“A former groom here at Baydon,” Mr. Liddle said thoughtfully, “who was let go after the Marquess’s death. He works in Wells now.”
“Mr. Liddle, the man who killed my husband had some form of control over him, I’m certain of it.”
“What do you mean, my lady?”
“At first, Richard acted like he wasn’t aware of what was happening around him. He was like one of those wind-up little automatons. I kept screaming at him to help, to make the man stop. It was like he didn’t hear me. Then, all of a sudden, it was like he’d been set free. He started yelling at the man, and they fought over the knife the man had been using to cut my shoulder. I honestly don’t know if whoever stabbed him meant to do so, or not.”
“What did the man look like?”
Cassie shrugged helplessly. “They were all masked and cloaked, and they poured some foul draught down my throat that made everything go in and out of focus. I can’t even be sure if what I remember is complete or not. Or even real.”
Lakehurst frowned at hearing this part of her story. Ellinbourne hadn’t mentioned someone had drugged her. It made sense, given she thought someone drugged the other men or put them in some trance.
“How many men were there?”
“Three besides Richard and the man with the knife.”
“So five total.”
“That I saw. But the cave where all this happened is large, and the torch lights did not light it up completely. Large areas were in deep shadows.”
“A cave under the castle?”
“Yes.”
Lakehurst squirmed in his chair and leaned forward. “Though all this is important to solve, we have a more pressing need for your services, sir.”
Mr. Liddle tilted his head as he observed Lakehurst. “And what would that be?”
“Since the Marquess died, the estate’s caretakers have been systematically embezzling from the estate. They did not expect us when we arrived and fled the castle in the early morning hours.”
“Do you have proof of your charges?”
“Yes!” Cassie said emphatically. “And I want them caught. I fear the estate may have drastically decreased in value, if not be on the verge of bankruptcy due to their actions. This is my son’s inheritance. I can’t just sit back and see it destroyed.”
Mr. Liddle’s lips kicked up at the corners. “No, my lady, I see you cannot. And the needs of the living are more important than those of the dead.”
Lakehurst nodded. “We’d like you to make capturing the Gallaghers your first priority.”
Mr. Liddle’s brow furrowed in thought as he nodded.
“Dinner is served,” Rose said from the doorway.
“Whatever you have made this evening smells even better than last night!” Gwinnie said.
“It is a beef stew made with burgundy and root vegetables.”
“Excellent.” Gwinnie tossed back the rest of her sherry. “Lead on!”
* * *
They’d almost finisheddinner when someone pounded on the castle door. Cassie, Gwinnie, and Lakehurst looked from one to another. Lakehurst threw his serviette down on the table and rose from his chair.
“I’ll see who it is. Stay here.”
“I’ll take my dishes and exit through the kitchen,” Mr. Liddle said. “Best no one know of my connection to you yet.”
Cassie also rose and followed Lakehurst as far as the dining room door. From there, she had a view of the heavy oak entrance door. Gwinnie assisted Mr. Liddle in removing signs of his presence.
