writing was smudged, suggesting the messenger had not succeeded in keeping it dry. I flipped it over, not recognizing the seal, though for it to have been delivered at this hour and in this weather, it must have been urgent indeed. “Thank you, Jeffers.”
He bowed his way out, and I crossed toward Gage’s desk, taking the letter opener from the drawer to slit it open. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Bree watching me with curiosity, but she didn’t speak.
My gaze immediately skimmed to the bottom. “It’s from Lady Kirkcowan.”
I sat in one of the ivory damask bergère chairs positioned before the desk at an angle so that Bree could still see me, and then read aloud.
I’m so pleased to hear from you, though I do wish it were under better circumstances. If only my wretch of a husband would cease his foolish recklessness. He has already reduced his son’s inheritance to such a state that he shall likely have to resort to trade, and our daughters have no hope of receiving a dowry. But I digress.
No, I did not return a single item to him of the stash you helped me secure. Although some months following your departure from Edinburgh, he did accuse me outright of being involved with their theft. Where he received such an impression, I do not know, but he did his worst to force me to confess.
I pressed a hand to my throat, fearful of what precisely that meant, before continuing.
Soon after, I left Edinburgh with my children and the items mentioned. My father has proven to be more forgiving and supportive than I ever expected, and I’m more grateful than I can say for that. However, his grace does not extend to Kirkcowan, so I feel secure in the wretch not being able to harass us here.
This seemed an urgent matter, so I am sending my reply to you posthaste. I apologize that you must be confronted with Kirkcowan’s dissolute behavior yet again. If he is claiming said items were recovered and then stolen yet again, he is unequivocally lying. And I wish you all the best in proving it.
Write to me should you require any further information, and please send word when your child is born. It is lonely here in Lanarkshire, and I welcome any correspondence I can get.
“Well, I suppose that answers that,” I said as I lowered the missive. Though I still couldn’t comprehend how such a scheme helped him. If Kirkcowan had insured the jewelry, wouldn’t he have claimed the loss when they were first stolen? But then if they were recovered, he would have had to return the money. Unless he hadn’t reported their recovery and had instead insured them the second time with a different company. But then how had he proven they were genuine when he acquired the policy?
I rubbed my temple, certain I was missing something. But my attention was soon diverted by the opening of the library door a second time. Gage strolled inside with the hair at his temples damp and his demeanor serious. When another man appeared in the doorway behind him, I feared I knew why.
My heart clutched in dread at the sight of Lord Henry, whose gaze immediately locked with mine. But I couldn’t tell from his reserved expression whether he’d told Gage anything yet.
Sensing that the discussion that would follow might not be meant for her ears, Bree rose from her seat and curtsied as she beat a hasty retreat. Part of me wanted to order her to stay, if only to prolong the inevitable, for neither gentleman would speak openly about such a topic with a servant present.
“Good evening, darling. You know Lord Henry Kerr,” Gage began, gesturing to the man behind him. “I believe you spoke to him briefly yesterday evening at Miss Drummond’s debut.”
“Yes,” I replied, struggling to swallow to moisten my throat, which had grown desperately dry. I offered Henry my hand, feeling as if I were taking part in some cruel charade.
“Though he has refused to share his brother’s whereabouts, we’ve come to an understanding,” Gage relayed, never removing his firm stare from Henry’s face.
I blinked rapidly, my head whirling in confusion before I grasped that he was speaking of Lord John, and the fact that Henry had just returned from escorting him abroad to escape any consequences from his murderous actions at Sunlaws Castle.
“And he is in possession of some information that may be helpful to us.”
“Is he?”