Page 70 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
Noah’s lips pressed tightly, “Please, Mother, I don’t want to hear it.”
“Noah,” the Duchess stressed, “Please, let her go.”
Instead of getting angry the Duke felt tired–a form of tiredness that seemed to make everything around him dull and lifeless. “I will Mother… as soon asyoulet go of Father.”
It was a dastardly move but it was the last card Noah had in his hand and he played it, without shame. He knew his mother still loved his father, so it was a good bet that he would end the discussion this way. And from the tight look on her face, Noah knew it had worked.
“Good evening, Mother,” Noah said as he stood and walked away.
* * *
It was with a calm disposition that the Duke of Leverton entered his study that morning. His dukedom was prospering, his mother was slowly but steadily processing Emmeline’s death, and his marriage proposal to Miss Benwick had been received with an emphatic yes.
There was only one problem–if Newberry’s grandmother had ordered the killing of his sister, then the frail truce he had struck with Newberry was going to be broken. In fact, George was prepared to wreak war of the worst nature on Newberry and all his holdings until nothing but rubble was left.
George had given Newberry the courtesy of telling him to check his bank records to find proof of payment to the cutthroat but that warning was that only–a courtesy. If Newberry thought, for one moment, that George wasn’t going to launch his own investigation in this matter, he was wrong. When it came to his sister, George was not going to leave a stone unturned.
The very same day he had told Newberry to make his inquiry, the Duke had made his own. His position, influence, and a discreet bribe hadpersuadedthe manager of the bank to send him copies of Newberry’s accounts–the Duke’s, his mother, and his grandmother. George was still waiting on the reports but in the meanwhile had other matters to attend to.
“Your Grace,” Hudgins said from the doorway, “Miss Benwick and Mrs. Benwick have arrived. I have shown them to the west wing parlor.”
“Thank you, Hudgins. I’ll be right there.” George said while shooting a look out his window toward the Newberry estate.
Newberry, if you have tried to take me for a fool, or used any trickery on me, you’ll surely regret the day you were born.
Chapter 26
A Fragile Alliance, Broken
Despite being under suspicion Noah did his best to serve his people. He knew that from the issue of St. Maur’s death and with him being the prime suspect was taken to London, his name would be broadcasted–and disparaged all over the city. But the Duke didn’t care if his name was being dragged into the dirt as he was more interested in doing right by his people.
Another batch of workers had been dispatched to Leverton’s estate while a band of Leverton’s laborers had arrived at his. Thankfully his man, Mr. Brown, had a handle on the workers as he was there with them day to day, and sent detailed reports back to him at the conclusion of each day.
The Newberry house was silent with the workers doing their job like ghosts. Noah was working on his reattachment to his mother but even thinking of doing so with his grandmother sent abhorrence through him. He did his duty, however, and made sure she had the doctor on call, who checked on her every morning. He had also acquired a specialty chef to cook the meals she needed–but that was the extent of his benevolence.
Three days had gone since he had sent the request to the bank for statements but none had been received yet. His patience was slowly turning to concern, and though he knew that such a massive request would take time, he felt pressed to send another one.
“Noah,” the Duchess’ gentle voice said from the doorway of the study, “May we talk?”
Looking over his shoulder, Noah spotted his mother and nodded indulgently, “Yes, Mother, we may.”
The Duchess entered and Noah absently admired his mother, who was dressed in a deep-maroon gown with a fitted empire waist. The lady gently glided into the room and sat on the chaise.
“Noah,” his mother sighed, with her dulled eyes now lowered, “I know you’re angry with me but believe me, I did not do anything to deliberately hurt you. I was only looking out for you. I apologize, my son.”
The Duke felt a soft morose over how he had snubbed his mother and, in his guilt, reached out to take her hands. They were cold but his larger, warm hands covered and heated hers. “I know, Mother, and my despicable behavior was not warranted. My pain wasn’t supposed to be projected on you.”
“Noah,” said his mother, her soulful eyes filled with sympathy, “I know from experience what heartbreak feels like. I cannot fault you for thinking the world has robbed you of your very life, but it will pass.”
The Duke privately doubted it but he didn’t show his disbelief. “Is there anything else, Mother?”
“Not that I can think of now,” she replied kindly, “I know you’ll make it out of this, Son. Love will come back to you someday.”
A soft sigh slithered out of Noah’s mouth, “We’ll see, Mother.”
“Your Grace,” Cole respectfully interrupted from the doorway, “I have received a parcel for you. It’s from the bank in London, Your Grace.”
Noah spotted his mother’s eyes shoot to the butler before she cleared her throat, “And why have you requested information from the bank, Son?”
