Page 51 of One Wicked Secret
Undeterred, Mr Daventry set down his teacup and made a note in his black book. “Where can I find Mr Carver? Your father’s man of business brokered the deal with Lord Grafton.”
Elsa froze. Her teacup rattled on the saucer, theclinkof china an obvious sign of guilt. “He left Edenberry six months ago.”
“For a new position?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll need his forwarding address.”
“You’ll have to ask my brother Magnus.”
“Isn’t he in Geneva?”
Good heavens. Was this man privy to all their private affairs?
“Yes.”
“Did Mr Carver leave Edenberry before or after you married secretly in St Andrew’s Church?”
“Before,” Daniel growled.
A tense silence ensued while Mr Daventry took a letter from his pocket and gave it to Daniel. “What do you make of this?”
Elsa’s pulse quickened. Mr Daventry was like a skilled cardsharp. One who always held the winning hand.
The life drained from Daniel’s face as he read the letter. He gulped twice, the action suggesting she had everything to fear.
“It was found under the stained mattress in the room Grafton rented at the alehouse. We’ve verified it’s his signature.”
“It may be his signature, but what’s written here is absurd.” He tossed the letter onto the low table. “I only learnt about the bonds a few days ago.”
Elsa snatched the letter. Her hand shook as she read Lord Grafton’s confession. He did defraud her father. He returned to England a week ago because Daniel’s man tracked him down in France and threatened to kill him if he failed to repay what he stole.
“It’s a lie,” Daniel said, his temper flaring.
She jumped to his defence. “Of course it is.” And yet there had been so many mistruths, she had every reason to doubt him.
“How did you find out about the bonds?”
“We found a record of my father’s business dealings.”
“You make it sound as if it were a surprise discovery. Surely there’s a record of the transaction in Edenberry’s account ledgers. That’s one reason why I need to question Mr Carver.”
“One reason?” She pretended to sound intrigued, not terrified.
Mr Daventry observed them both before producing another letter and placing it on the table. “This is the missive found in Lord Grafton’s coat lining, his real confession, not the one he was forced to write.”
Elsa grabbed the letter and read the message aloud.
It was clear and concise.
I was coerced into persuading Jacob Tyler to join the banking consortium. Carver served as the intermediary. I fear he has been silenced—murdered to protect the secret—for he alone knew the true identity of the devil behind it all. If these words have found you, there is every likelihood I am dead, too.
Mr Daventry relaxed back on the sofa. “Years of experience tell me Carver didn’t leave Edenberry for a new position.”
They said nothing.
“For heaven’s sake, Dalton. Don’t be a stubborn fool. I’m here to help you,” Mr Daventry pressed. “When someone resorts to murder to hide a secret, you can be sure the villain will strike again. You know you can trust me. Rothley will confirm I’m on your side.”
