Ruins of bone, p.38
Ruins of Bone, page 38
Whatever nut or seed she’d given me sparked with Other, and I tucked it into my reticule.
She cast a longing look at the jeweled bag, but to part with that would attract notice from my sisters, where the absence of one pin would not. Can she speak with me?
Yes.
In that case, could you create a minor distraction? Though they might not make out the words, to stand behind the fountain seemingly talking to myself felt a bit too far to go with the eccentric academic persona.
With the greatest of pleasure. There are some mice in these walls, along with several rats. I believe procuring one will create a sufficient stir.
Jade prowled along the carved baseboard, then slipped out into the corridor. Less than a minute later, she returned, bearing an enormous dead rat.
Shrill shrieks followed, along with Lady Denby shouting for the footman.
Below the din, I murmured to the nisi. “What is your name?”
“Give no names to high ones, no indeed.”
“Very well. Then may I inquire why you sought the bracelet?”
“Storm clouds gather. Must make strong the protections of my house. Need many shinies.”
How very interesting. Did that mean that nisi used bright materials and jewels to create wards on the homes they inhabited? I shook off the thought; I must focus. “Then the Denby home is your own?”
“Yes. They know old ways. Fountain always prepared, food always left. Is quite satisfactory.”
“And you seek to protect them against the curse?”
Beyond the shelter of the fountain, Jade led the footman in a merry chase, her satisfaction evident in every bound, every quivering lash of her tail. Lady Cadence huddled upon her chair, and my sisters looked on in bemusement.
“Protect what I can, but they remember not. Cannot make safe, not entirely.”
“What is it they’ve forgotten?”
She brought her face close to mine, the spice scent strong. “Many debts owed, many years due. They forget, but not Kilmere. Never Kilmere.”
“Miss Jessa, will you be so good as to fetch your cat?” Lady Denby’s voice could have frosted over an entire garden.
The nisi winked from sight, vanished far too soon. I’d not be able to fetch her back.
“Forgive me, Lady Denby.” I emerged from the shelter of the fountain. “Jade, surrender the rat, if you please.”
She sauntered over to the footman and dropped the rat at his feet before returning to sit calmly at my own. Hurriedly, he snatched up the unfortunate creature and fled the room, while the other ladies resettled themselves.
Ainslie and Ada both offered sharp looks. Doubtless, they’d expect explanations for my behavior later. For now, I took the opportunity to present my request. “Lady Denby, do you have a library? Such spaces tend to calm Jade, and she’s quite riled after the hunt. It seems best to remove her.”
She sank back into the settee. “Excellent idea. You’ll find it at the hall’s end.”
Clearly, she was ready to be rid of me. Jade ensconced in my arms, I slipped from the room. First I must stop in the library and select a book or two, so as not to raise suspicions. Then I’d beard the dragon in his den—if the outwardly affable Lord Denby could be called a dragon.
I made straight for the oldest-looking tomes and chose a slim volume entitled The Keeping of Sea-Blossoms and Bees. Asrina peered at its title with interest, her golden light shimmering upon it.
A bargain existed between Kilmere and some of the inhabitants of Withern, or it had at one time. Could the town’s inexplicable prospering following the arrival of the sea-blossoms relate to this bargain? The lady of Withern who’d brought the sea-blossoms had also requested the construction of Kilmere, and I struggled to believe that a coincidence. Much did not add up. The nisi had spoken of many debts owed. What one bargain would result in many debts?
Never mind that for now. However much I might desire to shelter in the library, I couldn’t afford to stand here pondering the conundrum, or we’d outstay our welcome and I’d lose my opportunity. I tucked the book under my arm.
Now for Lord Denby.
Chapter 33
I might not know where to find Lord Denby on my own, but Jade had no difficulty leading me to him, her superior sense of smell allowing her to track him even in the large manor.
I halted in front of the door. While I intended to address him on a matter of business, it was still far from proper to seek him in the privacy of his study. I could only hope that given what I had to say, he’d have an equal desire to keep my visit concealed—and that Ada and Ainslie would distract Lady Denby long enough for me to accomplish my purpose undetected. I rapped at the door, and Lord Denby bid me enter.
