‘Don’t ask me,’ he replied dryly. ‘The only person who could understand what the warhorses were thinking was a girl who used to work for us. I swear they could communicate with her.’
Red snorted and gave Stuart a slight push, making him step back.
‘Behave yourself, boy,’ Charles scolded, ‘or I won’t bring you out again.’
A stable boy had arrived and was studying the animal with some alarm. ‘Is he safe, sir?’
‘Completely safe. He’s just playing. Be firm with him and you won’t have any trouble.’
The expression on the lad’s face said he didn’t quite believe that was true as he led the animal away.
‘It’s good to see you, Charles. Come in and tell me what the problem is.’
One room in the large house had been converted in to an office, which Stuart kept locked because of the important documents he kept there. It was only cleaned while he stood and watched. It was crammed with shelves, books and cupboards, but on either side of the window were two comfortable leather chairs and a small table.
When both men were settled with drinks in front of them, Stuart said, ‘I heard that Harry returned safely from the Crimea. That must have been a great relief to you.’
‘It was, but I nearly lost him soon after. Someone shot him.’
‘What, here? Is he all right?’ Stuart sat forward, eager to hear about this astonishing incident.
‘Yes. But it was desperate for a while and that’s why I am here. I’m afraid that if the person who did this finds out he has survived he might try again.’
‘Do you know who the felon is?’
‘Only a suspicion.’ Charles took a sip of his drink, and then put the glass down again, clearly worried. ‘We need advice.’
‘Tell me everything, even the smallest detail. Start from the moment Harry returned home, and earlier if you think it’s relevant.’
It took a while to explain everything that had happened, and when he’d finished, he sat back with a sigh. ‘We are hoping you can advise us on how to proceed.’
Remaining silent as he digested all the information he had just been given, Stuart stood up and gazed out of the window, deep in thought. Eventually he turned back to the man waiting patiently for his opinion. ‘It seems highly likely that Edward is the culprit, but you don’t have enough proof to have him arrested for the crime. In fact, you don’t have anything but suspicion. If you did get him to court no prosecutor could hope to win the case, and he would walk free.’
‘Even if you took the case? I hear you are one of the best in the business.’
Stuart gave a wry smile. ‘I have had some success, but I couldn’t prosecute with such flimsy evidence. The fact he wasn’t in Bath when he said he was means very little. If he is guilty then I am sure he has already set up a good alibi for that time, and the fact that he admits to being a good shot is of little use. Many men could claim the same talent.’
‘So, you’re saying we don’t have a chance of bringing him to justice.’
‘I’m sorry, Charles. The only way to do that would be with a confession.’
‘I know him well enough to be certain he would never do that. What the devil can we do? I fear for my son’s life.’
‘You said Harry has changed his will so that Edward can’t inherit. Has he been told?’
Charles nodded. ‘I have written to him, but there remains the fear that he will now try to kill Harry out of rage at being disinherited.’
‘That would elicit some response, I imagine, and as you say it could still put Harry in danger.’ Stuart lapsed in to thought again for a while, then said, ‘Would you be content if he left the country for somewhere a long way off, like America or South Africa, or a similar country of his choice?’
Charles sat upright in astonishment. ‘I never thought of that. But how would we make him agree?’
‘First you would have to offer him a sizable amount of money to enable him to start a new life.’
‘He could have as much as he needed. But suppose we did this and it isn’t him? That would mean the criminal is still at large.’
‘That’s the difficult part. Before you hand over any money he must admit to the crime, apologise to Harry in writing, and sign a document admitting his guilt in my presence.’
‘Knowing Edward, he would confess to this just to get the money.’
‘I agree, and before you confront him you need to be absolutely certain he is guilty.’
‘How? We’ve been over and over this, and honestly don’t know what we can do.’
‘Talk it over with Harry and his friend. As things stand at the moment, taking him to court is out of the question. If you do decide to offer him a way out by leaving the country then I will help you all I can. Having me present in my official capacity might frighten him in to believing you have enough evidence to convict him.’
‘I like your idea because the thought of sending the son of my sister to prison, no matter what his crime, would hurt me for the rest of my life. I know it would also upset Harry. They grew up together, and it is sad Edward should have strayed so far off course. How do you propose we go about this, providing Harry agrees, of course?’
Stuart then outlined his plan and had Charles agreeing. ‘I have another trial, but should be back here within two weeks. The moment I’m back we’ll arrange to meet with your nephew.’
‘Agreed. In the meantime we can continue our search for Chrissie.’ Charles smiled, relieved to at least have some plan of action. ‘What we need is Chrissie and her crystal ball to put the frighteners on Edward. She can be very convincing.’
‘You told me Harry dismissed her when he returned, so why are you looking for her now?’
‘It was obvious my son had suffered in the Crimean War, and he wasn’t himself. He sent her away without giving it proper thought, or consulting any of us, and now he’s sorry. I think he just wants to know she is all right.’
‘I see.’ Stuart stood up. ‘I must return to London now. Tell Harry to be careful and we’ll see if we can find a solution to this problem.’
