Page 62 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
Edward smiled. “Evidence of your perception is always welcome. I am here to ask for help on a related but different matter. The man we were hoping would come to my ball actually did show up.”
Mr. Michaelson inclined his head to the side with interest. “He did?”
“Yes. He accosted me in my garden and told me a number of disturbing things, and then he disappeared. I highly suspect thathe knows the name of the person who killed my brother, but I have no way to find him except by what he said to me.”
“What did he say?”
“He told me that all the kerfuffle surrounding my brother’s death came about because of a piece of land whose owner would not sell.” Edward filled Mr. Michaelson in on all the details of his encounter and his subsequent search for the title deed at the Home Office.
“So far I have not been successful, and I was hoping that you might have some new ideas on how we can go about acquiring this information.”
Mr. Michaelson nodded. “I do have one or two contacts that can help me. Leave the matter in my hands. I shall have a report to you by the end of the week. Do you have the file that you pilfered from your brother’s office?”
Edward reached into his briefcase. “As a matter of fact, I do.” He handed the document over to Mr. Michaelson who opened it and frowned at the drawing within. He put the paper on his table and then covered the lower half of the face with his hand.
“Do you know who this man is?”
“No, I have no idea.”
Mr. Michaelson nodded. “I think he was at your ball,” he said, startling Edward quite a bit.
“What? How have you come to that conclusion?”
“He took off his mask briefly at a time when I so happened to be looking in his direction. He was on the dance floor with your sister-in-law, and he lifted his mask in order to whisper something to her. I happened to be in his direct line of sight, and so I saw his face.”
“My sister-in-law? Margaret?”
“Yes, I do believe this man was dancing with her.”
Edward's heart went cold.Did I leave my family vulnerable? Who is this man?
He looked up at Mr. Michaelson. “I have to return to my home right away.”
The detective nodded, “I think that would be wise. In the meanwhile, I shall try to find out more information.” He picked up the drawing and handed it to Edward. “Speak with your sister-in-law; perhaps she will know the name of this man.”
Edward nodded absently, his mind racing. “Yes, yes of course. If you will excuse me…” He turned and began to make his way to the door without another word.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Mr. Michaelson said from behind him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ava angrily stabbed the needle into the fabric, her mind on her husband.
How can he just go off like this, disappearing for so many days without a word? Has he no consideration? What am I supposed to tell my parents? Lily?
She had been putting on a happy face, assuring her mother that Edward simply had a lot of work to do in the city. Just yesterday, while they had tea in the parlor with Lady Lanton, the topic came up again.
“Were it not for this Venetian breakfast that Margaret wants to attend, I would have suggested we follow him to the city,” Martha said.
“No need for that,” Lady Lanton replied. “Are you not enjoying yourself? I thought Her Grace and I were doing a good job of being hosts.”
“Oh, of course!” Martha had hastened to reassure. “We are having a marvelous time, but we do not want to impose.”
“I do assure you, you arenotimposing. The castle is overdue for so much life and laughter,” Lady Lanton said. “Before my nephew married, it was like living in a tomb. He would lock himself in his study for hours, not seeing anyone…” She shook her head and pursed her lips. “There were many days I worried for his sanity.”
“That sounds unfortunate. I think I heard tell that you have a son. Are they close?”
Lady Lanton sighed deeply. “Unfortunately not. When I married, I moved clean across the country. He and his brother were very close however as I’m sure you’re aware.”
