Alistair stood abruptly. ‘Okay, that’s enough. I’m not letting this turn into some kind of interrogation.’
Fern didn’t move, her gaze locked on Nathaniel. ‘Why didn’t you marry her?’
‘That record wasn’t just sentimental, was it? You felt guilty. Because she didn’t cheat, did she? That was just the story that you put out,’ Daniel pressed.
Fern stepped in again. ‘Did you steal her composition?’
That was it. Alistair’s face flushed, and he jabbed a hand towards the door. ‘Please leave. Now.’
Fern and Daniel stood slowly. No big dramatic exit, no shouting match. As they walked out, Fern could feel there was more. They weren’t finished with this conversation. Not even close.
‘What do you make of that?” asked Daniel once they were outside and heading back up the drive.
‘Guilty as hell.’
‘I agree.’
ChapterForty-Six
Fern and Daniel were the only ones in their train carriage as they travelled back to Sea’s End.
‘I really think we’re onto something,’ claimed Fern.
‘I bet he thought no one would ever find out, but he must have been living on edge all these years, wondering if Matilda would out him, or if she ever told anyone.’
‘My gut feeling is telling me we’re right and he did steal the piece.’
‘It must have been a right dig in the heart for Matilda, watching him rise to fame on her music. There’s no way she would have been able to find the money to fight his legal team,’ added Daniel.
‘We have the manuscript, but it still doesn’t prove anything. So the question is, what are we going to do about it? How long will Nathaniel live if he’s in ill health? He didn’t look the best, and, like Matilda, we also don’t have the money if a legal case evolves.’
‘I have a little bit of my inheritance left. I would use that for Matilda.’
‘Oh, Daniel, that warms my heart, but I wouldn’t ask you to do that and I’m sure Matilda wouldn’t want that either. That’s your money.’
‘I’d do it for her.’
She smiled at him. ‘You are just amazing.’ She linked her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder.
‘I still think Alistair is the anonymous buyer,’ said Daniel after a moment.
‘Absolutely. Or could Nathaniel and Alistair be in it together? Nathaniel needs to protect his legacy and image whilst Alistair wants his fortune when Nathaniel passes away. If they buy the shop, they might have discovered the manuscript.’
‘I think he’ll be scared of what we might do next.’ Daniel leaned back in his seat, his gaze settling on her. ‘And we still don’t know who planted the wedding dress, or what they know.’
* * *
A few hours later they reached Sea’s End. As they walked back towards the shop, Daniel asked, ‘What’s the plan?’
‘Open a bottle of wine. It’s been a long day and tomorrow we need to go and see Edgar and tell him that we’re not selling to the so-called anonymous buyer.’
‘Do you think we’ll need a solicitor?’
‘I’m not sure, but we definitely need more concrete evidence to hand over to the police.’
Daniel was quiet for a second.
‘What is it?’ asked Fern, opening the door and placing her bag on the desk.
