Oh good heavens…That body was Featherspoon. Richard knew it. How did the poor man end up dead?
Richard backed his horse into the trees so as not to be spotted. His mind twirled with questions. With Featherspoon dead, where would Richard get his children? And speaking of children… where was the one Percy had promised Richard? He scanned the surroundings again, but didn’t see a young lad.
Within minutes, the wagon started on its way, and the constable and two men quickly followed. Richard waited until they rode past before he rode up the drive. Miss Watson and her maid were climbing in their curricle. The blue gown she wore and the white bonnet and matching shawl seemed vaguely familiar. He knew he’d seen Eliza earlier today, but where?
Suddenly, it hit him. He’d seen Eliza at the same house Louisa had been in front of, daydreaming. Pieces of the puzzle started fitting together, and he grinned like a child on Christmas. The house Louisa had been looking athadbeen her true family’s house. Eliza was soon to be Lady Wellesley—and Frank Hamilton lived with the Earl of Danvers.
In the early years after Richard had purchased Louisa, she mentioned her friend—the one whose uncle had took her after her family had died. Chuckling, Richard shook his head. What would Louisa think if she knew her school friend was marrying into the family?
As Richard rode closer to the two women sitting in the vehicle, Eliza’s gaze fell upon him. He bowed slightly and smiled. “Good afternoon.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” she asked in a sweet honey-toned voice.
“I have come to visit my friend, Mr. Featherspoon.”
Frowning, Eliza shook her head. “You are too late. My uncle died earlier. His body was just taken to the morgue, in fact.”
Gasping, Richard acted shocked over the news. “How terrible. Do ye know how he died?”
“He was murdered. Someone hit him on the back of the head with a thick piece of wood.”
He shook his head. “Such terrible news, indeed.”
Eliza’s gaze swept over him slowly. Disgust gradually appeared on her expression. “Pardon me, but may I ask your name?”
“Certainly.” He jumped off his horse and bowed again. “I’m Mr. Macgregor.”
Her eyes widened for a split second. Even the color in her cheeks disappeared. Indeed, she had heard of him.
Her throat constricted as she lifted her chin. “Well, I’m sorry we had to meet under such dire circumstances, but I must be on my way home to inform my family of my uncle’s passing.”
She flipped the reins to urge the horse forward, but Richard grasped the harness and stopped the animal. “One moment more.” He waited for her reaction and was pleased when a hint of fear crept across her face.
“I really need to return home, Mr. Macgregor.”
“As I’m certain ye do, but what I have to say will only take a moment, I assure ye.”
“Please hurry then.”
He stepped closer to her side of the vehicle. Eliza’s back stiffened and she held the reins so tight her knuckles turned white. Beside her, the maid appeared just as frightened as she scooted closer to Eliza.
“Miss Watson, I know ye know who I am and about the relationship I had with yer uncle.”
“I—I fear I do not know what you are referring to.”
“There’s no need to lie, Miss Watson. Yer uncle spoke of ye quite often and I feel I know ye well.” He flipped his hand. “But because of the untimely death of yer uncle, I’m afraid I will now have to find someone to replace him as my business partner.”
She didn’t speak, just stared intently into his eyes.
He continued, “It wasn’t until a few minutes ago, when I realized who the fortunate person would be to take his place.”
She licked her lips. “Who?”
He smiled wide. “Miss Watson, I believe ye are the perfect person to take over where yer uncle left off.”
The maid gasped and placed her hand over her mouth. Eliza laughed, but it sounded forced. “Mr. Macgregor, I do not think—”
“Because if ye don’t,” he quickly went on, “I will allow yer friend, Louisa, to meet the family she thought died in a fire six years ago—and especially, the friend who created the lie.”
