Marcus quickly joined him and soon the carriage was put into motion.
“How did Maria start the fire and ruin the dam?” Marcus asked.
“That is what I intend to ask her when she returns.”
“That is not what I meant. I was with her that morning. She asked me to accompany her to Cheshire. She would have had to do the damage that morning, but how could we have left without me knowing?”
Victor studied him. “Why were you going to Cheshire with Maria?”
Marcus blew out a sigh. “She begged me not to tell you, but as she has already been up to no good, I shall tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
“She went to visit Mr. Thompson to beg for the release of funds.”
“Did he give it to her?” Victor asked in surprise.
“No and she was quite upset following her audience with him.”
“You were not with her?”
“No. Maria wanted me to accompany her because Kingsley was not available and didn’t wish to travel without a man for protection.” He nearly snorted. “I had only just returned and had not realized how she could manipulate.”
“That is likely how she got Kingsley to marry her,” Victor observed. “What happened with Thompson?”
“When we arrived, Maria insisted that I remain in the carriage, yet I accompanied her inside but was left to cool my heels while she met privately with him behind closed doors. She was with him for nearly half an hour at the most and then stormed out of the library and insisted that we must leave immediately and that she never wanted to speak to that horrible man again.”
Victor snorted. He could just imagine what Mr. Thompson had said to his sister when she came begging for money.
Marcus frowned. “When did you say Thompson died.”
“Little over a sennight ago.” Victor withdrew the letters he had received. “September twenty-eighth.”
Marcus grew pale. “That is the day we visited. You do not think…No, of course not,” he answered for himself.
“Thompson’s heart gave out while at his desk,” Victor assured his brother. “Though trying Maria may be, and even if we could blame his heart failure on her, it is not exactly murder.”
Chapter 34
Charlotteblinked,openedhereyes, and glanced around her chamber.
How long had she slept?
It was still light outside so at least she hadn’t slept the day away, though after glancing at the clock, she had slept for three hours.
Stretching, she rose and planted her feet on the thick rug and blew out a sigh.
Rising, she walked to the wardrobe where her clothing had been put away and chose the periwinkle dress that Victor had commissioned. She had not worn it yet and had wanted to wait until Victor had returned. But she needed something to cheer her, and this dress would do exactly that. Not only was it her favorite color, but it was soft, and most importantly, Victor had made the purchase as a gift to her.
After donning the dress and fixing her hair, Charlotte made her way downstairs to return to her calculations. The heaviness that had accompanied her into slumber returned with the weight upon her now. She wanted to be done with whatever was required of her father’s estate and return home to Willanton.
“Lady Blackmar, you have awakened!” Tilly exclaimed as Charlotte reached the bottom of the stairs. “I will bring your tea right away, and Cook has already prepared a tray of some of your favorite delicacies to tempt you.”
Charlotte appreciated their effort and hopefully she would be able to eat something, or Monique would need to take in the dress.
She had lost weight, though she had no idea how much, just that her clothing was looser.
“Thank you, Tilly, and thank Cook as well.”
