A Dreadful Splendor (38)

“That’s not what it sounded like when you spoke with Mr. Sutterly. And what were you searching Audra’s room for?”

Mr. Lockhart sighed. “Mr. Sutterly’s situation is unique. A stipulation in Lord Chadwick’s will allows him to remain at Somerset, and he was granted a small living. However, he has told me that he discovered the present Lord Chadwick, Mr. Pemberton, is not the actual heir to the estate. He provided proof to Lady Audra on the eve of her wedding, thinking, well, rather hoping that she’d call off the nuptials.” His face clouded over. “But, of course, none of us know what happened.”

“And what is this proof?”

“He won’t say, but there can’t be any truth to his story. I’ve been this family’s solicitor for decades, well before Lady Audra was born, and my father before me. If there were any secret regarding Somerset’s rightful heir, I would know.”

“Is Mr. Pemberton aware?”

“If there was even the slightest chance it could be true, I wouldn’t have hesitated to bring it to his attention. However, he and Mr. Sutterly have always been at odds, and since Lady Audra’s death, my lord has been consumed with revenge. I feel this information wouldn’t serve any purpose but to create further hate in this house. He’d have Mr. Sutterly locked behind bars, or worse, seek justice himself.” Then he pinned me with an uncharacteristically fierce stare. “I brought you here to help this family heal, not rip it apart.”

It appeared Mr. Lockhart was not a candidate for blackmail. But I wasn’t finished yet. “Why did Mr. Sutterly say she’d still be alive if not for you?” I asked.

“He blames me for locating Mr. Pemberton. I suspect he even believes I’m part of a grand scheme to hide the true heir. He never accepted Mr. Pemberton as Lord Chadwick—especially now that he’s considering selling off parts of the estate.”

As I sat there listening to him, something struck me as peculiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. “And nothing was ever found,” I said, “even though Lady Audra’s room was searched?”

“It was turned upside down when she went missing. And still they do not understand how she left without being noticed.” He took a sip of coffee.

I let that sink in. The window was locked, and Mrs. Donovan claimed to be outside her door all night long. “How did Mr. Sutterly enter her room that night?”

“Mrs. Donovan must have let him in. She would have kept it secret, especially after Lady Audra’s body washed onto shore.” He paled considerably and his eyes glistened. The handkerchief came out again to pat his tears.

I waited, listening to the sound of logs crumbling in the fire. Still, there was one last item that didn’t make sense. “You told him he wouldn’t have to worry about Mr. Pemberton once the séance was over. Why?”

“To keep him calm by saying what he needs to hear, of course. There is no proof to disclaim Mr. Pemberton as Lord Chadwick, Miss Timmons,” he said, tired and dismissive. “And I’d be lying if I didn’t say I sensed Mr. Sutterly has an unhealthy preoccupation with Lady Audra’s death. I’m only hoping to distract him until you perform the séance. In fact, your attempt to bring peace will be as much for him as it is for my lord.”

I did my best to ignore the usual jab of guilt each time Mr. Lockhart mentioned my séance of reassurance.

We left the room together, walking in silence until we entered the Gallery Hall.

“Are you still going to represent me in court?” I asked, straightforward.

He gasped. “My dear girl, of course I will.” He touched the tip of his beard and regarded me with an intense expression. “I’m aging exponentially at the moment, but I assure you, I have decades of experience, and I promise you justice.”

His tone was steeped in conviction, and I finally felt reassured that he was an ally in this house. Mr. Lockhart had never treated me like a charity case. But that momentary relief was quickly snuffed out. I still needed to pinpoint a target in less than a week, or Mr. Pemberton would reveal my attempt at petty thievery and turn me over to the parish constable.

“Do you not suspect that Mr. Sutterly is responsible for Audra’s disappearance?” I asked. “He admits he entered her room that night.”

“It is plausible,” he replied. “I admit the thought occurred to me in those first horrific weeks following her disappearance.” He slowed his pace, leaning against his cane. “But as the shock of the ordeal diminished, I had to accept that Lady Audra saw to her own fate that night. Mr. Sutterly is not talented enough an actor to keep the charade going this long.”

We made our way to the long windows to take in the expansive view. I spotted the pathway to the stables in the glade, disappearing into the woods. “Let me assure you,” he continued. “I would not bring you here if I had the slightest inclination that I was putting you in a precarious situation.”

“You plucked me from jail and hired me to fool your lord that his fiancée’s spirit is at peace. This is precarious indeed, Mr. Lockhart.”

He chuckled softly. “I promise you will have your defense for the police. Won’t it be nice to earn your freedom?”

Living without Constable Rigby breathing down my neck would be pleasant. But I would never be free from my guilt.