Page 46 of Miss Morton and the Missing Heir (A Miss Morton Mystery #4)

Three months later

M r. Lewis smiled at Mrs. Frogerton. “How are you today, ma’am?’

“I’m perfectly fine.” Mrs. Frogerton frowned. “In truth, I’m becoming tired of being treated like an invalid.”

They were seated in the drawing room, and Mrs. Frogerton, normally the most amiable of hosts, was in something of a bad mood. “Between Simon and Dotty hovering over me, along with Caroline and Dr. Harris, I’m heartily fed up of being told what I can’t do and not what I can.”

Mr. Lewis shot Caroline an amused look. “I’m not surprised your employer is a difficult patient, Lady Caroline. She is not used to being constrained.”

“So I have gathered,” Caroline replied.

Despite receiving the best care available, Mrs. Frogerton had suffered a severe infection and spent several days in a high fever that had worried everyone and obliged Caroline to write to both her children and advise them to come see their mother.

Ever since the fever broke, Mrs. Frogerton had been fractious and quite unlike herself.

Her mood finally improved when Dr. Harris suggested she be allowed to attend to her accounting books.

Dealing with her businesses and corresponding with her son had enhanced Mrs. Frogerton’s mood, but Caroline was still worried that her employer hadn’t regained complete use of her left shoulder.

Privately, Dr. Harris had warned Caroline that Mrs. Frogerton might never regain full motion in that joint and that only time would tell.

“Inspector Ross, ma’am,” Jenkins announced.

The Inspector entered the room, and Mrs. Frogerton extended her hand to him.

He bowed low and kissed it. “Good morning, Mrs. Frogerton. It’s good to see you up and about again.” He straightened and smiled at Caroline and Mr. Lewis. “My lady. Mr. Lewis.”

“Inspector Ross,” said Mr. Lewis. “Or should that be Lord Nicholas now? Or the Earl of Craigmore—is that the heir’s title?”

“Inspector Ross will do nicely, sir. I must admit I’m still not comfortable with the rest of it.”

“Your name is Nicholas?” Mrs. Frogerton asked.

“Yes, ma’am, although those who know me well usually call me Nick.” He smiled. “Which some might say is a most appropriate name for an officer of the law.”

“I assume you’ll have to resign,” Mr. Lewis continued. “Which will be a great shame.”

“That matter is still being discussed, sir,” Inspector Ross said. “Until a decision is reached, I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Mrs. Frogerton waved him to a seat. “Do you have news for us?”

“Yes.” His expression sobered. “Mrs. Scutton was found guilty of murdering Mary and was sentenced to death by hanging.”

“And may God have mercy on her soul,” Mrs. Frogerton murmured. “Although that woman had no mercy for me or her daughter, so I struggle to have any sympathy for her.”

“Your evidence helped convict her, as did the Brighams’.”

“Was Mr. Scutton in court to hear the verdict?”

“He was, ma’am. I spoke to him briefly, and he said he intends to enter Holy Orders.”

“For which denomination?” Mrs. Frogerton asked.

“The Church of England. He has no love for the papists.”

“One would assume he does not,” Mrs. Frogerton said. “And what of the Brighams?”

“They are returning to Ireland and will remain there,” Inspector Ross said.

“I am glad that everything is over,” Mrs. Frogerton said. “I feel that it will be easier to move on now.” She looked at Caroline. “What is it, lass?”

“There is one thing I was curious about, Inspector,” Caroline said. “How did Mary end up with jewelry that belonged to my mother?”

“Ah.” Inspector Ross grimaced. “I was hoping you wouldn’t ask me that.”

“Why?”

His expression softened. “Because you have had enough to bear from the Morton and the Scutton families.”

“I’d rather know.”

“According to Mrs. Scutton, Mary must have stolen the jewelry from her and given it to Mr. Brigham to pawn or sell to pay for their removal to Ireland.”

Caroline nodded. “Which means that Mrs. Scutton probably got them from my father for services rendered.”

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“I’m not surprised,” Caroline said. “He did far worse things to our family.”

Silence fell in the room, which was broken only when Mr. Lewis cleared his throat. “I, too, came with news today, my lady.”

Caroline shook off her memories and turned to Mr. Lewis.

“The DeBeers have made an offer for your land and the mines.” He smiled at her.

“And it is an excellent one. I’ll try to negotiate it up a little, but I can tell you now that you and Susan will be financially secure for the rest of your life.

” He handed Caroline a letter. “The financial details are in here. Please let me know what you think.”

“That is excellent news.” Mrs. Frogerton’s smile held all her old warmth.

Mr. Lewis and Inspector Ross said their goodbyes and exited the drawing room, leaving Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton alone together.

“Well, lass, if Mr. Lewis is right, you won’t be needing this job anymore. You’ll be an heiress in your own right.”

Caroline smiled at Mrs. Frogerton. “I shall echo Inspector Ross’s comments and say that until I see money in the bank, I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability.”

“That’s the spirit, lass.” Mrs. Frogerton visibly brightened. “Samuel’s been nagging me to go and convalesce away from London. Would you care to accompany me to Brighton or Bath?”

Caroline smiled. “I think I would enjoy that immensely, ma’am.”