As the weather changed from a wee smirr of rain to a goselet, she spent more time in Leith’s study, seldom leaving Virginia Street lest she draw notice. She could almost hear the whispering of “the murderer’s American bride” wherever she went. The news had leaked to the newspapers, at first a trickle, then a deluge. She avoided any print but heard Niall, Euan, and Father discussing details of the case from as far away as theLondon Gazette.
Even now, through the downpour, she detected her guard’s silhouette on the corner across from the mansion’s gates. She’d met him briefly one evening but knew nothing about him. Tennant hadn’t even told her his name, only not to be alarmed at his continual presence.
“Sister...” Loveday pushed open the door after a light rap. The toll was telling on her too. Her face seemed almost haggard, the window’s light calling out fine lines not visible before. She shut the door and gestured to the sofa before the coal fire. “I’ve been missing you and have asked that tea be brought. Herbal is quite calming with a touch of honey.”
Juliet joined her, stomach uneasy at the mere suggestion. Holding her hands out to the hearth’s heat, she tried to think of something lighthearted to say.
“You haven’t tried to visit Leith again, have you?”
Juliet still felt the cold finality of having the door literally shut in her face. “I was denied twice and told not to return.” Not only that, the man who’d let her see Leith the first time was absent. Where had he gone and why?
“The trial begins soon. I suppose it’s best you stay home,though I do wish there was no need for a guard to be lurking, always reminding you of what is at hand.”
“I need no reminding since I think of nothing else.”
Loveday squeezed her hand reassuringly. “England’s mineral baths sound especially soothing right now.”
Dear Lord, let it be.
Tea was brought, medicinal mint threading the chill parlor. Juliet looked at the closed door as her sister handed her a cup and said softly, “There’s something I cannot keep to myself any longer.”
Loveday held her cup aloft, gaze fixed on Juliet. “Then by all means tell me, and I shall keep it a secret.”
“Though I haven’t been to the countinghouse and bank in a few days, I’ve discovered during the long hours I spent there that there are records and funds that can’t be accounted for, dating to Leith’s absence when he sailed to Virginia.”
“Are you sure? Or is it being unfamiliar with the business that has led you to believe such?”
“I’ve gone over what’s missing countless times, and it forms a sort of pattern. Leith’s most trusted factor, Leo Tate, agrees with me regarding our findings. And it points to the person who would benefit most from Leith’s absence and arrest.”
Loveday set her cup aside. “Then you must tell me.”
This time it was Juliet’s turn to squeeze her sister’s cold hand. “I hope and pray I am wrong, but the guilty party in league with Cochrane may well be someone close to us.”
Horror leached the color from Loveday’s face. She simply stared at Juliet as if hoping this was all a jest or she’d misheard, or Juliet had misunderstood.
“I’m going to meet with Leo Tate again this afternoon. He sent a note round this morning that said he has new evidence that points to who is aligned with Cochrane. After that I’ll meet with Mr. Tennant again to reveal our latest findings.”
“Then I must go with you.”
“Nay, only Minette.” She looked toward the windows fronting the street.
“Can Minette be trusted?”
“I believe so, though I’ve not forgotten Lyrica sent her to me. I don’t confide in her and am careful in front of all the servants. Minette simply accompanies me along with my guard.”
“You don’t believe the guilty party is Niall, do you?” Tears shone in Loveday’s eyes. “It can’t be. He’s too selfless. Too honest.”
Juliet had never suspected Niall. “Euan.”
Loveday gasped. “What about Lyrica?”
“Lyrica may well know.”
Horror returned to Loveday’s face. “They may be complicit?”
Juliet looked toward the closed door again, her voice a scant whisper. “Since I last spoke with Mr. Tennant, we’ve uncovered extensive gambling debts. Payments to properties and mining rights that don’t actually exist, which we believe are simply a front for Cochrane’s involvement. To complicate matters, Lyrica and Euan have no heirs. Before my arrival, Leith’s will specified they were to become the twins’ guardians with his demise. I am now in the way of that.” Juliet took a sip of tea to quiet her roiling stomach. “I’m in the way of everything, showing up on their doorstep like I did, married to the principal in the firm, and standing to benefit when it was solely them before.”
“Then you’re in danger too.”
