Page 33 of If Not for the Duke

“Surely we can do something to keep people from thinking Father was a fool and Mother one for following him.” Norah shook her head. “I don’t want us, or Grandfather, to be the center of attention everywhere we go. To face questions as to our opinion on Clarke’s efforts. That will be maddening.”

“If only there was a way to prove he’s wrong.” Ella studied Lena. “Did you see anything specific? Anything that could help us?”

“No.” The word escaped Lena, leaving her filled with despair. “It’s not as if I know where the Money Pit is.” How many times had she wished for a feeling that would’ve helped her father find it? If only the outline of the map she’d found in Lady Bernice’s letters had been marked with the location of the treasure. But despite searching, she hadn’t found anything.

“Do we know where it’s not?” Ella rose, placing a hand on the bump just visible beneath her loose gown, something she seemed to do frequently, and drew closer.

Lena hoped she held a hand there to comfort the baby rather than to ease any pain she felt.

“Is there a difference?” Norah asked.

“Possibly,” Lena answered, wanting to give Ella some reassurance to ease her worry. “I’ll see if Lady Bernice will share where Clarke is digging and then check Father’s journals to see if he has notes on it. I can also look at Lady Bernice’s letters again. Maybe there was something in them I missed. Viewing them with this question in mind could make a difference. Perhaps Vanbridge would help.”

“Excellent idea,” Norah agreed. “I’m certain he’d be happy to. I’ll read Father’s journals while you focus on the letters.”

Lena nodded and forced a bright smile, wishing she felt more optimistic about finding a way to prove what she suspected.

“I can help, too,” Ella protested.

“Your attention needs to remain on feeling well.” Norah drew Ella toward the settee and sat beside her. “You and the baby are far more important than the location of the Money Pit.”

Lena joined them. “I agree. We’ll share anything of interest we find. Now then, let us speak of something more pleasant. Have you given more thought to the updates you want to do for the nursery?” she asked Ella.

Ella’s entire demeanor changed, a smile coming to her face along with a hint of color, making Lena certain she’d asked the right question.

Ella shared her plans, and they visited for a little longer before Lena sent Norah a pointed look, not wanting to tire Ella. “We should be going.”

Norah quickly stood, seeming to understand the message. “Yes, we should.” She moved to hug Ella. “Why don’t you rest?”

“That seems to be all I do of late,” Ella said as she embraced Lena.

“Yes, well, it takes a lot of energy to grow a baby,” Norah said. “Remember, when Mother was expecting Lena, you said she rested often.”

Ella grinned. “And she ate frequently as well. Hopefully, I will soon feel more like eating.”

Lena hugged her again, this time for an extra moment, wishing she could share some of her own strength with her sister. Ella had always been their rock, and Lena wanted to be the same for her now. “Do not worry about any of this,” she ordered as she held her gaze.

“I will do my best.” Ella nodded, but her eyes held shadows that Lena didn’t like.

“She looks so pale,” Lena told Norah as they walked down the front steps toward the carriage they’d shared. “I don’t like it.”

“Nor do I. Did you notice how often she held her stomach? Do you think she’s having contractions?”

“I hope not.” Lena shook her head as they stepped into the carriage. “If only we could find a way to silence Clarke. To prove he’s wrong now rather than later. That would help Ella tremendously. Reviewing Father’s journals and Lady Bernice’s letters seems like our best hope.”

“You mean our only hope. I’ll speak to Simon and see when he could look at the letters and ask if he has any other ideas on what we could do.”

Lena nodded. “As good as he is at solving puzzles, he might think of something. Marbury might as well.”

“I’ll send him a message to call so we can discuss it,” Norah offered. “I’d also like to know how he thinks Ella truly is.”

“As would I.” Lena’s frustration grew. Darn Clarke and his confidence. If only she could tell Sterling how much his search was upsetting her family. But she didn’t know him well enough to even hope that would change his plans.

Did he believe Clarke’s claim of finding the Money Pit? Then again, he didn’t have any reason not to. But she did. “Should I say something to Renwick?” she asked Norah.

Norah stared at her in surprise. “Such as what? That you have a feeling Clarke is wrong? I hardly think that would serve a purpose other than make him suspicious of you. From what Simon said, Renwick is short on trusting others as it is.”

“You’re right. I won’t say anything until we can find proof.”

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