“I understand,” Alicia said. “You’re only doing your job.”
Dalton leaned back and stretched his long legs. “What about Elizabeth? Her family’s estate borders Havencrest. Surely she is on your list of suspects?”
“At the time, Lady Elizabeth was on her honeymoon in Vienna.” At Dalton’s surprise, the inspector’s eyes widened. “Surely you knew she recently married Lord Rothbury?”
Dalton glanced at Alicia. “No, I’ve not bothered to read the society pages of late.”
The memory of Elizabeth taking a whip to Bashshar flashed in Alicia’s mind. Thank goodness Elizabeth was out of the country. Alicia knew it would be a long time before Elizabeth’s fury against them would die down, if it ever could.
“I’ve ruled out members of their family, too,” the older man said. “Lady Elizabeth’s parents have been on the continent for most of the year, and her brother has not left the university in Cambridge.”
Dalton shook his head. “Frankly, Inspector, I don’t think we have any strong leads. Maybe we should hire more men.”
“We have every available man on the case, your grace. Although it’s unpleasant to think the shooter might be one of your servants, all clues point that way.”
“You mean because it would be difficult for a stranger to do the act and not be seen?” Alicia asked.
He nodded. “Consider the most recent shooting. That morning, all the servants knew you were having a picnic. Whoever shot at you had little time to prepare, yet he was in position, ready to strike with little more than a few hours of notice.”
“Put some of your men within my staff,” Dalton suggested.
The inspector smiled. “That’s what I was about to suggest.”
Dalton shrugged. “See my steward. He takes care of all that.
Leary nodded. “I’d also like to stake several of my men in the gamekeepers’ cottages throughout the estate.”
“Do whatever is necessary,” Dalton said, obviously perturbed. “Have you found out any more about Templestone? My mother is planning to marry him.”
Leary raised a brow. “Really? I wonder if that might account for the large transfers of funds from your mother’s bank account to Templestone’s.”
Dalton uncrossed his legs and leaned closer. “How large?”
The inspector shuffled in his leather folder and pulled out another draft. “Here are the figures, your grace.”
Dalton glanced at the sheet and whistled. “Good God, she’s given the man a fortune!”
“Then you have no idea if it was a loan?”
“No, and I’m damned curious. My mother has never been of a generous nature. If Templestone needed a loan, she would probably tell him to seek out a money lender.”
The inspector leveled his gaze at Dalton. “Please forgive me, your grace, but is it possible your mother was paying him back on a previously held note?”
He huffed. “Hardly. My mother receives a generous allowance from me. She’d have no reason to borrow funds.”
Leary nodded silently. “Then that leaves one of two options. Do you think Templestone sold her something—a painting, a work of art—or acted as a broker for such a purchase?”
“My mother isn’t the extravagant type—her art purchases are as an investment, not as a connoisseur.”
Alicia watched as the inspector paused, as though choosing his words very carefully. “That leaves one other possibility.”
Dalton looked skeptical. “And that is…?”
Leary straightened in his chair. “Blackmail.”
“Blackmail?” Dalton almost shouted the word. “Don’t be ridiculous, Leary!”
“I’ve offered the four obvious reasons for the large drafts that your mother deposited to Templestone’s account, your grace.”
He rose from the chair, gathering his papers and returning the documents to his portfolio. “I shall return within a fortnight with my next report. Perhaps by then you and your ladyship will have thought of something.”
A soft rap sounded at the door, then the butler entered. “Your sister, Lady Olivia, has arrived, your grace.”
Alicia rose. “I’ll see her in the drawing room, James.” She glanced at Dalton, who was still seated, a serious look on his face. “That is, if my presence here is no longer needed.”
“Of course, my dear,” Dalton said, his mind obviously distracted. “I’ll be along shortly.”
After Alicia had left the room, Dalton turned to Inspector Leary. “I’ll look forward to your next report, but in the meantime, I want you to find someone close to Templestone—a servant, a mistress, anyone—who might know him intimately, and who can be persuaded to spill a few secrets.”
“Persuaded, your grace?”
“Persuaded. Bribed. Whatever you want to call it. But I want to know exactly what he’s about. Money is no object.”
Leary nodded. “Of course, your grace.”
After the inspector left, Dalton strode to the sideboard and poured himself a shot of whiskey, then drained the glass.
Something Alicia had said earlier echoed in his brain.
