A Highland Romance (Markson Regency Mystery Book 5)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Interesting, to say the least. Much of what he told us makes sense, such as your brother working for him. Remember, he seemingly did call off Bow Street when Ethan had been accused of murder.”

  “On that you’re correct and even last year when Toby was thought to have started the fire he wasn’t hunted by them either. And it would be lovely for father and daughter to reunite after all this time,” Kristina added.

  “I most definitely agree, and to meet his granddaughter. To be honest, I’m not surprised he’s not made his intentions known, the man’s probably scared of what Rose will do or say,” Robert uttered.

  “Yes and William also presented us with the name of the individual we need to hunt down. Now, as I told him, it’s getting late and we have a lot on our plate for the morrow,” Kristina said, then offered Robert her hand.

  ****

  A few minutes before the appointed hour Kristina closed the book she was reading as the housekeeper knocked on the doorframe.

  Behind her Kristina saw a very nervous Robbie shifting from one foot to the other. From what she could see the young man had quickly washed up.

  “Please come in and have a seat beside me Mrs. Fairbairn. Robbie, take the chair across from us.”

  “Certainly, m’ lady,” the housekeeper said, curtsied then did as directed.

  Once Robbie was seated, after giving her a bow, Kristina studied him, in particularly his face. She wasn’t surprised at the worried look in his eyes.

  “Son, to begin with you’re not in trouble. Yet. However, your behavior yesterday will cease immediately. As you mentioned, you find Julie interesting to be with and talk to. Am I not correct?”

  “Yes, m’ lady, you are,” Robbie stammered out.

  “Wonderful. I know you’re at the age where being with a young lady is important as you start thinking about the future. By that I mean taking a wife.”

  “You’re correct, m’ lady. I’ve met several but none have been as pleasant to be with as Julie.”

  This time when he spoke Kristina was happy to hear a more solid tone to his words, not nervous as before.

  “If I may, m’ lady?”

  Kristina gave Mrs. Fairbairn a head bob to continue.

  “Robbie, before you answer this question, we wish you to think carefully.”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Fairbairn.”

  Suddenly, Kristina realized what the housekeeper was going to ask. One, if not the most important question of this interview.

  “If you were to request, and permission was granted to marry Julie, how would you support her?”

  “Since my father is employed here as the estate manager most of the work on the farm has fallen upon my shoulders. We do bring in a comfortable little income and of course my brother, sister and parents would still live there with us. With the new crop rotation program His Lordship is in favor of in a few years I’ll have saved up enough money to expand the main cottage. This way, when my parents get to old they’ll still have a place to live. As for Julie, if she wishes to continue on here and you’ve no objections than neither would I.”

  Glancing over to Mrs. Fairbairn, Kristina knew this answer was what the woman, and she, wanted to hear. It showed them both Robbie had thought long and hard about the future and with no coaxing from anyone.

  “Robbie, you have my consent to escort Julie around when both of you are off duty. You’re not to do anything which will interfere with her while she’s working. When you are seen together, on the estate and in the village, I insist you have a chaperone. I know it’s unusual, but this is to protect both of your good names. Mrs. Fairbairn will be speaking with Julie shortly so she understands these conditions,” Kristina explained.

  “M’ lady, that’s exactly what Keith Moore told me earlier and I completely understand. Not only that, I welcome having someone following us about. It will show everyone my intentions are honorable.”

  “I’m glad, but I’ve another question, not related to squiring Julie around. Other than managing the farm, do you have other loftier aspirations?” Kristina asked.

  “Yes, m’ lady. Someday I’d like to be as educated as my father so I can manage an estate,” Robbie easily answered.

  Kristina nodded. She wondered what could be done to make this happen. She knew Glenn’s mother had insisted he receive as much education as possible. From speaking with Robbie, she knew he was well-spoken, bright and not afraid to learn. Then she decided, once this interview came to a conclusion she’d have a talk with Robert as to the best way to accomplish Robbie’s desire.

  “That’s a very wonderful ambition. You’re excused as I’m sure you’ve work which needs to be done in the stables,” Kristina told Robbie.

  Once he left she turned to Mrs. Fairbairn. “Do you know if Julie has family in the district?”

  “Only her mother. She’s a cook at the tavern and is very happy there. Julie’s father died in Spain a few years ago.”

  “How do you think the mother will feel about her daughter marrying Robbie, if he asks?”

  “I’m sure she’ll be very happy. If you’ll excuse me I’ve a maid who needs a gentle talking to.”

  Kristina dismissed the housekeeper then picked up the book she’d been reading earlier.

  Chapter Eleven

  Robert carefully studied the map of the estate and surrounding area, which included the village. He’d located the field where Harold’s body had been found by Robbie and the direction Toby had raced off. Robert was looking for places, buildings or the like, where Underwood might hide.

  Knowing the man had lived nearby Robert suspected Underwood might have remembered the best places. Not only that, with Albert Nevin, and possibly Sam if he’s still alive, originally from the village they would also.

  One thing Robert did know for certain, finding any of them was going to be nearly impossible. If there was anyone who would and could make sense of everything that would be his loving wife.

