Page 40 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

Annabeth rolled her eyes at Verity, and Verity smothered a laugh. “I agree. We should definitely blame Sloane.”

Verity and Annabeth sat down together on the sofa, and the next few minutes were spent discussing babies, a subject about which Verity admitted she knew very little. Lady Lockwood soon shunted such chatter aside.

“Mrs. Dunbridge and Miss Dunbridge are visiting,” Lady Lockwood told Verity.

“Nathan’s mother and aunt,” Annabeth explained in an aside.

“Marcus was so kind as to escort them on a shopping expedition,” Lady Lockwood went on. “But they’re bound to return soon. Even Rose Dunbridge can only take so long dithering over ribbons and such. She can’t know, of course, that you are looking into this Douglas—or supposed Dunbridge—for Nathan. So we must hurry to discuss the investigation before they come back. What have you found out?”

Verity took a deep breath. “My lady, I cannot discuss my clients and cases. I’m sure you understand.”

“Quite right. It would never do for other people to know,” Lady Lockwood said approvingly. Apparently Lady Lockwood did not consider herself to be “other people,” for she went on, “Have you talked to the man yourself? I’m sure he’s after money to keep his lips sealed.”

Verity wondered if it should concern her that her thoughts ran so close to Lady Lockwood’s.

“It’s good that you’re with Dunbridge,” Lady Lockwood went on without waiting for a response. “Nathan probably won’t think the man’s a swindler—he has a disturbing belief in his fellow man’s goodness.”

“Mmm,” Verity said noncommittally, but she couldn’t help but smile.

“I could tell the scoundrel was lying—he had a weaselly look about him. What I wonder is whether he’s after larger game. He’ll claim to be legitimate, I warrant.” She looked at Verity shrewdly, then nodded. “I thought so.”

Verity sighed. She would have sworn her face had given nothing away. “My lady, please...”

Beside her, Annabeth laughed and said, “You might as well tell her, Verity. You know very well she’ll have it all out of Nathan in an instant.”

That was certainly true. And, actually, Lady Lockwood might be of more help than anyone. She knew everything about everyone and had probably been privy to such information for many years. So Verity told them about their meeting with Malcolm Douglas and what they had found out since then, ending with the revelation that the church where George Dunbridge and Margaret Douglas had supposedly been married had burned down.

“Well, that’s certainly suspicious,” Annabeth remarked.

“Yes, isn’t it,” Verity replied drily. “Do you know about any of his story, my lady? The girl, Margaret? Mr. Dunbridge going to Scotland?”

“No, I do not,” Lady Lockwood said somewhat resentfully. “I never heard even a whisper about the boy getting entangled with some girl in Scotland. And I am always informed on the latest gossip.”

“Yes, you are,” Verity agreed. The woman should have been a spy herself.

“Nor can I think that George Dunbridge could have kept such a secret for so many years.” Lady Lockwood paused, then added judiciously, “He probably did go to Scotland to fish or hunt grouse when he was young as a great many gentlemen do.”

“Which makes it a handy thing to claim as part of Malcolm Douglas’s story,” Verity said.

“Have you checked the diocesan records yet?” Annabeth’s grandmother asked.

Verity stared at her blankly.

Lady Lockwood smiled triumphantly. “Really, Miss Cole...and you call yourself a detective.”

“But I’ve never—” Verity swallowed her excuses and said with all the humility she could muster, “I fear my knowledge in that regard is lacking, my lady. Perhaps you could tell me?”

“Churches are supposed to send a copy of the records to the headquarters of their diocese. That church would, of course, be in the London diocese.” She added somewhat dishearteningly, “Though I understand they are not always diligent in reporting to the diocese. I’m sure there are a number of the records missing.”

“But if St. Agatha did send in their records and if that marriage isn’t among the records, it would be good evidence against Douglas’s story,” Verity said. She felt buoyed by the knowledge, and she would have liked to leave right then to find Nathan. But before she could say good-bye, voices sounded in the entry, and a moment later, two women swept into the room, along with Marcus Rutherford, and it was too late to escape politely.

“My lady.” Marcus went to Lady Lockwood and made an elegant bow over her hand, and Verity noticed that he held it a fraction longer than courtesy decreed.

Verity expected a sharp set-down from Lady Lockwood, but the woman just smiled and patted Mr. Rutherford’s hand. “I’m sure you must be quite worn out after squiring the ladies around. Do sit down and have some tea. Annabeth, ring for the butler.” She cast a glance at her granddaughter then said, “Never mind. Rose, you do it.”

“Indeed, yes. Annabeth, you mustn’t tire yourself.” One of the women smiled brightly and went over to pull the cord.

“I’m fine, Mrs. Dunbridge,” Annabeth said with the air of one not expecting to be believed.