Page 39 of The Wise Daughter

“Carver!”

Aaron strode through the castle that morning like a man marching to battle.

He had searched for his steward the night before only to be told that Carver was attending to business with tenants in the village.

This morning, as thoughts of his conversation with Nora wore on his conscience, he determined to confront Carver more directly and thoroughly than he had in the past about the ledgers.

He still couldn’t imagine Carver, so loyal and dedicated, ever betraying him, but Nora was right. Things had not been right in Holmrook Castle for some time. Now was the time to take a more active hand in setting things to rights.

“Carver! Carver!” Aaron poked his head into every room and hall he passed.

“Your Grace, what’s the matter? Has something happened?” Chuff emerged from one of the corridors, slightly winded, his plain cravat ruffled.

“Ah, Chuff. I’m looking for Carver.”

“Yes, Your Grace. I believe the entire castle is aware by now that you are. I’m sorry to report that I’ve not seen him. I believe he is out again seeing to affairs at Raven Manor with Mr. Lacy. Is there anything I may help you with?”

Aaron took a deep breath and really looked at his butler.

Chuff carried himself stiffly with one brow lifted higher than the other as if he were always slightly amused.

Aaron thought Chuff took pride in his position at the castle, but was it possible Aaron was now seeing smugness in his butler?

Bitterness? Deceit? Aaron grew cold. He had never considered Chuff a suspect, but shouldn’t he follow Nora’s counsel and at least consider it if he was to find the culprits?

If he was to be ruthless in his search, he had to consider everyone.

Even Chuff. Even Carver. He had to force suspicion where it did not occur naturally to him.

“Perhaps you can help me, Chuff. I’ll be looking over the ledgers today, and I’d like you to send Carver to talk with me the moment he returns.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“And do you happen to know where my mother’s instruments are, the ones that used to be in the music room? Carver mentioned having them moved when the chimney was cleaned. I’d like to see them.” Aaron was beginning to suspect that they were missing and not merely put away for safekeeping.

Chuff looked off to the side as if the instruments might be sitting in the corner behind the curtains.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I don’t know where they are.

” He looked pained to say it. “I remember Carver speaking of how much they meant to you, so he took pains to oversee their care himself. I do know that musicians have been hired for the servants ball and will have their own instruments with them.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Aaron was happy to see the spark of glee in Chuff’s usual stiffness at the mention of the ball. “I’ll also ask Carver about my mother’s instruments when he returns.”

Chuff placed a hand on his heart as if swearing fealty. “I’ll send him to you the moment I see him, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Chuff.” Aaron turned around to leave.

“Oh, Your Grace! There is a reason I came looking for you. Mr. and Mrs. Hansley and Lady Ellen Bilford are here. I’ve shown them to the south drawing room.”

Confound it! Distraction after distraction. Lord Bilford was bad enough. Now his daughter wanted to torment him as well? What would Nora think now?

“Thank you, Chuff.”

“If I may be so bold, I have a question for you, Your Grace.”

Aaron didn’t like the way Chuff nervously twisted his fingers together. “Yes, go on.”

“Is it true you plan to reduce everyone’s wages for the rest of the year?”

“What? Of course not. Where did you hear such a thing?”

“Some of the servants are saying you will lower wages to pay for the expense of the ball.” Despite Chuff’s ever-proper exterior, his face was full of uncertainty.

“I have no intention of doing such a thing. The ball is my gift to you all as well as Miss Lacy’s. I’ll bear all expenses myself.”

Chuff’s upper brow twitched. “Then you will not object if I pass along that knowledge to the others.”

“Not at all. I wish to dispel any such rumors to the contrary.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

As Chuff turned away, Aaron headed for the south drawing room, thinking over their conversation. Why would the servants assume the expense of the ball was to come from their own wages? Did they really think he was so greedy with his money?

When he arrived at the drawing room, he heard Nora’s voice inside, the door slightly ajar. Aaron couldn’t resist holding still and listening a moment before entering.

“I assure you, Lady Ellen, I’m quite surprised to learn that you consider yourself engaged to the duke. As far as I am aware, there was never an understanding between the two of you.”

“I wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t. What a shock this must be for you, Miss Lacy.

Everyone in these parts has heard of our forthcoming engagement.

Our fathers had been planning our union for some time.

The late duke’s passing was most unfortunate.

If it weren’t for Aaron’s need to mourn, we might already be married. ”

Aaron cringed, hearing the lady’s self-assured voice. Aaron hadn’t seen or spoken with Lord Bilford’s daughter since he was a child, and he hadn’t sought out her company once in the few months that he had been home. The idea that they could be engaged was preposterous.

Lady Ellen continued, “It’s understandable that you would be upset, Miss Lacy. What a naughty duke for leading you along like that! But I intend to hold Aaron to the betrothal. Why, even Mr. and Mrs. Hansley support my claim.”

Aaron cringed again hearing this grasping lady use his Christian name.

Mr. Hansley was next to speak. “As the rector, I am only interested in seeing that promises are honored, especially those pertaining to marriage.”

“Of course, Mr. Hansley,” Nora responded. “I completely understand.”

“And I intend to see to it,” continued Lady Ellen, her voice carrying a new edge, “that Aaron does not commit a breach of promise. I would hate to start our marriage by taking it up with the court.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Nora replied as if Lady Ellen had just said the most natural thing in the world. “Court proceedings are hardly a romantic way to begin a new life together.”

