Raven (Gentlemen of the Order 2)

Sophia thought it a rather apt quote, considering Jessica’s experience with Mr Archer. “Did Dr Goodwin lend you the book?” She had no recollection of seeing it in the library.

“Blent gave it to me. It belonged to his mother. He said people aren’t always as they appear, and one should educate oneself on how to detect liars and cheats.”

Finlay hummed with approval. “Wise words indeed.”

“Well, I shall leave you to your nighttime adventure.” Jessica pulled the shawl firmly around her shoulders. “Keep the lantern. I can find my way back in the dark.”

“We shan’t be far behind you,” Sophia said, fearing Jessica might wander off into the woods. “I shall come and say good night before I retire.”

Jessica made to leave, but Finlay called after her. “When educating yourself on how to detect liars and cheats, did you have someone specific in mind?”

She shrugged. “A lady should be certain about the man she means to marry.”

“You speak of Mr Archer?”

“I know it’s natural to have doubts. Sophia cried every night for a month before she married Lord Adair.”

Cried? She had sobbed until her ribs ached, until there were no more tears left to shed.

“Good night, Mr Cole.” And with that, Jessica strolled back to the house.

Sophia watched Jessica until she reached the herb garden, but Finlay’s gaze was fixed on her, not the woman whose fragile mind proved a constant worry.

“Do you trust me, Sophia?” Finlay suddenly said.

With my life!

She swallowed deeply. “I wouldn’t have asked for your help otherwise.”

“Then I will find Dr Goodwin and Blent and inform them Jessica has arrived back safely. I shall insist the doctor stays the night.”

“Yes, and then what will you do?” She feared he meant to remove to London.

“I shall saddle two horses and return to collect you and Jessica.” His tone held an undercurrent of alarm. “You will not pack any clothes or belongings. You will tell Anne that you will sleep with Jessica tonight. Then you will write a note to Mrs Friswell explaining that you have gone away for a few days.”

The impulse to protest held her rigid.

Removing to London would bring nothing but trouble.

“Convince me it’s the right thing to do.” Her heart fluttered to her throat at the thought of taking Jessica away from Blackborne. London was a vast place. A dangerous metropolis. Vulnerable women disappeared by the dozens.

“I am beginning to suspect there is nothing wrong with Jessica’s mind.”

“Nothing wrong?” Sophia jerked her head back, astounded. He had not heard the strange cries at night. Had not looked into eyes lost and empty. “Finlay, you haven’t seen her when—”

“She could match the theme of Miss Edgeworth’s novel to a specific quote. Everything she said tonight made perfect sense.”

Sophia snorted. “But she spoke about marrying Mr Archer.”

“Dr Goodwin is manipulating her memories, clouding her mind with medication. It might be for ethical reasons. He might have devious intentions. And Jessica spoke about Blent as if he were more than the hired help. A man does not give a woman a treasured possession without feeling some affection.”

Heavens. He had already aired his suspicions about the doctor, but surely he didn’t suspect Blent of treachery. The man was accommodating on every level.

“That is not all,” Finlay continued. “Mrs Friswell is up to something. And it occurs to me that there’s a striking likeness between Mr Archer and Fitzroy Adair.”

Sophia hadn’t seen Mr Archer for years, but she supposed they were of a similar height and build. Both had blonde hair and an arrogant swagger. Fitzroy was a selfish devil, and Mr Archer was equally self-a

bsorbed.