Deveraux nodded. “But to react to every stimulus, without planning, means what they have done has lately been impulsive?”
“Yes, and that I believe is the striking difference between their recent activities and Lady Christiana’s kidnapping. A very telling difference, I might add.”
Deveraux’s eyes narrowed. “Rash action breeds mistakes. That was a lesson we learned well on the peninsula.” Keirsmyth placidly sipped his coffee, though a slight smile hovered at the edges of his lips.
“ ’Pon rep, what’s the difference?” Fitzhugh asked. “Appears to me what we need to discover is who knew the jewels would be in your dressing room, Dev .. .”
Keirsmyth sighed, stretching his long legs out before him. “I think you will find a large number knew. It was common practice, was it not? And servants do talk amongst themselves. Rather than discover what people do or do not know, perhaps tracing their activities would be more beneficial.”
“Nigel, you wished to see me?” said a small voice from the door.
The men turned to see a pale Lady Lucy standing just inside the morning room. Fitzhugh surged to his feet, crossing to herside and leading her gently to a place at the table. She sat down gratefully.
“Egad, Lucy, you look like the devil.”
“Such a kind brother you are.”
“No. Looks like you should still be abed!”
“I should, but I cannot sleep, despite the tisanes and concoctions dear Sarah has made for me. My head is pounding, and my stomach feels like it’s on the high seas. Still, I refuse to take laudanum. I do not like the stuff. I guess I am doomed to suffer,” she said with a weak smile.
Deveraux grinned. “You always were full of pluck, little sister.”
Her eyes widened. “High praise indeed from my brother! But , what is it you wanted?” She shook her head at the plate of pastry Fitzhugh held out to her, her face taking on a greenish cast
“I wanted to know if you took the Nevin jewelry suite out of the casket last night while you were going through it”
She looked at him queerly, her brow furrowing. “Of course I did. You saw me take the tiara out yourself before you left, remember? What is the matter?”
“Did you replace the jewels afterward?”
“Yes, yes, of course, I did! Or at least Sarah did,” she amended, “before she carried it back to your rooms. Why? Don’t tell me they are missing! How could you be so careless, Nigel?”
“Me? What?”
Keirsmyth laughed. “Very clever indeed are your enemies.”
Deveraux frowned at him. He looked back at his sister.
“Would you ask Miss Jewitt to come down and see us, please?”
“Uhhh!” murmured Lucy disgustedly, throwing her hands up in the air. “All right, but that better be all your questions for me, for afterward I’m going back to bed, and the way I feel now,I doubt I shall rise before tomorrow! You’re all so sober and serious like this was a high court of law. All you’re missing are your robes and wigs!”
“Lucy—” called Fitzhugh, running after her. He stopped at the base of the stairs, turned to look at the other gentlemen, and shrugged helplessly.
“Sir!” interrupted Jason. “This message just come for you from Axminster.”
“Axminster? Give it here.” He unfolded the note printed with the direction of an inn calledThe Bird and Houndat the top.
Mr. Deveraux,
By the time you receive this I shall be well on my way to Crawfords Dean. I know you fail to accept my concept of Duty. That has proven from the first a major obstacle to the possibility of any True Understanding between us.
It is why I am journeying back home. As Charlie is now married, it behooves me to prepare Lion's Gate for the arrival of its new mistress. I do not know when this might be, so I should proceed instantly. I've left Lady Talavera in the hands of the proprietor of this inn. He promises to see to her return.
I'm sorry to leave in this dog-in-the-manger manner; however, you have convinced me that I had no choice, for you are not willing to listen to my requests to leave. Also, I fear for you all if I stay. Thus rears the ugly head of my duty once again.
I have left a note for Miss Sprockett telling her not to hurry back to Crawfords Dean on my account. She should enjoy her first holiday in years.
