Reuben walked over to one of the leather armchairs by the fireplace, taking a seat while Jasper continued to pace.
“What are you planning to do?” Reuben asked, at length.
Jasper was silent, as he considered the answer to that question. He shrugged, turning to his brother, who sat watching him, his fingers steepled in front of him.
“I don’t know.”
“Why not? You’re the most powerful gentleman in the County. Why can’t you just go out and then arrange things so that you’re happy? You think too much about what others think and expect from you.”
Jasper laughed bitterly. “That I should be so lucky.”
“You’ve been friends with Sandbourne for how long?” Reuben asked.
“Nearly twenty years.”
“Do you think he did it?” Reuben wondered. “No, don’t answer that. Answer this—do youbelievehim capable of those crimes?”
“No, I don’t believe he’s capable of harming another human being,” Jasper replied.
“Don’t you owe it to him to clear his name?”
“You’re right.”
“Jasper, I’ve always admired you because you’ve always done the right thing,” Reuben said. “Without hesitation. Lately, it seems like you’ve hesitated at every turn.”
“I’ve gone and done what thetonexpects me to do, but not what I believe in, nor what I’ve wanted, in my heart.”
“Then get going,” Reuben said, getting up. “And please, for Heaven’s sake—release Lady Leah. She’s got to have a whole chest’s worth of monogrammed handkerchiefs that will need revisions by now.”
Jasper smiled at his brother. “Thank you.”
“Any time. I’ll remain here, with Mother. If you need me, you’ll know where to find me.”
“I will,” Jasper said. “Perhaps I’ll have a better plan in mind by the time I get back.”
“Good. I’ll be ready to go,” Reuben promised, following Jasper to the door.
Jasper nodded, then turned and headed at a fast walk to the stables. He didn’t know how he was going to clear Stephen’s name. He just knew that something needed to be done immediately.
* * *
The family was all waiting, outside of Kirby Hall, awaiting the arrival of Selina’s brother. Selina fidgeted, biting her lip in anticipation. Suddenly, up on the overlook, a carriage could be seen, headed their way.
“He’s coming!” Selina said, unable to hide her joy and excitement. They all waited, as the sleek black carriage, drawn by two dark horses pulled up, and the tall, slim figure of her brother got out.
