She was relieved to see Sheffield was smiling at the tug-and-pull antics involving a length of well-chewed rope.
He looked around at her approach. “I’ve just finished explaining to Raven about our discovery.”
“May I see the mechanical device?” asked the boy, scrambling to his feet and brushing the worst of the muck from his knees.
“Wrexford plans to bring it back here later,” she answered. “So yes, I’m sure you’ll have ample opportunity to inspect it.”
Raven’s face scrunched in thought. “You say the rods go up and down, shifting the numbered wheels both vertically and horizontally?”
Sheffield grimaced. “Don’t ask me how it works, lad. You’ll have to see for yourself.”
“By the by, where’s your brother?” asked Charlotte as another puppy bounded down the stone walkway between the stalls and tripped over its own oversized paws.
Raven laughed, a carefree burble that reminded her all too sharply of how rarely he sounded like a child. Then, looking away from the dog, he answered, “Hawk went with the gardener to see the flower beds along the back terrace. He took his sketchbook, so he could do some drawings.” Crouching down, the boy began wrestling with the newcomer. “But I’m going to find him now and see if he wants to play toss and fetch with these beasties.”
“An excellent idea!” she encouraged. Gamboling in the fresh air and fields would do them good.
The puppies barked as he pulled a ball from his jacket pocket and scampered off, the animals following in hot pursuit.
Charlotte took Sheffield’s arm. “Shall we go see if Tyler has arrived?”
They walked past the paddocks in silence as she debated whether to broach the subject of Lady Cordelia’s betrayal and offer her support. She didn’t wish to intrude, and a surreptitious glance at his profile did nothing to help her decide.
“Have I sprouted horns or purple spots?” he murmured.
“Sorry,” stammered Charlotte.
“Don’t be. I know my judgment in many things leaves much to be desired,” he replied. “It’s no wonder you have doubts—”
“You judge yourself far more harshly than Wrexford or I do,” she said before he could go on.
Her words seemed to surprise him.
“But then,” she continued, “I think our own faults are always far more glaring to us than they are to our friends.”
“You’re being kind, as always.” A wry smile. “However, I did some thinking on the ride home . . .” Their steps crunched over gravel as they turned onto the walkway leading to the front of the house. “About how you and Wrexford have the strength and the courage to put truth and justice before personal sentiments, no matter how painful.”
He drew in a breath. “I know I’ve made a mull of my recent choices. But I hope you and Wrex know where my true loyalty lies.”
“We’ve never doubted that,” said Charlotte. “But caring for someone is a strength, not a weakness.”
A thoughtful silence lasted for several steps.
“Truth,” murmured Sheffield, quickening his pace as they approached the entrance steps. “We need to follow the damnable twisted threads of this conundrum and find the truth.” The stones rustled beneath his boots. “Wherever they may lead.”
Charlotte heard the steel in his voice . . . along with a whisper of regret. “Let us keep in mind that we don’t yet know for sure that Lady Cordelia has done anything wrong.”
“I don’t think either of us believes that’s true,” he murmured.
On entering the manor house, they were met by Higgins, the earl’s country butler, who escorted them to Wrexford’s study.
“Tyler has sent word that he’s been delayed,” announced the earl, a slight frown creasing his brow as he looked up from the note on his desk. “He won’t be arriving until tomorrow.”
“Is that bad news?” asked Charlotte.
“Not necessarily,” replied Wrexford, his expression unreadable. “I asked him to see if he could learn more about the knife discovered at Queen’s Landing.”
“Shall the two of us go fetch the mechanical device from Sudler’s hideaway?” asked Sheffield.
