Page 15 of One Last Whisper

There’s a pregnant pause before Sean says. “Really, Mary? Must I explain the birds and the bees to you?”

“I’ve already thought of that,” I reply, “but she hasn’t returned Mrs. Pemberton’s phone calls, and everyone says she would. I could see her being enamored and deciding not to cometo work, but I can’t believe she would ignore multiple calls from people who care about her.”

“She would if she was having enough fun.”

“Will youpleasetake this seriously?” I snap. “When have I been wrong before, Sean?”

There's another pause. That last remark must have finally convinced Sean of the seriousness of this situation because he uses a professional tone when he speaks again. "I'll look into this. It will take some time, but I can find information on Lord Edmund from Parliament records and go from there. Be patient, please. He's an Earl, and it's a delicate thing to investigate an Earl for wrongdoing. Even if he's innocent, it's a delicate thing to investigate wrongdoing in the vicinity of a high-ranking member of the peerage. In the meantime, please, please, please don't put yourself in danger. You're very far from home in the house of the most powerful man within two hundred miles in any direction. The Blackwood family has a history that goes back to the time of the Romans, and that still means something in that part of the world."

“I’ll be careful. It may be hard for you to believe, but I care for my charge, and I intend to be focused on his care more than on this mystery.”

“Is that why you’re calling me?” he challenges.

“Yes. I trust you. I know you’ll do good work. I can step away now knowing that you’re helping me.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Mary. I wish I could believe it.”

I roll my eyes. “I was going to tell you how much I missed you now that my business is out of the way, but if you’re going to be an arse—”

“I miss you too, Mary. I’ve gotten used to having someone else in my bed. It’s rather cold out here all by myself.”

I flush beet red. “That’snotwhat I meant.”

“Sure it is. I’m just brave enough to say it. But since you insist on being proper, I also miss our conversations over tea and the outings we take to the city.”

“Well, thank you,” I say drily. “It’s nice to know I’m more than a warm blanket for you.”

“Don’t underestimate the value of a warm blanket. The winters are long there.”

“Are you saying I should find someone else to keep me warm?”

“Honestly, Mary, if it keeps you from putting your life in danger over another bloody mystery, I’ll consider it the lesser of two evils.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “You’re far too young to be this grumpy, Mr. O’Connell.”

“You age me.”

“Like fine milk,” I retort. “Good night, Sean. If you’d like, you can throw the comforter in the dryer for twenty minutes so you can sleep with a warm blanket tonight.”

He hangs up without replying, and I laugh. It’s a truly fine thing, romance. I rather hope that Sarahhasthrown caution to the wind and given herself wholly to some lucky lad.

But as the American saying goes, hope and five dollars will buy you a hamburger. It now falls to Sean to see if we can learn what truly happened to poor Sarah.

***

I have broken a promise to stay out of mysteries so many times that I wouldn’t blame Sean for never trusting me again. I have no more success keeping this promise than I do any previous one, but I can’t be entirely blamed for that. The opportunity falls into my lap unasked for after breakfast that morning. It’s the weekend, and Oliver has no school. The day isunseasonably warm, and Lady Cordelia has decided to take him to the ocean for a walk along the shore. It seems she doesn’t fear Lord Edmund as much as my first impression suggests.

I plan to help Theresa with the chores since she is short one maid, but she asks for different assistance. “Miss Mary, I don’t mean to intrude, but could I ask you a favor?”

“Of course! I am at your disposal today.”

“Could you run into town and pick up some cleaning supplies for me? I normally have one of the others do it as I don’t drive, but since Sarah is… absent… I need Franny and Matilda to help me with chores.”

An idea comes to my head. I don’t let it fully realize quite yet. Perhaps I am afraid it will show on my face. “Of course. What do you need?”

“I’ll make you a list. It’s not too much, and I’ll send you with money. His Lordship has a budget for this. There’s a car too.”

“He has a car for the servants?”

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