Page 10 of Beyond the Grave
I peered closer. "So it has. And look. You can make out the impression on this page of something that was written on the torn one. It was underlined." I flipped to the next page. "The impression even appears here too. One only writes so heavily when one is angry."
"I think it's a name. Estelle Mary…Pearson."
"I wonder who she is."
He flipped a few pages, but her name did not reappear. "There are some dates and times here, perhaps for appointments, but no names or places beside them. If they are associated with this Estelle Mary Pearson, we'll never know."
"It's the most vehement writing throughout the entire journal. I wonder if Buchanan recognized the name."
"Ask her ladyship if she knows it," Gus said.
"Good idea. I'll suggest to Fitzroy to do so."
They both looked at me with sympathy. "Is that wise?" Seth asked.
"Best wait for him to calm down," Gus added.
They had a point. "I'll do it later."
Seth took the journal off me. "I'll do it."
I took the book back. "No, I will. I have to speak with him sooner or later. I promise not to argue with him this time. I'll keep the conversation to ministry business only. There? Happy now?"
Gus responded with a snort. Seth muttered, "Hardly," and continued to read.
"You can do one thing for me," I said to Seth. "There's a gift box on my dressing table. Please return it to Mr. Fitzroy. I find it difficult to carry things while using the infernal crutches."
"What's in the box?" he asked.
"Oi! Mind your own bloody business," Gus snapped. "Don't answer him, Charlie."
Seth merely shrugged. We all returned to reading through the books, until finally we heard Lincoln return, but not through the front door. His hair was a little more tangled than when he'd left, his face flushed. His gaze didn't meet mine, but slipped straight to the table and the things on it.
"What's this?" he growled.
It would seem the exercise and cool air hadn't improved his mood. At least he wasn't shouting.
Seth and Gus got to their feet and edged toward the door as Lincoln strode in. "We was just, er…" Gus looked to Seth.
"Leaving," Seth finished.
"Cowards," I muttered, earning me a glare from Gus. "I was tired of sewing so decided to do some investigating," I told Lincoln, as the other two filed out. Their departure left me feeling somewhat exposed and vulnerable. The bruises from my earlier battle with Lincoln were still raw, and I had no inclination to earn any more. I was determined to keep this conversation away from matters of the heart.
"Have you learned anything?" His manner seemed less threatening, his growl not quite so harsh. Perhaps he had resolved not to clash with me again too.
"Lord Harcourt's journal is the most interesting thing here."
"Agreed."
"You read it?"
"Only a few pages." He sat. "Did you?"
"We deciphered a few entries. If Buchanan is clever enough, he would have worked out that his father was part of the ministry, but whether he understands its function is unknown."
"The jury is out on whether he is indeed clever enough."
It may have been a joke but I didn't feel like smiling. "The only interesting thing of note is the missing page."
