The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  From the coy grin coming from both her parents, and the look of wonder from Kathleen, he knew they’d planned this without informing their daughter. After taking his seat, Matthew nodded to Toby.

  When the landau rolled out of the courtyard, Matthew turned to Roger. “He will take us to the tavern where we can arrange for a private dining room. Once that is taken care of, m’ lord, why don’t you and I start with the stores we might frequent along with the smithy.”

  “At some point, we should also speak to the tavern owner along with the stable master,” Roger added.

  “Agreed.”

  “And while you gentlemen are doing that, Lady Kathleen and I will be spending vast amounts of your money Lord Roger. Don’t panic, m’ lord, we will also be showing the sketches to the owners of the shops we visit,” Elsie announced.

  Hearing what the ladies had planned, Matthew wondered if Kathleen would be selecting a new evening gown.

  “M’ lord, to answer the question I suspect is hanging on your mind, I will be perusing the plates as well. However, I’m not sure if I will obtain a new dress,” Kathleen teased.

  Matthew tried to school his features on hearing this disappointing bit of news. But the grin coming from the countess told him Kathleen would be buying a gown or two. Now, he began to wonder what colors they would be. So as not to be to curious Matthew focused his attention on the land around them. As he hadn’t been in the district for years, he was quite pleased to see very little had changed.

  Interestingly, he saw the number of mines had grown. This didn’t come as a shock, what with the war with France continuing to wage. He glanced over to Roger.

  “M’ lord, the tin mines. Do you have any on your lands?”

  “Yes, I do, and they are modestly productive. If you would like, I can have my manager evaluate the land Radcliffe Hall sits on to see if the duke might have some as well,” the earl replied.

  Why hadn’t Simon thought to have someone investigate the possibility of tin being buried on the Hall land. Granted his uncle had only recently taken up the ducal title, then married Emma. Just that fact alone told Matthew the man hadn’t had the time to look into the prospect there might be. Then again, for the duke, having a gazebo built seemed to be more important. Or, could that have been the reason he’d been sent down here, to handle both.

  “M’ lord, thank you for your kind offer. Before your man does, I need to post a letter to the duke so I may obtain his permission. When we return from the village, I will send one off. If the weather holds, we should hear back in about two weeks.”

  “Mind you, m’ lord, I’m only speculating, but what if the man worked in one of the mines and the woman is his wife?” Kathleen suggested.

  Her words got Matthew thinking, and from the look of astonishment on the earl’s face he was as well. Matthew’s wondered how would they be able to track down all the owners. Was it possible the mine owners didn’t necessarily own the land but rented the area? If so, then there had to be a record. Someplace. From the grin coming from the earl, Matthew suspected the man had the answer.

  “What you said does make sense, Lady Kathleen. One of the places Lord Matthew and I will visit is the village hall. As with my mines, which had to be registered, we should be able to get a list of owners.”

  “Would there also be a map showing were each was located?” Elsie added.

  “Most definitely. And I will exert my authority as magistrate. That way they will have to hand the charts over.”

  “Might I recommend we only borrow the map. We can then mark down the mine locations,” Kathleen suggested.

  Matthew nodded at her idea.

  “And as we are at the Seafarer Inn, shall we obtain the private dining room? After which we can be on our way to see if we can learn the names of the victims,” Roger said.

  “M’ lords, we will leave obtaining the private room to you while Lady Kathleen and I start out in our search for the perfect gowns,” Elsie declared with a preening smile.

  Hearing this little piece of information, Matthew smiled to himself then followed Roger into the tavern where they met briefly with the owner. Once the room was secured and their noon meal ordered, they started for the town hall.

  Storming in, Matthew was amazed at how easily Roger was able to have not only the map sent to Ashburn Manor but a list of mine owners as well.

  With that done, Matthew started asking and showing shopkeepers the sketches Kathleen had made. As they stepped out of the tailor, he noticed something, or more precisely several people, who might be of assistance.

  “M’ lord, do you see those men over there? Don’t they look like miners? If so, they might recognize the two dead bodies.”

  “On that, m’ lord, you could be correct. As I don’t recall ever seeing them before they must have been brought in to work. If you don’t mind, let me talk to them and introduce myself as the Earl of Ashburn. That should free their tongues,” Roger declared.

  “I agree.”

  Matthew stepped over to a building and set a shoulder against the wall to watch while Roger approached the men. When he curiously peered through the window of the building he was leaning against, Matthew was pleasantly surprised to realize he’d unwittingly rested against the dress shop. As he looked in, he saw Kathleen selecting several materials while holding different fashion plates up. He found this interesting, especially when she selected a pastel yellow for a gown. From what he could see of the plate, the dress would hug her curves to where he’d be hard pressed not to remove it from her. Yes, she definitely needs to have a chaperon when I’m with her.

  Turning his attention away from Kathleen, on the off chance she might see him, Matthew slipped away and settled against one of several bakeries. Now as comfortable as possible, on seeing Kathleen’s choice of gown and material, Matthew looked across the road to Roger. He watched the earl show the two drawings to the men. When one of the people stared at the pictures Matthew saw he became excited and started waving his arms. Fearing for the earl’s safety, Matthew started across when he noticed Roger turn and stride back to him wearing a smile.

