A Bound Of Honour Part 28

"I should explain, Lord Tretain. I am Michael Dougherty-a runner from London," said the second man.

"A runner? What do you need with me. How can I be of help?"

"There are certain irregularities revolving around the murders. This concerns your wife and must be cleared up."

The slight inflection on wife caught Lord Adrian's attention. "I quite agree. Be on with it then." "Through our investigation, we have learned that the coach and murdered postilion were hired a day's journey from South Hampton by a woman calling herself Lady Juliane Perrill. She had with her two small children and an abigail. The description of that abigail and the murdered woman matched.

"Is it not odd, Lord Tretain, that you suddenly have a wife and two children, although we can find no

record of your ever being married?"

Squire Preston coughed at Dougherty's bluntness. "We do not mean to imply that you are involved in the murders, my lord. But you can see the need for questions."

Lord Adrian's cold stare silenced him. It had not occurred to him that the squire would bring in outsiders to handle the crime. "I am certain this can all be explained satisfactorily. Won't you gentlemen be seated.

Something to drink perhaps?"

The squire acquiesced happily; Dougherty declined.

"The facts are simple. My wife and I married in France. She and her maid travelled ahead while I finished a business venture. We did not wish news of the marriage to reach my mother before we did, so she used her family name. We met travelling to Trees.

"I had an accident with my phaeton, the snowstorm developed, and the postilion and abigail refused to go on." Stopping, Lord Adrian poured himself a drink. "I could have my valet come and corroborate all this."

"Not necessary," a.s.sured the squire hurriedly, as Dougherty frowned.

"As I said, they refused to go on and turned back. We were very shocked to learn of their deaths."

"But, what of the attempted abduction?" asked Dougherty.

"I am a rich man. Someone hoped to hold the boy for ransom. We have taken precautions since then."

"That clears it up, eh, Dougherty? Let's be getting on. His lordship doesn't need us taking up his time."

"I am happy I could oblige you," said Lord Adrian dryly.

"You go on, Squire. I know you are anxious to return to your family," Dougherty told him.

"Would you mind, Lord Tretain, if I stayed and talked with your wife?" asked the runner.

Lord Adrian a.s.sessed the man. He would likely be more trouble away than near. At least within the house they could keep a watch on him. "By all means. You are welcome to stay. I will have Holdt show you a room. You can visit with Lady Tretain later."

"That would be very satisfactory."

"Good." The earl opened the door. "Holdt, show Mr. Dougherty to a room.

"Squire," he said, turning to the other, "may I see you to your horse?"

"No, no. Not necessary, Lord Tretain. Hope we haven't inconvenienced you."

"Think nothing of it. Just doing your duty. I understand." Having come into the hall, he added, "Farewell then."

"Good day, your lordship."

The two men shook hands and went their separate ways. Lord Adrian headed for the small salon.

"What has kept you?" Comte de Cavilon greeted Lord Adrian.

"An added complication. We are half rid of it, but the remaining half may prove more

tenacious-certainly more troublesome. A runner."

"A runner? One of your English authorities-here? But why? How?"

"The good squire who is magistrate where the murders occurred sent for him. Dougherty by name. He

became suspicious of ... details. Blast! d.a.m.nation.

"I had hoped to keep the entire matter silent. You and Mallatt are the only ones who actually know

Juliane and I were not married until last night. It was all perfectly innocent, but if this gets out.... We mustfind those men-quickly." "Calm yourself, mon ami," soothed Cavilon. "Remember, our friend may have what we need. Shall I meet him alone?"

"That may be necessary unless I can convince Juliane-Juliane, I had started to find her to talk." A clock sounded.

"Well, it is time for luncheon. I will talk with her after that. We shall see what will be."

Adrian and the comte headed for the dining room. "Ah, Mr. Dougherty-are you comfortably settled?"

asked Lord Adrian, as the runner joined them for luncheon.

"Yes, m'lord. Thank you."

Holdt came to Lord Adrian's chair and whispered, "Your mother wishes me to tell you she shall take

luncheon in her room. She will not eat at the same table as 'that person.'"

"That is fine, Holdt. Do you know where our other guests are?"

"I believe most have kept to their rooms, my lord." "Probably not up to snuff after last night. It was late

after all."

Mr. Dougherty's presence had a subduing effect on those who did sit to luncheon. It was a quiet and hurried affair.

"If you will excuse me," Lord Adrian rose when he finished.

"I am certain she will be recovered sufficiently by this evening. Amuse yourself until then with what you can find. Look over the grounds. The gardens are quite extensive-whatever interests you," answered Lord Adrian. He left before the runner could object or ask further questions and made a mental note to instruct the staff about Mr. Dougherty.

Lord Adrian next went to Juliane's room. He entered without pausing to allow time for her to answer his

knock. Finding the room empty, he sent for Bess, and looked around the room while he waited, absentmindedly closing the jewellery case he saw open on her dressing table.

"What is it, my lord," puffed Bess, winded from her run up two flights of stairs.

"Where is Lady Juliane?"

"I don't know, my lord. I helped her into a riding habit early this morning and she dismissed me-said I wasn't needed," said Bess with an injured air.

"Did she say where she was going or when she would return?"

"No, my lord. It was strange of her-asking for the valise and all."

"What valise?" he asked, alarmed.

"Lady Juliane wished me to fetch the smallest valise in the house. I have no idea why."

"That will be all," Adrian dismissed her curtly. "Is everything all right, my lord?"

"Of course," he snapped as he slammed through the pa.s.sageway into his room.

Mallatt started guiltily at the sight of his lord.

"What is wrong with you?" snapped Lord Adrian.

Holding out his hand, Mallatt slowly opened his hand. Lord Adrian stepped closer and reached for the

rings.

"She has gone," he said hollowly. Walking to the bureau, he laid them down.

"We don't know that, my lord, or the reason, if she has," countered Mallatt.

"Was anything else out of place?"

"Her ladyship has taken one of your pistols. She went through the bureau drawer hurriedly and it was not closed properly," he offered in explanation.

"My G.o.d!" Adrian rubbed his forehead. "I am going to Cavilon's room. Try to learn if she has actually

left the house and then join us there.

"There is a runner in the house-Dougherty. Avoid him."

"Yes, my lord. Should I have our horses readied?"

"No. We have to sort this out carefully before we move. Quickly now."

Striding through the halls, Lord Adrian heard Cavilon's voice coming from the library. Slowing his pace drastically, he sauntered in to find Lord and Lady Stern, Sir Percival, and Lady Cecile visiting with his friend. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied Dougherty lounging in the background.

"We heard Lady Juliane is not well," said Lady Stern. "Is it something serious?"

"No, no. Too much excitement. She will join us later," Lord Adrian smiled.

"I am pleased to hear that," tossed in Dougherty, who had risen and joined the group. "I have learned some most interesting information."

"Is that for certain?" asked Lord Adrian.

"Everything is interesting about Lady Juliane," Lady Cecile threw in cattily.

Lord Adrian tossed her a scornful look. Approaching Cavilon, He slapped him on the back. "I am sorry we must leave you all for a time, but there is a matter that must be tended to and only my friend here can a.s.sist me."

"Not another of your wild wagers?" asked Lord Stern.