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“I did. She seemed upset, and I didn’t want to interfere. What happened?”
“What happened is something I do not understand. She said she received a letter earlier today from someone who claimed he knew about her secret and intended to keep accepting the money Mr. Harding was taking.”
William let out a low whistle. “That doesn’t seem possible. Unless Harding had a partner.”
“Either that or the ledger has been stolen.”
“Then let’s check.” He helped Amy out of the vehicle, and they both made their way to the front door.
Stevens opened it for them. “Good evening, my lady, my lord.”
Distracted, they both nodded and, without removing their coats, walked upstairs to the drawing room, where William waited as Amy took the stairs to the bedchambers floor.
Out of breath from hurrying and nervousness, Amy headed straight for her small office right outside her bedroom. She took a quick look around. Nothing seemed to be out of place.
She went directly to the drawer in her desk where she kept the ledger and gasped.
The ledger was gone.
William was pacing the drawing room, his hands behind his back, when she returned.
“It’s gone.” Amy flew through the doorway, panting. “I can’t believe it, but it’s gone.”
“How is that possible? There are servants here all the time.”
She shook her head, sat on the sofa, and placed her hand over her thumping heart. “I know. But there are times when the few servants we have might be out of th
e house, or in their rooms resting while on a break. Any number of things.”
“Which means someone’s been watching your house.”
“Correct. But how did they know it was here? It could have just as likely been at your house. I’m assuming it’s the same person who tried to get the ledger from Harding’s house, then went through the window and dropped it in the mud.”
“And shot at us.” William ran his fingers through his hair.
Amy rubbed her palms up and down her arms. “I don’t like the idea of someone being in my house.” She shuddered. “In my room.”
William reached out and pulled her to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he said, “Make sure you lock the door to your room every night.”
She nodded.
“And the windows.” He placed his finger under her chin and raised her head. “Who is at home now?”
“Aunt Margaret, of course, and I believe Papa. He said at dinner that he was going to stay in and spend a quiet night at home. Michael, however, is out somewhere.” Amy leaned back. “I can’t tell Papa about the break-in. He would be furious with me for getting involved in this.”
“I never should have let you keep the ledger here. I should have taken it to my house.”
“How do you know whoever it was didn’t search your house first?”
“I don’t know, and now I have reason to believe I did not misplace my appointment book after all and someone has been to my house as well. Maybe looking for both the ledger and the appointment book.
“I will do a thorough check of my house when I return tonight. However, I can’t risk you getting hurt. I will ask Stevens to summon your father, and I will tell him everything.”
“No! He will probably confine me to my room for the rest of the year.”
“Amy.” He viewed her with raised brows. “This has gone on long enough. This is my problem, not yours. Harding was my man of business. I am the one charged with his murder.”
She pulled away and rested her hands on her hips. “I thought we were partners.”
