The cook folded his arms. “It wasn’t.”
“Did you learn anything helpful from the thieves who shared your cell? How to pick a lock, for instance?”
Samuels’s eyes brightened. He leaned forward, hands loosely clasped between his thighs. “I can. Spent a year with one of the best in the business. Drove me out of my wits, gabbing on about his lucrative robberies.” He grinned. “Never mentioned the one that got him tossed into Newgate.”
“What I’m about to ask might prove dangerous for someone with your record, should it go wrong, Samuels. It won’t go badly for you if you refuse.”
“I’m listening, milord.”
“I intend to search Mr. Pike’s cottage. I won’t give you the reason. Let’s just say I’m looking for evidence to support a theory.”
“Couldn’t you put the parish constable onto him? He would haul Pike in for questioning.”
“And have Pike destroy or remove the evidence I seek? He considers himself safe, and I prefer to keep him thinking he is.”
Samuels nodded. “That’s smart, milord. Wouldn’t have thought of it. I suppose that’s because I’m the cook and you’re the earl.”
Dominic smiled. “A few noblemen would do well with your smarts and your toughness, Samuels. We’ll search Pike’s cottage while he is at the tavern. I’m told he drinks there every evening.”
Samuels nodded, his eyes keen. “Just say when, milord.”
“Tonight. We’ll make use of the full moon. Meet me at the park gates as soon as it’s dark.” He thought for a moment. He could take the phaeton, but he preferred to ride. “Ride a horse, Samuels?”
“Grew up on a farm, milord.”
Dominic nodded. “I’ll bring you one.”
The cook rose to his feet. “Lookin’ forward to it.”
When Samuels left the library, Dominic pulled the bell cord to summon Jack. He was confident the cook would be a handy partner in crime. And there was no one else. Williams had departed for London that morning on the mail coach and would be gone for a week. But he wouldn’t have involved him in this.
*
When Dominic arrivedat the hall gates riding Onyx and leading Tarian by the rein, Samuels loomed out of the shadows, his dark clothing rendering him almost invisible.
Dominic handed him the reins, and the cook leaped into the saddle.
“You brought an implement to open the door?”
Curiously, Dominic found he was enjoying himself. It felt good to hit back at whoever sought to hurt him and those he cared about.
“A tool to jimmy the lock, milord. And a knife to save my skin, should it be necessary.”
“It won’t come to that. I’d prefer not to have a death on my conscience. Either yours or Pike’s. Can you open it but leave no evidence?”
“I’ll be as gentle as a dove, milord.”
A prickle of excitement ran down Dominic’s spine as the horses cantered down the road. He refused to be the prey of some assailant. He much preferred to turn the tables and hunt the fellow down.
The moon, like a glowing silver coin, lighted their way. A night bird called, the wind soughing through the tree branches. A hedgehog scuffled about in the undergrowth bordering the road.
Walking their horses gave Dominic time to think.
Unwise to tell Olivia. She’d have some fool notion that he did this for her, or she’d try to talk him out of it. She deserved the truth as much for her father’s sake, but he also owed something to his uncle’s memory. And he couldn’t allow the danger and uncertainty to continue.
He must consider the safety of his staff. But was he right about Pike? His instincts told him so. But should the man prove innocent, Dominic’s actions tonight were disreputable. He was willing to take that chance. If Pike stole from Jenner and his uncle, he’d have to watch how he spent it.
A steward’s pay wouldn’t be much. He couldn’t throw money around in the village. It would bring unwelcome attention. Nor leave his position with Lancaster to spend it elsewhere. Nor cash a banknote if Alberic had issued one to pay Jenner. Dominic’s solicitor would have mentioned such a sum. What puzzled him was why Pike hadn’t moved away. Set up somewhere where he would be free to spend his ill-gotten gains? What kept him here? Was it his partner in crime, Mrs. Hobbs?
