“I dinnae ken anything specifically, but I do ken yer faither, and he would nae do such a thing. He loved ye and would nae leave ye o’ his own accord.”
“Nay, he would not, but the constable would not listen to me on the matter. In fact, he accused me of having a fit of hysterics and offered to call a physician.”
The Earl’s brows rose in disapproval. “That is most unfortunate. I had hoped that a daughter’s entreaties would have received a more empathetic ear.”
“I am afraid not, but it gives me hope that I might have an ally within the nobility.” Cleo gave the Earl a questioning look.
“Aye, that ye have, and it is the reason that I am here. I would like tae aid ye in proving that yer faither did nae kill himself, but that he was a victim o’ murder.”
“How?”
“I dinnae ken as o’ the moment, but I believe that the best place tae start would be the office where he was killed.”
“I agree, but I was not very well received the last time that I attempted to visit.” Cleo wasn’t accustomed to hearing the bitter edge of her voice, and she didn’t like it. And she was ashamed for sounding inhospitable to a guest offering help. “My apologies for my tone.”
“Nae at all. I completely understand. I tae would feel verra much the same way as ye do now were I in yer place. Perhaps I might go in yer stead. A constable would be hard-pressed tae refuse an Earl admittance.”
“You would be willing to do such a thing?”
“Aye, I would. Henry was my friend and I will nae rest until I have seen his killer discovered. I dinnae wish tae bring ye trouble, Miss Wallace, but I would verra much like tae be o’ service tae yer family.”
“Thank you, My Lord. I would be most grateful for your aid.”
The Earl nodded. “Is there anything that ye can tell me about yer faither that I might nae ken? Anything about his work or associates perhaps?”
“My father has always been a studious man, quiet and kind. I cannot think of anyone who I would be able to say disliked him, and most certainly not anyone who would wish to kill him. I am completely and utterly at a loss in the matter.”
The Earl nodded his head again. “There is always competition in any field, and academia is nae exception, but I cannae think o’ anything related to his teaching that would make someone wish tae kill him.”
“Nor can I.” A tear slipped unbidden down Cleo’s cheek.
“I am sorry, lass. I dinnae mean tae cause ye further pain.” The Earl took a handkerchief from his pocket and stood to hand it to her.
“Nay, you did not cause me further pain, far from it. Your offer of aid brings me immeasurable comfort
“It pleases me that I have, lass.”
Cleo studied his face to assess his sincerity and saw the ghost of tears in his eyes. “Thank you. I trust that I will see you at the funeral service tomorrow morning?”
“Aye, I will be there.” The Earl stood once more. “Until then I will bid ye farewell.”
Cleo arose and walked with him to the door. “Thank you for coming.”
“I only wish that we had met under different circumstances.” The Earl took Cleo’s hand in his, squeezed it in reassurance, then left the house.
Mrs. McGrath exited the kitchen and came to stand behind her as she watched the nobleman walk away. “A nice lad, a handsome lad…”
“I take it you were listening in on our conversation.”
“Aye, and it is glad I am tae have a fellow Scot tae aid us in our time o’ need.”
“Assuming that he is not responsible for my father’s murder himself.”
“Ye think that he could be?”
“I do not know, but I find it interesting that he was the first person to call claiming to be my father’s friend and yet Father never once mentioned him, nor invited him over to the house.”
“So ye dinnae trust him.”
