Leah herself was upset. Lord Sandbourne had made a fool of all of them. He’d been inside of everyone’s homes, and often.
But the wedding could be rescheduled. Perhaps for the end of the month! A June wedding would suit Leah just fine. She thought of her glorious silk wedding dress.
Jasper and Colonel Fitz arrived at Sandbourne to question Stephen. They’d brought several men from the Colonel’s regiment as back up, although they left them outside, along with the horses. The two of them were shown into Stephen’s study by his butler.
Stephen entered a few moments later. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked tiredly. He was still dressed for the ball, albeit with his cravat loosened, and his jacket unbuttoned.
“After you left, it was found that several ladies had been relieved of their necklaces,” Jasper said. “One pearl and diamond, and two diamond necklaces. One of them was my own mother’s.” He tried to keep his anger reined in. How could Stephen do something like that? Mother adores him.
“Oh, my,” Stephen said. “Did you catch the individual who did it, then?”
“That’s why we’re here,” Jasper explained. “We found no one who had taken anything, still at Gillingham Manor.”
Realization dawned on Stephen’s face as he seemed to deflate. “You think it was me.” He glared at Jasper. He glanced over at the Colonel. “Would you give us a moment, please. I need to speak to my friend, candidly.”
The Colonel nodded. “Of course, My Lord.”
“This way,” Stephen said, leading Jasper out of the study.
The two gentlemen stepped out into the hall. Jasper shut the door. Stephen glared at Jasper, furiously.
“First, I find that you’re sneaking off with Lady Selina, and now, you’re accusing me of theft and murder. I thought that you knew me better. That you trusted me. First of all, you know you shouldn’t be sneaking about with a lady. I can’t believe that you would treat Lady Selina in that manner. Secondly, I would never accuse you of anything so horrid as murder and theft.”
“Stephen,” Jasper said. “I had hoped that it wasn’t you. There simply isn’t any other explanation, and I’m sorry, but…we need to search the house and your person.”
“So, it’s come to this,” Stephen said, nodding. “Well, in order to prove my innocence, you and the Colonel may search the premises, Your Grace.”
“Stephen, I—”
His friend held up his hand. “If you’ll allow my butler to attend to your search, I am going to go and sit downstairs, with a healthy glass of brandy. If you need, you may send someone to watch me do nothing. As I have been doing since I left your farce of an attempt to catch the real culprit.”
Jasper watched as Stephen stormed down the hallway. He felt awful. In Stephen’s position, he, too, would have been angry. He turned toward the study, where Colonel Fitz waited.
The family at Kirby Hall were all seated in the drawing-room. After all the excitement, they sat, sipping tea and waiting for word. After the Duke had left, along with Colonel Fitz, everyone else in attendance had begun to filter out in groups, guarded by soldiers from the regiment. Dinner had not been served. The Dowager Duchess had retired to her room, with apologies to all gathered.
Selina could barely sit still. She didn’t think that Lord Sandbourne was capable of theft or murder. She could only hope that Jasper had been able to clear his good friend’s name.
Mr. Wickes opened the door and peered inside. “The Duke of Gillingham,” he announced. The whole family looked toward the Duke.
Jasper entered, looking exhausted, a sign which did not bode well for Lord Sandbourne.
“Well, Your Grace?” Uncle Latimer asked.
“We didn’t find anything at Sandbourne,” Jasper said. “However, he might have stashed it on his way home, or given it to one of his accomplices. So, the Colonel has taken him into custody. He’ll be questioned, further.”
“Oh, this is all my fault,” Selina said. If Lord Sandbourne hadn’t caught them, kissing in the hallway, then he would have been in the Great Hall, and not a suspect. Unless he had done it…she didn’t know what to think.
“No, My Lady,” Jasper assured her. “We would have come to a similar conclusion, albeit much later.” He gave her a half-hearted smile. Then, he looked around at the family. “I just wanted to bring you all the news. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my mother. She’s likely devastated. Those pearls were a family heirloom, and she’s also very close to Lord Sandbourne.”
He bowed, and then he was gone. Selina placed her hand over her heart as her pulse roared in her ears. The whole drawing room melted away as she thought. Nothing seemed to fit in. Lord Sandbourne seemed so…harmless.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jasper woke early the next morning. He lay in bed, thinking about all that he needed to do. He needed to head over to Colonel Fitz’s home in Brookdale, to see what had come about since last night. He’d gotten word from Lord Langley—who had ridden to as many houses as possible—there were no further robberies, leading them to believe that the culprit was at the moment, in custody.
Throwing back his comforter, he swung his legs out of bed, got up and walked to the window, where he peered through the curtains, out over the green fields of Gillingham Estate. Jasper wondered who could have helped Stephen, though. By all accounts, it had been either two or three individuals, who worked in Jasper’s mind—Stephen had been with him at the time of several robberies. Particularly, the ones with only two perpetrators.
