The only thing Kenneth struggled with during this period of relative ease and reflection was the continued presence of his cousin, Lawrence, who steadfastly refused to leave. He had not made any further attempts on Ruth’s health other than an occasional ugly comment, often disguised as a backhanded compliment. His presence was enough to cause anyone distress. It seemed one thing or another continuously came up to stop him from returning home.
His leg ached too much, his coachman took ill – some calamity or other delayed his departure as if by design. And his father was reluctant to simply send him away, not wanting to upset the familial relations. Thus, his presence was tolerated as best as they could. At least he’d taken to dining either by himself or in the city, the acrimony at dinner whenever he was present was wearing even on him, it seemed.
“There is Lady Caster.” Ruth smiled and waved at the short, rotund lady who was wearing an olive-green riding habit with long, brown leather gloves. Her attire, like her personality, was robust and practical unlike Kenneth’s mother’s, who was decidedly the opposite in all aspects.
“Where is His Grace?” Ruth’s father asked after surveying the assembled party. Kenneth scratched his chin, eyes narrowed. His father was not there. While Ruth made her way to Lady Caster’s side, she greeted the woman warmly as though they’d known each other for a great many years.
“We assumed he was to come with you,” Jack said with a shrug. Kenneth sighed. Ever since his mother’s departure, his father had found himself enjoying his time a little too much. While he still maintained his rigorous schedule – nothing would allow a diversion from it – he made a habit of using the afternoons for naps, a habit the Duchess frowned upon.
“I shall fetch him, I am sure he simply fell asleep in the library once again,” Kenneth sighed. He smiled at Ruth who in turn waved, flashing him a bright smile as well. “Why don’t you ride ahead? We will catch up with you.”
“Are you quite sure,” Jack asked with a frown.
“It is no trouble at all to wait,” Lord Caster agreed. “His Grace and I can make good use of the time discussing the latest tittle-tattle about our fellow peers. That ought to pass time in a rapid fashion,” he laughed heartily.
“I am sure, Lord Caster. Besides, Artemis and Cassius both love to gallop, thus it will be a good exercise for the horses. In fact, I shall ride back to the manor.”
He retrieved his horse, the first to have been readied, and mounted up, galloping back to the manor.
“Father!” he called out, handing the reigns to a footman. “Rimbault, my father is in the library, I assume?”
The butler shook his head. “His study. Molly Cavanaugh has called on him with her son but a few minutes ago.”
Kenneth stopped, a frown appearing on his forehead at this information. Why would the maid call on his father? His mother was the one who handled all household affairs, and with her gone, this duty fell to the housekeeper, not his father.
He quickly made his way to the study and entered after one knock. He found his father seated upon his chaise, the maid standing before him with a clasp in her lap. She looked up at Kenneth, her eyes hidden almost entirely by her large cap and the shock of curls that spilled out from underneath it.
“My lord,” she said and curtsied.
“Ah, Kenneth. I am glad you are here. We must delay our ride for a little while, I am afraid.”
“Delay? Why?” He looked from his father to the maid and back again, not understanding the connection between one and the other.
“Molly has just approached me with some information, regarding the matter we tasked her with.”
I wished my father would cease to speak in riddles, for it is hurting my head to follow his meaning. Why in the world would the maid, tasked with nothing but cleaning the house cause a delay of the riding p–
His eyes grew wide with understanding. Molly was among the shortlist of trusted servants who were asked to keep an eye on Lawrence.
“What have you learned?” He demanded, stepping closer to her. The maid shrunk back and raised her hand. Kenneth realized he’d approached her with a little too much enthusiasm. He often forgot his stature could intimidate.
“Molly has just informed me that her son saw Lawrence in the stable late last night.”
“Doing what?”
“She was just telling me. Molly, please continue.”
The maid swallowed, her eyes wide as if she was unsure of what to say. There was something off about the woman, Kenneth just couldn’t be sure of why. She looked at him with a harassed expression in her eyes. They were wide and fearful, and yet full of something he could not describe as anything but sinister.
“Cedric was told by Her Grace to keep a lookout for her nephew, and being a good lad, he did just that. Saw him skulking around the stables, headed into the saddle room. He followed and saw him fiddling with one of the straps. He couldn’t say for sure, but he thought he saw a knife.”
“What was he doing exactly, Molly?” The Duke asked gently but with force.
“Cutting a strap, of course. That is what my Cedric said.”
“If this happened last night, why are you only now telling us this?”
The woman took another step back. “He only just told me now, hasn’t he? Couldn’t have told you earlier, could I? He wasn’t going to say anything at all because he is sure Lord Cragshade saw him. He was afraid, the lad was. Had to pry it out of him.”
