“Abbess? Catholics?” The inspector looked shocked.
“We think of them as sisters of mercy, Inspector. There has been a chapel in this valley since the days of St. Columba, and they have our protection.” The Duke looked rather fierce. “I can assure you that they are neither spies nor are they in any way connected to our current problems.”
“I see,” said the inspector. “Well, well, I shall go down and speak with the constable. Perhaps he can put me in the way of making an appointment with the unfortunate maid, and fill me in on the information he has gathered. I shall look forward to meeting all of the staff tomorrow, including the recently hired abigail and other new help.”
* * *
A shadowy figure slunk away from the study wall near the spy hole.
Oh, this will not do. It will not do at all to have an inspector here talking to people in the castle. But what to do, what to do? I must think. Above all, I must protect my goddess. None of this can come back on her.
I must get word to the heights. He must take extra care to protect himself, the men, and the Operation.
Chapter 31
Jonathan watched as Mr. Hammonds showed Inspector Ravensgard out of his study. When the two of them had gone far enough down the long hall, and the study door was closed, he turned to Mr. McAhmladhson and asked, “What do you think? Will he be able to find out anything?”
Mr. McAhmladhson shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine, Your Grace. I think we should not cease our efforts to determine what is going on just because he is here. But another set of eyes and ears that are unprejudiced by being part of our community cannot hurt.”
“I suppose not. I do not like to think of one of our own being responsible for the death of a young woman, and the near death of another. Yet if what the villagers is telling us is true, and there is no reason to doubt it, sexual depredations have been going on for a long while.”
“We do not know that it is one man responsible for them, Jonathan,” Mr. McAhmladhson said gently. “Spread out as they are over the years, it might be more than one person. Human nature being what it is, perhaps it is more surprising that there have not been more incidents. We have both young men and young women working here. Vigilant as we might be, it is impossible to constantly monitor all their actions.”
“I know, Ahmlad. Sometimes I wonder if we are even doing the right thing by trying to do so. Perhaps when we restrain those natural impulses and give them no opportunity for outlet, we are setting up the perfect environment for transgression.”
“What would you do, then, Jonathan? Employ married couples, with all the consequences that would evolve from having families under your roof? Can you imagine small armies of children roving the halls, getting underfoot, and demanding attention?”
“Maybe that would be a good thing. I wanted children, Ahmlad. As things stand now, I am unlikely to get them short of adopting an orphan or two.”
“I’m not at all sure that the Prince Regent would find that acceptable, Your Grace. There is the question of consanguinity and being of noble inheritance.”
“Perhaps I should find some noble orphans? The war has certainly made a few.”
“I think that would carry more complications, not fewer.”
“Well, Ahmlad, as things now stand, it is only an idle exercise in speculation. No doubt, I shall die without heirs and the estate will go back to the crown.”
“That is a dismal prospect for the villagers, Your Grace.”
“Of that I am aware. I am not sure if they fully understand the possible consequences.”
“I think young Mr. Cory does.”
“It would be unlikely that he does not, considering that he is currently reading law. But even if he understands, convincing others of what he knows could be quite a challenge.”
“Reason is a rare commodity,” Jonathan agreed. “Well, that is another problem. Something to be solved another day. I am in good health and hardly likely to leave this mortal plane any time soon.”
“Of that I am glad, Your Grace. You are an able guide to this land, and it is well on its way to recouping losses seen when your father, the late Duke, held the reins.”
“As much as I loved my father, I could hardly have done worse. Even though my efforts have frequently infuriated my wife.”
“Do you think that is what caused your estrangement?”
Jonathan gave a snort. “Hardly. The ink was scarcely dry on the wedding documents. The guests had just gone home when she locked herself in her private chambers and refused to let me in. The arguments about spending and social engagements didn’t start until, oh, at least a week later.”
“It has always amazed me that you have stuck it out.”
“I liked the old Duke of Mabway. He feared that Margery’s understanding was moderate, and he wanted to provide for her security. My father was his friend, and he saw an opportunity to increase our holdings. I made the old Duke a promise to look after his daughter. I’ve done my best, but it is true she has made it very difficult.”
