Page 49 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

Mrs. Howard smiled as well. “For all our sakes, I hope he comes home and marries someone with a clear head on their shoulders like yourself. Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Howard.”

Lavender sank into the chair as her thoughts swirled around her. She wanted nothing more than to prove the lost duke’s innocence, but she didn’t think that evidence would be here.

“Asleep in the library?” Lord Chilcott shook Lavender awake.

“It was a very comfortable chair,” she replied as she took a deep breath. “I apologize for not being more helpful in your search.”

A flash of annoyance crossed Lord Chilcott’s face.

Samuel stepped up beside him. “Well, if he is guilty, Fenleigh must have hidden his tracks quite thoroughly. We’ve come across nothing all day.”

“Maybe he is innocent,” Lavender suggested.

Lord Chilcott scoffed. “Don’t tell me that you too believe that he is not to blame.”

Lavender had her opinions but didn’t feel safe sharing them with the baron.

“Blame for what?” Samuel asked, filling in her silence. “All I know is that there was a rumor and that you have taken it upon yourself to see it proven true.” He reached his hand down to Lavender, helping her to her feet. “We ought to get back. We have a day’s ride ahead of us.”

Traveling with the Duke of Gilfordshire had its benefits. They stayed in the best inn, and Lavender had a room all to herself. But she was anxious to return to London and check in on Tom; she hoped he was feeling better by the time they returned.

When they finally pulled up to the duke’s townhouse the next day, it was Tom who helped Lavender down from the carriage. He kept his eyes downcast, but seeing him up and about gave her reason to rejoice.

“It is good to see you again, Tom.”

“You as well, Lady Lavender. I trust you had safe travels.” Tom refused to meet her eye.

“We did, thank you.” She followed the Duke of Gilfordshire inside, all the while wishing the reunion she had with Tom looked and felt far different.

The duke invited Lavender to his study. “Lady Lavender, would you be so kind as to come discuss our findings together?”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

She entered the space and found Miriam already seated in her husband’s chair. “Do tell me what happened while you were gone,” she said.

Samuel leaned against the wall. “I admit that what I found surprised me, but nothing that would implicate Fenleigh to be guilty. His ledgers and books were meticulous. I gave my approval to the steward for all he’d done, but the man was insistent that Fenleigh himself was hands on in the process each week to make sure his tenants were cared for in the ways they needed. Every book was balanced. I couldn’t find a farthing of misplaced funds over the past five years.”

“And why does that surprise you?” Lavender asked.

“Because Fenleigh puts on a great show to make people think that he is above such tasks. His facade has been that of someone who doesn’t care a whit about what is happening in the world or in his house, but as to the latter, his steward had only praise to sing of his name. Apparently, even when he was in his cups, he was still very intent on knowing the workings of his holdings.”

“Mrs. Howard, the housekeeper, was of the same mind,” Lavender ventured. “That is good news, is it not?”

The duke eyed Lavender as if he saw more than what sat before him. “That depends entirely on which side of the case you stand.” He raised his eyebrows at her.

“Me?” Lavender put a hand to her chest. “Does it matter?”

Miriam smiled gently at Lavender. “Your opinion on the matter has more weight than you might realize. If you choose to accept Lord Chilcott’s advances, you align yourself with his ideas. At least that is what the public will presume.”

“Oh, bother.” That wouldn’t do at all. “To be honest, I think Lord Chilcott is chasing a ghost of his own, somehow. I just don’t understand it.”

“A ghost?” Miriam asked.

“Not in a literal sense, no. But he and Fenleigh are cousins, and Lord Chilcott is next in line to inherit. I can only believe that something in their history has made him bitter and vengeful.” Lavender shook her head. “I certainly do not share Lord Chilcott’s passion for the project.”

“I find that interesting,” Miriam said. “Why not align yourself with Lord Chilcott? It would increase your chances of him proposing marriage. That is your goal, right?”