His jaw was tight. The look in his eyes had Dimity swallowing, and it wasn’t directed at her. He was furious.
“There is no need to—”
“There is every need,” he cut Dimity off. “You have done nothing to deserve her words. I should not need to explain that you are to be respected as our family’s friend.”
“Oh no—”
“Be quiet please, Dimity.”
“Friend,” Mrs. Liall unwisely scoffed. “You dismissed her, my lord.”
“I owe you no explanations, Mrs. Liall. I have stated that Miss Brown is a family friend. If you have a problem with that, I will understand. Fairfax will find a replacement for you, I am sure.”
She shouldn’t be enjoying the moment; she really shouldn’t. The housekeeper’s mouth had fallen open, and she looked like a codfish.
“Now.” Lord Raine gave her a gentle smile before looking at his footman. “I believe you wished to speak with me, Hogan?”
“That boy tried to poison you, my lord!” Mrs. Wood cried.
“If you’ll let me explain, my lord,” Hogan said.
The earl nodded.
“I entered the kitchens when everyone was taking their tea at the table.”
All eyes turned to the wall behind which the table the staff ate their meals at lay.
“Henry was pouring something from a bottle into the pot of coffee you drink,” Hogan continued. “I asked him what he was doing, and he tried to flee. I grabbed him, and then the others arrived.”
“Henry would never had done that without reason,” Dimity said. “He is a good boy.”
“Where is the bottle?” Michael Deville asked, stepping around his brother.
“Here, sir.” Fairfax handed it to him.
Michael sniffed, then handed it to his brother who did the same.
“My guess is arsenic, as there is no smell. If indeed it is poison,” the earl said in a calm voice. Far too calm. Dimity’s insides had turned to ice at his words.
“Why would you want to poison Lord Raine, Henry?” Dimity moved to stand before the boy. Much to her surprise, the earl joined her. “This is a very serious situation, and I know you well enough to understand this is out of character for you.”
Henry nodded, his eyes filling up his face. Tears started falling as he looked at her.
“They left me no choice, Dimity.”
“Who left you no choice?” She bent to touch his hand.
“The man and his friend. They said the earl must die, or they’d kill my family.”
“Dear Lord,” Dimity whispered.
“Come, Henry, we need to talk.” The earl led the boy from the kitchens, leaving stunned silence behind.
“Well,” Mrs. Wood breathed.
“Please bring a tray for the duchess,” Dimity said before she ran after the Deville brothers and Henry.
Chapter Twenty-Four
