Page 31 of The Gift of Patience
The upper servant did, sitting on the edge of the chair, his back raMr.od straight.
“Armstrong, if you would be so good. We just have a few simple questions. As you know, someone was trespassing on my brother’s land, and we have that person restrained in the stables.”
“Yes, sir.”
Of course the butler knew what was going on. He would know everything. It was his business to know.
“We are trying to ascertain if any of the staff could have unwittingly helped pass information to the man.”
Armstrong’s posture stiffened, and his face showed offence.
“I know, Armstrong. We do not wish to think ill of any of our retainers, but it could be something very simple.”
Patience watched with deepening respect for Major Stuart. Questioning someone was full of nuances and he had set the butler at ease.
“Is there anyone at all that goes into the village often—spends a good deal of time at the tavern, perhaps?”
“Most of the stable and farm hands go to the tavern on their evenings off.” He frowned. “I imagine I could procure alist for you of those that go, though Chauncy would know their movements more precisely.”
“That would be most helpful. What about anyone that might have connections in the village and go there more often?”
“Well, there is James, who goes every evening to help take care of his grandmother. But I cannot imagine him passing any information on, even unwittingly. He’s a very sharp lad.”
Major Stuart nodded encouragingly. “What about anyone that has connections with Sir Horace’s household?”
Now that was a question Patience most definitely would not have thought to ask.
She saw the butler hesitate for a fraction of a second before answering. “My nephew, Samuel, is walking out with one of the maids, Molly. I know it should be frowned upon, but thus far it has seemed harmless. They often meet at the turnstile near the bridle path at the western gate.”
Major Stuart nodded. “I’m sure it is harmless as you say. Anyone else?”
“Not that I can think of, sir. But perhaps Mrs. Armstrong or Chauncy can tell you more.”
“You’ve been most helpful, Armstrong.”
“May I ask, sir, what do you think is happening?”
“I am not sure, Armstrong. I think someone was bringing notes to our guest in the clearing.”
“I cannot think anyone besides the grooms would be able to do that without causing suspicion, sir. They are the ones who take the horses out all over the estate. Anyone else doing that would cause notice. They also go into the village most frequently.”
“I suspect you are correct, Armstrong. Thank you for your frankness.”
“I wish for this dastardly business to be resolved as quickly as possible, sir. If I think of anything else, I will let you know at once.”
“If you could send Mrs. Armstrong into us next, please?”
“Of course, sir.” The butler stood and bowed before retreating.
“I think you may be on to something,” Patience remarked. “Other than the river, the easiest way to deliver a message would be through Sir Horace’s land. It is not surrounded by walls as Taywards is.”
“I believe Westwood has set someone to watch there, but I will double-check.”
They split up and interviewed the rest of the servants—he, the men, and her, the women, but unfortunately, she was unable to uncover any clues that would lead anywhere.
Ashley foundthat he did not mind Patience helping him. She had not interfered with his questioning and even had some helpful insights.
However, he had exhaustively questioned every one of the servants and found nothing more. There had to be some way the information was getting to Devil. His instinct told him it was so, and he learned over the years to always trust it. But how?