  Once the meeting was finished with Mrs. Fairbairn and Robbie, he’d talk to Kristina. Fortunately, as she was familiar with the principals in the case he wouldn’t need to lay much information out. Robert’s only question to which she would have an answer, should Mr. Atkinson be included.

  “Hamish, I know you’re standing outside the door,” Robert called out, not even looking toward the corridor.

  “Yes, m’ lord?”

  Robert turned. “Do you know if the meeting regarding Robbie and Julie is finished?”

  “As I stepped in I saw Mrs. Fairbairn leave the viscountess’ parlor.”

  Perfect.

  “Please invite Her Ladyship to join me.”

  “Certainly, m’ lord.”

  Robert turned his attention back to the map. He still wasn’t able to find a possible place where any of the three might hide out. Frustrated, he was distracted by his wife gliding in and directly up to him. Looking over her head for Hamish, he didn’t see the man and smiled.

  He collected her in his arms. Lowering his head, he kissed her. She opened for him, letting him taste of her sweetness. Cocking his head ever so slightly to deepen the kiss, Robert heard a low moan gently rumble in Kristina’s throat.

  He scooped Kristina up and took her to the settee. There he planned on pleasuring her, except when she backed her lips from his he knew she had a different idea.

  “My dear husband, as much as I love this delicate interlude, something tells me this isn’t the reason why you wished to see me.”

  “Yes, on that you’re correct. Though, I should point out, we will finish this later in our suite so don’t plan on getting much sleep tonight,” he declared softly into her ear.

  “I’m looking forward to the evening. What might I do for you as I see you’ve the map out and I’d guess you’ve been studying it. Are you hoping to find where Toby and Albert might be?”

  “Along with his brother, Sam, that is if he’s still alive?”

  “First off, in regards to Toby, as he works for Mr. Atkinson, I’d suggest w
e invite him to join us. He might know what’s in the man’s mind and how it works. As we’ve learned spies and their catchers sometimes think differently than you and I,” Kristina stated, slipping out of Robert’s arms.

  “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to include him or not, thus my asking?”

  Robert called for Hamish, gave the man his direction then with Kristina’s hand in his led her over to where the map was spread out.

  “I’m trying to find where Toby is hiding from everyone but would still be able to sneak out,” Robert declared, waving his hand over the map.

  “And you won’t. This is one of the reasons he’s been one of the best hunters of spies and traitors I’ve ever had,” Atkinson announced, strolling into the office.

  No longer was Atkinson dressed in close to threadbare jacket and trousers. Now he was the epitome of a senior peer of the realm, The Duke of Clarion.

  “Your…” Robert started but halted when he watched the man raise his hand.

  “No, continue to refer to me as Mr. William Atkinson as that will make things more convenient and comfortable for me.”

  “As you wish sir, my wife and I will readily comply. Can you further explain why it will be so difficult to find Toby, if he’s still in the neighborhood?” Robert asked.

  “But first, please forgive my husband’s manners. He should have invited you to take a seat,” Kristina requested.

  “I appreciate your offer, m’ lady, but as I see His Lordship has been studying a map of the district this conversation might be best served at the table. Since I’m not familiar with the surroundings a look over the area will give me a better sense of possible places to find him,” Atkinson explained.

  With a wave Robert directed Atkinson to the table while settled his other hand on Kristina’s back to guide her. For a few minutes a comfortable silence filled the office while all three studied the map.

  “Excuse me, m’ lord, these buildings on the far side of the river, are they part of the estate?”

  “No. They belong to the adjoining one which currently is in the hands of the Crown. That’s a long story but gold was found on the land which led to several unsolved murders of which Her Ladyship and I originally thought were caused by Underwood. With your information we now are aware we were wrong and Albert Nevin could have done them, before disappearing once again.”

  Robert wondered if the man, Nevin, could have trailed Rose to London, then back here? That would account for Toby returning, as he must have seen Nevin and followed.

  “Excuse me, sir, I’ve a question which might aid in finding where Toby might be living,” Kristina said.

  “Certainly, m’ lady, what would you like to know. I do promise on my honor as a gentleman I will be as forthcoming as possible,” Atkinson answered.

  Robert stepped over to the desk, took out several sheets of foolscap and a pencil, then placed them on the table in front of the settee.

  “Thank you, husband, but how did you know I’d wish to write the answers down?”

  “It’s simple really. Whenever we become stuck on a case you write everything down. That way you can study the clues to find the best way to proceed.”

  “M’ lord, now I understand why the Bow Street magistrate speaks of you and Lady Kristina in such high regards, while in the next breath curses you for out shining his men.”

  Hearing his wife titter at Atkinson’s comment didn’t surprise Robert. He’d heard rumors to exactly what the runners thought of them, now it was confirmed.

  “Shall we take seats as I’ve no idea how long this, for lack of a better word, interrogation will last.” Robert turned to his wife.

  “Also, at some point soon I’ll, or rather, we need to speak with someone who knew Toby when he lived here years ago.”

  “Let me ring for Hamish, unless the man’s waiting out in the hall,” Robert announced, with the last part louder.

