John diffidently requested.
“Is there a problem, Mr. Cutler?”
“Only if your missus minds that yesterday, Nimrod got into her fancy mare’s stall…”
The major walked around Rupert’s horse, which he had considered his finest possession before inheriting the estate.
“He has fine points and good conformation. I am not sure if I should offer a stud fee or just be grateful,” the major laughed.
“I don’t suppose Nimrod is complaining. She’s a very pretty mare…” Rupert said back. “We are not going to fall out over nature taking its course, are we, William?”
“Certainly not, my lord. We can consider the matter further if there is a foal. Something like sharing the sale price might settle the matter?”
They set off for the road when they were fully organised. Cooper sat beside the major on the cart’s box. Gramps was steady but slow but eventually they reached the point in the road where the gate to the old road stood. The land was fenced and was part of the home farm, although the fields were currently closely cropped and growing only grass. The first part of the road was utilised as an additional farm lane and was relatively clear of weeds as it was used at least during the harvest season. From some distance in the road split, one fork heading to the home farm, and the old road wove its way up the hill, but it was very overgrown and more difficult for Gramps to drag the cart over.
It was a bumpy ride for Cooper and the Major, but the road was not impassable, and they finally reached the old chapel. Rupert unlocked the doors, lit the lantern, and took them down to the crypt. He unlocked the tomb and slid the top to one side. They lifted out the coffin and slats and then heaved the three chests out. The first was the heaviest, but Johnson and O’Neill were strong men who made it look easy and carried it up to the vestry. Rupert locked the vestry from inside in case of interruption. Johnson and O’Neill lifted out the other two chests and then the major helped Rupert to replace the slats and coffin. The three chests were loaded up on the cart and lashed in place. Rupert locked everything up behind him and put out the lamp. Then they set off down the old road again.
Gramps seemed to pick up speed when they were back on the proper road, probably because he recognised the route home to a nice warm stable. When they reached the Manor, Rupert directed them to a side door which he unlocked, and between them they carried in the chests to the library. When the cart was unloaded, they handed it over to Seth Brown who came out to help deal with the cart.
“Thank you, well, that job is done,” Rupert said, relieved. He intended to tuck the chests into the secret room by himself until the jeweller wrote or arrived.
Rupert walked to the entrance hall and shed his outer garments. He had dressed in his oldest clothes, so he went upstairs to wash and change. Farrant knocked on his bedroom door, just as he was finishing tying his cravat.
“Excuse me, my lord, but Sir Cuthbert Addison has sent a message and there is a person who has arrived by the name of Riviere.”
“Good, show the gentleman into the front drawing room and offer him refreshments. Say I apologize for keeping him waiting and will be down in a few minutes.”
Rupert read the note Sir Cuthbert had written, or perhaps dictated to his clerk.
Dear Lord Rogers
The felon Maurice Rogers was traced to Frome, but regrettably, he slipped out before we could arrest him. I promise that this matter has my full attention and am doing everything possible to apprehend him and bring him to justice. Please take every precaution until he can be taken.
Your obedient servant
Cuthbert Addison, Baronet.
It was not a satisfying letter, but at least Sir Cuthbert was still looking for Maurice which might cramp his style somewhat. Rupert headed downstairs and entered the drawing room. Mr. Riviere was a dapper small man of uncertain years, who clearly aimed for a fashionable look without being seen as too ostentatious.
“Thank you for coming so quickly, Mr Riviere. I wish you to understand that this matter is very confidential, and it was on Sir Cuthbert Addison’s recommendation that I asked for your assistance,” Rupert said feeling a bit of a pompous oaf saying it.
“Of course, my lord. The Rivieres have