Page 33 of Finding Hope
“I agree. Carew has no real interest in me. He is only trying to help make Rotham jealous.”
“It worked with Westwood,” Patience conceded.
“So you think I should just ignore these?” She held up the offensive objects.
“They are not threatening.”
“I suppose not. They have certainly unsettled me, nevertheless.”
“Then do not go anywhere alone. The gentlemen made a pact to protect each other, and I think we should as well.”
“Observe that Rotham was almost caught by Lady Matilda this morning,” Hope pointed out.
“Precisely.”
“I still cannot think who would do such a thing!” Hope threw her hands up.
“Maybe one of the other ladies is jealous and sent them out of spite,” Patience suggested.
“Along with sour chocolate that was meant for me?” Hope asked doubtfully. “No. Who would be jealous of me?”
“Someone who doesn’t know you dislike chocolate. Lady Matilda, for instance.”
“That was just an unfortunate coincidence.” Hope dismissed the thought. She could not even begin to think anyone would put a person through something like that deliberately, although Lady Matilda could possibly have an incentive. Desperation could cause drastic behaviours.
“I think we should tell the Dowager and the maids, at the very least. They see things and are around when we are not,” Patience suggested.
“They were certainly bold enough to go into my room. The second note was on my dressing table,” Hope explained.
“And the first?” Grace asked.
“It was slipped under my door when I was in the room. I hurried to look, but they were already gone.”
“So the second note was put there while we were at the bath house. That was several hours ago. Yet the ladies were shopping and the gentlemen were fishing. It should be simple enough to see who stayed behind.” Patience was thinking aloud.
“We know that Rotham did,” Grace pointed out.
Hope shook her head. “I still cannot think he would write that way—it does not seem in his style.”
“Jenkins can find out, although it could have been someone’s servant.”
“True,” Hope said. “I just need to know. I will run mad with suspecting everyone otherwise.”
Patience took her hand and squeezed sympathetically, while Grace hugged her.
“I do feel better, having told you,” Hope confessed.
“Why would you not have told us?” Patience retorted.
“I thought I might be overreacting.”
“It always feels better to share things,” Grace said innocently.
“Hopefully, there will be no more notes,” Hope said, though she did not believe this was the end of it. “I should go and visit Joy.”
“Miss Hillier can be trusted. She will send for us if Joy needs something.” Patience stopped her.
“I know you are right, but I feel as though Faith would have stayed by her side.”