When I appeared, he dropped his pen onto the desktop. “Miss Caldwell, what a pleasant surprise. Have you come about Willowere?”
“After a fashion.” It was a reasonable assumption—what other reason might I possibly have to call? Mouth dry, I forced myself onward, leaving the door ajar behind me.
“Please sit.” He gestured to the chairs before his desk, then looked over my shoulder as if to seek the servant who’d led me here. Finding no one, he returned his attention to me. “How may I help you?”
I set the book on my lap and rested my hands atop it. Where should I begin? Beneath his congenial, slightly patronizing gaze, I faltered.
With a single bound, Jade leapt atop the table, where she perched to glower at Lord Denby. He shifted, apparently ill at ease beneath her stare, which gave me the sense we were on more equal footing—and the courage to say what I must. “I have a rather difficult dilemma.”
“If I may be of assistance, I’d be delighted to do so.”
“I hope you can. You see, I watched you leave a carcass on the front steps of Willowere yesterday morning, meant as a warning, perhaps, like the others upon the road, or the destruction upon our arrival.”
“What?” he sputtered. “That’s . . . it’s impossible. You must be mistaken.”
“I know what I saw, Lord Denby.”
“Now, Miss Caldwell, you’re not to blame for any misperception. Such acts of sabotage are understandably upsetting to the delicate feminine mind.”
“It was no misperception, my lord. I assure you my mind is as well-ordered as the rest of my senses.” At my shoulder, Asrina flared bright, her warmth an encouragement.
He appeared taken aback. Perhaps he’d expected capitulation? Nevertheless, he drew himself up. “And you think anyone would believe such a wild tale from an unknown female?”
I lifted my chin. “I’m inclined to think Stratesman Burke would believe my testimony. We’re well acquainted, and he respects my word, as I do his.”
The faintest sheen of perspiration dampened his brow. “There’s no need to bring a stratesman into this.”
“I agree.” I clasped my hands together tightly, and the wound on my left protested. “I understand that you’d rather us leave, that you fear the curse of Kilmere, but—”
His affable face hardened, the mask of amiability slipping. “You’re selfish and senseless both. You understand nothing of the powers you’ll wake if you excavate Kilmere. Years ago Lady Dromley thought as you did. She believed she could do as she pleased—and she paid a high price for her folly, as did many others. I’ll not have your ignorance inflict suffering upon my family.”
“I’m not willing that it should do so either.” I lowered my voice. “So won’t you tell me why you believe your family at particular risk of Kilmere’s wrath? If you believe me ignorant, then enlighten me.”
“I did not speak of my family specifically.” Beneath his ruddy complexion, he blanched slightly. “All within Withern are vulnerable.”
“All—or only those who have lived here since the founding of Withern?”
“What difference does it make?” he snapped. “If you keep meddling, death will follow.”
“Yet they’ve taken Mr. Ellsworth into custody, so he can harm no others. Does that mean you believe him innocent?”
“I didn’t say that.” His eyes blazed. “Cannot Kilmere choose an instrument to do its work whenever it pleases? Whenever it’s angered?”
His words echoed my own fears, and I rocked back. “Yet he claims he’s spent no time in Kilmere.”
Any remnant of his gentlemanly mask vanished, and he sneered. “But he did, all because he’s softhearted for his wife. Were he not such a sentimental fool, he’d have left her sheep to appease Kilmere, rather than go in after them. Everyone knows it’s wiser to allow it to take its tithe when it chooses. But my man saw him go up after them, then told me the tale in full.”
If that were true, then what would happen if Mr. Ellsworth remained imprisoned? Would Kilmere seek another to do its bidding? The healing cut on my hand throbbed. “Help me understand. Your lore must suggest what wakens the curse—what angers Kilmere.”
He stood abruptly. “Miss Caldwell, I don’t know what you think you’re about, but I suggest you leave before I address your false charges as they deserve.”
