Alex hesitated. “Very well, then.” She drew in a measured breath. I am disturbed by the number of so-called accidents that have befallen my brother in the last three months.”
Branford’s eyebrow shot up. “This was not the first?”
She shook her head. “A small bridge collapsed at Aunt Aurelia’s estate early one morning when Justin was out riding. Once again, it was only by the purest of luck that he was not seriously injured—or worse.”
“Was he the only one who rode regularly at that hour?”
“Yes. And then, just a short time later while on his way to Oxford with his good friend Charles Hartley, one of the wheels came off Mr. Hartley’s carriage. The coachman broke his leg in the mishap.”
“There is a plausible explanation for all these things,” he observed, wishing to think more about what he had just heard before offering an opinion. “Accidents do occur, Miss Chilton.”
“Yes, I know. But the coincidences is troubling, to say the least.” Again, she paused. “I looked at Justin’s saddle. You may think me melodramatic, milord, but the girth looked tampered with. The break was awfully clean, as if it were … cut.”
A frown tugged at his mouth. “Why do you think anyone would wish to harm your brother?”
Her hands flew up in exasperation. “That is what makes no sense—I can think of no earthly reason! It certainly isn’t for money or title—oh!” She broke off, her face tight with embarrassment.
Branford gave a little smile. “Do go on, Miss Chilton.”
“He has no enemies, does not run with a fast crowd, gamble or …”
“Bed other men’s wives?” suggested the earl.
“I-I think it highly unlikely,” answered Alex, coloring slightly at the earl’s subtle self-mockery. “He is quite attached to Miss Anne Lockwood, a childhood friend, and hopes to ask for her hand in marriage. So, apparently, does a baronet from Sussex. But Anne is a sweet, biddable girl fresh from the schoolroom. And while her father is quite well off, he is no Croesus. So, it seems to me that Anne is hardly one to inspire murder.”
Branford couldn’t suppress another smile. “Hardly,” he agreed.
“You think me a hysterical widgeon?” There was a note of challenge in her voice.
“I think you are quite observant. And in truth, I tend to agree with you that the coincidences seem rather forced.”
“At least you don’t think me mad.” A look of relief flooded her face. “Well, whatever the truth, I intend to get to the bottom of it.”
Branford’s smile disappeared. “Just what do you mean?”
“I intend to find out who is responsible, and why.”
“And just how do you intend to do that?” asked Branford.
“I would think that is obvious, sir. I plan to investigate the matter thoroughly.” Her chin rose. “Surely you don’t think I’m going to stand aside and let someone murder my brother, sir!”
A noble sentiment, but …
“I suggest you stick with your painting, Miss Chilton,” counseled the earl. “Let your brother deal with the matter.”
A spark of anger flashed in her eyes. “And stick with embroidery and playing the pianoforte as well, no doubt. Because of course, a female couldn’t possibly set her mind to something serious.”
“Don’t be bacon-brained.” He looked nonplussed. “That’snotwhat I meant.”
“Ah, thank you, Lord Branford! At least you acknowledge that Ihavea brain,” she said acidly.
“What I meant was,” continued Branford in exasperation, “it is a dangerous course you are setting?—”
“Thank you for your advice, milord,” cut in Alex. “But there is no need to concern yourself in my affairs. It is a family matter.” She gestured toward the open library door. “I believe we have finished our other topic of business. Good day to you, milord.”
The earl narrowed his eyes. “I think not, Miss Chilton …that is, our business is not yet finished. For if your request for me to decode your mysterious letter is a business deal, then surely you are aware that payment must be made for services rendered.”
Alex blinked, then quickly recovered herself. “You must name your price now, sir, so that I know whether I can afford it.”
