“And if he chose someone to court…” She swallowed. “Meto court, attentions would move elsewhere. Aiden would no longer be a catch.”
“Yes.” Stalwood tilted his head. “Miss Fitzgilbert, I apologize on behalf of the Empire for the pain that this has caused you. But I assure you, no one went into this lightly, nor without great dismay.”
“Do you really think Perry and Clairemont were using my business, my canals, to work against the Empire?” Gray asked.
Clairemont nodded. “We have a great deal of circumstantial evidence to show it. And Perry’s actions today all but confirm it to be true. They insisted on moving the terminal port of your ferry to Withershank, yes?”
“A questionable decision you and I discussed,” Gray conceded.
Clairemont shrugged. “Not questionable if you intend to take over the town and divert goods and whatever else you’re moving through the canals to the enemy.”
Gray gritted his teeth. “Do you think Perry is the one who killed Clairemont?”
Clairemont considered the question and all he’d seen that afternoon. “No, he seemed genuinely surprised when he saw me and realized I wasn’t the man he expected to find in your parlor.” He shook his head. “Had he been the killer, he would have known for certain that I was an imposter and probably been more prepared for my arrival.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Gray said. “Then you think they have a partner.”
Stalwood was the one who answered. “We do. Clairemont and I were going to do some research into your investors and associates, but you can make it easier on us by allowing us access to the information. Especially a list of anyone that Clairemont encouraged you to approach for involvement.”
Gray shot Rosalinde and Celia a look, then turned his attention back to Clairemont. “I am disgusted by what you did to my family. And when this is over, you had best be ready to meet me at dawn to settle the damage you’ve done. But the idea that anyone would usemyventures to commit treason is appalling to its core. I feel compelled to help you in any way I can.”
Clairemont pursed his lips. He deserved the duel that Gray was suggesting. He deserved far worse. “Thank you,” he said softly.
Celia stepped toward him, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, she lifted her gaze to evenly meet his. Her blue eyes, which had always been so warm and welcoming and healing, were now cold as an icy sea. She was pale as the finest parchment when she raised her chin with a hint of defiance.
“We mustallhelp,” she said, her voice cracking.
Clairemont drew back, hardly able to breathe as he looked at her. “Celia?” he murmured.
Rosalinde stepped toward her and whispered the same. “Celia?”
She ignored her sister, and those icy blue eyes narrowed. “If our family were to suddenly cut you off, if our courtship were to end abruptly, it would draw more of that attention back to you, wouldn’t it? It might even reveal your duplicity in some way.”
Clairemont could find no words to reply, but Stalwood spoke for him. “Yes.”
“It could hurt many. Perhaps even lead to the deaths of some.”
“Soldiers and spies,” Clairemont admitted past a suddenly dry throat. “Depending on whether the real duke and his partners are moving weapons or information.”
“Or both,” Stalwood supplied, his concern clear in his tone.
“Then the courtship will continue,” Celia said at last.
As Clairemont’s lips parted in surprise, Rosalinde reached out and grabbed her sister’s arm. “Celia, you don’t have to do this. No one could expect it of you.”
Celia kept her gaze firmly on him. “But Ishalldo it. I shall do it for my country.”
Clairemont’s hands began to shake and he shoved them behind his back as he nodded slowly. “I appreciate that, Celia. I certainly don’t deserve it.”
“Call me Miss Fitzgilbert,” she said, then turned on her heel and paced away.
Stalwood sighed. “It has been a trying day for everyone and Clairemont and I must go and do some work regarding Perry. He is loose on the streets and must be contained if we can manage it.”
Gray nodded. “Of course. In the mean time I will gather all correspondence from Clairemont for you. And I’ll look into my records and compile any information that might lead you to Clairemont’s partner.”
“Excellent.” Stalwood moved toward the door, but before they could leave, Rosalinde approached Clairemont. She stood before him, hardly more than a wisp of a woman in comparison to his strength. Without preamble, she slapped him hard across the face.
Celia spun around with a gasp, and for a moment no one in the room moved. Clairemont’s cheek stung, but he didn’t recoil. He simply stood and waited for her to repeat the action. He deserved no less.
