“Her mother disappointed her parents and eloped with a handsome young lieutenant… Peter, I believe is his name. It is a curious relationship. The Lady Eliza Mason, her mother, maintains a distance, socially. She visits her mother but has withdrawn from any activity which would require her to be with Society, including balls and entertainments. Her daughter is an unknown. Lady Mason’s husband is the son of a barrister, who also was a merchant. I believe her husband also chose the law. I would have to determine the truth of that. However, the grandmother is very close to her granddaughter, a relationship encouraged by both parents. Because of the power of the Dowager Countess, her granddaughter has never been the subject of idle gossip. Neither has her mother, for that matter.” Lady Shefford set down her saucer and directed a half smile in his direction.
“That answers a few questions, to be sure. Whitton has a reason to wish for the return of this deed, and I suspect it has something to do with an illegality. If what I suspect has occurred, it might not go well for him—even if his mother does not wish to pursue the matter.”
“You infer that he may have falsified the deed,” she stated matter-of-factly. “I would be careful of admitting that abroad, even though his reputation has never been savory.” On those words, she stood up. “I am sure you will take care of this matter. Please extend my regards to both the Countess and her granddaughter, when you see them next.”
“I will walk you home, Mother.” He rushed to grab his coat and join her in the street, finding her change of attitude very odd. He kissed her cheek when they arrived at her residence and he glanced to the right of the entrance, at the broken pane of glass. Her staff had already covered it with a board. “I will take care of getting this repaired for you, Mother.”
“Nonsense. I have already taken care of it,” she said flatly as she reached her door.
He watched the door close behind her before turning and heading back to his own house. Needing to address a bothersome concern, he fished in his pocket and pulled out the card. As he walked into the light of his office, he read the scribbled name over one that had been scratched out.
Lord Wilford Montgomery, The Earl of Whitton
Where he was merely concerned before, he was now deeply troubled. Whitton apparently knew the house he had hurled a brick into belonged to Colin’s mother, for this card had been left with Franklin. Morray’s fears had been well-founded. The Earl had found his way out of the lock-up and was on his own business. The question is… where is he hiding? As he opened the door, he gained his butler’s attention.
“Franklin, have my carriage brought back around, immediately.” The brandy he had imagined having an hour ago would have longer to wait.
Chapter 6
Finally, allowing herself to relax, Nora shut the door and leaned back against it, taking a fortifying gulp of air. She had known better than to show uncertainty, but since the gentlemen were now gone, many doubts accosted her. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her body to become calm. What else could this morning bring her way? What if the deed they hold is real? She wished to believe it was a forgery, but knowing her uncle as she did, she could not take the chance.
The cook scurried from the parlor, carrying a tray of cups, saucers, and the empty teapot.
“Mrs. Simpkins,” Nora called softly, hoping not to perturb the woman and cause her to drop the china. The woman was forever moving in rapid motion.
The housekeeper slowed and turned. “Ah, there ye are, Miss Nora! I had wondered where ye had gone. How did it go with the gentlemen?”
“Well, and not so well, if that makes any sense. The tea helped, and your lemon biscuits were, of course, delicious. However, Lord Shefford holds a deed for this property, signed by my uncle.”
“That cannae be right. Lady Whitton would ne’er do such a thing,” Mrs. Simpkins responded. “Ye need to speak with yer grandmama afore ye get in a pucker,” she cautioned.
“I have the same thought in mind. I should go to her… but will you be able to manage matters here without me?”
“Aye, I can, that. Never doubt it, lass.” Her gaze swung past Nora to the narrow window beside the door. “Will ye ever believe it? If the Countess hasnae just rolled up in her fancy chariot!”
“Really?” Nora looked out of the window. Waving her walking cane in emphasis, Grandmama was instructing a footman in her requirements. Then she turned and walked up the steps. “Good gracious, she is here!” All at once, a rush of anticipation and dread filled her. She repressed her anxiety and fixed her attention instead on the man accompanying her grandmother. Who is he? I need no more shocks this day. Nora took a calming breath and opened the door.
“Grandmama! What a pleasant and welcome surprise!”
“Nora, is something wrong? I thought we had agreed I should visit today,” the Countess asked, concern evident in her voice.
“Yes, yes, of course! You are quite correct. Forgive me; I am at sixes and sevens. Come in and warm yourself. There is a pleasant fire in the parlor. Mrs. Simpkins is fetching some tea and lemon biscuits.” It was perfect timing, but how had she forgotten her grandmother was to visit today? Disordered nerves! Nora took a deep, steadying breath.
“That sounds like a lovely idea. I have some matters I wish to discuss with you, and afterwards, I would like to see what you have done here,” her grandmother replied.
“I am a little done up, although otherwise quite well, Grandmama.
“Before we go further, allow me to introduce you to one of my most trusted menservants.”
Nora opened the door and a lackey
