He nodded and sat before his legs gave out, and while Iris drank her tea, Monty tried to focus on the papers. He was excellent at Latin; his years at Eton had ensured that.
Reading the words, he ignored the small symbol that felt like it was burning a hole through his thigh where he’d rested it.
“That symbol is the same one on the note mentioning your parents, Lord Montgomery,” Iris said.
“It is, my lady, but it could just be a symbol used by men in their private club,” Monty added.
She nodded but didn’t speak, so Monty continued reading.
There were meeting dates and times but no address. He found papers with columns of numbers and another that appeared to be an agenda. A line at the bottom drew his eyes.We must sacrifice those that betray us to please the gods. The words were similar to those on the correspondence found in Ackland’s possession and the note Iris had brought to his house earlier. It was enough to tell Monty that Iris’s husband was indeed involved in something, but was he connected to Ackland, or was that coincidence? And where did his father fit into all this?
He remembered what Geraint had said about what was written beside his parents’ names on that list. Written and crossed out alongside others who were dead.The gods are appeased with their deaths.
Was it all connected?
His eyes went to Iris again.
“What does it mean, my lord?”
“I don’t know yet, but I cannot thank you enough for handing these to me, my lady. I will contact you when I have information.”
“Did I live with a murderer? I can almost believe it of him,” she whispered, regaining her feet. “Was he really the devil as I always believed?”
He rose and joined her. Instinctively, he moved closer as if he wanted to comfort her, but this time he kept a distance between them. Touching Iris was something he could never do again, as a single touch would not be enough.
“Did he hurt you?” The words came out before he could stop them.
“It matters not. What matters is that if he or any of them were involved in your parents’ deaths, then I want them brought to justice. If my husband is guilty, then it must be known.”
“I will not have yours or Henry’s names darkened because of your husband’s actions,” Monty found himself saying. Would he let that stop him when, for years, the only thing he’d wanted was justice for his parents? He wasn’t sure of the answer to that question.
Her laugh was harsh and held no humor. “I care nothing for my name. Just as I had no wish to walk in society, and yet my aunt and uncle believe it was for the best for Henry. I care that one day, if he wishes, he can, but if that cannot happen, we will be all right.”
“I will do what I can to keep your name out of this.”Whatever this was.
She nodded.
He held her gaze for long, tense seconds and then retreated, looking around the room before he spoke again. “Just so I have everything clear, my lady. Lord Picton, Lord Heather, Mr. Clipper, Mr. Buford, and your former brother-in-law called to search your husband’s things?”
“Yes. Their persistence angered me, and I wanted to know why they were so determined to go through his study. I am no fool, or should I say, never will be again, and I know that being forewarned is forearmed.”
“I know you are not a fool, my lady. And it is sensible to do as you have. Many women are left in the dark until creditors knock on the door.”
She nodded. Her eyes were cool again. Like him, she was distancing herself, but he could still feel the warmth from her cheek. Her soft lips beneath his.
Monty had not felt a person’s touch for many years, until Mary had hugged him. He wanted to feel Iris’s hands on his skin again but would not give in to that need.
“Did any of these men threaten you?”
“They were persistent” was all she said. But he was sure he had his answer, especially after the other night. Renton had hurt her when he’d grabbed her.
“Who will you tell about this? Who will help you find out if, in fact, my husband is involved with your parents’ deaths?”
“I have people I trust with this information.”
“Well then, I wish you good luck, Lord Montgomery. If I find anything more, I shall send word.”
She was dismissing him, and he was more than happy to comply with her wishes.
