“I’m not sure.” Gory sighed in dismay. “I will find a way to help the mother somehow.”
She was not certain how she would accomplish it because her own financial situation was uncertain. With her uncle now deceased, what would happen to her dowry? And would there be a battle over her large inheritance, assuming there was anything left to inherit. It was quite possible her uncle had squandered it all.
Nor did she forget that Havers, despite presently relegating her to the bottom of his suspect list, still had her on that list. It would take no more than a bit of planted evidence to shoot her straight to the top again. Was it fair to impose on the Thorne brothers to help Allendale’s mistress, or sweetheart, or whatever she was, if she could not?
Well, she had not even met the woman or spoken to Allendale about her, so there was no sense in speculating.
The four of them spent the rest of their mealtime speaking of Ambrose and Adela’s trip to Oxford and the lecture series the two of them had given at the university. “It was extremely well received,” Adela said. “They would like us back again soon.”
Ambrose nodded. “But it won’t be for some time yet. Our schedules are too busy, nor can we ask Marigold to take up the laboring oar.”
Gory understood because Adela and Marigold were both new mothers and loathe to part from their babies even for a few hours.
Syd had recently joined them in that league.
Gory hoped to catch up to them.
In truth, motherhood and all things domestic had not been on her list of priorities until recently. But with all her friends married and starting families, she feared they might drift apart from her. But it was not only motherhood that had them poised to go their separate ways. Her friends had all made love matches.
She did not think it was possible for her until Julius had revealed his feelings.
Was this real or was she still dreaming?
Did Julius truly love her and want to marry her?
In all her imaginings, she had never expected to be breaking off one wedding merely days before the ceremony was to take place, and holding onto hope of another with the man she truly loved.
How would Allendale take the news?
Surely, he had to know their upcoming wedding was an impossibility.
Julius took her hand and gave it a light squeeze, no doubt understanding what was going through her mind. “I think Havers and Barrow have arrived.”
He had just uttered the remark when Greeves stepped into the dining room to announce their presence.
Ambrose rose. “Have them join us here, Greeves. I’m sure they must be hungry.”
This is what Gory liked most about these Thorne men. They all had wealth, good looks, and wielded substantial authority, but they were not at all prideful or puffed up. They carried themselves with humility toward those beneath their station. Yet, there was no mistaking their commanding aura.
In Gory’s opinion, their innate kindness and consideration of others was the true source of their strength. It was the reason they were so much respected and admired.
Ambrose dismissed the footmen after they had served their guests coffee. “Shut the doors behind you,” he added so they could now speak privately to the investigators. “Anything new to report?” he asked Havers.
“Yes, Your Grace. We have ruled out Lord Allendale as a suspect.”
“Because he was with the young lady on the night of the murder?” Gory asked.
Havers blushed. “Yes. I am truly sorry, Lady Gregoria. It has now been confirmed by several sources.”
“Do not be sorry, Mr. Havers,” she replied. “I am glad he is not to blame. But this does not change my decision. I will not be marrying him. I plan to advise him of this today.”
“Understandable,” Havers said with a nod. “But you cannot go alone. You are not out of danger yet.”
“I am well aware,” Gory assured him.
“I will escort Lady Gregoria to Lord Allendale’s and anywhere else she insists on going,” Julius said. “Allendale may not have had anything to do with Lord Easton’s death, but that does not mean he will behave reasonably when informed the wedding is to be called off.”
Gory nodded. “You should not worry about me, Mr. Havers. I have no intention of going anywhere without Lord Thorne.”
