She turned the page and read the first few lines of what appeared to be a witness statement. Indeed, the time, date and location were recorded. “There is a testimony from a servant who worked for Mrs. Fellows. How on earth did Andrew get the maid to speak?”
Tristan shrugged. “If you read on, you will see that the servant was tending to Mrs. Fellows just before she died. The nurse heard Mrs. Fellows tell her son that he was illegitimate.”
Henry scoffed. “If you are about to say that Mr. Fellows is my father’s son, then I already suspected as much.”
“What?” Tristan and Isabella said in unison.
A folded piece of paper fell from the notebook onto the floor. Tristan picked it up.
“I overheard an argument about money,” Henry informed in a matter-of-fact tone. “I assumed it was over a gambling debt. But no doubt Mr. Fellows sought financial compensation.”
She turned to Tristan, who was busy scanning the paper. “Is it anything of interest?”
Tristan stared at her though she could not gauge his mood. “It is certainly interesting, but it does not pertain to the case.”
“May I see it?” She held out her hand, sensed his slight hesitation.
“Certainly. I believe it belongs to you.”
Isabella took the paper, peeled back the folds to find a sketch of a naked woman. Focusing on the woman’s eyes, she knew the figure was drawn in her likeness.
Henry stifled a yawn. “If you have what you came for can I retire to my bed?”
Tristan sucked in a breath. “Are you not the least bit interested in catching the man who murdered your father?”
“Good Lord, no. It was only a matter of time before one of his dissipated guests finished him off.”
Isabella was struggling to focus on the conversation. She did not care that Andrew had made the sketch. But she feared Tristan would question how his brother came to possess such insight.
“I need you to come with us,” Tristan said. “Should Mr. Fellows elude us, he may come here. The man is dangerous and unpredictable. I would not be at all surprised to find that you and the delightful Mrs. Forester are the casualties of a horrific carriage accident. Then again, house fires are common and hide any evidence of foul play.”
Henry gulped. “Why … why should Mr. Fellows care what I think?”
“You’re a witness. You can attest to the argument, to the volatile nature of his relationship with your father. You had the notebook in your possession.” Tristan raised a brow. “Just think how grateful Mrs. Forester will be when she learns you captured a criminal in order to protect her.”
Henry appeared to ponder the comment. “What would I have to do?”
“Nothing. You just need to bear witness to the conversation. You may tell Mrs. Forester what you wish. I will not discredit your account.”
There was a brief moment of silence.
“Very well.” Henry inclined his head. “Give me a moment and I shall come with you.”
While they waited for Henry to return, Isabella took the opportunity to speak to Tristan.
“I had no idea Andrew had made this sketch,” she said taking his arm and pulling him to the furthest corner of the study.
“You mean you did not pose for him?” There was not a trace of suspicion or anger in his tone.
“Of course not.” She could not hide the panic in her voice. “Please tell me you did not think I would do such a thing?”
A smile touched his lips. “In the first instance, I trust your word. In the second, it is evident that my brother has never seen you naked.” He moistened his lips as he stared at her mouth. “Your hips are far more curvaceous, your breasts are fuller, more—”
“Yes.Yes.” She waved her hand in the air as relief coursed through her. “You do not have to go into detail.”
He took her hand, threaded his fingers through hers. “I want you to do something for me.” His tone revealed a slight apprehension.
“You know I would do anything you asked.”