“Let’s get to it, then.”
Pen poised over a letter, Andrew glanced up with annoyance when someone scratched on the door.
Raymond walked in. “You wished to see me, Andrew?”
Andrew replaced his pen in the holder. “Yes. Bishop, can you give us a few minutes?”
When his secretary left the room, Andrew joined his cousin, who stood in front of a fine oil painting of mares and foals in a landscape. “I’ve always liked this one,” Raymond said.
“Yes, a favorite of mine. Stubbs had a sure hand with horses.”
Raymond turned to glance at him curiosity writ large on his face. “What did you wish to speak to me about?”
“Have you been hunting in the woods?”
His eyes widened. “No, why?”
“William came very close to being shot. Whizzed over his head.”
“Good God! But who would be so careless? A poacher?”
“Clovis doubts it.”
Raymond frowned. He raised his hands, palms up. “You don’t think I could do a bloody reckless thing like that?”
“Ray, it’s imperative that I find out who almost killed my son. You have a better chance of learning something from the staff than I do. They might be keeping knowledge of it to themselves, either afraid to come forward, or protecting someone.”
He squared his shoulders. “You can rely on me, Andrew. I know I haven’t been behaving quite up to snuff of late. But I would never endanger William’s life. I’m fond of the boy.”
Andrew laid a hand on his shoulder. “Yes. I know you are.”
With a nod Raymond made for the door.
“Ray?” Andrew called before he reached it. He chose his words carefully. “You seem to enjoy the baroness’ company.”
His cousin swiveled. He frowned. “What makes you think…”
Andrew smiled. “Greta is lovely and charming company.”
“Are you planning to marry her, Andrew?”
“Nothing’s settled between us, but it’s possible.”
“Well, if you do, you’re a lucky fellow. Don’t worry. I’m not foolish enough to believe a lady of her wealth and rank would consider a suit of mine.” He gave a half laugh. “I won’t attempt to snatch her from you if that’s what you fear.”
Andrew chuckled. “I seem to remember that you weren’t always so scrupulous.”
“When we were youths, it was merely lighthearted play. A game with us back then, wasn’t it? I’d say we ended up about even.”
“You might have a slight edge. Unfortunately, life has become more serious since those days.”
Raymond nodded. “I’ll see what I can discover. It’s likely an accident that no one is going to lay claim to. Some fool…”
Unsettled after Raymond left, Andrew wandered over to the window. In the garden, the governess led his children along the path. Was that a cat his daughter hugged to her chest? He threw open the window. “Did you wish to see me, Miss Harrismith?”
Her fingers toyed with her brooch, a high color on her cheeks. “Your Grace, Barbara has her heart set on taking the kitten to the nursery. Not wishing to upset her I’ve suggested she can take it to the schoolroom for a brief stay, with your permission.”
“His name is Carrot,” Barbara said.