  The butler stepped into the doorway.

  “Of course, m’ lord, I was only waiting for your next request. As for speaking with someone when Underwood first lived here, I and Mrs. Fairbairn did but we never met him. Nor were we aware he had married. I’m also pleased to hear he didn’t kill those men. So yes, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop.”

  For once Robert was happy the man did something he wasn’t supposed to do and confessed. Under normal, whatever that was, circumstances he would have punished Hamish, probably a reduction in funds or demotion but as this worked out for the best he’d forget the indiscretion with a stern warning.

  “Thank you, but in the future, when I’m with Her Ladyship and or a guest stay at the head of the corridor. Do I make myself clear?” Robert ordered.

  He wasn’t astounded when the man hung his head in shame. Hopefully, Hamish had learned his lesson but Robert doubted it.

  “M’ lord, if you’ll excuse me I’ll make myself scarce.”

  With a nod Robert dismissed the man then took a seat beside Kristina and looked over to Atkinson.

  “Sir, with a prying butler taken care of, might I recommend we use Christian names.”

  “Yes, that would make everything easier. Of course, only when staff isn’t around?” William added.

  “Most definitely,” Kristina stated.

  “What do you and Robert wish to know about Toby? As he no longer is working for the Crown, having retired so to speak, I have no need to hide anything.”

  Robert smiled.

  “Good. Some of the questions might seem a little strange but that will help me paint a better picture of him.”

  Over the next twenty minutes Robert listened to his wife ask some of the most interesting and inquiring questions. One which even had him wondering as the man, Toby, was English not Scottish, was in regards to haggis.

  “No. I’ve never tried it. From what it’s made from I’m not sure I’d like it either,” William replied.

  “I don’t blame you. I’ve even had it banned from the breakfast table,” Kristina paused and glanced to Robert. “Much to my husband’s disappointment.”

  “On that particular topic I won’t comment. But, let me ask you this William, of everything my darling, haggis-unloving wife has asked, is there anything you care to add in helping find Toby? I only ask as his safety is paramount.”

  “As you remember, a little over a year ago Toby returned to London with a different look, for the most part. I do applaud you Kristina for having spotted him. You see, that’s one of his greatest assets. He has the ability to easily change his appearance, except for looking younger than he is.”

  “So, if I understand what you’re saying, we could have passed him in the streets of the village and wouldn’t recognize him?” Frustrated at this piece of information Robert groaned.

  “The short answer is yes. However, he does have one peculiarity which he can’t easily hide, his left arm and hand.”

  “I don’t understand?” Kristina voiced.

  “For some reason his left arm is deformed slightly but he never held that against his mother. He knew this made him different, in a good way, and special. Toby never harbored hatred, unlike his two brothers for the viscount, your father or brother, Robert. He considered his affliction a blessing so when I sought him out he was more than willing. He is truly a good man and deserves to live out the rest of his life in happiness,” William firmly stated.

  “And he will. If he chooses to live here in the castle or a small cottage that doesn’t matter. I’ll make sure, as with his daughter, he’s well looked after,” Robert declared and was happy to see Kristina nodded her agreement.

  “Then gentlemen, if you will give me fifteen or so minutes to change into my habit, shall we concertedly search him out,” Kristina spoke, rose and swept from the office.

  Chapter Twelve

  Riding out of the courtyard Robert watched his wife and smiled, which countered the puzzled expression she wore. As they had already agreed, considering her condition, they wouldn’t go over a canter. Robert reached over and touched her hand. />
  “Is everything all right?” he asked.

  “I think so. What does have me befuddled, if Toby is innocent of the murders why is he in hiding? Shouldn’t he make his presence known?”

  “I can answer your question, Kristina. Old habits, especially for Toby, don’t go away all that easily or quickly. Don’t forget he searched out traitors and spies on the continent for over eighteen years. Right now, Toby considers Albert or Sam to be no better than those he brought to his own form of justice. If it became known he was here the targets of his search could disappear,” William explained.

  “So, if we understand you correctly, even if we do find Toby he could vanish, thusly making everything even more difficult in locating him?”

  “Yes, but we have to try, if for no other reason to make sure he is aware we’re here to support his cause, should he need assistance,” Robert said.

  “And to make him aware his daughter and baby are being safely looked after,” Kristina added.

  When they turned onto the main road to the neighboring district Robert tapped his heels to Julius’ side sending the beast into a slow, comfortable canter. In seconds he noticed Daisy, Kristina’s little mare, was at his side with William on his monster opposite.

  After an hour Robert slowed his horse to a walk, so did the others, as the roof of the first building came into view. Having learned from Glenn all the structures should be uninhabited Robert was surprised to see a thin stream of smoke curling up to the sky. Glancing over to his wife and the duke, from their expressions Robert knew they’d seen it also.

  “Robert, the befuddlement in your eyes is obvious. I might have a suggestion on how we can learn who’s living there. You and your wife ride up together and I’ll follow at a respectable distance, as a groom would,” William recommended.

  Robert understood why William had changed from his earlier, more formal attire as a duke would wear to rough trousers and shirt.