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“Rock crystal,” Miriam said. “Very pretty. Not of great value, but something you could wear every day without being ostentatious.”
“Rebecca said she loved it because it had been her godmother’s, and it was pretty.”
“They were close?” Miriam pressed. “How? Where did they meet? It’s a long way from Cornwall, or Alderney, to Washington.”
“Rebecca told me her godmother used to write the most wonderful letters. Sometimes they were descriptions of Alderney during the seasons. She loved to say how the light changed over the sea. No two sunsets or dawns were the same. ‘The coming of the Light,’ she called it.” Jemima remembered the pleasure in Rebecca’s face as she recounted May’s words. “Other times, the letters would be about her animals, especially the horses. And about the wild birds, too. And, of course, the people. She was never unkind, but was often funny. Rebecca said it was almost as good as living there herself.”
“And did Rebecca write long letters back?” Miriam said quickly.
Jemima smiled. “Oh, yes. Accounts of things in Washington, but often hopes and dreams as well.” After a moment, she added, “You mean, might she have told her secrets? I doubt it. Rebecca lives a very sheltered life. Her father particularly is very protective. It would drive me demented!”
“But they knew each other through letters?”
“Yes, Rebecca…liked that. And May never told her what to do, and what not to. Actually, I think May Trelawny was quite a character in her own way, and always had been. Rebecca really loved her.”
Miriam gave a soft laugh. “Every young woman should have such a friend. One who shares your adventures with you, perhaps slightly shaded? Full of good humor and stories of other times and places. No criticism.”
Jemima felt a wave of sorrow that Aunt Vespasia was gone, too. She missed her wisdom, her laughter, above all her spirit. “Poor Rebecca,” she said softly. “She’s going to miss her godmother terribly. There won’t be anyone to fill her place. No wonder she wants the pendant back. I’m so glad they found it and she’ll have it again.”
“The house.” Miriam looked at her father. “Is it up for sale? Or is it part of Rebecca’s inheritance?”
“It’s part of her inheritance,” Marcus said. “She may choose to sell it—or to keep it and visit. Why not? It’s beautiful, different, an escape from what she is accustomed to. But I imagine she will sell it, when the legal side is settled.”
“Yes,” Miriam said though
tfully. “Thank you, Papa.”
Jemima looked at Miriam and knew that she had an idea, even a plan.
CHAPTER
Twenty
THE TRIAL WAS continuing at a lumbering pace, one character witness after another. Daniel seemed to be dragging it out even more, cross-questioning people to no possible purpose. Kitteridge thought he sounded desperate to put off the inevitable. He had no defense, and the jury must know that.
It was Friday afternoon, surely everyone was ready for a weekend? Did Hillyer imagine the answers regarding Morley Cross’s murder were going to come forward over the next two days?
Daniel felt a nudge at his elbow and ignored it. The second time he turned, irritated at being distracted, and found the court usher standing deferentially beside him. He was holding an envelope.
“For you, sir. The young lady said it was important.” The usher inclined his head, an acknowledgment more than a bow, then turned and took himself back down the aisle, toward the door. He seemed to assume no answer was expected.
Daniel tore it open. There was a single page inside. He unfolded it and read.
Dear Daniel,
I have given much thought to the matter, and I believe May Trelawny’s house in Alderney may be at the root of some of this.
I was looking for how this could have started off, if Sidney were not guilty, and we must presume that. Perhaps it is May’s death that is central to events? I think we need to go to Alderney this weekend, before it is too late. I have arranged for a car to the coast, and then we will catch the ferry across the Channel. I realize this is a liberty, and if you are not able or willing to accompany me, I shall go alone and return by Monday, to show you what I have found.
I plan to leave London this afternoon by four so we may reach Alderney before dark, or shortly after. If you choose to come, I shall meet you at my house at four.
Sincerely,
Miriam
It was about three o’clock. If he raced, he could just call by his room and pack a case, leaving the taxi waiting, and make it to Miriam’s house by four.
“Kitteridge!” Daniel hissed.
