Part 28 (1/2)
”I should explain, Lord Tretain. I am Michael Dougherty-a runner from London,” said the second man.
”A runner? What do you need with me. How can I be of help?”
”There are certain irregularities revolving around the murders. This concerns your wife and must be cleared up.”
The slight inflection on wife caught Lord Adrian's attention. ”I quite agree. Be on with it then.” ”Through our investigation, we have learned that the coach and murdered postilion were hired a day's journey from South Hampton by a woman calling herself Lady Juliane Perrill. She had with her two small children and an abigail. The description of that abigail and the murdered woman matched.
”Is it not odd, Lord Tretain, that you suddenly have a wife and two children, although we can find no
record of your ever being married?”
Squire Preston coughed at Dougherty's bluntness. ”We do not mean to imply that you are involved in the murders, my lord. But you can see the need for questions.”
Lord Adrian's cold stare silenced him. It had not occurred to him that the squire would bring in outsiders to handle the crime. ”I am certain this can all be explained satisfactorily. Won't you gentlemen be seated.
Something to drink perhaps?”
The squire acquiesced happily; Dougherty declined.
”The facts are simple. My wife and I married in France. She and her maid travelled ahead while I finished a business venture. We did not wish news of the marriage to reach my mother before we did, so she used her family name. We met travelling to Trees.
”I had an accident with my phaeton, the snowstorm developed, and the postilion and abigail refused to go on.” Stopping, Lord Adrian poured himself a drink. ”I could have my valet come and corroborate all this.”
”Not necessary,” a.s.sured the squire hurriedly, as Dougherty frowned.
”As I said, they refused to go on and turned back. We were very shocked to learn of their deaths.”
”But, what of the attempted abduction?” asked Dougherty.
”I am a rich man. Someone hoped to hold the boy for ransom. We have taken precautions since then.”
”That clears it up, eh, Dougherty? Let's be getting on. His lords.h.i.+p doesn't need us taking up his time.”
”I am happy I could oblige you,” said Lord Adrian dryly.
”You go on, Squire. I know you are anxious to return to your family,” Dougherty told him.
”Would you mind, Lord Tretain, if I stayed and talked with your wife?” asked the runner.
Lord Adrian a.s.sessed the man. He would likely be more trouble away than near. At least within the house they could keep a watch on him. ”By all means. You are welcome to stay. I will have Holdt show you a room. You can visit with Lady Tretain later.”
”That would be very satisfactory.”
”Good.” The earl opened the door. ”Holdt, show Mr. Dougherty to a room.
”Squire,” he said, turning to the other, ”may I see you to your horse?”
”No, no. Not necessary, Lord Tretain. Hope we haven't inconvenienced you.”
”Think nothing of it. Just doing your duty. I understand.” Having come into the hall, he added, ”Farewell then.”
”Good day, your lords.h.i.+p.”
The two men shook hands and went their separate ways. Lord Adrian headed for the small salon.
”What has kept you?” Comte de Cavilon greeted Lord Adrian.
”An added complication. We are half rid of it, but the remaining half may prove more
tenacious-certainly more troublesome. A runner.”
”A runner? One of your English authorities-here? But why? How?”
”The good squire who is magistrate where the murders occurred sent for him. Dougherty by name. He
became suspicious of ... details. Blast! d.a.m.nation.
”I had hoped to keep the entire matter silent. You and Mallatt are the only ones who actually know
Juliane and I were not married until last night. It was all perfectly innocent, but if this gets out.... We mustfind those men-quickly.” ”Calm yourself, mon ami,” soothed Cavilon. ”Remember, our friend may have what we need. Shall I meet him alone?”
”That may be necessary unless I can convince Juliane-Juliane, I had started to find her to talk.” A clock sounded.
”Well, it is time for luncheon. I will talk with her after that. We shall see what will be.”
Adrian and the comte headed for the dining room. ”Ah, Mr. Dougherty-are you comfortably settled?”
asked Lord Adrian, as the runner joined them for luncheon.
”Yes, m'lord. Thank you.”