“Forever, fortuitous,” Juliana added. “There are countless words that it might be, but mayhap if we garner Francis’ motivation behind the letters and his attacks, we might be able to decipher these quotes.”
“As a matter of happenstance, I made a discovery today,” Maria replied, returning to her seat with a swish of her skirts.
Jasper’s heart hiccoughed as he leaned forward, eager to hear her discovery.
“The quotes you’ve received are fromKing Lear.”
“Indeed?” His brows puckered. “Has that not been prohibited since?—”
“Since 1810,” Maria finished. “At that time, our monarchy feared members of society would see the similarities between King George III and the mad King Lear. Which is likely why none of us recognized the quotes directly we heard them.”
“Why do you suppose Francis choseKing Lear?” Juliana asked.
Jasper shrugged one shoulder. “I haven’t the faintest.”
“Edmund,” Maria stated.
A gust of wind from outside rattled the tall windows, and Jasper suppressed a shudder.
“Edmund?” he repeated.
“Yes.” She leaned forward eagerly, her intelligent eyes lit with enthusiasm as she spoke. “I imagine that Francis feels a connection to Edmund’s character. Early in the play, he is determined to become the earl and will kill anyone that poses a threat to his pursuit. Francis feels much the same about the dukedom.”
Damn, but the woman was clever. He ought to have seen the connection, as well, but it had been years since he’d seen the play. And hell if he could muster a clear thought with her face lit up as it was.
“Blimey,” Miss Morgan muttered.
“Of course,” Jasper grunted, raking a hand through his hair once more. “Yes, that makes perfect sense.”
“And you say the note wasinyour home, as was the first, Your Grace?” Maria’s face scrunched once more in thought.
“Yes.”
“What of your staff? Were they in residence?”
“They were.”
Miss Huntsbury’s lips thinned, her young, round face growing increasingly grave. “Yet another reason why I must insist that we carry out this new stratagem. Someone within His Grace’s household has allowed Mr. Sinclair access, whether by leaving a door unlocked or willingly opening it. Whatever the method of his entrance, he is somehow going unseen.”
Jasper cleared his throat. “I must confess, I spoke just this morning with the magistrate on this very topic. He and his men believe that Francis has, in fact, fled the country—perhaps by way of a merchant ship—and that the happenings here in town are being carried out by a band of paid individuals with instructions left by Francis.” He tapped his fingertips on his thighs, his body fraught with unease. “The probability of a member of my household staff being among his ranks is entirely possible. And decidedly unnerving.”
Miss Huntsbury’s shrewd gaze flicked to Maria, as the others watched him with varying expressions of exasperation and aggravation.
Maria’s lips pursed. “We’ve just been informed by Miss Huntsbury that the men and women she sought to replace your staff are ready and willing to accept their positions. They are to arrive at half-six at the staff entrance. As such, it would be prudent for you to meet with your housekeeper and inform her of the intended changes. Mayhap suggest a stay with their families or offer temporary lodgings at one of your estates.
“I imagine,” she continued, “that this will bring some comfort to you, Your Grace.”
“It is of some comfort, yes,” he agreed.
“Thank you for letting us know,” Miss Huntsbury said. “Maria will continue the lead role—working around her current schedule, of course—by taking a position as a maid. When she is not on shift, Heather will take on the role.” She turned her attention briefly to Miss Morgan. “Are you amenable to taking on this assignment in addition to your other new case?”
Jasper’s heart leapt, and his stomach all but flipped over entirely.Maria.In my home.Every day.
“Yes, of course.” Miss Morgan beamed, clasping her hands and bouncing slightly in her seat as she nodded eagerly.
“Why maids?” Jasper inquired. “If my staff are to be removed from my residence and replaced by yours, what purpose does a disguise serve?”
“As a duke living on Grosvenor Square, your home is observed for a number of reasons, but largely for gossip. Neighbours’ curiosity could mean devastating consequences for our runners if they are noticed arriving and departing your home at all hours, or if they’re spotted through any of your windows.”
