Lady Thief - By Rizzo Rosko Page 0,50
one has seen him since early this morn.”
William scratched his jaw. “I had just arrived, and was also preoccupied with Archer and Clovis while Robert returned the animals to the stables.”
Marianne could not believe what she heard, but William continued his pondering, pretending not to notice her open staring.
“I will need to speak with Robert.”
“I already have.” Blaise said quickly.
William waited. “And?”
“He has told me that he did not see Holton with any valuables, but that he was acting strangely and said that he might wish to take a ride later.”
“So Robert did not help him to saddle and pack the horses?”
Blaise shook his head. “Nay, but another young stable boy did see Holton trying on his own, and assisted him with it. He told me that Holton rode off by himself.”
William seethed. “He could have packed all those horses with valuables.”
Marianne did not want to believe it. She could not believe her father was capable of theft, and while at first she could not, within seconds of the accusation she found her way of thinking to be swayed to what could only be the truth. She knew that trying to defend her father’s honor would only result in naught but more hot temper, so she remained silent.
Even though her father was a man who rarely thought of anyone but himself, she had an inkling of his plan.
“Perhaps he wished to sell the items for land?”
Blaise sneered at the idea. “What land could he purchase with stolen goods? Once he was accused everything he purchased would belong to my father in the end.”
“Unless he went abroad,” said William. “Still, we do not know how much he took, and whether it would be enough to buy him a sizable amount of land to live off of.”
Marianne did not believe that was what her father’s intention.
Her face must have given her away because Blaise was quick to attack her again. “Do you know something that perhaps you are not telling us, my lady?”
William looked at her as well, apparently awaiting an explanation.
Marianne’s mood deflated. Only a moment ago her husband spoke of making love with her. But of course, why should she think that his lust would lead to mutual trust? He wanted her in his bed. He had not forgotten that she forced him into the marriage.
Marianne cleared the lump of pain from her throat. “I believe he might wish to give whatever stolen items he has to sir Ferdinand. Perhaps to regain some of the land surrounding Holton House.”
The brows of both men raised high at her.
William was the first to speak. “Why only some of the land? Why not try to bargain for the house and the land?” He shook his head, as though dismissing the idea. “Even if Holton had twice the amount required for a house that size, Ferdinand would never sell it back to him.”
She looked away from the both of them. She still felt William’s eyes on her, as though he wished to hear what she thought her father would do since she knew the man best. “My brothers, all of them, are buried on that land.”
A small gasp left William’s mouth as though it had been pulled from his throat. “I was unaware you had any.”
Even Blaise was silent, though his eyes not any less accusing.
Marianne nodded. “Aye, five of them,” her voice became smaller. “All gone.”
William sighed and rubbed his face. “Send some men out to find him, but he is not to be harmed.”
“The man is a thief!” Blaise was spitting with shaking rage.
William refused to lose his calm the way Blaise did so easily. “And those items could have easily been misplaced. I do not wish to send men off to beat him on the chance he really is just gone for some air.”
Blaise glared and William glared back, his spine as stiff as his tone and fists clenched. “I will not be moved by you. You are finished doing as you please, and I shall not change my mind. Send the men, and if I hear that you twisted my words to have him harmed then you shall sleep in the barn until the first snow.”
Marianne stood stunned, her face mimicking that of Blaise’s, who rocked back on his feet at the threat. The image melted into the shocked outrage she witnessed the day William grabbed a fistful of his orange hair when he defended her from his son.
Body tight, Blaise did as he was bid and stalked away with