“You may do as you see fit.” Somehow, I managed to keep my voice steady. “However, I did not think a gentleman of your standing would want his honor or good name tarnished by any suggestion of wrongdoing—which will certainly occur if this matter goes before the Magistry, whether you level a charge or I do. You know how relentless the gossips can be.”
He leaned forward, bracing his hands on his desk.
“I see no reason we must be at odds.” Aside from my intense dislike. I considered the best approach. He valued his reputation a great deal. He’d wanted to appear like a gracious and affable host, even as he worked to sabotage our stay. If I provided him a way out that allowed him to maintain his image, I’d little doubt he’d take it. “It’s possible we’ve had a misunderstanding. Certainly there are aspects about the situation with Kilmere I don’t comprehend.”
“Not only about Kilmere.” He collected his dignity, once more donning the air of a gracious host, albeit one grievously injured. “I assure you that you’re altogether mistaken about the incidents at Willowere.”
How could he lie so readily? It suggested that he knew more about Kilmere and the curse than he’d confess, yet he’d no intention of allowing me to pry it from him, so I must accept a partial victory, if I could manage it.
I conjured up a sweet smile. “Perhaps I am. If you give your word as a gentleman that you had nothing to do with the unfortunate incidents, then I must accept it for what it’s worth.”
Which, as of now, was absolutely nothing. Jade chuffed, her amusement flooding my mind.
“However, we intend to fulfill the term of our lease. May I trust you to ensure we have no more trouble? Surely one of your standing will know how to best address the matter.”
“Can I not dissuade you from your course?” He settled back into his chair, his tone mild now, almost fatherly. “I’d want no daughter of mine to endanger herself or her family as you do. For your own well-being, won’t you reconsider?”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m quite resolved.” I inclined my head. “I’d like to put all this unpleasantness behind us. I have no desire to involve the Magistry, but I must if another incident follows. May I have your word you’ll see to the matter?”
He shifted uncomfortably. “As your landlord, I can do no less. I’ll ensure you’ve no further trouble at Willowere.”
Though I placed no value on his word, I trusted in his desire to protect his own reputation, and I sensed we’d have no more trouble from him. It would draw far more attention than he desired.
“I appreciate your assistance.”
“Think nothing of it,” he muttered.
I rose from the chair. “There’s one thing more. A locket precious to my aunt has gone missing. The servants have no particular reason to confide in us, as we’re little acquainted, but I feel certain they’ll have more respect for you—and be more willing to listen to your instruction, if you bid them seek it. Provided it’s found, I see no reason for word to spread of its disappearance or speculation on who might have taken it.”
His well-padded jaw twitched. “I’ll speak with them this afternoon.”
“Thank you, Lord Denby. You’ve been most helpful.”
As soon as we’d abandoned Denby Hall, Ainslie wound her arm through mine. “Well, what did he say?”
“Lord Denby strictly denied all involvement; however, he’s agreed to put a stop to the matter.”
“Of all the detestable—”
“Now, Ainslie.” Ada glided along the path. “However deplorable his actions, if this put a stop to his deeds, we shouldn’t complain.”
A smile flitted across Ainslie’s face. “You would deprive me of the opportunity to relieve my emotions after such a tedious visit?”
“Was it truly that difficult?” I asked.
“Lady Holloway has a very high opinion of both herself and her daughter.” The breeze ruffled Ada’s dark curls. “Given she believes her word should be law, it was not particularly pleasant.”
“And Lady Cadence bears you great malice for some reason,” Ainslie said. “I was hard-pressed to hold my tongue.”
“Well, I appreciate you both. If you’d not kept Lady Denby occupied, I’d never have managed to reach Lord Denby.”
I glanced at Jade, who prowled about the tall stands of grass at the edge of the lane. And I appreciate that you’re the one who suggested it.
Watching you force Lord Denby to agree to end his own activities offered ample compensation.
I pressed my lips together to avoid betraying our exchange with a smile.