Turning away from the window, he walked over to his nightstand, where he poured water into the basin. He splashed it on his face. He couldn’t believe that it had been his friend. How could he have not seen this coming? When had Stephen become a murderer?
He wanted, more than anything, to see Selina. She was the only person who might calm his mind, put him at ease. She would urge him to think logically, to try to sort through it. To put it simply, he missed her.
After his valet had helped him to shave and dress, he went into his study. He would need to eat something, but nerves made his stomach turn. He wasn’t there long when there was a knock on the door. He went to the door, opening it to find Reuben on the other side.
“I came to see how you’re holding up,” Reuben said.
“Thank you for coming,” Jasper replied, standing aside to let his brother in. Reuben walked over to one of the leather armchairs by the fireplace, taking a seat while Jasper continued to pace.
“What are you planning to do?” Reuben asked, at length.
Jasper was silent, as he considered the answer to that question. He shrugged, turning to his brother, who sat watching him, his fingers steepled in front of him.
“I don’t know.”
“Why not? You’re the most powerful gentleman in the County. Why can’t you just go out and then arrange things so that you’re happy? You think too much about what others think and expect from you.”
Jasper laughed bitterly. “That I should be so lucky.”
“You’ve been friends with Sandbourne for how long?” Reuben asked.
“Nearly twenty years.”
“Do you think he did it?” Reuben wondered. “No, don’t answer that. Answer this—do you believe him capable of those crimes?”
“No, I don’t believe he’s capable of harming another human being,” Jasper replied.
“Don’t you owe it to him to clear his name?”
“You’re right.”
“Jasper, I’ve always admired you because you’ve always done the right thing,” Reuben said. “Without hesitation. Lately, it seems like you’ve hesitated at every turn.”
“I’ve gone and done what the ton expects me to do, but not what I believe in, nor what I’ve wanted, in my heart.”
“Then get going,” Reuben said, getting up. “And please, for Heaven’s sake—release Lady Leah. She’s got to have a whole chest’s worth of monogrammed handkerchiefs that will need revisions by now.”
Jas
per smiled at his brother. “Thank you.”
“Any time. I’ll remain here, with Mother. If you need me, you’ll know where to find me.”
“I will,” Jasper said. “Perhaps I’ll have a better plan in mind by the time I get back.”
“Good. I’ll be ready to go,” Reuben promised, following Jasper to the door.
Jasper nodded, then turned and headed at a fast walk to the stables. He didn’t know how he was going to clear Stephen’s name. He just knew that something needed to be done immediately.
The family was all waiting, outside of Kirby Hall, awaiting the arrival of Selina’s brother. Selina fidgeted, biting her lip in anticipation. Suddenly, up on the overlook, a carriage could be seen, headed their way.
“He’s coming!” Selina said, unable to hide her joy and excitement. They all waited, as the sleek black carriage, drawn by two dark horses pulled up, and the tall, slim figure of her brother got out.
“Thomas!” she said, running into her brother’s arms.
“Selina!” he exclaimed, picking her up off of her feet and spinning. He set her down on her feet. “Let me look at you.” When they both stepped back, he placed his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her, with eyes that were so similar to her own that it was like looking in the mirror. “You look pale and thin.”
“And you look very pleased with yourself,” she whispered, as they both walked over to where the family all stood, waiting to greet him. “Like the cat who’s eaten the canary.”
He did—the Lakes District had done him good. He was rosy-cheeked and well-rested, despite his long journey. With a wink, he offered her his arm. She placed her hand around his arm, letting him get away without telling her everything. There would be time—and better secrecy.
The family all greeted Thomas, who was golden-haired and green-eyed, like his sister.
Selina was incredibly proud of her older brother. He might have been a flirt, but he was a good gentleman. He cut an impressive figure, dressed in his dark coat, with his top hat in hand. He spoke genially with Uncle Latimer and answered all of Aunt Georgiana’s questions with alacrity.
“Well,” he said, at long last. “If you’ll excuse me, Uncle Latimer, Aunt Georgiana. I’ve had a long journey.”
“Mr. Wickes will show you to your room,” Aunt Georgiana said. “We’re putting you in the West Wing, so you have some space.”
“Thank you very much for inviting me,” Thomas said. “I’m so happy to be here.”
“I’ll come and help you settle in,” Selina said, springing to her feet. Thomas nodded, smiling.
“Thank you, my darling sister,” he said. “You know how I need you to help me sort things out.” He offered her his arm as he looked toward the others. “I’m a complete mess when I’m without her.”
They were led into the hallway by Mr. Wickes, who silently led them to the room in the West Wing.
“I’m in the East Wing with the rest of the family,” Selina whispered to him.
