"Indeed," Josiah answered. "But I think I must ask for your help with all of this, my friend. If I am to gain answers whilst staying back from Lady Clara, then we will both need our friends to come about us."
"You did not even need to ask," Lord Worthington said, putting one hand on Josiah's shoulder. "As I have said, I want to see you happy --- both of you. Whatever it is you require of me to do, I will do it."
"I thank you." Josiah reached out and shook his friend's hand. "I am grateful, truly." His brow furrowed. "I must find out more about Miss Jennings."
His friend looked back at him, confused. "Miss Jennings?"
"My aunt's companion," Josiah explained, as they slowly began to meander back towards the house. He gave Worthington the essentials --- Miss Jennings's departure before Christmas, the name in Thomas's letter, Tyrone's terror at the ball. "There is a connection here, Worthington. I am certain of it."
"Then we had best find it," Lord Worthington said, firmly. "And quickly, before Lord Tyrone discovers what you are about."
11
"Ihave a letter."
Clara's breath caught as she reached out for the note Alice held in her hand.
"I wanted to wait until we were both safely in the carriage before I gave it to you," Alice said, a note of apology in her voice. "I could not risk it, not when your brother was in the house."
"There is no need to apologise, truly." Opening the letter, Clara scanned the few lines quickly, then returned to read it all again with a good deal more care. Her eyes rounded, her pulse quickening as the scattered pieces she had been collecting --- David's terror at the ball, Thomas's letter about shame, the name half-legible on ruined paper --- suddenly sharpened into focus. "Miss Jennings is Lady Prentis's companion. Lord Rutland's own aunt."
"Then it is all connected," Alice breathed, sitting forward. "Your brother's fear, Thomas's letter, and this Miss Jennings --- they are all part of the same thread."
"Yes." Clara's hand trembled slightly as she held the letter. "Whatever shame Thomas spoke of, whatever it is that made my brother go white at the mention of the Jennings name --- it leadsback to a woman who lived under Lord Rutland's roof." She looked up at her cousin. "That is why David separated us. It must be. He was afraid Lord Rutland would discover the truth."
Alice's eyes widened. "That would explain everything --- the letter, the threats, keeping you apart."
Clara nodded, then looked back at the letter. "Lord Rutland says that he will speak to his cousin, Lord Prentis, about Miss Jennings. Once he knows more, he will write again."
"That is good." Alice smiled at her. "All the same, I am sure that there is more you can do."
Clara frowned. "I do not think so."
"Yes, there is." Alice tilted her head. "It will take some courage, however and there is always the risk that you will not find anything else out."
Looking back at her cousin, Clara waited for her to speak.
"You could find out the address of your brother, Thomas."
"How could I do such a thing?" Clara responded, frowning. "The letter he wrote to me is ruined and my brother Tyrone is the only one who knows where he is."
"Precisely."
Clara stared at her cousin. Then her eyes widened and she shook her head. "No, I could not!"
"But I could be with you," Alice said, leaning forward again as the carriage continued on its way. "If we knew that your brother was gone from the house, then it would not take much for one of us to search his study for an address or for something that might tell you where Thomas lives at present. I could stand outside the door or in the hallway, ready to warn you of anyone coming."
Clara's heart beat wildly as she considered, shivering at the thought of what would happen should her brother return home unexpectedly and discover her. "I --- I do not know." Swallowing, she closed her eyes. Can I find the courage I need to do this? For the sake of my future --- for our future?
"I will be with you," Alice said again, as Clara opened her eyes. "I do not mean to pressure you but this would be something we could do that would certainly seek to further your endeavors."
Steeling her resolve, Clara clasped her hands tightly in her lap and then nodded. "Yes. You are quite right. It is something that I could do and if you are with me, then there is no need for me to be afraid." Despite her outward determination, Clara's heart began to quicken in anticipation of all she was to do. "Let us hope that it will not be in vain!"
---
"Are you certain my brother is out?" Clara tried to speak calmly and somewhat dismissively whilst, inwardly, her whole being thrummed with nervousness.
"Yes, my lady. He went to call upon Lord and Lady Worchester and their daughters."