Still, Ainslie looked between the two of us. “May I ask why you insisted on examining the fountain? And whatever possessed your cat to go hunting within Denby Hall? I’ve never known her to act so before.”
“I cannot answer for her actions, but only feel thankful that they made Lady Denby more inclined to grant my request for the library.”
“It did work out quite well.” She adjusted the brim of her hat, watching Jade prowl about. “But—”
“I’ve been wondering about Mr. Redgrave.” If I could distract her, then perhaps she’d forget the matter of my odd behavior—and Jade’s. “You said he helped search for Aunt Caris’s necklace? Might he have a particular reason to want to offer his assistance?”
The faintest rose hue tinged Ainslie’s cheeks, and for once, she said nothing, leaving Ada to fill the gap.
“Oh, he most certainly does.” Ada’s lips curved upward. “Though he might have had an ulterior motive, he was very kind to Aunt Caris. He didn’t grow weary of the search nor dismissive of her concerns, as many gentlemen might have done.”
“You refine too much on it.” Ainslie refused to look at either of us, keeping her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Certainly, it was a kindness, but from what he’s said, he comes from a large extended family, much of whom lives in and around Redgrave Hall. Doubtless he’s simply accustomed to attending to his own aunts and assorted relations.”
“Doubtless.” Ada somehow managed to conceal her smile, yet a little quiver in her voice betrayed her amusement.
If Mr. Redgrave truly meant to pay suit to Ainslie, as it appeared, then I must become better acquainted with him. Elodie had claimed he was keen to make sure ladies could protect themselves, which was unusual—as was she. I’d like to better understand them both, not to mention ensure Elodie suffered no ill effects from our excursion yesterday.
I skimmed my fingers along a stand of laceflower that bordered the road. “Perhaps we should call upon the Redgraves? Presumably Lady Holloway and Lady Cadence are still out paying calls, so we could visit undisturbed.”
My sisters halted abruptly. Ainslie clutched my shoulders and peered deep into my eyes, her own sparkling merrily.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Checking to make sure you’re indeed Jessa, not a changeling left in her place.”
Her words twisted like a knife in my heart, yet I kept my smile firmly fixed. “Is it so shocking a suggestion?”
“Coming from you, yes.” Ada shook her head. “Ordinarily you shun the very notion of paying calls.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” I lifted my shoulders. “Our excursion to Kilmere yesterday didn’t go as I’d hoped, and I’d like to make sure Elodie does not regret her choice to join us.”
“I think it’s an excellent notion,” Ada said. “As long as we make it a brief call. Aunt Caris wanted us back before two so we might attend our dressmaking appointment. Apparently, Aunt Melisina has arranged for new gowns for each of us. Lady Holloway intends to hold a ball, and she wants us at our best.”
I’d no doubt she meant it as part of her schemes to match Ada—and I’d no desire to engage with Aunt Melisina again after our last skirmish. Though I wanted to plead weariness, our fitting would provide an ideal situation to accidentally encounter Riven in Withern. “If we fetch the carriage as we pass Willowere, we should have ample time.”
We did accordingly, and when we arrived at Holle Castle, the solemn butler greeted us. “I’m afraid Lady Holloway is not at home.”
Ainslie dimpled at him. “As it happens, we’re here to call on Miss Redgrave.”
“Allow me to see if she’s in.” In short order, he returned. “She would be delighted to receive you. This way, please.”
When we entered a small drawing room, Elodie rushed over to greet us, her brother following at a more measured pace. The warmth in his smile when he greeted Ainslie tugged at my heart. How I wanted to believe him as kind and genuine as he appeared.
A low table held a polished silver tea tray from which hints of vanilla and sugar escaped, and the Redgraves urged us to join them for tea.
Ada accepted on our behalf, and while Ainslie, Ada, and Mr. Redgrave engaged in conversation, I sat next to Elodie.
As I did, a slight queasiness settled in my stomach. “I trust you’re well?”
Jade’s ears tilted sideways, as though whatever bothered me troubled her as well.