Aaron laughed softly at her sarcasm. He would have to join them soon, but he was enjoying himself too much not to listen a bit more. Teacups clanked before Nora spoke again.

“Lady Ellen, perhaps I may save you the trouble. Let’s start with you sharing what proof you have that Aaron proposed to you.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Forgive me if my question seems impertinent, but as you pointed out, I am understandably upset.”

Aaron didn’t know why, but this made him laugh again. Nora actually sounded quite calm, confident, even.

“If you attempt to bring your case to the courts and accuse Aaron of breach of promise, I believe it’s only fair that I know what proof you have of a betrothal.”

“Well,” Lady Ellen answered, sounding a bit affronted, “I have the word of my father. He’s assured me on countless occasions that our marriage is guaranteed.”

“I see, but did the duke ever speak to you himself? Did Aaron ever offer his hand to you?”

Lady Ellen’s voice was small. “No.”

“Was it ever announced in the papers? Was a marriage settlement drawn up?”

There was a long pause before Lady Ellen replied, “No,” with a touch of impatience slipping into her tone.

“Well that settles it,” Nora said casually.

“I, on the other hand, have a letter from your father suggesting that the late duke was opposed to the match if his son did not agree, which he obviously didn’t.

Else, why would I be here calling myself his intended?

” Nora’s light laughter bounced off a tension Aaron could feel stretching all the way to the corridor.

“I must also add that I did receive a direct proposal from the duke, who has announced our engagement in the papers, and we do have a marriage settlement. So I don’t see that there is anything left to dispute. ”

“Miss Lacy–”

“Shall we put aside this nonsense and agree to be amicable neighbors?”

Aaron waited. He imagined Lady Ellen reddening, fuming, wishing she could hide or run away while likewise wondering why everyone was not fulfilling her demands.

Mrs. Hansley, in her placating voice, said, “That sounds most sensible. Don’t you agree, my dear?”

Aaron could barely hear Mr. Hansley hum his agreement.

Now was as good a time as any to enter. With a deep breath, Aaron stepped in and went straight to Nora’s side. “Hello, my lovely Honora. Mr. and Mrs. Hansley. Lady Ellen. It’s a pleasure to see you. I apologize if I kept you all waiting.”

If he hadn’t known it was Lady Ellen with the others, he would have thought her a stranger.

Though she shared features with her father, being tall like him and wearing a similarly haughty expression, not an ounce of recognition sparked from the times Aaron had played with her as a child.

He was, however, very aware of her eyes on him.

“No need to apologize, Aaron,” Nora said, smooth as honey. “You’ve come at just the right time. I believe Lady Ellen was about to offer us her congratulations.”

Nora’s face glowed, but her eyes carried a fierce spark that flashed only for him.

“Yes, congratulations,” Lady Ellen said dryly as she rose from her seat. “I wish I could stay longer, but I really must be going.”

Mr. and Mrs. Hansley rose and also took their leave.

Nora was as gracious as any duchess should be, and though she stood triumphant over Lady Ellen, she still conveyed a kindness and warmth and interest in her guests that could leave them in no doubt that they would be welcome at Holmrook Castle any time.

Most impressive was that Aaron believed Nora sincerely meant it.

“You were brilliant,” he said once they were alone.

“Thank you.” Nora didn’t look at him as she paced across the room and sat before the fire. “Lady Ellen,” she mumbled. “I have to wonder, did you engage yourself to me to avoid marriage to her?”

He rushed to her side. “Of course not.”

“She truly seemed to believe she had a claim on you.” Nora bit her thumbnail, then began mumbling to herself.

“How could Lord Bilford be doing it? Who among your servants could be working with him? I’ve talked to everyone who wasn’t at my servants’ meeting.

Excepting your friend, Ruthers, they all had sufficient explanations for why they were not there.

I don’t know what else to do. Maybe we need to send someone to London to see who is selling your things. ”

“Nora?”

“Perhaps if we track down–”

“Nora.” He took her hand. “We don’t need to solve this tonight.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I know, but I wish we could. I don’t know what our thieves think this is all leading up to, but if we don’t stop them soon, someone is going to get hurt.”

The fire on the logs snapped. Aaron reached an arm around her and hugged her to him. Though stiff at first, she softened with her next breath.

“Aaron, I have to ask, is there anything else you are not telling me? Will some new obstacle surprise me one day, a condition in your father’s will that says you can only marry women born in June? Or do you have some secret mistress or reckless habit I don’t know about?”

He gently rubbed her arm in the hug. “No more conditions in my father’s will, no mistress, no reckless habit. Well, sometimes I pick my teeth after eating. Terrible, I know, but I am working on it. I hope that won’t make you change your mind about our engagement.”

The corner of her lip rose. “Not today. If you are willing to make such a disclosure, I should probably tell you I can be quite stubborn sometimes.”

“You, stubborn?” He chuckled. “I’ve noticed. And I’ll take it. The only other thing I can think to tell you is that I have a secret twin hiding in the dungeons.”

“What?” She jumped to face him.

When he started laughing, she took a cushion and lightly smacked him in the arm with it. He didn’t mind, though. He liked seeing her flush and snicker.

“You’ll pay for that, my duke.”