Page 51 of Caroline Saves the Blacksmith
William threw a glance at Caroline, clearly seeking her assent. She gave a nod, and the two men sprang up to leave. Barclay Thompson, a tall man with a fall of black hair and a beard similar to her own husband’s, wanted to collect the lock from the smithy. He had expressed an interest in partnering with William to have the lock produced in London using his contacts. Barclay foresaw great potential for profits if they were to form a venture together.
“I have to admit I could no longer listen to the merits of brass versus zinc in the internal mechanisms of a lock,” Jane professed once they had left the room.
“Can I go read my book?” Little Tatiana looked up from her plate to address her stepmother, her deep blue irises riveting and her silver-blonde hair escaping her plait. The little girl would be a true beauty in a few years.
“Of course. Mrs. Jackson and I will be here if you need anything.”
The little girl grinned, obviously bored by the chatter of adults. Rising quickly, she scampered from the room in a flurry of skirts, leaving Caroline and Jane to enjoy picking at the vestiges of their meal.
“I wanted to comment on your fichu. The lace is very delicate.”
Caroline fingered the lace edge carefully. “It was a wedding gift sent to me by the Duchess of Halmesbury.”
“Oh! You know the duchess? The duke is Barclay’s cousin!”
She nodded. “I was in service for the Baron of Filminster at Baydon Hall as a girl. When Her Grace was merely Miss Annabel.”
Jane was biting her lip, an expression of worry marring her features. “I do not suppose news has reached Chatternwell yet.”
“News?”
Her hostess appeared nervous. “I am not sure I should inform you, but you will hear of it soon and you might want to send Her Grace a letter.”
Caroline grew alarmed, a nervous flutter beginning in her belly. Whatever Jane was thinking of was clearly a distress. “What is it? Has something happened to Her Grace?”
Jane shook her head. “Not directly …” She nibbled her lip, evidently trying to decide what to say. “We nearly postponed our trip here because there is something of a family emergency in London. The earl insisted that we were not specifically needed and should continue with our plans.”
“What is it?”
Jane swallowed hard, clearly reluctant to impart what she knew. “I regret to inform you that the baron was murdered three nights ago in his London townhouse.”
“What?” Caroline clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing she had shrieked.
“I am … sorry.”
“I barely spoke to the baron, but how is Lady Halmesbury?”
“She is taking it in her stride, but she is very upset at the allegations that her brother is the perpetrator of the crime. I wanted to remain in Town, but Lady Saunton is assisting her and insisted she and the earl would see to Her Grace’s needs.”
“Master Brendan! That is not possible. He is the most amiable of men! And what was the baron doing in London? He never travels out of Filminster.”
“He was in Town for the King’s coronation. I do not know what the outcome of the allegations against her brother is because we left on Friday for Wiltshire. Lord Saunton and the duke were in communication with the coroner. We are cutting our trip short a few days to return as quickly as possible. I am so sorry to be the one to inform you of such terrible tidings.”
Caroline waved a hand. “Thank you, Jane. I would prefer to hear from you rather than the news sheets. I shall write a letter of condolence this evening.”
“Her Grace will appreciate it, I am sure. I do not get the sense she was particularly close to the baron, but her concern for her brother is grave. If he is arrested and found guilty, he could hang …” Jane shook her head so that her ebony locks bounced in the light.
“This is ridiculous. Why would he do such a thing? They have the wrong man!”
“I agree. Mr. Ridley is one of the warmest gentlemen I have met. You should see him with Jasper.”
“Jasper?”
“His nephew—the duke’s heir. Mr. Ridley has a wonderful way with children. He would not commit such a heinous act of violence. This is an elaborate misunderstanding based on coincidences. It is my hope the actual perpetrator will be discovered by the time we reach London.”
“I hope so, too. It is distressing to think of Her Grace being caught up in this situation. She deserves better.”
“I agree. If you wish to write her a letter, I can provide you with access to the library and take it back with me to deliver by hand? We are returning on Tuesday, so she will have it before the week is out.”
