‘On another matter, dear cousin,’ Freddy continued, ‘I am conscious that dear Fan and I have overstayed our welcome. I am happy to advise that I have an expectation of good fortune in the weeks to come.’
‘May I ask from where?’
Freddy tapped his nose. ‘Ah, now dear cuz, that would be telling. However, that by itself may not suffice and you have mentioned a settlement from Anthony’s estate. Are you able to clarify that position any further?’
As he was still waiting on Bragge’s report on the Lynchs, Sebastian said with absolute honesty, ‘I am awaiting a report from my man of business, Lynch. When I am in receipt of that I will be only too pleased to discuss your future.’
Freddy rose to his feet. ‘That is excellent news. Are you looking forward to the ball?’
Sebastian glanced at his desk where a stack of bills for the costs of this extravagance grew by the day.
‘I will be pleased when it is over.’
Freddy smiled. ‘Indeed, I am sure we all will, but I promise you a night to remember, my lord. A night to remember.’
As the door closed behind Freddy, Sebastian stared into the fireplace.
Why had Fanny been nosing around in Connie’s bedroom? Only one reason came to mind, and he summoned the housekeeper.
‘Do sit, Mrs. Fletcher.’ Sebastian gestured at the chair so recently vacated by Freddy.
She coloured. ‘Oh, sir, I never…’
‘Please,’ Sebastian smiled at his housekeeper.
She complied and sat as rigid as a poker with her hands clasped in her lap.
‘Am I in trouble, sir? Has something displeased you?’
Sebastian stared at her. ‘Good God, no, Mrs. Fletcher. Please take your ease. I wanted to ask you if you have been aware of any petty pilfering going on in the house?’
Her hand flew to the brooch at her neck.
‘Oh dear, what have you heard?’
‘Nothing. It’s just a question. You’re not in trouble, Mrs. Fletcher.’
She glanced at the fire. ‘Well, of course everyone blamed young Amy Thompson,’ she began.
Sebastian had not been expecting this response. He leaned forward. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Small things went missing. Small but valuable. A silver spoon here, one of his lordship’s tie pins. Little things, easily missed.’
‘And why was Amy Thompson blamed?’
‘She worked in the house as a house maid. She had access to all the rooms where things had gone missing.’ Mrs. Fletcher twisted her hands. ‘She started buying herself new things. Just little pretties, mind. Nothing fancy, but not the sort of thing a maid would be able to afford. His lordship instructed me to find the culprit and, naturally, the finger of suspicion pointed at Amy. She denied it, of course, became quite distraught, and, a few days later, she went and took her own life. So sad.’
‘Was she the culprit?’
Mrs. Fletcher gave a small shake of her head. ‘I don’t believe so, sir. I went through all her things myself and there was no evidence of pilfering. I’ve come across thieves in my other positions and it’s my experience that they like to keep little souvenirs. A few months after his lordship’s death, it began again. Why, only last week, two little silver saltcellars disappeared. We’ve searched high and low for them so, to answer your question, the thief was not Amy Thompson.’
‘Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher.’
Sebastian sat back in his chair and the woman stood.
‘Was there anything else, sir?’
He shook his head. ‘No, you must be very busy with this ball.’
