“It was truly intended to do harm?” Tiffany asked.
“I believe so,” the old constable replied. “More than that, I think that you were intended to be found in the room with his blood on your hands, as well as the knife. But when all you did was stand in the doorway and scream, it muddied the trail of evidence that the perpetrators were trying to establish. You say that Sophie told you that you were wanted in Lord Northbury’s office?”
“Yes. Michaels and Grace can attest to the truth of that, because Grace said that she would take care of the rest of the things that I was working on.”
“I see. Another thing that the villains did not count on. Well, no one ever said that criminals were smart. I suppose we should be grateful for that.”
“Or else the smart ones have simply never been caught,” Tiffany observed, threading her needle, and preparing to continue stitching on the interminable hem.
“A point,” the constable said. “Tell me, Miss Tiffany, how would you say Lord Northbury feels about his uncle?”
“He adores him, of course, and holds him in highest esteem. Yet,” she gave a little laugh, “When they are both in the house they do little but quarrel.”
“Families are, indeed, odd,” Constable Brooks agreed. “How do you think Lord Ronald felt about your being hired as cook?”
“He didn’t like it,” Tiffany said candidly. “In fact, he made several cutting remarks deliberately within my hearing about hiring criminals, sneak thieves, and pirates. That last, of course, was aimed at Michaels.”
“So, indeed.” The constable made some notes in his book. “I will tell you truly that I am favorably impressed with young Lord Northbury, but not quite so much with his uncle. Still, it is not criminal to simply be disagreeable, and I have nothing more than that against him.”
“Indeed, if one could be prosecuted for being disagreeable, the gallows trees would have more fruit than they could bear.” Tiffany snipped off the thread, put the needle and spool away, and shook out the skirt on which she had been working.
“True enough,” The constable nodded. “I have no doubt of that. Sadly, many an honorable man has been mortally disagreeable. Well, you have given me much to think on, Miss Tiffany.”
“I hope you can find the person who harmed Lord Northbury before he makes another attempt. I tremble to think of him hurt and alone.”
“I fancy he has more allies than you give him credit. Still, you are not incorrect. Do you know of any friends who might come to his aid?”
“There is a Mr. Quentin and a Mr. Kenault who visit frequently. I think they belong to the same club. They can be somewhat frivolous, but I believe they have his well-being at heart.”
“Are these fellows members of the peerage, perchance?”
“I think they are both younger sons. I know that neither of them seem to have a title, or at least not one that they have used when visiting.”
“I see.” Constable Brooks made a note in his little book, then closed it. “You have given me much food for thought, young lady. Now, tell me, what do you know about your original parents?”
“Almost nothing, Constable.” Tiffany quickly recounted the same story she had told Percival, ending with, “Baker Bentley was a kind father to me, even though his wife never acknowledged me as anyone more than an apprentice. Until I was twelve years old, I wanted for nothing.”
“I am glad that you had care and affection in your life,” Constable Brooks said. “There are many who could not say as much. I may drop a flea in the ears of both Mr. Kenault and Mr. Quentin. If they are good friends, now might be an appropriate time for them to show their support. Even if they are younger sons, it is likely that they might have relatives who could bring their views to bear upon the situation.”
“Thank you,” Tiffany said. “I am glad to know that someone is looking into the assault. Truly, I had not thought of enlisting Lord Northbury’s school friends. But it would be good for someone other than servants to be at hand to help him out.”
“Yes, you have the crux of the matter,” the old fellow agreed. “And I shall see to it at once. You may rest easy on that score. Meanwhile, you stay close, for I do not believe it would do for you to be seen out and about. Lord Ronald has caused quite a stir, and has placed blame upon you.”
“Can he have me hanged?” Tiffany asked in alarm.
“He might be able to influence a judge, but the law is a little more complex than that. Leave it to me, my dear young lady. I will do the best I can for you and for him.”
“Thank you,” Tiffany said.
“Think nothing of it. I shall be in touch.”
Emily showed him the way out. After a time, she crept back into the hidden room, where Tiffany was brooding over a guttering candle flame. “Do you believe him?” Emily asked.
“I don’t know,” Tiffany replied. “But I fear he may be our best hope. How I wish I had my freedom. I would investigate all of it, leaving no stone unturned, because I fear greatly for Lord Northbury’s safety.”
Chapter 38
Morning brought more quarrels and cross words at Northbury Manor. By lunch, Lord Northbury was nearly ready to close the manse and move into his club, he was so irritated.
