That man certainly keeps an eye on her, Harlow thought, watching them retreat.
“Gentlemen. Please come in,” Lord Avalon’s voice broke into Harlow’s thoughts. “I alerted my Countess this morning that you would be here, so I am not sure how much of a surprise your appearance was to my daughter,” he said with a wink.
Harlow and Max took the seats in front of his desk. The Earl’s ebony desk sat in the centre of the room with a large picturesque window behind him, covered with green velvet curtains. A large fireplace sat on the wall to his left. Harlow’s attention was immediately drawn to the painting hanging above the mantel. It pictured the Countess, seated and playing with two toddler girls while an older boy stood beside her chair, looking on. The girls were identical, except for their eyes, which the artist had captured beautifully. Fully stocked bookcases covered both sides of the room.
“I ordered a platter of sandwiches earlier. In the meantime, would either of you care for refreshment?” He opened a small cabinet to the side of his desk and took out a decanter of brandy and three glasses.
“Yes, thank you. We ate a light meal at the inn before we left this morning,” Harlow said, accepting a glass. “We need to apprise you of what we have learned,” he added.
“I would appreciate being taken into your confidence. I confess there is something I need to tell you, as well. Perhaps I should start,” Lord Avalon answered.
“My son, who I know you have been meeting with, made known to me that I should increase security, so I engaged a small number of guards before I left London. Two men arrived a few hours ago, while the ladies were out shopping, and are settling into an empty tenant’s cottage. He waved vaguely in the direction behind him. “I have also asked Winston to keep a closer eye on Lilian and Lydia.”
“We noticed Yarstone’s carriage when we arrived. Is he aware of anything?” Max ventured.
“No. He is here to court my daughter Lydia. Apparently, we left town too soon for his convenience.” He chuckled lightly. “We have invited him to stay. The welcome extends to the two of you. The inns can be a bit rough in these parts and we have plenty of room.”
A twinge of jealousy coursed through Harlow’s veins, and he struggled against it. “We appreciate the offer, sir, and will consider that. Yarstone seems to have her best interests at heart,” he acknowledged.
“Yes, I believe he does,” the older man murmured. “I have a new concern and the more I dismiss it, the more I find I cannot. It has consumed me today,” he continued. “Earlier today my head groom mentioned a strange occurrence which happened.”
Harlow’s insides knotted as he leaned forward towards the Earl.
“My head groom told me a lantern fell yesterday afternoon while my girls were visiting their horses. Strangely, the lantern had been lit earlier, yet it was out when it hit the ground. The wick was not even warm. Barney checked. He had filled it with fuel not long before my daughters visited.
The lantern is very large and heavy. It provides an abundance of light in front of the stable and also serves the entrance—in fact, my father placed it on a sturdy hook many years ago, and I do not believe anyone has had occasion to move it.”
Harlow looked at him with alarm. “So, it was unlit when it fell? Thank goodness it was daylight. I cannot see a lantern the size of which you describe blowing itself out.” Could there have been an intended warning of some kind in this?
“No, and we do not light it during the day unless it is gloomy, and we need light. My groom investigated and found nothing. Barney said the whole matter made his skin crawl. The man has good instincts,” the Earl responded.
“We should like to look at the area, if you do not mind, especially considering what we have told you about the widow,” Max added, concern etched on his face.
“I had been about to set out there to investigate this matter when Lilian came to see me. I did not want to alarm her, so spoke to her first. Since you are both here, perhaps we can investigate together. I am concerned. Your visit has made me realize there is more to be concerned about.”
Harlow and Max leaned forward, setting their glasses down.
“My wife and daughters chanced upon Lady Catherine Poinz this morning, in town. She came into the shop where they were being served and gave my daughter a message to give to you, Lord Harlow,” the Earl recounted.
Harlow’s insides quaked. “I swear I cannot account for the woman’s interest, yet I refuse to dismiss it lightly. What did she say?”
“She deliberately made her way to Lilian and begged her to give you her sincerest regards.” Lord Avalon stared down at his hands, and then looked up, his expression pained. “My daughters are very dear to me. Have you any idea what she is about?”
Dread clutched at his heart. “I do not know why she would approach your family, except for the curious interest I described to you. We feel she is plotting something, and in fact, we discussed it with your son only a few hours ago. We would very much like to visit the stable with you, Lord Avalon.”
“Do you think she could have something to do with this operation? That would make sense if she thought you were getting too close,” Lord Avalon ventured.
Harlow glanced at Max. “Yes,” he answered. “I would like to speak with Barney.”
The three men walked down to the stables. Harlow felt apprehensive and a sudden sense of urgency—and he speculated the others felt the same, based on their rapid pace and silence.
As they approached the stables, Barney came to meet them. “My lord, might I show you something?”
“Certainly. Lead the way, Barney. I would like Lord Harlow and Lord Worsley to hear
