Page 55 of If Not for the Duke

She didn’t want any further harm to befall Bernie or Sterling. She only wanted to protect her father’s reputation. To save his memory since she hadn’t been able to save his life. Unfortunately, sleep eluded her for some time.

*

The following morning,Sterling looked in on his sister, pleased to find her still sleeping. Her maid reported that she’d had a restless night, so he’d told her to let Bernie sleep as long as she could. Once she woke, he’d reconsider whether a visit from the doctor was necessary.

He hadn’t slept well either. Knowing someone had broken into their house filled him with anger. Outrage. A desire to strike something or someone. Thoughts of how much worse the situation could’ve been had circled through his mind all night. The fact that he’d failed to protect Bernie only added to his fury.

The police should arrive momentarily, but Sterling took another look at his desk drawers. As he’d noted last night, only one had been forced open. The others were still locked tight. Perhaps that was because Bernie had interrupted the thief’s search of his desk. Why had the person taken his notes on Oak Island but not the map Clarke had sent that showed his plan for digging? That should’ve been of more interest than Sterling’s notes.

Next, he looked around the garden now that there was light to see if the thief had left any clues. They had surely departed in a rush after striking Bernie.

Unfortunately, a thorough search revealed little. The ground was too firm for footprints. A bit of black thread was caught on the top of the wrought-iron gate, which might very well have come from the intruder. But it wouldn’t help determine who it might’ve been or even what they’d been wearing.

Detective Inspector Stephens and Captain Thomason from Scotland Yard arrived before Sterling finished breakfast. Thomason was a burly man with light-colored hair and a military bearing. The inspector was tall with intense brown eyes, a thick moustache, and a sober demeanor. He jotted down notes as Sterling shared what little he knew, including the missing notes.

“Were they of significant value?” Stephens asked.

“Only to someone with interest in the treasure hunt on Oak Island.”

The inspector paused to raise a bushy brow that was remarkably similar to his moustache. “Are many interested?”

The numerous wagers being placed on the outcome came to mind, but it was difficult to believe anyone would bother to break into his home simply to try to win a bet.

Viscount Ludham and the stranger’s conversation at the ball passed through his thoughts, as well. He decided against sharing what he’d overheard with the police as he didn’t want to cast doubt on the viscount until he knew more. What little he’d heard wasn’t enough to warrant the inspector speaking with Ludham when he’d only deny involvement.

“Your sister was harmed?” the inspector asked.

Sterling explained how they’d found her unconscious on the floor from a blow to the head.

“Would it be possible for us to speak with her?” Thomason asked.

“She’s resting now. However, she knows very little. She hadn’t been in my study long before she was struck from behind. She didn’t see anyone.” Sterling shared the timeline of the events, though he left out Lena’s presence. Mentioning her seemed unnecessary.

After answering a few more of their questions, the detective examined the drawer that had been opened. Then a footman escorted the pair to the garden to look over the area where Sterling guessed the thief had both gained entrance and escaped.

Sterling paced his study as he waited for them to finish, though he doubted they’d find anything of significance since Sterling had already looked.

They returned a few minutes later. The inspector still held his notebook.

“As you suggested, there’s little to go on, Your Grace,” the captain said. “We will make a few inquiries and advise you if we find anything. Please notify us if you experience any further problems.”

“Thank you.” Sterling scowled as they were shown out. He didn’t care for the helpless feeling the break-in caused.

Reminding himself that what truly mattered was Bernie’s recovery, he looked in on her again. She was sitting up in bed, her maid adjusting the pillows behind her. Her long, dark hair was bound in a loose braid that hung over her shoulder. Her face was pale, but she offered a smile as he entered the room.

“How are you feeling?” He drew a chair close to her bed, noting that pain dulled her eyes.

Bernie touched the place where he knew the lump to be and sighed. “My head aches, of course, but otherwise well enough.”

“I would like the doctor to stop by,” he began, wishing he would’ve pressed harder to have him come last evening.

“It’s only a bump, Sterling. Even Lena didn’t think a visit from the doctor was necessary.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt for him to have a look.”

She shook her head though careful not to move it over much. “No, thank you. I will be fine in a day or two. Did the police come?”

Sterling relayed what the inspector had said, wishing he had better news. “Have you remembered anything else?”

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