‘Thank you for seeing me. I feel a little more hopeful about this terrible situation now I’ve spoken to you.’
He watched Charles ride away. What an extraordinary story. The last time he had met Edward they had all been young boys of about ten. Harry had become a cavalry officer, he a barrister, and Edward a gambler and possible criminal. What different paths they had all taken.
Back in the house he ran up the stairs to his room and began to pack for the journey back to London. He’d been interested to hear they were still looking for Chrissie, and Charles clearly liked her. It would have been a kindness to tell him where she was, but he hadn’t. It was inevitable now that they would soon discover she was working for him, and when they did he would lose her, he was sure. That was sad because she was the best copier he had ever had, and he liked and respected her as well. Did she have that effect on everyone who got to know her?
Chapter Twenty-Three
When Charles arrived back Harry and Joe were waiting anxiously to hear what Stuart had said.
‘Did he have a solution to the dilemma?’ Harry asked.
Charles took the drink his son handed him. ‘With the lack of evidence it would not be possible to win a case against him in court. He did put forward another suggestion, though.’ He then told them what had been discussed, and when he finished there was silence for a while.
Harry sat back and gazed into space for a moment while he considered the idea. ‘Sending Edward abroad might help him straighten himself out, and I do prefer that solution, but how the hell are we going to convince him we can prove he was the one who shot me?’
‘Lie.’
Both men stared at Joe.
‘Tell him you have a witness who saw him leaving the scene with a gun in his hands.’
‘He’d never believe that,’ Charles declared.
‘He would have to if your barrister waved a document in front o
f him saying it was a signed statement by the witness.’
‘Would Stuart do that, Father?’
‘I’d have to ask him, but I very much doubt it. He has his professional reputation to consider. He won’t be back for a week or two, so we can’t do anything until he returns.’
‘I’ll be fit enough to go and see him myself by then. Joe, you come with me, and see if you can convince him to help us in that way.’
Joe grinned at Harry. ‘Why me? He’s your friend, not mine.’
‘You are the one who came up with the idea that we lie, and you’re used to underhand dealings.’
‘Where did you ever get that idea from?’
The friends looked at each other and grinned.
At that moment there was the sound of a horse approaching fast and Charles went over to the window. ‘It’s Edward. He must have received my letter. You’d better hide, Joe.’
‘Come with me.’ Harry stood up. ‘You can wait in my room. I’ll show you the way.’
Charles was alone when his nephew stormed into the library waving the letter.
‘What’s this all about, Uncle?’
‘Are you referring to the letter I sent to you informing you about the change to Harry’s will?’
‘You know damned well I am! How can the estate go to someone else? I am the only eligible relative.’
‘He can leave it to anyone he wishes. It doesn’t have to be someone from the family – and don’t you want to know how he is?’
‘Well, from this I assume he is recovering.’
‘I am indeed, and it’s so kind of you to enquire about my health,’ Harry remarked sarcastically as he strode back in to the room.
Edward was clearly surprised to see his cousin looking upright and strong once again. ‘Last time I saw you it didn’t look as if you would survive the night.’
‘It would take more than one bullet to finish me, no matter how good a shot the criminal was. So, how are you, Edward?’
‘Bloody furious. Why would you take my inheritance away from me?’
‘Because of your addiction to gambling. I love this place and struggled hard to get back here. I was injured and so was my horse, and the only thing that kept me going was the thought of reaching home. If this estate came to you it would be gambled away within a week, if it isn’t already,’ he told him pointedly.
‘I am not addicted to gambling! I like a game now and again, that’s all, and I would never risk the estate.’
‘Don’t lie to me. I have the feeling you would go to any lengths to obtain such a valuable property – a property you care nothing for except its monetary value.’
‘That isn’t true, and you can’t leave it to someone outside of the family.’
‘I can, and it is going to someone who loves it as much as I do and I know will take good care of it.’
‘Who?’
He gave a grim smile. ‘No one knows, not even Father. After all, I wouldn’t want them to get shot as well, would I?’
A brief moment of alarm showed in Edward’s eyes as Harry stared suspiciously at him as he spoke. ‘Are you hinting that I was the one who shot you? If so I am bitterly disappointed you should have such a low opinion of me.’
‘Ah, well, taking a bullet to the chest makes me suspicious of everybody. You can understand that, I’m sure.’ Harry draped an arm around his cousin’s shoulder. ‘Let’s forget all this unpleasantness. Are you joining us for dinner?’
‘Thank you, but I can’t,’ he replied stiffly. ‘I have another appointment this evening.’
They watched him leave and Charles pursed his lips thoughtfully. ‘That was interesting.’
‘Very, and did you notice he didn’t deny it?’
‘I did. Let’s get Joe down here and tell him what has just happened.’
‘Everything is pointing to Edward, but all we have to do now is prove it,’ Harry remarked dryly.
