The Scandalous Lady Sandford (Lost Ladies of London 3)

“I’ve struggled to sleep while here. I sent Mary down to the pantry two nights ago. Perhaps she dropped it then.”

A flash of relief brightened Mackenzie’s face, one quickly replaced by doubt. The man was no fool. He took a matter of seconds to recall that Mary had left the castle after taking supper with him.

Lillian straightened her shoulders and took the pin from Mrs Bell’s hand. “I shall return this to Mary. In the meantime, I will assist Mackenzie in his search for the thief.”

“Thank you, my lady.” Mrs Bell clutched the ends of her apron and dipped a curtsy. “I’d best get back to my work.”

No sooner had the woman turned the corner than Mackenzie released a weary sigh. “My lady, I cannot thank you enough for defending Mary. One word about this and the men would bundle her into a rowboat and leave her to the tide.”

“You should have told me about the thefts.” What with some men digging for treasure and others helping themselves to the contents of the pantry, Lillian was beginning to doubt the men’s loyalty.

“Aye.”

“While Lord Ravenscroft and my brother are solving their dispute, we shall visit Mary.”

The fact the woman hadn’t returned to the castle since the attack in Fabian’s bedchamber, proved telling. And it was best Mackenzie was not alone when learning of Mary’s duplicity.

“Wait here while I dress,” Lillian continued. With her unkempt appearance, she looked more like a tavern wench than an aristocratic lady. “I shall be five minutes.”

Mackenzie squirmed. “Begging your pardon, my lady, but I sent Ursula to the dock on an errand. The staff here have various roles, and I didn’t think you’d be in need of her services this afternoon.”

Things at the castle were certainly different from the rigid rules in London households, though Lillian found she much preferred the simpler way of life. “Pay it no mind. I think I am more than capable of brushing my hair and tying my cloak.”

Mackenzie bowed. “Still, it was wrong of me not to consult you.”

“We are all trying to adjust to our new circumstances. Wait for me here.”

Lillian hurried to Fabian’s room. One glimpse at the drawn hangings evoked memories of their wild adventure beneath the sheets. She tidied her clothes and found sturdy shoes in the trunk. After quickly plaiting her hair so it draped in true medieval style over one shoulder, she rushed downstairs to meet Mackenzie.

She passed the Scot in the corridor.

“Forgive me for not waiting, my lady. His lordship has asked for a bottle of brandy and two glasses, some warm water and squares of linen.”

Lillian resisted the urge to throw her arms in the air and cheer. If they were drinking brandy, they were talking. She contemplated joining them but feared her presence might fuel the dying embers of her brother’s rage.

“Then I shall wait for you in the bailey.”

Mackenzie nodded and hurried away.

Lillian must have waited twenty minutes for Mackenzie though it felt like hours. He popped out into the bailey, raised his hand and informed her that he was to explain the events at Vauxhall to her brother. He apologised and said he would join her promptly.

Impatience got the better of her. It was only a matter of time before Fabian and Vane asked to see her. Perhaps she should make herself unavailable, merely to make a point. Indeed, tired of waiting for Mackenzie, she decided to visit Mary alone. The Scot knew where she was heading and could meet her at the cottages once he’d finished running errands.

Lillian was about to leave through the gatehouse when she met Ursula, carrying a wicker basket.

“My lady,” Ursula said with some surprise. “I’ve just come from the dock. A few of the men are fishing and Mackenzie sent me to bring some back for Mrs Bell.” Ursula peeled back the linen cloth to reveal their shiny silver scales.

“I’m sure Mrs Bell will be grateful.” To reach the dock, Ursula had to venture past the cottages. “Did you see Mary on your travels?”

/> “No, my lady, I’ve not seen her of late.” Ursula bit down on her bottom lip and her pale skin flushed pink. “I know you chose her to act as your maid and companion, and I don’t mean to sound unkind, but the men don’t trust her. After what Doyle did, I can’t see that they’ll ever accept seeing her here at the castle.”

Sailors were a stubborn lot. Then again, perhaps Mary was as devious as her husband and sought to cause mischief at every opportunity. In the past, Lillian had been far too trusting and so refused to play the gullible fool again. There was only one way to discover the truth.

“Clearly, Mary is uncomfortable here as she’s not been back for two days. Do the women feel the same way about her as the men?”

“It wouldn’t have been too bad had Mary acted differently in the beginning. She swore she knew nothing of her husband’s plans and yet she stayed away, hiding in her cottage, never seeing anyone.”

“And you think that is an admission of guilt?”