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Her arms snaked around his neck as she straddled him. “Well, that’s exactly what scares me.”
He kissed her lips again. “I love you so very much, Letty. You came into my life when it was bleak and empty and filled it with sweet cakes and laughter. I cannot thank you enough.”
Letty smiled. “Don’t thank me. Your love is reward enough. I never thought that I would ever be this happy in my life. There are no words to express my joy.”
Bertram smiled as he looked into her eyes. “Then show me.” He said as he leaned in to kiss her.
* * *
Bertram woke early, one more mystery still to solve. Letty did not so much as stir and he watched her, a smile on his face before dressing in his morning coat, white trews and a walking shoes.
He walked quietly down the stairs of the stirring manor and made his way outside. He decided to follow Letty’s example and take the gate at the lower end of the garden on his unannounced visit to Lady Perrin. He had some questions for her and hewouldget answers.
He stepped into the garden and began to walk resolutely towards the orangery, not surprised when he found it already occupied. Raphael lay on the floor, covered with a thin blanket. He sat up as soon as Bertram stepped in the door, his eyes alert.
“They say I’m simple because I don’t talk very well, but I’m not.”
Bertram nodded. “I see that.”
“Have you come for sister?”
“Is she expecting me to?”
“Oh no. Sister never expects to be caught at her games.”
Bertram took a step closer, hands clasped behind his back. “What games would those be, Raphael?”
He shrugged, blanket falling to his waist. “I’m sure I don’t know.”
Bertram took another step closer, looking around. “Are these your new sleeping chambers? They seem rather cold.”
“Better than enduring her raging.”
“Do you need a warm place to stay? Because my house is open to you.”
To his surprise, Raphael smiled. “I have a friend in your house.”
“Indeed.”
“Her name is Jacqueline.”
Bertram nodded, keeping his eyes on the other man.
“She asked me if sister was going to kill you. I said no. Sister doesn’t kill. She only helps.” He slowly raised his eyes to meet Bertram’s gaze, “she likes to watch it. The killing.”
Bertram frowned. “Are you saying that…?”
Raphael nodded. “Old Sir Bentley he found out about the body in the basement. He said he had someone else to kill if sister wanted to join. She was already angry with you because you said no to her, so she agreed.”
Bertram swallowed bitter bile, horrified in spite of the fact that he’d expected something like this. “Who’s body is in the basement?”
“Why…my cousin, the Earl.”
Bertram turned away to hide the anger and disgust he felt. “Your sister killed him?”
“Of course not. Sister only likes to watch.”
“Well then, who killed him?”
“I did.”
The End?
