Page 56 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
The first questions were for Lucas Filch at their meeting tomorrow. He’d heard back from the estate agent before dinner, but Filch didn’t yet know that he would be meeting with the Duke of Ashbourn.
He’d told Filch that he was Anthony Black, a fellow estate agent and acquaintance of the St Clair family. He claimed to seek Filch’s advice about working with other aristocratic clients.
William took this approach so their conversation would be unbiased and as equals before having his mother ask for copies of Filch’s ledgers.
He wasn’t certain of his suspicions, but nothing else made sense. It was quite possible that the man who managed his father’s books had something to do with the issues within.
And there was only one way to find out.
Chapter 22
Eleanor and Lucy ducked into the kitchen pantry together and studied the emerald earring under the light of a taper candle held in Lucy’s hand.
“Just because it dropped out of Cecil’s pocket doesn’t mean it belongs to someone else, right?” Lucy asked, then bit her lip.
“You must be joking, Lucy!” Eleanor whispered as loudly as she could to be heard above the sounds of many staff members finalizing the dinner service nearby.
“This is Cecil Phillips we’re talking about. Hehasto be the person who stole your husband’s ring and that guest’s brooch. I justknowit!”
“We cannot be hasty with accusations, Eleanor. Let’s think this through.”
“No, what we need is proof. Everyone is moving into the ballroom in a few minutes for dancing. If we can ensure that Cecil stays on this floor for the party for a while, I can search his room upstairs. Maybe Mr Montrose could help keep Mr Phillips occupied.”
Eleanor started to leave the pantry, but Lucy grabbed her arm and pulled her back near the shelves filled with food stores. They were surrounded by baskets of root vegetables like potatoes and onions, plus many jars of pickles and jams.
“Wait! It’s too risky! What will you do if you get caught?”
“With some help from my friends, I won’t. I’m going to find Edward. Go back to your party guests and don’t worry. I’ll find you when I’m done.”
Eleanor hugged Lucy, then left the pantry as if it were an everyday occurrence for a house guest dressed in a formal gown to emerge from its depths.
She spotted Edward and Cousin Harrison talking over cigars in one of the game rooms. However, covertly entering a dark pantry and then walking nonchalantly into a gentlemen’s game room soon after was a bit much even for her. Eleanor waved to the men from outside the door to join her in the hallway.
After she explained her plan, Cousin Harrison expressed his concern.
“I realize you have Lady Charter’s permission to do this, but I cannot condone a young lady risking her safety in such a manner. I think it should be me who checks Mr Phillips’ room.”
Eleanor shook her head as she explained why she was the best person for the job. “No, My Lord, I disagree. You have far more to lose if you get caught than I do. The Earl of St Coeur cannot risk his reputation like a silly young woman who doesn’t know any better. Do you see my point? It has to be me and it has to be now. Will you gentlemen please keep an eye on Mr Phillips and make certain he stays downstairs?”
Edward nodded. “You can count on me, Lady Eleanor. Shall we work together, Lord Whitfield?”
After more hesitation, Eleanor’s cousin finally relented. “Fine, but please make haste, my dear. Come find us immediately when you are through so we know you are safe.”
“I will, I promise!” Eleanor said, then dashed off with the emerald earring still clutched tightly in her hand.
She’d already learned Cecil’s room number and had a key from Lucy. Now, she needed to calm her nerves and behave as if going through that door was another place in this grand estate where she fully belonged.
As she walked quietly down the hall towards the correct door, Eleanor’s heart was pounding. She stood for a moment in front of the brass doorknob before inserting the key, willing every ounce of bravery in her body up to the surface.
If anyone walked around the corner and saw her right now, she would probably lose her nerve and walk away.
Luckily, all was quiet. She quickly slid the brass key into the lock, turned the knob, and entered the room.
With the door closed, Eleanor stood against it for a moment to slow her breathing. Then she noticed something jarring. This guest room was nearly a replica of William’s, where they had made love only a few nights ago.
Looking around Cecil’s room while picturing William naked by the bed caused her a wave of dizziness from conflicting emotions.
Damn Cecil for taking over my life again when I thought I was rid of him months ago!
