She stopped suddenly, pulling his arm backwards.
“Wait a moment.” She looked up him, her eyes wide. “Think on what we are to do thereafter…”
Little understanding of what it was that he had either said or done to bring about such a reaction, Benjamin looked at her for a long moment, waiting for her to explain, but she did not. Instead, whirling around, she left him standing in the hallway, making her way above stairs, and almost dragging the astonished butler after her. Benjamin did not call for her to return, trusting that she would do so when she was ready. Pulling his signet ring from his pocket, he slipped it once more onto the smallest finger of his right hand and turned his hand this way and that so that he might look at it - not so that he might admire it, however. This has been passed on through generations for decades and the relief that now filled him at having it back on his finger again was substantial. He pushed his head back, his shoulders shifting so that he might breathe a little more easily.
At least I know now who has stolen my fortune, even if I am unable to have it returned to me.
That brought him a little comfort, Benjamin had to admit, albeit with the awareness that he would not be able to provide any sort of satisfaction for Miss Carshaw. She would face a life of difficulty as wife to a gentleman who had no fortune, thanks to the selfishness of her brother. All the same, he was glad that the truth had been revealed to him. He would not have to spend his days wondering what was to be done, any longer.
Miss Carshaw appeared soon afterward with a small bag in her hand. She did not say a word, but took his hand and hurried outside, drawing him after her, making her way immediately towards the carriage as though she had not a moment to lose. Benjamin went quickly with her, rather glad to be leaving her brother’s house. Those who had warned him about the man had been quite correct to do so. There was something about Lord Kingston which was deeply unpleasant.
The carriage pulled away, and Benjamin leaned his head back, finding Miss Carshaw’s hand in the darkness and grasping it tightly.
“I am sorry, Julia.”
Her fingers laced through his.
“You need not apologize. None of what occurred was your fault. It has been my brother’s behavior entirely. You are not to place any blame upon your shoulders.”
There was a lightness to her voice that he had not expected to hear.
“Julia, I –”
“Besides which,” she continued as though she had not heard him. “I believe that my brother may soon change his mind. In fact, I expect him to call upon you very soon.”
He did not ask what was to occur, seeing a slight glint in her eye and praying silently that she knew what she was doing. After all, she was the one who would know her brother best.
“Whatever you have set in motion, I beg of you to be careful.” There was a darkness to Lord Kingston, but perhaps none of them had expected to see the full depths of it. Considering it, Benjamin’s concern mounted for her all the more. “Do not test your brother. Your safety must be the only consideration in all of this.”
To his surprise, Miss Carshaw chuckled, her hand grasping his.
“I know my brother, Lord Wiltsham. There is something that he will not be able to ignore; something that he will do anything to regain. Trust me. I have found a way to regain your fortune. I am more than sure of it.”
* * *
It wasthe following afternoon that a knock came at Benjamin’s door. Lord Foster, Lord Stoneleigh, and himself were present, as well as Miss Lawrence and Miss Carshaw, who had come to join them for the afternoon. There had been much talk of everything which had taken place, but for whatever reason, Miss Carshaw appeared almost buoyant, quite certain that all would be well. She had not explained anything to Benjamin, but he was slowly beginning to trust that whatever plan she had in place would be a success. His heart claimed a good deal more confidence in her than he had expected, and her bright smile and dancing eyes brought him great relief. She was not overly perturbed by all that her brother had done, it seemed, and whatever it was she intended, it appeared that she had every expectation that it would go in their favor.
“My Lord, you have a visitor,” his butler intoned as he came into the room. “Viscount Kingston.”
He handed him the card and Benjamin flipped it over, pretending to be interested in the arrival of the fellow whilst his heart immediately quickened its pace.
“Did he say what he wanted?” he asked as the butler shook his head. “Then pray send him in.”
Immediately, Benjamin’s gaze went to Miss Carshaw but, rather than fear, there was a gentle smile on her lips. She appeared filled with a confidence that seemed to spread through the room and into Benjamin’s own heart.
“Where is it?” Lord Kingston practically threw himself into the room, his gaze narrowed as he turned to glare at Benjamin. “Did my sister inform you of its value? How dare you take something that belongs to me?”
The irony of that particular statement made Benjamin roll his eyes, whilst Lord Foster rose from his chair.
“I do not think we have been introduced,” he said easily. “You must be the lying, scheming, dishonorable, despicable gentleman who has stolen Lord Wiltsham’s fortune.”
“I do not have time for pleasantries,” the man spat, barely flicking a gaze towards him. “Where is it, Wiltsham? Return it to me this instant.”
“I do not know what you speak of,” Benjamin replied honestly. “What is it that I must return to you?”
Was this why Miss Carshaw had said nothing? She wanted him to be able to speak honestly in front of her brother.
“The practicallypricelessdiamond necklace, which is my family’s heirloom,” Lord Kingston replied, jabbing one finger in Benjamin’s direction. “You were in my house last evening so you must have taken it.”
