“But were there any identifiable features?” Sophia persisted.
Dev finally nodded reluctantly. “Tell me if you feel faint at any time, and I’ll get you out at once.” Taking her hand, he assisted her down the earthen steps.
The interior smelled of decay but not death. Sophia had her handkerchief ready. A few candles cast enough light so that she could see the wooden casket, opened and situated on a long table.
She approached it cautiously, as though something might jump out at her at any moment. This was the stuff nightmares were made of. She stifled her imagination and stepped closer so she could peer inside.
Why, it was not much of a body, at all.
It was really just a pile of bones, with some hair and a few pieces of ripped clothing on it. “The ring was not discovered on his person,” Dev said, “as you can likely see. But the iceman said it was in his pocket.”
What remained of the deceased’s hair was darker than Harold’s. The thin tufts were indeed the color of Dudley’s and curled just slightly. The clothing seemed familiar as well, but it, too, was discolored and practically reduced to threads. And then she caught sight of the location where a mouth had once been.
A large gap split the upper front teeth just as Dudley’s had.
Harold’s teeth were almost geometrically perfect.
Sophia cringed as she remembered her stepbrother’s menacing smile all too well. One did not forget such a significant feature of one’s tormentor. “He is Dudley, Dev. I’m ninety-nine percent certain.”
Surprisingly, she was not nearly as bothered by this body as she had been by the others. It exuded no odor at all.
No putrefied flesh was left to emit any.
“Who discovered him? I would not think it likely that many people would be so honest as to return such a valuable ring.” She was a little in awe that it had survived when most of the body had not.
“One of the older servants at Priory Point, I believe. He will be rewarded justly, be assured,” Dev said. “Are you finished?”
Sophia nodded. “Oh, yes, yes. Let’s get out of here.” She could easily imagine all manner of spiders and crawly things having at what was left of her stepbrother’s body.
As she climbed the stairs, Dev’s hand on her back comforted her.
If that was Dudley in the cellar, then Harold was still alive somewhere.
And if Harold was still alive, then he could easily return at any time.
“We have plenty of daylight before sunset,” Dev said once they were again above ground. “Would you care for a stroll?
Oh, yes.
Oh yes.It would be lovely to be alone with him for a while. To be free of the duchess’ overly concerned and watchful gaze.
“I would.” She took hold of the arm he extended. “What will you tell the duchess?”
They walked a short way before she realized they were on a path that would wind them around a more densely overgrown section of the garden. They would have some privacy.
“The truth, I suppose. Your parents ought to be notified.”
She walked quietly. She did not wish to reveal to her parents that Dudley had come to her room. That he’d likely stolen from herdeceasedhusband. “What if Harold does not wish to return, Dev? Would it not be… comforting… for your aunt to believe he’s been found and brought home?”
“Are you suggesting we leave matters as they are?” He did not dismiss her opinion outright.
“I feel as though some explanation will be required, regarding Dudley. Explanations I’d rather not go into with anyone.” She also wanted to speak with Rhoda. What had happened that night? “If Harold returns, we can have the body exhumed. But if he does not…”
“Will your parents not be concerned for your stepbrother’s whereabouts?” Her dear, sweet Dev had yet to object to her suggestion.
“I think that so long as he is not up to mischief and spending their money, they are well enough to have him out of their lives.” She knew her mother would be happy without him, anyhow. Dudley had never been pleasant company. He had been something of a menace.
“If you think that is what’s best, then I cannot argue with you. I’d planned upon curtailing his activities anyhow. This way, your parents will not be exposed to any scandal, and neither will you.”
