“Like Lady Mairead.”
“...he was going to take Liam away and make it so I would never be here again, I would never even be able tae visit!”
“And you definitely want to visit.”
She raised her chin. “I truly want tae stay.”
I nodded and looked down at my hands.
Finally I said, “So... since it involves a secret that involves your husband, you need to take this to the grave — and make sure it doesn’t get out.”
She said, “Aye, I agree.”
“Everyone thinks the Earl fought a duel and lost, and no one suspects you, this is good.”
“I winna tell anyone.”
“I doubt anyone will ask, they all believe Wilfrey did it, and everyone knows his motivation.”
She took a deep breath. “I am weary from the day.”
“But I don’t think you get to rest, Lizbeth, something serious has happened, we need you to help set it right.”
“What should I do first?”
“I thought you would know... there is a body in the solar with fake blood on it. Is that going to cause a problem?”
Her eyes went wide. “The women will be washing it, could they tell?”
“They might.”
She stood and smoothed down her dress. “I daena want tae touch him, but I will be the one tae do it. I will handle all of it. Tae keep Liam safe, tae keep Wilfred from the gallows.”
“And John will be here any minute, you need to be ready. You have to have your head in this game, Lizbeth, you need to be the household manager, indispensable, if you want to be able to come back, especially if you want to stay.”
She said, “I do, I really want tae. Dost ye ken, hae the windows been opened?”
“I have no idea, great place to start.”
Lizbeth gathered her iron ring of keys and a shawl. She hugged me. “Are ye coming with me tae the solar?”
I hugged her back. “No, I need to check on Jack and Isla first, all this stress has me on edge. I’ll meet you there after.”
CHAPTER 33
MAGNUS
OUR FAMILY COULD STILL FALL
Lizbeth approached wearing a shawl with her ring of keys in her hand. “Might I speak tae ye, Magnus?”
“Of course, but...” I turned and led her down the corridor. “We must be private and cautious.”
“Ye ken what I am going tae say?”
“I suspect, ye are goin’ tae offer an explanation.”
I opened the door tae a storeroom as Sean was passing by, “Ye goin’ tae talk? Can I come as well?”
