It would arrive in London soon. The same symbol as the one on this page, and that Ackland had on the paper holding his father’s name.
The sign of the devil.
CHAPTERTEN
The words Theo had just spoken came out harsh, and nothing like the way he spoke as Plunge.
Iris had watched him walk into the room. She’d seen his jacket, a beautiful shade of rose, and then taken in the rest of him. His chestnut hair was not styled as it had been at the ball but was unbrushed in a tousled mess. Barring the jacket and necktie, he’d looked the man she’d always thought he’d become.
She’d then handed him the note, and the blank facade had changed. Shock, anguish, and finally, anger; Iris saw it all on his face.
“My lord, are you all right?”
He was reading the note again. She guessed he had done so at least three times by now. He lifted his head, and the look in those dark eyes had her releasing a breath. They blazed with emotion.
“And you found this in a secret drawer in your late husband’s desk?” Gone was the simpering voice. This was harder and deeper. Demanding.
“I wanted to know why my late husband’s friends and brother were determined to enter his study. Especially Mr. Renton. He was persistent.”
So persistent, he broke into her house.
“Why did you not want these people to enter your house, Iris?”
“Because I did not like them and wanted them nowhere near my son.”
He nodded but added nothing, so she continued.
“Henry and I searched through my husband’s possessions and found the key to his study. It was attached to his watch chain. It was a place, until then, we were forbidden to enter—”
“Forbidden?” The word came out like the crack of a whip.
“It was always locked and remained that way after his death. Neither Henry nor I wished to go in there. But we decided it was time, considering the persistence of the men.”
When word reached her that her husband had passed in a riding accident, the elation she’d felt was not a suitable reaction for the late Lord Challoner’s recent widow to show. So she’d felt it on the inside as had Henry when she’d told him. Both had played the part of a grieving family on the outside.
“What else was in there?” he demanded.
“My entire married life I was spoken to like that, ordered hither and yon. I will not allow it anymore.” Iris felt her own anger rise. “Please adjust your tone.”
She’d not been allowed to speak out, raise her voice, or act in any way that her husband did not think his wife should. When he’d passed, she’d vowed to cower to no man again.
Iris watched him inhale and slowly exhale.
“Forgive me, Lady Challoner.” The words were still a rasp, however, spoken more softly, but his expression was still hard with anger. “My parents’ killers were never found. I have never given up hope that one day I will bring them to justice.”
The sick feeling she’d had inside her since the day she found that note increased. Could her husband have had something to do with the deaths of Theo’s parents?
She’d spent as much time running over their lands and through their home as she’d spent in hers. Theo’s parents had loved each other, and him, deeply. There had seemed to be so much laughter when they were near. She’d been devastated by their deaths.
“I did not read the rest of what I found after reading that one, but there are more. I don’t know why my late husband had that letter in his possession signedFratres Fidei,which is Latin for brothers of faith, my lord.”
“Do you recognize the handwriting?”
“I do not. I was not party to anything my husband did, nor did I read his correspondence unless it was addressed to me.” And there was plenty of that, Iris added silently.
I heard from a staff member you were running through the halls with my son, Iris. It is unseemly, and I will not have them witnessing such a disgraceful act from my wife.
Do not interfere in the education my heir will receive, Iris, or it will not go well for you.
