“I thought one night couldn’t hurt, but of course, it is your decision, Your Grace,” Miss Harrismith continued. “As I’ve told the children.”
“I imagine you would wish to hand such an important decision to me,” Andrew said with a wry lift of his lips. He was rewarded with a slight widening of her darkly fringed eyes and a small lift of her lips while a brief moment of understanding passed between them. The minx has cornered me very neatly, he thought.
“We’ll take good care of the kitten, Father,” William said.
“Carrot doesn’t seem a particularly appropriate name for a cat.” Andrew fought a grin. “Is the animal male or female?”
“I have yet to ascertain the kitten’s sex,” Miss Harrismith said. Did he see a corresponding glint of humor in her eyes?
“Very well.” Andrew nodded. He eyed the small cat whose kitten days were behind it and accepted he was outnumbered. “One night. And then we’ll discuss Carrot’s future.”
His secretary cleared his throat behind him. “I must get these to the post box in time for the mail coach, Your Grace.”
“Miss Harrismith, we shall talk further.” Andrew nodded to the governess, smiled at his children, and closed the window.
Pen in hand he stared at the papers before him, but instead, he saw the smile curling the corners of Miss Harrismith’s mouth. No, she was nothing like the old governess, Miss Tibb. Tabby he called her, behind her back. She not only lacked a sense of humor, she was rather fond of hitting him with a ruler and he’d been relieved when she was replaced with his tutor.
After Bishop hurried away with the signed and sealed documents, Andrew decided an investigation was required and made his way to the stables. He saddled Cicero and rode along the bridle path to the river.
When he reached the spot where the shot was fired, he dismounted and approached the tree that had been struck by the ball. He dipped a hand into his pocket, pulled out his pocket knife, and dug into the soft bark. The ball fell into his hand. Andrew turned it over in his palm. Clovis had been right. No guns had been used from the Castlebridge gun room. This ball was not one from here.
Grim-faced, he tucked the ball into his pocket with his knife and whistled to Cicero who had wandered over to a tender patch of grass. The stallion raised his head and trotted back to him. Andrew leapt into the saddle. This could not be delayed. He must go to London. If he left at first light, he would make it back by dusk, and meanwhile, Raymond could be relied on to entertain Greta. Although that made him decidedly uneasy. Was this a random attack by someone local? Or was it linked to the London murder? He wouldn’t rest until he knew what he was dealing with.
When he returned to the house, he made his way to the schoolroom where Miss Harrismith arranged a basket for the cat while his daughter offered advice. His son was on the floor playing with Carrot.
“We shall bring the basket to the nursery at night,” Barbara explained.
“Wasn’t the kitten to remain in the schoolroom?” He found himself unable to put up much of an objection after witnessing the endearing scene.
Barbara frowned at him. “Poor Carrot would be all alone, Father.”
“Of course. We cannot have that,” he said mildly, a smile twitching his lips.
Miss Harrismith finished arranging the cat’s bed and rose. “Is there something else, Your Grace?”
“Yes, I’d like a word.” He strolled over to the pianoforte against the far wall, out of earshot of the children. Miss Harrismith followed.
His gaze took her in. The dove-colored cambric muslin dress she wore suited her, the brooch at her breast the only piece of jewelry, except for a watch hanging on a fine gold chain. He was struck again by her poise. He’d been surrounded by ladies dressed in the first stare of fashion all his life. Miss Harrismith’s outfit was far simpler, and yet somehow, in his opinion she would not be out of place among them.
“I’d like you to take extra care, Miss Harrismith,” he said, gazing down at her. “Until I’ve found out who discharged the firearm.”
He eyes widened. “Yes, of course, I shall, Your Grace.”
She studied him as closely as he did her. His visit was the flimsiest of excuses, but he found himself wanting to see her before he left. He folded his arms and leaned back against the smooth wood of the pianoforte. “Tell me more about your family. You have six siblings? Their names?”
She looked faintly surprised. “Jarred is my father’s heir. He is a law clerk at the Inns of Court.”
“He is not at university?”
“No. Unfortunately there was no money for that. Colin, who is twenty, serves in the navy. We haven’t seen him for almost two years.”
“Do any of his letters reach home?”
“Yes, we have been fortunate to have received two. The last a few months ago. He wrote of his new experiences. The exotic places he visits.” Her lovely eyes sparkled. “He has eaten the flesh of a coconut! I’ve only seen a picture of one. It is a hard life, but he seems happy at sea.” She paused, and he nodded to encourage her. “Arabella, or Bella as she is known to us, is seventeen. She is the beauty of the family and is to make her Come-out soon. Then Beth, who is a gentle soul of thirteen. She loves animals, and is always bringing home strays, rabbits, birds with broken wings, even a fox cub, which Papa would not allow her to keep.”
Andrew smiled. “I can’t say I blame your father for that.”
Mischief sparked in her eyes. “No, but it was the snake that upset Papa the most. Beth brought it in in a box when the vicar had called. He spilled his tea in his lap.”
