He bowed. “If you’d care to join me, I’ve ordered tea.”
“How kind of you to take tea with a little old lady,” she tittered. Her piercing, deep blue eyes were sharp and focused on him. “Mrs. Parsons informed me you were about.” She brushed her mousy hair back and peeked up through the fringe that still lapped over her eyebrows.
“What with Rhonda never staying still for one moment, running here and there, I read more than is good for my old eyes. The novel I’m reading has a dashing hero and the damsel in distress. She’s always fainting. Something I don’t hold with.” Essie sniffed.
Choosing a chair on the other side of the window he suppressed the swift smile that tugged at his lips. “I’m surprised you’re content to remain here alone. I would suppose you’d be frightened.”
“How droll. I’ve enjoyed my own company for ages but if dear Rhonda has need of me, it’s my duty to oblige.” Essie grinned and added, “However, I should adore a good fright.”
“A good fright?” Lifting his brows, he waited for her to explain.
“Correct, young man. Makes an old lady know she’s alive.” Her sharp eyes twinkled up at him.
The rattle of china cups binged against the sterling tea service as a maid pushed into the room. Glancing at the servant, Adron exhaled, gratified by the interruption. He wouldn’t say Essie was more of a chatterbox than before, but she sounded slightly dotty now.
Essie poured the tea and sipping a swallow, she watched him over the rim of her cup. “May I ask after dear Rhonda?”
“To my knowledge, she enjoys excellent health.” He relaxed back in his chair and picked up his cup.
Disapproval stiffened her features and her lips tightened. “You know I’m quite perturbed with her. Being a respectable widow, a relative in fact, I’m here to halt the wagging tongues of all the old tabbies. I declared she won’t become the latest on dit in the neighborhood as long as I’m above ground.” Essie lifted her chin. “Nothing to gossip about while I’m in residence. But the minute I arrive, she dashes off to Kendlewood.” Essie sighed. “Fair makes me dizzy.”
“I’m sure she appreciates having a female relative about.”
“How kind of you to say so, but I was obliged. Herbert Laningham, the twin’s father . . . of course you would know he was their father. When I was widowed, he provided me with a small sum, enough to keep me comfortable with careful handling.”
She fanned herself with her hand. “I beg pardon. Rhonda accuses me of being a sad rattle, always running my tongue but I still adore her. My second cousin you know. Rhonda was a taking little thing, all dark curls and rosy cheeks. Her mum’s favorite. Naturally I cared for both children but my Robbie with his sweet little smiles had my heart. I never had a child of my own you see.” Her voice had become wistful and she had a far-away look in her eyes.
“Indeed, children can be a blessing.” He’d been correct in his assessment. Essie was a dead bore and his duty done, he could take his leave with a clear conscious. However, he did have a twinge for her lonely state. Expecting to make good his escape, he sat his cup aside.
She took several swallows from her cup and her eyes narrowed. “Do you suppose that uppity Percy Dimty is after my Rhonda’s wealth? Her sweet papa left her well fixed you know.”
“I did know.” Evidently Percy wasn’t high on the list of everyone’s favorite. A mention of Percy brought to mind his uncle and since Adron had come to Landings to discover if Percy’s uncle was involved in tampering with the estate jewelry, his interest was piqued. He moved to the edge of his chair.
“What a dolt I am. You’re the trustee.” She spoke in an undertone, “That’s not a secret but there’s plenty of secrets in this place.”
He lifted his brows. “Secrets you say. You’re jesting.”
Essie leaned a little closer and cocked her head to the side. “Secrets and strange goings on. That Percy Dimty, nothing proper with that one. He may be a friend but servants should stay in their place and that uncle . . .” She threw up her hands. “Always snooping about. He nearly caught me when I accidentally stopped by the door to a room where he and his nephew were whispering. Him with his shifty eyes peering round, he gives me the shivers.”
