Maria sighed as a mixture of familial affection and worry filled her. “Very well. I shall arrange for a room at an inn?—”
“There is no need for that,” Grace cut in. “Mr. Roberts is welcome to stay here while Mr. Sinclair poses a threat. In fact, I insist on it.”
“Thank you, Miss Huntsbury,” Thomas breathed. “I am—grunt, click—very grateful.”
Grace smiled at him, then turned her gaze on Maria. “You oughtn’t return to your apartments, either. Lord knows what the madman will do if he finds you alone once more.”
Maria nodded, pulling her lips between her teeth and clamping down. Shewouldn’tprotest, but surely, if she knew Maria’s reasoning, Grace would understand her need to return home. Her writing notes and current manuscript were there, as well as her entire wardrobe for Mr. Duncan Robertson. The suit of clothes that she currently wore was all but entirely ruined, soaked in filth from the streets of London and stained with her brother’s blood; there was no hope for it.
If she could but retrieve a mere satchel full of items, Maria could accept Grace’s orders without protest and not return to her apartments until after Francis was gone. It wouldn’t be difficult to do.
“How do you feel about returning to the duke’s home this evening, Maria?” Grace asked. “As long as His Grace is amenable?”
Jasper blinked, then turned his heated gaze on Maria. “Of course. I am at your disposal.”
“I shall find a suitable excuse, I’m sure,” Maria added.
“Excellent. Might I count on you, as well, Heather? Juliana?” At their nods, Grace continued, “Maria is correct: we cannot remain idle while Francis continues his assault. You will, therefore, all be armed and prepared for his inevitable arrival. We will utilize Harris and his men as decoys belowstairs and through the stables and gardens. If you are able, incapacitate him, bind his wrists behind his back, and then summon me. I shall be stationed with Harris and his men—though out of sight. After what occurred last night, we cannot take any risks.”
“It would be wise to question Lady Cartwright’s staff,” Maria mused. “See if anyone could account for her activities in the past weeks. Mayhap she visited Francis in his hidden location.”
Grace nodded. “A sound supposition, Maria. I spoke with Harris, and he intends to arrange inquiries with the staff. Though I daresay the baron will put a halt to the questioning once he reaches town—no doubt under the belief that his wife’s indiscretion will be kept from the papers.”
“It shan’t,” Maria assured them. “If the staff have no inducement to remain silent, the news will spread swiftly.
“I’ve been corresponding with the magistrate’s secretary,” she continued, “with the intention to investigatehowFrancis escaped the noose. There must be someone among the guard who was capable of making the switch, and unless we find a remedy, he will repeat his flight.”
“An excellent point, Maria,” Grace put in. “Have you established a solid footing with the woman?”
Maria grimaced. “We are building trust, and it is taking longer than I’d hoped. I have yet to receive a response to my most recent missive, but I daresay I ought to request she redirect it here, for I shan’t be at my apartments.” She sighed. “Let us hope she will have answers to my queries.”
* * *
As the othersrose to quit the room, so did Jasper, lingering behind so that he might offer Maria a ride home.
Maria bent to press a kiss to her brother’s cheek. “Our plan is in place, and as much as I detest the thought of leaving your side, dear brother, I must take my leave of you now.”
“Not to worry. I—grunt—have much to occupy me.” The man smiled, gesturing to the maid’s costume and sewing implements clutched in his hands. “And be sure to burn those ghastly, soiled clothes now that you’ve changed back into your frock.”
Maria laughed. “I shall.”
With a glance toward Jasper, she led the way from the room. Jasper nodded at the man in the bed before following.
“Might I—click—have a word with—grunt, grunt—you before you leave, Your Grace?”
Jasper watched Maria’s retreating form disappear around the far corner of the corridor, then turned toward Mr. Roberts.
Mr. Roberts sat with his back braced with pillows against the bed’s headboard, his hands moving swiftly with each stitch he made.
Jasper cleared his throat. “You wished to speak with me, Mr. Roberts?”
The man winced. “Thomas, please.Grunt. I do not answer to my pater’s name. C-c-c—click—close the door, if you—grunt—would, please.”
With apprehension crawling over his skin, Jasper closed the bedchamber door and sat hesitantly at Thomas’ bedside.
Countless questions ran through his mind. Why had Maria lied about her brother’s place in her apartments in Cheapside? Her adoration for the man was plain to see, and yet she’d mentioned naught to Jasper in the many years of their acquaintance—even after their engagement. Was his speech impediment the reason for his withdrawal from society, the reason for his estrangement from his parents?
In observing Thomas’ discussion with Maria, it was obvious he was in full possession of his faculties, and yet there was so much secrecy.
