‘Have you taken the solution the doctor prescribed?’ she asked, concern lacing her tone.
‘No, I hate that stuff—tastes vile!’ he replied sheepishly.
Clicking her tongue, she fetched the medicine and made him take it.
‘You know it works, Johnson,’ she admonished gently.
He nodded grudgingly. ‘I suppose you’re right, Miss Grace,’ he muttered, secretly pleased that someone cared enough to fuss over him.
Charlotte usually wrote regularly, her letters filled with the latest gossip from London’ston, much to the delight of both Skye sisters. But this time, Charlotte had been unusually silent. There had been no way of reaching her—she had never provided an address.
As Grace glanced at the letters Johnson handed her, she realised all three bore incorrect addresses. No wonder I have not heard from her! They had been redirected, arriving all at once.
Eagerly, she tore open the first letter.
At first, it was filled with Charlotte’s usual dramatic flair, and Grace read it with a smile. The writing desk that Jimmy and Grace had designed was a success, and Charlotte’s friends were all clamouring to know where they could acquire one. Charlotte even suggested they start a business together when she returned.
Grace chuckled. Leave it to Charlotte to make such an outrageous suggestion. Her mother would have a fit if she went into trade.
Settling into her favourite chair with a steaming cup of tea, she opened the second letter. Her amusement quickly faded as she read the words:
I went to the Duke of Sommer’s residence today to visit my friend and was shocked to learn that the Duke of Armitage has passed away. He died in his sleep a week ago.
Panic seized Grace as she checked the date of Charlotte’s letter. It had been written two weeks before Mr Stone arrived at Skye Manor.Charlotte must be mistaken.Hurriedly, she continued reading.
The news came while I was enquiring about Mr Gibbs and the Armitage family. The Duke of Sommer’s daughter, Jane, who is closely acquainted with the family, told me they were devastated. It was so unexpected.
The heir died in a carriage accident six months ago, and the second son—the new Duke—is abroad. The family has sent for him, but it will take at least a month for him to return. London eagerly awaits his arrival. Until then, it seems Mr Gibbs will remain in his post. I can’t imagine the new Duke concerning himself with Skye Manor, at least not immediately. He will have far greater matters to attend to.
I will keep both my eyes and ears open for more information.
Your loving friend, etc.
Reeling, Grace quickly tore open the third letter.
Dearest Grace,
I have the most alarming news—please keep this to yourself, as I have received it in the strictest confidence from Jane.
The Armitage family suspects foul play in the deaths of both the late Duke and his eldest son! They are keeping it quiet for now, which is why the news has not made the London papers. They have hired Bow Street Runners to conduct a discreet investigation. The prime suspect is the Duke’s man of business, who has vanished—along with some of the family heirlooms. The search for him continues, but please, dear Grace, be careful.
Do not meet with Mr Gibbs under any circumstances. There is a strong chance he was involved in the plot.
To make matters worse, the heir apparent is missing! He was due to arrive by now, but there has been no sign of him. No letters, no word. The family—especially his sister and younger brother—are distraught. Jane does her best to comfort them, but even she is beginning to lose hope of seeing her fiancéagain. (Oh! I may have forgotten to mention—Jane is engaged to the new Duke. Their families arranged the union.)
I will write again soon. Please, let me know how you have been faring these past weeks. You have been unusually quiet, and I am quite vexed that I have not received a single letter from you!
Your loving friend, etc.
The letter slipped from Grace’s trembling fingers, floating to the floor. Her heart pounded as her mind reeled.Foul play. A murdered Duke. A missing heir.
The implications crashed over her like a tidal wave. If the Duke had diedbeforeMr Stone arrived at Skye Manor... then who was he working for?
Chapter 17
This could not be true, Grace thought. With a pounding heart, she ran to her morning room, where all the newspapers were kept. She rifled through them, scanning the obituaries—and there it was. The announcement of the Duke of Armitage’s demise, just as Charlotte had written. Normally, she kept up with the London papers, but with all the work involved in settling into their new home, she had paid little attention to outside affairs.
It dawned on her—Mr Stone had been lying all this time!