Hoped flared and Adron quelled his excitement. Perhaps he could glean useful information from her fount of indiscreet tales. “Why is that?”
She placed her fingers over her mouth and giggled. “He and his nephew have secrets. I couldn’t make out exactly what. But give me time.”
Adron drew back with a warning. “That could prove dangerous.”
Her eyes sparkled. “No need for concern. I’m careful and I trust you. That’s why I hinted at the secrets. You’re a man of wit, so charming and full of character. A true gentleman.”
Adron was momentarily at a loss for words. “Indeed you may trust me.”
Mrs. Calhermine giggled again. “I adore a man that knows what’s what.”
An awkward silence blanketed the room, but finally with a disarming smile, he headed for the door. “Thank you for having tea with me. I must be about the day’s business.”
She clasped her hands together at her narrow chest. “So charming. So kind. I was honored by your presence.”
Hard pressed to keep a straight face, he headed for the estate office. Adron intended to obtain answers and he strode forward with purpose, but when he entered, no one was there. He rounded the desk and was at the point of searching the top draw when Percy strode into the room.
“Milord, may I be of assistance?” Percy seemed alarmed and apprehensive.
“Ah, yes. Is your uncle about?”
“I don’t believe so.”
“When do you next expect him?” Adron settled into the chair behind the desk and fixed Percy with his most intimidating stare. He tightened his lips.
“I couldn’t say. He’s away at the moment. May I help you find something?”
“I’m most anxious to speak with him.” Adron pulled a sheet of foolscap from the drawer and pushed it across the desk. “His direction please.”
Percy swallowed and plucked the quill from the inkstand. “Certainly, Milord.”
Adron folded the paper and slipped it inside his vest pocket. “I’ll shall be occupied for a while. I’ll let you know when you may return.”
Percy’s face flushed but he bowed stiffly and left. Adron started his search with the desk and moved to the shelves but found nothing to point to solving the mystery. Frustrated, he cursed the thief, the situation and his responsibility toward the missing jewelry. If Oather failed to materialize tomorrow at the latest, Adron intended to visit his rooms in London.
Deep in thought, Adron strode out to the stable ignoring the cloudless day. He intended to be in London as soon as possible but he had a plan he must set in motion first. He would be at Kendlewood by nightfall and he could hardly wait to see Laurel again.
He stepped inside the building and glanced at the head groom, a mature man with gray at his temples, dressed in a heavy shirt and pants. “Thomas, I’m leaving here in a few minutes. Have one of the lads saddle Brutus for me.”
“Here boy,” the groom called. “His lordship wants Brutus saddled and be quick about it.”
Adron gazed after the lad then turned back to the groom. “Are you acquainted with Oather Dimty?”
“Some. He creeps about any time day or night disturbing honest folks as works hard and needs their rest.” The head groom started to spit on the ground but glanced at Adron and swallowed.
“Excellent. I have an assignment for you. When next he arrives, send one of the stable lads for me. I’ll be at Kendlewood.” Adron tapped his chin. “I plan to travel to London so if I’m not at my estate have the message sent on to London. By chance I miss him and he returns here, keep an eye on him. Here’s my direction in London i
n case you find it necessary to follow me to town. It’s important.”
“Certainly, Milord.” He slipped the card into his pocket and headed to the back of the stable. “I’ll get your horse.”
Adron mounted his stallion and on the point of riding out, his horse sidestepped, flinging his head in the air. Adron brought his mount under control and urged him over the cobblestones onto the drive. Before he entered the lane, he glanced at the house and he thought he saw Percy peering down at him from an upstairs window, but the impression vanished in an instant. He kicked his horse into a canter and his spirit lifted. He would be at Kendlewood before nightfall.
Laurel sat beside the lake with Jamie in her lap content to watch a breeze dance across the water while Adron waltzed through her thoughts. Her head kept whispering, caution but her heart longed to be restored to his arms. She wanted to forgive him, to be loved and desired but she squelched her emotions. If she were to analyze his abominable treatment of her from the first, she would never listen to a word he had to say again.
