Her breath grew tight as she came closer, studying it carefully. There were only a few pieces of paper within it, as well as a few other things that she paid no heed to. Anything of value would be kept in other places in the house – places she knew well of since she had stolen and not yet returned such items from those places. Lifting one piece of paper from the other, she suddenly gasped aloud.
She had found it.
The study door opened once more and Julia let out a cry of fear, just as a footman came into the room.
“Forgive me for interrupting you, but the master has returned.”
“Go at once, my Lady.”
There was no time for her to wait nor to protest. Putting back the rest of the papers, but clinging to the only one of any importance, Julia fled from the room and left the butler to tidy the study. She could hear her brother’s voice floating up from below stairs as she made her way to her bedchamber, running past one maid and a footman, who both stepped back out of her way. Shutting the door tightly, she twirled the key in the lock and then closed her eyes, her heart beating so fiercely that it hurt.
I have found it.
She had not been able to fully take it in when she had been in the study, but now she finally realized that everything she had worried about as regarded her brother was, in fact, the truth. This contract showed it. It was the one signed by Lord Wiltsham, the one which had given his money to her brother, who was pretending to be Baron March. And the writing upon it was very clearly her brother’s hand – she would recognize it anywhere – as would many others. There was nothing her brother could say which would take away his guilt in this.
I have to get it to Lord Wiltsham.
“Julia?” Her brother hammered on the door and Julia let out a scream of fright, clutching the contract to her chest. “Julia, come out at once. There are guests.”
Julia took a breath and closed her eyes.
“You startled me, brother! I will be out momentarily.”
Her voice was shaking, but she kept as herself as contained as she could.
“I expect you in the drawing room within a few minutes, else I shall be back here to drag you down myself.”
Saying nothing, Julia quickly folded up the contract, looking around the room for somewhere she might hide it. Making her way to her chest of drawers, she opened the drawer, only to see the pouch with the other items she had taken from her brother so long ago, still hidden within it. She had not yet returned them, and that sent another wedge of fear straight into her heart.
I cannot hide the contract here.
Looking around the room, she hurried towards her bed, lifting the sheets at the far end, and putting the folded contract underneath. It was all she could do for the present, knowing that her brother would most likely have the housekeeper open her bedroom door if she did not hurry downstairs as quickly as she could.
I must send a note to Lord Wiltsham as soon as I can.Hurrying from the room, she licked her lips as a bead of sweat ran down her spine, her heart beating furiously.I know who has his fortune now. It is my own brother.
Chapter Fifteen
“Lord Wiltsham. I have been looking everywhere for you.”
Benjamin caught his breath as Miss Carshaw practically flung herself into his arms. Due to the crowd, he was able to wrap his arms around her waist for a moment and held her close, only to release her and capture both her hands in his.
“I confess I have been eager to see you also,” he replied, but Miss Carshaw immediately shook her head. It was only then that Benjamin caught the paleness of her cheeks and the way that her eyes were wide with evident worry.
“It is true.” Leaning closer, she kept her voice low. “It is all true. It is as you suspected. My brother is the one who has stolen your fortune.” It was as if cold water had been flung into his face, and he struggled to take air into his tight lungs. His eyes fastened on hers, and she looked at him with steadiness, nodding gently when he blinked. “It is all as I have said,” she promised him. “I know it to be true because I found a contract signed by your hand. The fortune was to be given to Baron March, was it not? That is the name that you told me, yes?”
Benjamin’s chest was so tight that it was painful to take a breath. He had never imagined what this moment would be like, but it had come upon him now with such shock, it took all of his energy to give her a simple nod.
“The butler was able to help me,” Miss Carshaw explained as her fingers squeezed his, perhaps hoping to initiate some response. “You cannot know of my surprise at his doing so. Indeed, I can barely find the words to explain my astonishment at his willingness, but I am entirely grateful for it. The contract was hidden in an alcove, behind a painting on the wall. The butler knew where such a thing was, whereas I did not. He has worked for my brother for a long time, but has always had a concern for me - for which I am grateful.”
“As am I,” Benjamin breathed, finally able to loosen his shoulders a little. “Where is this contract of his?”
It seems I will not have to attempt to mention the name of Baron March to Lord Kingston after all. I shall have the proof I require.
“It is safe back at my brother’s townhouse. I thought to take it this evening, but I dared not do so for fear that my brother would somehow know that I was carrying something of significance. He has thrice asked me this evening whether or not I am well. It is as if he is suspicious that something is wrong.”
Benjamin tilted his head.
“Mayhap you are a little pale and he noticed that only. Why else would he have such suspicions?” Benjamin murmured his thoughts aloud. “Unless he is concerned that I am a little too close to him, and will discover something about his behavior?”