  “Well, I’m gathering from the reaction from one of the men he recognized the victims?” Matthew uttered.

  “Yes, but I’d rather tell everyone after luncheon. We’ll inform them we haven’t had any success and see what the ladies say to that.”

  “I agree. Now we need to hope they haven’t learned the name of at least the woman. If so, we should be open with them. I’d hate to have their wrath come down upon our heads,” Matthew declared.

  What he actually feared more was having Kathleen upset with him. If that happened, he had no idea how to repair the damage.

  “Might I suggest, m’ lord, we remove ourselves from this area. As you can see, we are next to the shop where the ladies are. I don’t believe they would appreciate us spying on them,” Matthew mentioned to Roger.

  “I see what you mean. Shall we start back for the tavern?”

  “Not without us, m’ lord,” Elsie stated.

  Turning, Matthew saw both ladies standing several feet away, arms across their breasts and scowls on their faces. Immediately, he knew they were in trouble if they didn’t comply with the countess’ request. Or was what she said a demand? He wasn’t sure. Deciding to be on the safe side, Matthew stepped up and offered Kathleen his arm, which she took all the while not smiling. That made him wonder if she’d seen him gazing in on her.

  As much as he wished to learn if she’d selected the gown he’d seen the plate of, Matthew decided to wait until they dined. Following the earl and countess in silence, he guided Kathleen to the tavern then into the private dining room. Once she was seated, he took the chair opposite with the earl at the head and Elsie beside her husband. Except for the way he and Kathleen sat, this was exactly as they did at mansion.

  Once the platters were passed, Matthew glanced to Elsie.

  “Were you ladies able to have any luck in identifying the two people?”

&nb
sp; “No, I’m sorry, but we didn’t. Not even the baker nor his wife recognized the woman. Were you gentlemen any more successful?”

  Even though he and Roger had decided not to mention what they’d learned, Matthew wasn’t sure if waiting until they returned to the mansion or not was a good idea. Peering over to the earl, he raised a brow and got a nod in return.

  “I didn’t, but His Lordship might have?”

  “Yes. As we’d discussed earlier I happened to see several miners and approached them using my title to get them to speak. One of the men remembered seeing them. He told me the man worked in one of the mines but didn’t recollect which one. All he recalled was that they lived way outside of the village, and that’s where the mine was located. The person I spoke with said the woman was the wife. When he asked what happened to them I evaded answering.”

  That last bit of information Roger hadn’t mentioned to him, but Matthew was happy they’d not learned the people were dead. This, or so he hoped, would make finding the killer much easier. Another question he had but wasn’t sure if he should say anything, was whether the doctor had confirmed the causes of death.

  “Father, I don’t know if what I’m about to ask is proper for a young lady but as you are aware, I’m not your typical lady like Lady Valerie is.”

  That was what Matthew was beginning to love about Kathleen. She was her own lady, afraid of nothing nor anyone.

  “Darling, if you wish to learn how they died I’ll tell you and Lord Matthew, but back at Ashburn Mansion.”

  “I understand and will abide by your decision. Now, shall we finish so we may return home. I’m sure His Lordship has much to do back at Radcliffe Hall,” Kathleen declared.

  “On that, you are correct. I still need to finish the design for the river gazebo, except now I’m thinking more along the lines of a pavilion. Having one there would fit so much better into the landscape.”

  He left out that once at the mansion he’d send Toby back to the Hall to inform Cook there would be four at dinner. Also, to make sure at least one course was fish, this for Kathleen more than anyone.

  “Then, as I notice we seem to be finished, shall we adjourn to the estate,” Roger recommended.

  After rolling into the Ashburn and assisting Kathleen down from the landau, Matthew stepped up to where Toby sat awaiting instructions. After giving them, Matthew stepped over to Kathleen and guided her into the mansion then to her father’s office.

  Stepping in, he led her to the settee then turned when Roger walked up.

  “Daughter, Matthew, as promised both people had their heads bashed in. The doctor believes the person who attacked them used either a heavy timber or stone. In both cases, having been in the river, there was no way he could find out.”

  “Thank you. As you said earlier, I’m happy you waited until we returned here,” Kathleen said.

  Matthew could hear her choking back tears but again, being a strong woman kept them at bay. Taking a seat beside her, and across from her mother and father, Matthew took her hand in his.

  “Trust me when I say, their deaths will be avenged,” he told her softly.

  “I know.”

  “With that out of the way, Matthew would you like to look over the map with me?” the earl spoke.

  “I would but first, I wish to invite the three of you for dinner tonight. As this is a last minute decision, I sent Toby back to Radcliffe Hall to inform Cook.”

  “We would be honored to join you,” Elsie declared. “What time would you like us to arrive?”

  That was the one detail he’d not thought of. No wonder the lady of the house took care of things such as this. As he’d dined here at seven, he thought that would work. After making them aware, Matthew started to stand, but a hand on his arm halted him. Turning to Kathleen, he noticed a smile gracing her lips. “Let me guess, you wish to look over the chart as well?”

