Page 53 of A Sense of Injustice
Luke chuckled. ‘I can quite understand Brigstock’s desire to have the last word. He knew that money was his wife’s god, and the only reason why she had married him. She had become accustomed to having the very best of everything, so he took it away from her. Unfortunately, Heath is of the opinion that his actions proved to be his downfall.’
‘He thinks his wife got wind of his intentions and acted in the hope of pre-empting him?’ Paul flex a brow. ‘He was the orchestrator of his own murder.’
‘Heath doesn’t have a shred of actual proof, only something that Mrs Brigstock said to him that stuck in his mind. She was totally shocked when she discovered that she’d been left near destitute. She muttered something about not allowing her husband sufficient time to give his fortune away. Then she realised what she had said and clammed up.’
‘I always thought it was ridiculous of Cleethorp to attempt to force Louise’s hand in the manner that he did. Now it seems obvious that Felicity gives the orders and he follows them like a lapdog.’ Flora gave a disgusted shake of her head. ‘Either because he genuinely loves her or because she knows something to his detriment. She sounds like a thoroughly reprehensible person and I can easily imagine her using Cleethorp’s devotion for her own purposes. Mind you, he is no better. What sort of a man allows a woman to rule the roost?’
Paul nodded. ‘I think it safe to assume that Cleethorp fired the shot that killed Brigstock. I have just returned from speaking to the landlord of the tavern where he put up. He gave his name as Jenson and made himself out to be a travelling salesman, but the landlord never believed that. His upper-class accent gave him away, as did the fact that he didn’t have any goods with him that he was offering for sale; not did he appear to be in any hurry to move on. He was also seen a couple of times skulking about with Mrs Brigstock. The landlord recalls that much because Brigstock’s death occurred while the man he knew as Jenson was still in the district.’
‘A travelling salesman wouldn’t have any reason to trespass on private land,’ Luke said, ‘and certainly no reason to fire a gun on said land.’
‘What now?’ Flora asked.
‘I think it’s time for me to pay Cleethorp a visit and spell out a few facts of life,’ Luke replied. ‘He and Mrs Brigstock need to look elsewhere to secure their future. Heath tells me that he still has Brigstock’s open letter. He hasn’t read it but Brigstock obviously understood his wife’s avaricious nature because he left written permission for Heath to use that letter as he saw fit after his death.’
Flora’s eyes sparkled. ‘So there is nothing to prevent Mr Heath publishing it over a year after that event. How deliciously vengeful. But would he do it?’
‘I have absolutely no idea,’ Luke replied cheerfully, ‘but I shall give Cleethorp the impression that he’s waiting only for my word before taking that step.’
Paul chuckled. ‘Very devious.’
‘I might also mention that I know about his Jenson alias.’ Luke rubbed his hands together. ‘I think those two threats will ensure your friend’s safety, Flora.’
Romulus lifted his big head and barked just once. They all laughed.
‘I’m sure he understands every word we say,’ Flora insisted, dropping a hand to tug affectionately at his ears. ‘No one will convince me otherwise.’
‘Precocious beast,’ Luke muttered, smiling.
‘Well, I am glad we have found a solution to the problem,’ Flora said. ‘I shall call and see Louise this afternoon and pass on the good news.’
‘I would prefer it if you did not go alone,’ Luke said.
‘Don’t be silly.’ Flora waved aside his concerns. ‘You will be with Cleethorp and no one else is out to harm me.’
Luke knew she was right but still felt uneasy at the prospect of her riding out alone. Damn it, now he was getting as bad as Flora and acting as though he could predict danger! He glanced at Paul, who gave a small shake of his head. Paul was right of course, as he so often was. Flora was his responsibility in some respects but would not thank him for his over-protectiveness.
‘Very well, but take Romulus with you.’
‘Luke.’ She stood up and bobbed a curtsey. ‘I shall do perfectly well on my own.’ She gave Rom’s ears another friendly tug. ‘But now, if you will excuse me, I must return to the countess.’
‘That girl will be the death of me yet,’ Luke muttered, watching her go.
‘That girl will be the next Marchioness of Felsham if Archie has his way.’
Luke fixed Paul with a piercing look. ‘Has Archie said anything about his intentions to you?’
‘Hell no, but I’ve seen the way he looks at her.’
‘Archie looks at all attractive females in that manner.’
Paul shook his head. ‘I’ve noticed him watching her intently when she isn’t aware of his scrutiny. His expression goes beyond the mere speculative. Protective, I suppose. Obsessive almost.’
‘Then why, if you’re right, hasn’t he done anything about it?’ Luke asked curtly, attempting to suppress his jealousy.
‘Can you imagine his father’s reaction if he introduced a cleric’s daughter as his future wife?’
Luke nodded, aware that his own late father’s standards would also have made the match impossible. They still did, even after his death.