I know this sounds strange, Dalton, but I sense that beneath your mother’s pride, she’s burdened by something so painful, so hurtful, that it has almost destroyed her
.
He laid the empty glass down on the sideboard. Could that remarkably intuitive woman whom he married be right? Could his mother carry a secret from her past, and was Templestone blackmailing her?
By the time Alicia arrived at the front hall, Olivia was waiting for her with outstretched arms. Beside her stood the nanny holding the sleeping baby, Drake. Marie and several other maids were chattering as they removed their wraps.
Olivia, dressed in a royal-purple traveling gown and matching mantle trimmed with silver-grey fox, looked lovely. “Alicia, my dear. I see marriage agrees with you. You’re looking especially well.”
Alicia smiled, overjoyed to see her. “I’m so glad you could come. My, how little Drake has grown.”
“Robert will be joining us in a while. He wanted to speak to the head gardener in the greenhouse.” She laughed. “My husband is wildly interested in growing pineapples.” She rolled her eyes. “Besides, we have exciting news to share with you.”
Alicia guessed that Olivia’s news was Robert’s good fortune in the commodities market. “Dalton will be along. Let’s wait for him in the drawing room.”
Olivia instructed the nanny to put the baby to bed in the nursery while Alicia ordered tea. A few minutes later, Alicia was settled with Olivia when Dalton entered the room.
He greeted his sister. “Where’s Robert? I was hoping he would join us.”
Olivia glanced up at him. “He’ll be here soon, Brother. We’ve just come from London where he’s concluded an exciting venture, which he’ll tell you all about.” She leaned back and studied her brother.
“My, Dalton. I’ve never seen you look more dashing. Apparently married life agrees with you.”
He bowed elegantly to his wife. “I owe all my dash to my lovely bride,” he said with a chuckle.
Alicia blushed. “Have you heard from your mother? We’ve just received her news.”
“What news?” She looked up at her brother.
Dalton sobered by the mention of his mother. “We received word that she and Templestone are getting married.”
Olivia gasped. “Married?” She glanced from Dalton to Alicia. “There must be some mistake. Mother would never marry that scoundrel.”
Dalton sat on the arm of Alicia’s chair. “I’m afraid there’s no mistake, Sister.”
“But last week in London, I saw something that would tell otherwise. I had just entered a small shop on Bond Street when I overheard an argument. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Mother and Templestone quarreling. In public, mind you!” Olivia touched the brooch at her throat. “At first they didn’t see me. I heard Templestone call out, ‘We’ll see about that!’, and storm out of the shop. Poor Mother’s face turned crimson. She just stood there, staring at the door. I was afraid to move from behind the potted palm, hoping she might leave without seeing me.” Olivia’s eyes brightened. “But before she left, she glanced around, and our eyes met….” Olivia’s gaze fell to her lap. “She looked at me with horror. Our mother, so regal, so proud.” She shook her head. “I tried to think of something,
but before I could get a word out, she fled, almost running from the shop.”
Dalton made a face. “Obviously a lovers’ quarrel of little consequence.”
Alicia looked up. Although Dalton appeared unimpressed, she didn’t believe he took the matter so lightly. He stood and brushed a kiss on Alicia’s cheek. “Excuse me, my dear. I remembered something about which I need to speak to Mr. Leary before he leaves.” He smiled at his sister, then left the room.
Olivia’s eyebrows slanted in a frown. “I’ve never understood my brother where Mother is concerned,” she whispered. “He can be quite unfeeling.”
Alicia sensed that Dalton cared deeply about his mother, whether he knew it or not. She didn’t believe his act of indifference for a moment. Although she wanted to defend Dalton to Olivia, she decided against it. It wasn’t her place. Besides, Olivia didn’t know that the dowager’s great love was not her husband but his brother, George. Without knowing the truth, Olivia could really never know the complicated woman who was her mother.
“Why do you think your mother is marrying Lord Templestone?” Alicia asked.
“I have no idea! What possible reason could she have?” She sniffed. “Templestone is the one who will profit.” A frown creased Olivia’s forehead. “Tales of his debauchery provide endless hours of titillating gossip for the ton. I can’t imagine what Mother is thinking.” Her voice was tight with concern.
She paused when the maid entered the room, carrying a tea salver.
The servant placed the tea on the table in front of them. After she left and closed the door, Olivia continued.
“Mother is too proud, too proper, to be associated with the likes of
him.”