Adron had insisted he needed her and she found it more than flattering to be needed by such a man. For several minutes, her thoughts dwelled on him, the way his hair curled on his neck and his devastating smile that made her knees tremble. She sighed and considered his questions.
Had she ever seen Oather Dimty at Landings? Memories flickered to the surface of the night Robert had taken his life and he’d given her the jewels for safekeeping. She’d gone immediately to hide the casket in the false bottom of her trunk thinking no more about the incident until this moment. Laurel had stepped out into the hall on the way to the storage room when she noticed Percy at the other end of the hall. Robert and his strange behavior had occupied her mind so Percy’s presence barely registered other than it seemed odd he would be about and in that particular area of the house. Could that have been Oather?
Recalling Percy’s moss-green eyes, she caught her breath on a gasp. Percy’s eyes were always hidden behind his wire-rimmed spectacles but when she thought about it, that distinctive color of green could not be ignored. The thief’s eyes were that exact shade but the surrounding skin had been somewhat weathered. Could Oather Dimty be the thief?
Laurel couldn’t decide on the best course of action. If she rushed to Landings to confront Oather Dimty, she could be courting disaster. Certainly if he were the thief, she would be in danger and what if Adron was no longer at Landings to offer her protection? Should she wait until he returned?
“Blister it if I will.” She needed to clear her name and being a woman didn’t mean she lacked sense. The more she thought about it, the more she suspected Oather Dimty. She could do nothing so late in the afternoon, but tomorrow she intended to discover if he was the green-eyed thief.
Intent on her dilemma, Laurel failed to notice Paige until the young girl flopped down next to her.
Laurel glanced at Paige, noting her distressed expression. “Is something wrong?”
Tears gathered in the young girl’s eyes. “Rhonda is my cousin, but sometimes she’s hateful. Rhonda said I mustn’t wear my mother’s locket.” She glanced down and gathered the necklace in her fingers. “She said that a girl my age would be considered fast if I continued to wear it. I don’t know exactly what she meant, but it sounded nasty,” Paige concluded.
“Paige, I’m sure no one would object to you wearing your mother’s necklace,” Laurel soothed.
Paige sniffed and wiped her cheeks. “I think she’s jealous. Edmond—I mean Mr. Sinclair had been talking to me, admiring my locket and he told me I was charming.” She blushed. “That’s when Rhonda said what she did.”
Laurel considered her words before she spoke. “Perhaps she is jealous, jealous of your youth and your budding beauty. Wear your locket with pride. That’s the only way to beat her at her own game.” Laurel patted her hand.
Paige’s quick smile became a trifle smug. “Mr. Sinclair told her not to harp, that my locket was not all that expensive, mere trumpery he called it. But he winked at me all the same.”
A chill of unease raced down Laurel’s spine. Edmond actions were totally unacceptable flirting with the daughter of the house, the very young daughter at that. She couldn’t bring herself to believe Rhonda was actually jealous of Paige, but her clear interest in such a trinket was disquieting and presented all the more reason to identify the thief as soon as possible.
Rising, Laurel plucked Jamie from his play. “Let’s make our way inside. And don’t worry about Rhonda. I understand she’s off to visit friends for a few days.”
Paige grinned up at her. “Thanks for listening.”
“Certainly,” Laurel commented absently. Her mind had been miles away, at Landings in fact, not only thinking of Adron, but of Oather Dimty as well. Hopefully, tomorrow she would know more about Oather Dimty and her heart beat a little faster.
Chapter 18
Laurel eyed the exterior of Landings with trepidation as she descended from the coach. The memories associated with the place were not pleasant but she lifted her chin and marched up the steps. Since she’d left Landings some while after Robert’s death, there had been no opportunity for her to return and memories of him floated through her mind like gossamer ghosts. Until this moment, she hadn’t realized how far into the past she’d relegated him or that her heart had foolishly moved forward toward Adron. At least this time, she wouldn’t be required to face Rhonda’s complaints or criticisms.
