‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... as they say,’ Mrs Wilberforce murmured, dabbing at her eyes as tears began to flow.
Lord Stanley reached out and placed a steadying hand upon her shoulder, his expression sombre.
‘I know, Minerva. We found her discarded gown—stained with blood. One of the maids came forward with it.’
‘So it must have been a lovers’ quarrel. Perhaps when her attempt to accuse him of attempting to murder you failed,she stabbed him in a fit of rage. What will you do now?’ Mr Wilberforce asked.
Charlotte’s fingers refused to move. Her entire body felt as though it had turned to stone. Every word they spoke tightened the noose further.
‘The Bow Street Runners are still searching for her. It is only a matter of time. But let us have no more talk of this. I have returned home after all these years, and, Minerva, I have a request to make of you.’
Mrs Wilberforce smiled faintly. ‘I am so glad you are back, Henry. Name it.’
‘I wish to host a house party to celebrate my return. It is, I believe, our tradition for a new Baron to do so. As I have no wife, I would ask you to act as my hostess. You will need to move into Alderley Park for it. May I rely on you?’
Mrs Wilberforce hesitated, her fingers twisting in her lap. ‘Hostess... I have not done so since our father passed...’
‘What about that house party Matthew held last year? Did you not host then?’ Lord Stanley asked.
‘Oh no, I refused to attend,’ Mrs Wilberforce replied, incensed. ‘The silly boy held a party when he had not even inherited the title. I advised against it, but he would not listen.’
‘Well, I hope you will not refuse now.’
‘But yes, of course, Henry... if that is your wish. However, I could not be parted from Tom—or my husband.’
‘Then by all means bring them with you. I would have it no other way.’
Charlotte’s stomach tightened at the thought.
If Tom was to go, then she—and Sarah—would certainly be expected to accompany them.
Lord Stanley had not recognised her... but what if he did once they were in closer proximity?
Her fingers tightened in the fabric of her gown. There was no avoiding it now. She would simply have to keep her distance—and keep her head down.
Dread coiled tightly in her chest.
Of all the houses in England, must she truly end up living in his?
Providence clearly possessed a most cruel sense of humour.
‘But how shall we manage at such short notice?’ Mrs Wilberforce asked. ‘The big house has been shut up for months. There are only the groundskeeper and Mrs Dent, the housekeeper, remaining there. Where shall we find the staff?’
So the “big house” was the Ice Baron’s lair.
Charlotte felt faintly foolish for not having realised it sooner.
‘You need not concern yourself with the staff, Minerva,’ Lord Stanley replied. ‘I have brought the necessary servants with me from my London residence, and they are already preparing Alderley Park. You may bring some of your own maids if you wish, though it will not be necessary.’
‘Well, that does make matters easier. Of course, I must bring Miss Lucas, the nursery maid, and I simply cannot be parted from my own maid, Lucy,’ Mrs Wilberforce declared.
Lord Stanley’s gaze flicked briefly towards Charlotte.
She instinctively shrank back beneath his cool scrutiny.
‘Of course. As you wish,’ he replied slowly.
‘Splendid, old chap,’ Mr Wilberforce said cheerfully. ‘It will be quite something to return there. I am keen to see the refurbishments.’ He smiled lovingly at his wife.
