“In the field next to the tower?” Michael said.
“Aye, looking as if he belonged there, too. No sign of a saddle, but we can search properly later.”
“And for the green bag,” Michael said, adding grimly, “There you are, Pettigrew! Miss Peach was murdered at the tower, that is now certain, and Kent Atherton was the only person who knew that. Now we have him! Finally, I can make an arrest.”
Pettigrew sighed and shook his head.
***
Kentfoundthereturnjourney from York far more pleasurable. He had Katy beside him, both her arms wrapped around one of his, as if he might fly away and she was keeping him safely tethered to her side. Her bonnet precluded any kissing, and often prevented him from seeing her face, but they were together and their future was settled. All his doubts and uncertainties had evaporated in that moment when he had entered the parlour at York and she had flown into his arms. That was precisely where she belonged and would always remain.
James Cathcart nobly took the forward seat and politely pretended to sleep, and the two valets and Daisy Marler were in a separate post chaise, so the betrothed couple had a semblance of privacy. Kent did not feel the need for it. Last night, he and Katy had talked all evening without cessation. Today, they were silent. They had their whole lives to talk and to kiss and to plan their future of perfect happiness. For now, all that mattered was that they were no longer separated.
Once again, the Cathcarts received Katherine with some surprise but expressed their pleasure to have her home again, and even more pleasure to hear that there was to be a wedding. Kent spent a little time talking to Mr Cathcart, as he was expected to, but he knew it would be up to Katy’s trustees to reveal how much money she would have. Then he left them to their celebrations, for he had to tell his father his news before word reached him from some other source.
He found him in his bedroom, with luggage everywhere, his valet looking distracted.
“Going away, Father?” Kent said in some surprise. “Not before Cousin Bertram’s wedding, I trust. We are all required to attend this grand ball to celebrate. You are the host, so you cannot avoid it.”
“No, no, but Olivia is making plans to get me away from here. The trouble is, it is so long since I went anywhere that I hardly know what to pack. How do you manage when you go away?”
“That is what you have a valet for, Father. You tell him what you will need — shooting gear, full dress for evenings, whatever you think — and he packs the appropriate clothes.”
“But your mother always used to take care of the details for me. She always knew what I would need.”
“Then ask Olivia, since this is her trip. She will know. Father, I have news for you. Will you come downstairs and talk to me?”
Grumbling slightly, the earl led the way down to his study, and poured two glasses of brandy.
“Now then, my boy, tell me what is on your mind.”
“Father, I have asked Katherine Parish to marry me and she has accepted. We plan to live in Branton. I have taken employment there.”
It was probably not the wisest way to inform his father of his new circumstances, but Kent wanted to present it as afait accompliand not have to endure a long argument about it.
“What sort of employment?” his father said, eyes narrowing.
“I am to be a manager at a cotton mill. An assistant at first, while I learn, but eventually I shall run the mill myself.” His father sighed, but Kent straightened his spine. “I know it is not what you hoped for me, father, but I must make my own way in the world. You have taken good care of me — of all of us — but as a younger son, it is my duty to earn my living as best I can. I cannot respect myself if I live on your charity indefinitely, and after you it would be Uncle George and Cousin Bertram, upon whom I have no right to depend. It would make me the worst kind of scrounging leech. I am unsuited to the church, the law, the army or politics, but mills and engines are something I find fascinating. They are the future, Father, and I mean to play my part in it. In time, I hope I will be a mill owner and not just a manager, and Katy will help me do that. She knows everything there is to know about cotton mills, which is why she is the perfect wife for me. I hope you will give us your blessing.”
His father rubbed his eyes tiredly. “Well, well, you are determined to have your own way, I can see. Olivia will marry and go away too, even Eustace will marry, and I shall be left all alone in this great barn of a place. It used to be full of noise and liveliness, you know, when your mother was here. Always something taking place, and guests coming and going, and now it is nothing but echoes.”
Kent crept away as soon as he decently could, feeling sad for his father but determined not to change his plans. When he went down for dinner, he was pleased to see Eustace there.
“You will be here for this party for Bertram and Bea Franklyn tomorrow, so that will be two nights in succession we have had the benefit of your company, brother.”
“I am staying here at the moment with my betrothed, Miss Wilkes.”
“Oh! I had no idea that was in the wind, but then you always hold your cards close to your chest. My felicitations, brother. You may congratulate me, as well. I am to marry Miss Parish.”
Briefly, Kent explained his plans. He knew Eustace would not be pleased that he was to give up his part in the smuggling, but he was unprepared for the coldness with which Eustace turned on him.
“I might have expected as much, little brother. You always were the weak link in this particular adventure. I wish you joy of your mill.”
And he spun on his heel and whisked away, leaving Kent bemused and curiously disappointed. If his own family could not be happy for him, who would be?
***
“Ihavebothgoodnewsand bad news to report,” Neate said as they sat in the old schoolroom.
