“We must proceed as though Manvers may be within the castle, or in the surrounding woodlands. Jeffers, draw the carriage into the trees, and keep to the edge of the property until we are certain there is no danger.”
Then the colonel distributed the firearms and ammunition.
The coachman reached beneath his seat and produced a musket. The colonel acknowledged it with a nod.
“Darcy, you two will go in on the left. We shall go in on the right. Remain outside and keep watch. If you encounter a servant and can safely question them, learn what you can.”
The coachman then guided the carriage away from the main approach and deeper into the woods.
After nearly forty minutes, Darcy and Robert reached the formal gardens. Darcy paused to take in the castle. The two-story Gothic building stood among beautifully manicured gardens and was bordered by woodland.
They passed the pump house and continued on until they reached the coach house, from which they could observe the kitchen gardens. There they halted to watch.
After half an hour, a servant emerged from the house and began gathering herbs.
Darcy turned to his footman.
“What do you think, Robert? Is it safe to show ourselves? That servant appears to be at her work, with no sign of alarm.”
Robert continued to watch, and then his attention sharpened.
“The colonel, sir.”
Richard stood just outside the kitchen door, lifting an arm in signal. Darcy and Robert joined him. They entered a small parlor and closed the door. Peter stood at the window, keeping watch, and Robert moved to join him.
Darcy’s gaze fell upon three women standing before a settee, observing him with anxious attention. He bowed.
The colonel made the introductions, then asked, “My lady, pray tell us, are you or your daughters in any danger from the Earl of Manvers?”
“I have believed so, Colonel. He asked my husband for Abigail’s hand in marriage, but was refused. My husband called him a rake and a gambler and declared that no daughter of his would be wed to a gambler. I stood in the hall when the Earl stormed out of my husband’s study, and when I saw the look in his eyes, I feared then that he would stop at nothing. Soon after, my husband died in that dreadful accident.”
Richard interrupted her.
“Is the carriage in which the accident occurred still here upon the estate?”
“Yes, it is in the coach house. It was taken there the day he died, and it has remained there untouched ever since.”
Richard turned to Peter.
“Miller, go out and inspect the carriage. Examine the shaft for any sign of deliberate damage.”
Robert joined his brother, and the two men departed together.
Richard returned his attention to Lady Harrington.
“And your son, madam? Does he reside at home?”
“No, sir. Michael is at university. He remained until the funeral, but I sent him back, lest some misfortune should befall him here.” She wrung her hands. “Colonel, do you think there is a possibility that my husband’s death was not an accident?”
“There is a strong possibility, my Lady, that it was intentional. We shall know more when the Miller brothers return.”
Lady Abigail’s voice faltered.
“Colonel, will you tell me of Philip? Was that not an accident either?”
Richard answered, “We have learned that Manvers has gambled away his fortune, and his estate is mortgaged. We are investigating further, but Manvers is desperate for money. We fear he may attempt to abduct one of you for the sake of your dowry.”
“He asked my husband for a loan some four years ago and was refused at first, but the Earl pressed him until he agreed. He borrowed against his estate, and my husband held the mortgages.”
