Chapter Fourteen
Taking a calming breath, Julia tugged aside the lace curtain and glanced out of her window, seeing her brother’s carriage pull away.
Yes, she could now send a note to Lord Wiltsham to inform him that her brother was gone from the house as he had requested, but what difference would that make to their present situation? During the ball yesterday, Lord Wiltsham had informed her about everything which was required so that they could find out, one way or the other, whether her brother was involved with this dreadful scheme. He had told her about ‘Baron March’ and had suggested that there might be a document of some sort in her brother’s study which could link him to that particular name. His thought had been that, if her brother left the house, she could send him a note, which would then state that there was an opportunity for him to make his way to the house and search through Lord Kingston’s study, although certainly not written in so direct a manner as that, lest anyone unintended discover it!
But why couldshenot do so? After all, it would save them a good deal of time and also, if her brother were to return unexpectedly, she could quickly make her way from the study without him ever being aware of her presence there. If Lord Wiltsham was present, then would not it be that he might become suspicious?
She had to hope that the staff would not inform her brother that she had been in his study if she was seen. Many of them were helpful and polite to her, but that did not mean that they gave her their loyalty. On the whole, however, she had found the servants kind and prayed now that such a kindness would continue, should she be spotted. All the same, she found herself rather afraid as she hurried along the hallway towards the study. What would she find there? If she discovered something which linked her brother to Lord Wiltsham’s lost fortune, then what exactly were they to do next? Show him the evidence and demand that he return the funds? He could simply refuse.
Lord Wiltsham will know what to do.
There were no footmen or maids nearby as she reached her brother’s study door. Turning the handle, she stepped inside carefully, wincing at the creak which came from the old door. Closing it behind her, she pressed her back against it, looking around as her heart drummed furiously. Her eyes widened as she took in all the drawers and bookshelves which covered the walls of the room, pushing her into the center of it. What exactly was she meant to do? Where was she meant to begin?
Anything he had as regarded that dreadful scheme, surely he would wish to hide it.
Stepping away from the door. Julia took in a deep breath. Her hands were shaking as she lifted the first few papers from her brother’s desk.
I have no need to be afraid. He is not even home.
There was nothing immediately to hand which would link him to Lord Wiltsham and the situation he now found himself in. Looking about her, Julia struggled to know where to look next. With very little idea as to how much time had passed, she searched through various papers, but nothing came up that had any inscription of the Baron’s name upon it.
Letting out a hiss of breath, Julia ran one hand over her forehead. This was useless.
A sudden knock at the door had her yelping in surprise as she jumped back, her hand going to her heart as she fought not to make a single sound. The door slowly opened without warning, and she staggered back suddenly, desperately afraid that her brother had returned - although why he would knock made very little sense.
“My Lady.”
Much to Julia’s surprise, the butler stepped inside. A jolt of fear had her staggering forward.
“I know I ought not to be in here. Pray, do not tell my brother. It is only that –”
“My Lady. I do not wish to concern you, but your brother will return soon. He stated that he would not be gone for long.”
Julia closed her eyes, hot tears burning against her lashes. The butler was doing what he could to protect her and, despite her failure, she was grateful for that.
“I see.”
“Might I ask what it is that you are searching for?”
Julia shook her head.
“I… It does not matter. I do not think that I have any hope of finding it.”
The butler nodded but did not move.
“My Lady, most of the staff here have always been concerned for you – although I would warn you to be cautious around some of the newly hired maids and footmen.” Spreading his hands, he spoke with great frankness. “The master has slowly been replacing each of the servants in this house and I am certain that he will, one day soon, wish to remove me also. If such a thing occurs, might I beg of your assistance in finding new employment?”
A single tear dropped to Julia’s cheek.
“Yes, of course. You know that I am to wed, I am sure. But my husband to be and I would be more than willing to do whatever we could for you - and for any other staff that my brother might replace. I have not been unaware of your consideration for me.”
The man nodded, his grey hair carefully swept back and lines forming at the sides of his eyes as he narrowed them a little.
“Forgive me for speaking frankly, my Lady. I am grateful to you.” Turning back towards her, he gestured towards the wall opposite the door. “I do know, my Lady, that your brother has a hiding place behind that particular painting. It might be wise for you to look there.” Julia stared at him, astounded at the butler’s offer. “Forgive me if I am doing wrong.”
“No, no!”
Exclaiming, she hurried forward, just as he made his way towards the painting in question. Julia found her hands pressed together against her lips as he pulled it back to reveal a small alcove behind it. She had not known it was there.
