Page 49 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta

“What about him?”

“Do you know why he was dismissed from the General’s employ?”

“No.”

“Did you get a reference?”

“You sound like your father, Ewan,” Averson said with annoyance. “I pay no mind to such things. I’m sure my butler got a reference.”

“I’m sure he didn’t get a good one. At least, not from the General.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean he was dismissed from the Oliver household for speaking disrespectfully to Henrietta. He was quite out of line and the General threw him out posthaste.”

“You have it on good authority?”

“An eye witness. The victim herself.”

“I see. This is most troubling.”

“There is more, Averson. We were walking the cliff promenade shortly after our arrival in Scarborough and we happened upon him. I, of course, knew not who he was, but Henrietta did, and he most certainly acknowledged their acquaintance.”

“Damn,” Averson sighed.

“Indeed. His demeanor was most threatening, and I worry that he bears her ill will for his dismissal.”

Truth be told, Ewan worried about much more than that. He feared this was a direct attempt on her life by that man and that it would not be the last.

“You don’t think he was on the roof of the Tanner Street Theater last night, do you?”

“I think we shouldn’t rule anyone out. Can you vouchsafe his whereabouts?”

“Of course not,” Averson balked. “I was with you for the entirety of the evening.”

“Where should he have been?”

“Who knows? I’d given most of the staff the night off.”

“So ‘tis anyone’s guess what he was up to last night.”

“I suppose so.” Averson gulped down his coffee before he stood to take his leave. “Do you think I should dismiss him?”

Ewan considered the offer. “It may be for the best.”

“Very well. I will see ‘tis done today. Thank you for breakfast.”

Averson took a few steps away from the table and then turned back to ask, “You don’t suppose it was my life that stone was meant to snuff out, do you?”

“How would I know, Averson? I’ve been in my hermitage, as you call it, for the last year. You’re the one who brags that you are well so informed about everyone else’s business. Or do I remember that wrong?”

His friend waved his mocking comments away good naturedly.

“But in seriousness, I will ask, have you acquired any new enemies of late?”

“I’ve no reason to think anyone –”

“Old scores?” Ewan suggested.