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“Thomas!” she said, running into her brother’s arms.
“Selina!” he exclaimed, picking her up off of her feet and spinning. He set her down on her feet. “Let me look at you.” When they both stepped back, he placed his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her, with eyes that were so similar to her own that it was like looking in the mirror. “You look pale and thin.”
“And you look very pleased with yourself,” she whispered, as they both walked over to where the family all stood, waiting to greet him. “Like the cat who’s eaten the canary.”
He did—the Lakes District had done him good. He was rosy-cheeked and well-rested, despite his long journey. With a wink, he offered her his arm. She placed her hand around his arm, letting him get away without telling her everything. There would be time—and better secrecy.
The family all greeted Thomas, who was golden-haired and green-eyed, like his sister.
Selina was incredibly proud of her older brother. He might have been a flirt, but he was a good gentleman. He cut an impressive figure, dressed in his dark coat, with his top hat in hand. He spoke genially with Uncle Latimer and answered all of Aunt Georgiana’s questions with alacrity.
“Well,” he said, at long last. “If you’ll excuse me, Uncle Latimer, Aunt Georgiana. I’ve had a long journey.”
“Mr. Wickes will show you to your room,” Aunt Georgiana said. “We’re putting you in the West Wing, so you have some space.”
“Thank you very much for inviting me,” Thomas said. “I’m so happy to be here.”
“I’ll come and help you settle in,” Selina said, springing to her feet. Thomas nodded, smiling.
“Thank you, my darling sister,” he said. “You know how I need you to help me sort things out.” He offered her his arm as he looked toward the others. “I’m a complete mess when I’m without her.”
They were led into the hallway by Mr. Wickes, who silently led them to the room in the West Wing.
“I’m in the East Wing with the rest of the family,” Selina whispered to him.
“There won’t be any sneaking out for us, then,” Thomas joked.
“There won’t be any sneaking at all,” she told him. “There’s a murderer on the loose.”
Thomas looked at her, the smile melting from his face. “It sounds like we have a lot to discuss.”
* * *
Jasper arrived at Colonel Fitz’s home, where he was shown into the dining room, where the Colonel was at breakfast.
“Pardon me for the early intrusion, Colonel,” Jasper said.
“Have a seat, Your Grace,” the Colonel replied, gesturing with a porcelain cup of coffee. “Some luck we had last night, eh?” He took a sip of his coffee, wincing at the bitterness.
“What are you planning to do, Colonel?” Jasper inquired, sitting down. He drummed his fingers on the tabletop. He was going to advocate for Stephen. He knew that he was his friend’s only chance.
“Well, we’ll question Lord Sandbourne throughout the day,” he replied. “Hopefully, with the right line of questioning, he’ll break and reveal all.”
“I don’t think it’s him, Colonel” Jasper blurted out. “I’ve known Lord Sandbourne for almost the entirety of my life. I sincerely doubt that he’s the one.”
Colonel Fitz studied him closely. “I hate to tell you this, Your Grace. But I disagree.”
Jasper nodded. “I thought that you would, Colonel. I do not think it wise to keep a member of the nobility under these conditions, particularly when we don’t have evidence to support otherwise.”
“You’re saying that we put him under house arrest?” the Colonel asked. It was a concession. The Colonel was not going to let Stephen go free. Not when there were no other suspects.
“It would be more befitting Sandbourne’s rank.”
The Colonel nodded, sipping his coffee. “You know best, I suppose.”
“Thank you, Colonel, for understanding.”
The Colonel nodded, finishing his breakfast, then standing up. “Let’s go and let Lord Sandbourne out, shall we?”