She took the tea cup Alicia had poured for her, the delicate cup clattering against the saucer.
Sipping her tea, Alicia watched her sister-in-law. “Will you speak to your mother about your concerns?”
Olivia cradled her fingers around the cup. “No. Mother never listens to anyone once her mind is made up.”
“But if you spoke to her, perhaps she could allay your fears—”
“My dear, my mother has no wish to allay anyone’s fears. She will simply refuse to speak of it.” Olivia gazed at her and smiled. “I’m afraid, my dear Alicia, that your mother-in-law can be most trying at times.”
“I’ve invited her to visit us for Dalton’s birthday celebration.” She smiled at Olivia’s gasp of surprise.
“We received your invitation, and I’ve already responded with a written acceptance. What a lovely idea, Alicia. I can’t remember Dalton ever receiving a birthday celebration, now that I think of it.” She tilted her head to one side. “Anyway, Robert and I will be here.”
Olivia took another sip from her cup. “I think
it’s most gracious of you to invite Mother after all she’s done to you. You’re the most forgiving person I’ve ever met, Alicia. But don’t be disappointed if Mother refuses to acknowledge the invitation.”
“That’s exactly what Dalton said.” Alicia smiled when Olivia gave her an I-told-you-so expression.
Alicia rose and pulled the bell cord along the wall. “I want you to meet Rufus,” she said lightly, hoping to distract Olivia’s sober mood. Within minutes, a maid entered the room.
“Mary, please ask Ives to bring Rufus.”
“Yes, your grace.” The maid turned and left.
Olivia lifted a delicate brow. “Rufus?”
Alicia grinned. “Wait until you see him.”
“Knowing you and Dalton, Rufus must be an animal.”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Just then, a knock sounded on the door, and Ives entered with Rufus. The wolfhound bounded across the room and leaped over the side table, clattering the tea service. His final leap ended beside Olivia on the sofa.
Olivia clapped her hands. “Good heavens, a horse!” She giggled, petting the silver-gray head.
“He’s an anniversary present from Dalton.”
“How romantic!” Olivia’s fingers curled around the gold chain. “You’re a handsome fellow, Rufus. I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Rufus slurped his long tongue across her face. Olivia laughed. “Oh, Alicia. I can’t wait until you and Dalton have children. You both have so much love to give, and you’ll spoil them dreadfully.”
Alicia felt a flush warm her cheeks. “Rufus, get down this instant.” The dog slunk to the floor and curled up at her feet.
Olivia put her cup and saucer aside and eyed the tea cakes. “How I miss cook’s delicious lemon scones,” she said, helping herself to a fat, golden morsel. “So tell me,” she said, nibbling at the flaky corner, “are you still training Bashshar?”
“Yes, in fact, I have an assistant. Ulger’s son, Penn, is helping me. Bashshar accepts the lad, and Penn has the makings of a fine horseman.”
Olivia’s blue eyes twinkled. “I’ll wager Dalton is pleased. Now you’ll have more time for him.”
Alicia blushed. “Dalton is quite busy working with Jupiter. He’s entered the stallion in the Newmarket Classic. Two months won’t give Dalton long to prepare.”
“Working with Jupiter will divert Dalton’s disappointment about Bashshar,” Olivia said softly. “He was so discouraged when Bashshar was injured. My brother had his heart set on capturing the Winner’s Cup.”
Alicia hesitated. “I think Bashshar is ready to race, and I’ve been wondering…” She was filled with half excitement, half dread. “Do you think Robert might help me enter Bashshar in the Classic as a surprise for Dalton?”
Olivia’s eyes rounded with surprise. “Oh, what fun! But do you really think Bashshar can race again?”
“Yes, in fact, I think the experience would do him good.”
“What splendid news! But why surprise Dalton? I would think my brother would be thrilled at the idea. He’s always wanted Bashshar to race at Newcastle.”
“Yes, but…” She wasn’t certain if Olivia would accept her plan. Alicia paused, weighing her options. Olivia watched her, her blue eyes bright with expectation. Yes, she would trust Olivia and Robert. If she were to put her idea in motion, she’d need several allies to help.
“You see, Olivia, I’m not certain Bashshar could win if just anyone rode him. I—I thought…” Alicia hoped Olivia wouldn’t think the idea utterly foolish, but she pressed on. “I was thinking of riding Bashshar myself.”