The gaunt-faced butler, Grimes opened the door and Laurel stepped inside the house. She removed her cloak and gloves, handing both to him.
“Is Lord Gladrey about?”
“No, Milady. He left early this morning.”
Her heart sank. She’d counted on his protection if indeed she discovered the identity of the thief. Adron’s self-confidence and air of authority inspired a feeling of security in her but now apprehension mixed with her dismay. In the back of her mind, she’d cherished the thought of spending time with him as well. She brushed aside her earlier anticipation and patted her reticule, comforted by the hard outline of her pistol.
“Do you know if he plans to return?”
“I’m sure I couldn’t say. Perhaps Mr. Dimty would know.”
“Speaking of Mr. Dimty, do you know if his uncle is about?”
He shook his head. “Not to my knowledge.”
“Very well.” As she headed toward the parlor, Percy stepped into the hall ahead of her and she hurried to catch up with him. Although the culprit was an older man, if Percy and his uncle were as similar as reported, perhaps she could draw a comparison between the two.
“Mr. Dimty, a word,” she called.
He turned and waited for her to catch up. “Milady. Welcome home.”
Welcome home indeed. She barely kept from snorting at him. His duties as steward included management of the lands, but with Rhonda’s help, he had manipulated Robert into allowing him access to all of the accounts as well, more power, more blame. He’d been in league with Rhonda from the first always ready to deny Laurel the rights and privileges that should have been hers. Viewing his every move with resentment, she wondered if she had been totally fair to him.
Laurel pushed that aside and scrutinized his countenance, especially his eyes. Behind his glasses, his eyes didn’t have the same insane expression as the thief’s, but the distinctive coloring and shape were the same. The urge to beat a hasty retreat almost overwhelmed her, but reason prevailed and her breathing calmed. Even if his uncle turned out to be the culprit, didn’t necessarily mean Percy had been in league with him.
“How may I serve you?” Percy questioned with his usual condescending air. Not enough to be called to account but enough to let her know he acquiesced merely for form’s sake.
Laurel straightened her shoulders. “I will be sending wall paper, paint and new furniture for the drawing room
soon.” She swung around and gestured with her hand. “I abhor that brilliant yellow color. Perhaps a muted gold or cream will be more pleasing to the eye.”
His head went up and he seemed to peer down his nose at her. “Lady Rhonda hasn’t approved the changes.”
Laurel lifted her chin to counter his disdain. “Lady Rhonda is not the mistress here.” She didn’t care if her voice sounded snappish. “I am. Grimes has his orders and I won’t tolerate any interference. That’s the only reason I’m telling you about my decision.” Lifting her brows, she waited. “Is that all?”
“Yes, Milady.”
“Then you may be dismissed.”
He stared at her for a moment as if undecided before he finally bowed his head in a mocking salute. “As you say.”
Laurel watched him until he disappeared out the back of the house before exhaling a pent up breath. She grinned. That hadn’t been as hard as she’d imagined and she almost rubbed her hands together in glee. Now that Percy was out of the way, she could locate the hidden safe in the library, but first she must shed her traveling apparel for an old gown less likely to soil. Robert’s letters from the war were stashed in her trunk somewhere in the dusty attics. Although she’d read and reread every word, his writings might contain a hint she’d overlooked before.
Somewhat pensively she climbed the stairs allowing memories to roll through her mind. How young and gullible she’d been as a new bride, brought into this house full of hope, only to find her home already under the rule of another woman. There had been no reasoning with Robert where Rhonda was concerned and Laurel hadn’t known how to protect herself from her sister-in-law. Thankfully those days were over. Nonetheless, she breathed a sigh of relief knowing Rhonda wasn’t here to stop her quest.
Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman Page 20
