Hunger led her to gather her cutlery, slice the bacon and pop a piece into her mouth. After swallowing her food, she said, “And so our main objective must be to find the person responsible for Mr Cribb’s murder.”
“I visited Cribb’s last known address, spoke to the other tenants. No one recalls anything unusual about the gentleman.”
“And what of the other members of the order? Do you trust them?”
“With my life. Only Proctor knew of your father’s most recent cases.”
“Cases? You mentioned there was more than one.”
Mr Daventry pushed out of his chair and moved to the sideboard. He opened the top drawer, delved under napkins and removed one of her father’s journals. “Read this while you eat your meal, and then we will discuss my plan.”
Something told her Mr Daventry was keen to exclude her from the investigation. Eager to hear his thoughts on the matter, she took the journal and read the neat script while Mr Daventry ate a second helping of bacon and eggs.
Judging by the date recorded, it seemed her father was investigating a case involving a collapsed mine near Wigan that had killed almost thirty people. The company who owned the mine evicted the surviving miners from their cottages and sold the land. From what Sybil could ascertain, there was a suspicion the collapse had been deliberate.
“It states all records relating to the owner of the coal mine and those relating to the sale of the land have either been lost or were destroyed in a fire.”
Mr Daventry exhaled deeply. “Atticus discovered that three men owned the mine. One lives in India, though your father was still waiting for a reply to his correspondence. The second, Lord Talbot, has since died. The third man remains a mystery.”
“And there is no connection between the two cases?”
“None.”
Sybil heaved a weary sigh. With every new piece of information, the plot thickened.
“Someone betrayed your father. For years, we have kept our work secret, dealing only with a handful of professional men we trust. But someone learned of his current investigations. Though I received numerous bids from men who weren’t at the auction, Sir Melrose, Lord Newberry and the solemn stranger dressed in black are at the top of my suspect list.”
“And so what is our next course of action?”
The gentleman cleared his throat and seemed to think carefully before saying, “You will remain here and examine the books. Jonah and Tomas will ensure your safety until I return.”
She was about to object when he raised a hand to stall her.
“My father is sick and has taken a turn for the worse. My intention was to settle you here and then return to London to visit him. Sir Melrose has invited me to attend his ball tonight. I’m sure you will agree it’s not because he craves my company. But it will afford an opportunity to snoop around the man’s home and study. I have it on good authority Lord Newberry will be in attendance.”
While she relished the thought of studying her father’s notes, of hearing his voice burst to life in the words, her need to assist Mr Daventry proved stronger.
“I’m sorry to hear about your father’s ill health.”
“Don’t be. He’s the devil, and I’m his spawn.”
Now wasn’t the time to discuss his father or delve into the whys and wherefores of their strained relationship. If she was to help Mr Daventry banish his demons, she would have to tak
e a leaf out of his book and work covertly.
“Will Mrs Sinclair accompany you to the ball?” From what she had witnessed this morning, the man had a huge appetite, and the dark-haired temptress knew how to satisfy hungry men.
“Mrs Sinclair merely helps me maintain my disguise.”
Sybil snorted. “I’m sure she does a lot more than that.”
Strangely, the thought of him escorting the widow home and slipping beneath her bedsheets made Sybil feel nauseous. Indeed, the sickly sensation mingled with burning jealousy to send her pulse soaring.
“I cannot concentrate on solving this case if I have to worry about your welfare,” he said, steering the subject away from his mistress.
“You mean you’re a man of your word and must keep your oath to my father.”
“I mean I don’t want to see you hurt.”