  “I would, if you and father don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, daughter.”

  “Then afterward, my dear, I wish for you to rest for a while as I am going to do now,” Elsie announced, stood bringing the men to their feet.

  “I promise, I will, Mother.”

  Assisting Kathleen up, Matthew escorted her over to where Roger had spread out the chart on a large oak table. Looking down at the map, Matthew saw there were a great number of mines far out from the village. He began to wonder how long they would be riding out to hunt down the right mine. Then he had a thought. He looked past Kathleen to her father.

  “Roger, the person you spoke to in the village, even though he didn’t know which mine, did he perchance tell you the man’s name. I only ask as we might be able to narrow down the search.”

  “I believe he said the man’s name was Alwyn.”

  “If I’m not mistaken that sounds Welch which might make our hunt easier,” Matthew said.

  “How so?” Kathleen inquired.

  Matthew watched as the earl stepped over to the desk then brought over several sheets of foolscap.

  “With these, daughter. I had the clerk send over copies of all the mine owners. Chances are one or more are from Wales. That should help narrow down the number we have to search out,” her father stated.

  “When do we start? For the sooner we find the mine, the quicker the killer will be brought to justice,” Kathleen declared.

  “I’m afraid you won’t be accompanying either myself or your father if he wishes to help hunt the murderer down. That is my final decision, and don’t think of going out on your own as doing so could be dangerous,” Matthew announced.

  “On that point, daughter, he is correct. I’m also afraid the job of at least finding the right mine, I’ll have to leave up to you Matthew if you don’t mind,” Roger declared.

  “That won’t be a problem. Now, if you’ll excuse me Toby should be back, and I need to return to Radcliffe Hall. There is a letter I need to write to the duke inquiring about having your mine manager investigate the possibility of tin on the estate.”

  “Matthew, either before or after dinner I’d love to examine the sketches you’ve made for His Grace. As you might know, we have a gazebo, and I might like the idea of a pavilion overlooking the river,” Roger said.

  “Most certainly. I would be honored to examine where you’d like one built. Even though I’m not sure why you wish one at the river. From what your daughter said, the stretch is nothing but rapids, thusly not suitable for fishing.”

  “That is true, but we do, in the heat of the summer, enjoy spending time there either reading or for the ladies painting.”

  “Father, that is true, and having a nice structure there would make the excursions more enjoyable. We might also have picnics,” Kathleen added.

  “That, daughter, was what your mother recommended when I brought up the idea to her.”

  “In that case, I must be off as I’ve a rough draft of the pavilion to finish before you arrive,” Matthew declared, and then bowed and made his way down and out to his landau.

  Arriving back at Radcliffe Hall, Matthew climbed out then turned to Toby.

  “After you take care of the horses, I’ve another errand for you. Meet me in the office as I’ve a letter needing to be delivered today.”

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  Marching into the hall, Matthew went straight to the office, took a seat at the desk, and started penning the note.

  Manager,

  I need you to report to Radcliffe Hall at half nine on the morrow. I’ve several questions which only you will have the answers to.

  Matthew, Viscount Rathbourne

  With the missive sealed, he started in on the one to the duke, then stopped when Toby appeared at the door.

  “Come in,” he directed to the young man.

  “M’ lord?”

  “Do you know where the estate manager lives?”

  “I do, m’ lord.”

  “Good, then take this to him. Oh, and if you choose, you may take Devil as I know you enjoy riding him.”


  “Thank you, m’ lord. Do you wish I await a reply?”

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  Giving Toby a nod, Matthew waited until the groom was on his way then glanced down at the letter to Simon.

  “No, I’ll wait to hear what the manager tells me,” he mumbled.

  Putting the sheet in the middle drawer of the desk, he stepped over to the table where the rough draft of the pavilion lay. Looking it over, he picked up a ruler and pencil then added a few new lines. Satisfied he decided to relax for the next hour before bathing and dressing for his impromptu dinner gathering. First though, he needed to speak with Connor. Walking out of the room, he wasn’t surprised to find the man in the hall.

  “Tonight, I need you to set one place to my right and then two on my left.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. What time are the earl, countess, and Lady Kathleen arriving?”

  “At seven of the clock. I’ll need my bath water at six. We’ll gather in the parlor next to the dining room.”

  “I’ll take care of everything.”

  With that out of the way, Matthew retired to his suite, retrieved the book he’d started, then got comfortable in a chair by the fire and started reading.

  Chapter Five

  After returning from a pleasant dinner and eve with Matthew at the Hall, Kathleen smiled to her parents and with a promise to be safe raced up the stairs to her suite. Stepping in, she was met by Patty.

  “There’s a run tonight so I need to change into my other clothes,” she ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lady. Which boots to you want?”

  “My riding boots. Father has already sent a note to Cowell to have Marigold saddled and waiting in the barn.”

  “That means you’re leaving from…?”

  “Yes, the caves which are under Radcliffe Hall. Before you worry, don’t. I’ve heard the estate manager has been told to leave us be as long as no English are hurt,” Kathleen said.

  “I’m glad to know that. Now, let’s get you changed so you can be on your way,” Patty uttered.