The journey back to London gave Stuart plenty of time to think. The atmosphere at home had been strained. His wife, Angela, had not forgiven him for sending their son away to school, and had hardly spoken to him. He had an important function to attend in two weeks, and he had intended to try and persuade her to accompany him, as all the wives would be there. It was tiresome always arriving alone with the excuse that his wife was indisposed, but it had soon become clear that no amount of pleading would make her join him in London. Somehow he was going to have to find the time to sort out his marriage, and had thought of doing it while he had been home this time, but she had been even more withdrawn and did not appear to even hear what he was saying. However, things couldn’t continue as they were, so he would have to do something about it – soon.
When he arrived back Chrissie was working hard and hadn’t heard him come in. He stood watching her for a while. Sara Martin had found her another skirt for the office and she was wearing a white blouse with it. The white against her dark colouring was stunning, and he couldn’t help wondering what she would look like in a fashionable gown. An idea crossed his mind, and he thought, why the hell not. That was if he could persuade her to do it, of course. He doubted it would be possible, though, even with his powers of persuasion, because she was not the kind of girl who could be flattered or pushed into doing something against her will. Nor would she be influenced by social standing. There was no shame when she talked about her upbringing, either. She spoke openly, hiding nothing, as if to say – this is me, accept it or walk away. Her openness was refreshing.
She looked up then and smiled. ‘Oh, you’re back. Mr Martin has left a file on your desk for you. How was your trip? Were you able to help your friend?’
‘Not as much as I would have liked.’ He walked over to her desk. ‘How are you getting on?’
‘I’ve finished all the work you left me so I’ve been helping Mr Martin.’
‘You are doing well and pick things up quickly. Do you like working here?’
‘I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I can’t say I do. You’ve been kind to me and I can’t lie to you. The work is interesting and I’m learning lots of new words, but I want to go back to the country.’
‘That’s a shame because you would make a welcome, permanent addition to my staff.’
‘I’m sorry, but I won’t stay in London, sir.’
He sat on the edge of the desk. This girl had nothing, and yet she was turning down the chance of a prestigious job. Her dream of living in the country must be very deep-rooted. ‘I tell you what, I will take you back to the country when the next trial is over, and find you work to do at the house.’
‘Helping with the children?’
‘No, you will not be a house servant. I will leave you work to do for me.’ He smiled at her. ‘You will be my assistant in the country. How does that appeal?’
‘I don’t think your wife would like that,’ she told him, showing her doubt about such an arrangement. ‘She already blames me for her son being sent away to school.’
‘No, she won’t object. I’ve made sure she knows what really happened.’
‘Well, if that’s the case, then I will agree to work for you there.’ She hesitated a moment. ‘However, I won’t stay where I’m not wanted. It would upset me if my being there caused trouble with your family.’
‘I understand and appreciate your sensitivity, but you don’t have to worry. I have a matter to deal with at home, which may take a while, so I’ll be there for longer than usual. I visited Robert while I was there, and he’s doing well, by the way, and enjoying life at the school.’
‘I’m pleased to hear that. I felt he was bored at home and needed to be with children of his own age.’
‘You are quite right. He was, and told me so the last time I saw him. Now, leave what you’re doing and come and help me with whatever Bill Martin has left for me.’
Later that evening Stuart and Bill were discussing the coming trial, and catching up on what had been happening while he had been away. They were enjoying a brandy after dinn
er in the Martins’ smoking room.
‘How did you get on with Chrissie?’ Stuart asked.
‘Well enough. She’s bright and willing to learn, and her copying is excellent. You cannot fault her manners, either.’
‘Yes, she’s been brought up well. I’ve been considering taking her to the judges’ function. I am tired of always arriving alone, and she would look quite the part in a suitable gown.’
‘Stuart, you can’t! I don’t doubt that she would look beautiful in a fashionable gown, but the moment she speaks her heritage would be revealed. It’s quite acceptable to have her in the office because everyone knows you try to help those not so fortunate, but you can’t take her to something like that. Tongues would wag, and your reputation would suffer. And we are not just talking about you. Think what you would be doing to that girl. She is probably innocent and unworldly enough to go along with you if you ask, but the moment she steps inside with you her reputation will be in shreds. Is that what you want?’
Stuart shook his head. ‘Lord, no. She’s had a tough enough time as it is.’
‘Are you in love with her?’
‘I am intrigued by her, and do wonder how far she could go if given the chance.’
‘Hmm, that’s a diplomatic answer, and I suspect the truth is rather different. Send her away and try to sort out your marriage. You were happy together at one time. Find out why Angela has become so withdrawn and difficult. I know many men take mistresses, but if you are considering that then forget it. That girl would never consent to such a life.’
‘You have presented your case well, my friend, and you are quite right on all points except one. I will not send her away, but I will keep our relationship on a purely business basis.’
‘See you do, for both your sakes.’ Bill refilled their glasses. ‘You have worked too hard to get where you are to become embroiled in a scandal.’
‘Of course.’ Stuart lifted his glass to Bill. ‘It was a moment of madness after a not-too-pleasant visit home. It wouldn’t have worked anyway, because I will lose her soon.’
When Midnight Comes Page 17