“There won’t be any sneaking out for us, then,” Thomas joked.
“There won’t be any sneaking at all,” she told him. “There’s a murderer on the loose.”
Thomas looked at her, the smile melting from his face. “It sounds like we have a lot to discuss.”
Jasper arrived at Colonel Fitz’s home, where he was shown into the dining room, where the Colonel was at breakfast.
“Pardon me for the early intrusion, Colonel,” Jasper said.
“Have a seat, Your Grace,” the Colonel replied, gesturing with a porcelain cup of coffee. “Some luck we had last night, eh?” He took a sip of his coffee, wincing at the bitterness.
“What are you planning to do, Colonel?” Jasper inquired, sitting down. He drummed his fingers on the tabletop. He was going to advocate for Stephen. He knew that he was his friend’s only chance.
“Well, we’ll question Lord Sandbourne throughout the day,” he replied. “Hopefully, with the right line of questioning, he’ll break and reveal all.”
“I don’t think it’s him, Colonel” Jasper blurted out. “I’ve known Lord Sandbourne for almost the entirety of my life. I sincerely doubt that he’s the one.”
Colonel Fitz studied him closely. “I hate to tell you this, Your Grace. But I disagree.”
Jasper nodded. “I thought that you would, Colonel. I do not think it wise to keep a member of the nobility under these conditions, particularly when we don’t have evidence to support otherwise.”
“You’re saying that we put him under house arrest?” the Colonel asked. It was a concession. The Colonel was not going to let Stephen go free. Not when there were no other suspects.
“It would be more befitting Sandbourne’s rank.”
The Colonel nodded, sipping his coffee. “You know best, I suppose.”
“Thank you, Colonel, for understanding.”
The Colonel nodded, finishing his breakfast, then standing up. “Let’s go and let Lord Sandbourne out, shall we?”
“Yes.” Jasper was relieved. He’d been ready for a battle, and it had only taken a short discussion.
“We’ll escort him back to Sandbourne,” the Colonel said.
“Again, you have my sincerest thanks,” Jasper told him, following him down the hall. Two guards were posted by the door at the end of the hallway. The Colonel knocked on the door. As he did, he looked at the guards.
“Get ready to escort Lord Sandbourne to his estate,” the Colonel ordered. They both nodded but went nowhere.
Stephen called out from the other side of the door. The Colonel opened it. Stephen was sitting on the bed, his jacket and boots off. His shirt was open at the top. He looked rumpled, as though he’d just woken up.
“The Duke has spoken in your defense,” the Colonel informed him. “While you’re still under suspicion, we do not have sufficient evidence to hold you here. Some of my soldiers will be posted at your estate. If you go anywhere or see anyone, we will know.”
“Understood,” Stephen replied, his gaze on the wooden floorboards.
The Colonel turned to Jasper. “As you requested, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Colonel.” Jasper waited while Stephen pulled on his boots and his jacket. The two gentlemen walked out into the backyard, where Stephen was given a horse, as well as an escort of five soldiers from Colonel Fitz’s regiment.
Stephen looked at him, sadly. “Thank you,” he said stiffly.
“I don’t think you did it,” Jasper replied. “I’m—I’m so sorry to have doubted you.”
Stephen’s gaze was still on the ground. “Apology accepted, Your Grace.” Stephen’s adherence to Jasper’s formal address was a grating slap—one which was deserved. Their friendship had been strained and maybe even broken, but Jasper meant to do all in his power to help him.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Jasper offered.
“No. I—I want to be alone.”
“I understand. I’m so sorry, Stephen.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Stephen turned away from him.
Jasper watched as his oldest friend climbed up and onto his borrowed horse, and then rode toward Sandbourne estate, the red-coated soldiers escorting him in a small cluster.
He didn’t know how to repair their once-close bond. But he would do his best to clear Stephen’s name, regardless of whether their friendship survived this or not.
Selina sat in an armchair by the fireplace, in Thomas’s rooms, while her brother ordered his valet about. Her brother’s unpacking took as long as her own. She wanted, more than anything, to have him take her to Staunton, where they would be away from Gillingham County.
It appeared, however, that her brother meant to stay at Kirby Hall for quite a while. He was making himself comfortable. A fire had been built up, to fend off the slight chill of the rainy day.
Thomas was sipping a glass of brandy, watching his valet unpack. He was orchestrating, offering the poor man advice.
“What happened with Lord Merriweather?” Selina a
sked. She was dying of curiosity as to what had sent him thither.
“I may have pursued the wrong lady,” he replied, squinting and shrugging. He turned toward Selina. “You would like her, Selina, although she’s been promised from birth to Lord Merriweather’s particularly close friend. And then, I was accused of being too familiar with Lady Merriweather, as well!”
“Oh, Thomas! Please tell me that you’re not becoming a rake.”
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