Benedict nodded solemnly at the end of his tale. “I see why you must keep her hidden. If what you conjecture is correct, she went through quite a lot at this abbey. I have expressed my desire to communicate our investigations to His Majesty, but our royal contact has insisted we remain as discreet as possible about our discoveries. For now, at least.”
“So what should I do?”
“Well, first things first, you must find out everything you can about this James Porter. Surely there must already be some record of him, considering he’s the brother of a gentleman employed by the Crown.”
“There is, but it doesn’t say much. He was thought to be insignificant. Just another drunken sot who happened to be related to a spy. But if he is more than that… a betrayer, a murderer or a treasonous scapegrace… We need to find out.”
“I agree with that assessment, and only venture to add that the Dowager Countess of Downfield must also be investigated. She was at the very least aware of the conspiracy to kill the Earl. Or perhaps she even conceived it.”
Silas nodded. “I am inclined to agree with that.”
Benedict lifted his glass in a toast before draining it. Silas was quick to refill it.
Benedict lifted his glass in a toast before draining it. Silas was quick to refill it.
“I have my hands full with the lady,” Silas began, his tone measured, “and the nuns demand attention as well. I need you to look into the Porter family. Everything you can find. Trace their connections, verify Lady Helena’s story. Until then, trust no one, and turn your back on no one.”
“Very well,” Benedict said, inclining his head. “I shall see what I can uncover.”
“And remember,” Silas added, voice tightening slightly, “this is about more than idle curiosity. Every detail matters.”
Benedict chuckled, giving him a sidelong glance. “Vigilance has always been your strong suit, old friend.”
Silas allowed himself the briefest of smirks. “And it will continue to be.”
Benedict moved toward the door. “Well, I suppose I should be off?—”
“No,” Silas interrupted firmly. “Helena and Amelia will want to see you at dinner. Stay for the evening. You can leave in the morning.”
Benedict cocked an eyebrow, “Oho!Helena,is it? How informal. Could there be more to this than desire to solve a case?” He let a teasing grin tug at the corner of his mouth.
Silas’s eyes slid away. “Don’t be ridiculous. This is only for the case’s sake.”
Benedict made a noncommittal humming sound. Smiling widely, he turned to open the door. “Show me to my room,” he said to the footman standing in the corridor, “I do hope my bags have already been taken up.”
The footman bowed. “Yes, my lord, they have.”
“Good.” He turned to look at Silas. “Congratulations on running such a tight ship.”
Silas shrugged. “It is not me. It is actually Amelia who is in charge of the household.”
“Ah. She’ll make someone a very good wife.” He grinned at Silas as if knowing that would rile up his friend.
“Never yours, Richmont.”
Benedict clutched his chest. “I understand the sentiment, but I admit I was wounded by that, Highcliff.”
Silas laughed. “Good.”
Benedict went off in a huff, and Silas returned to his desk.
He could not help but think of what Benedict had said about Helena.
He only hoped that once the case was done, all of this would go away.
Along with her.
Yet his chest tightened at the thought.
