“You will find everything within in order,” he whispered. “Don’t show that to anyone.” She opened her mouth to speak but he held up a hand. “Anyone mind you. The information is yours to share, but the letter must be hidden or destroyed. I think it’s best if I take my leave before your husband returns. If you should need further assistance, you know where to find me.” With a tip of his top hat, he stood and left. For several minutes, she sat with the correspondence in her hand. The heavy footsteps of her husband had her pressing the letter into the folds of her skirt.
“Where did Mr. Shepard go to?” The extra glass of brandy was set on the end table as he looked at his wife.
“There was an emergency and he had to leave in a hurry. He didn’t say what it was, just that he had to leave.” Her husband’s eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed but he didn’t call her on her lie. Did he know? “I’ll be in the study. I shouldn’t be more than another hour. Will you see that dinner is ready then.”
“Sure. I think duck is on the menu tonight.” The breath she had been holding escaped her.
“Hmm,” he muttered already deep in thought. Laying a single kiss on her forehead, he hurried to the study. Left to her own thoughts, she pulled that crumpled envelope out and stared at it. Examining the seal, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know what was inside. Maybe she should just toss the whole thing in the fireplace. With a sigh, she picked at the edges of the seal. Better to look than to not know, she tried to tell herself. The seal popped off as she inhaled. Closing her eyes, she slipped the tissue-thin letter out of the envelope. She peered down at the thin script with awe.
Dear Mrs. McDermott,
I am writing to inform you that you are the closest living relative of the late Duke of Karrington. As such, you are left in trust of his last living heir, Farrell Schofield. He will be presented to you in 1 weeks time by airship. Please ensure that all arrangements have been made for his arrival. All appropriate paperwork and funds will be provided upon his arrival as well. In this letter, you will find information that tells you more about the family’s untimely accidents. This information is for your eyes only. Your husband will be filled apprised of the situation tomorrow. If there are any further questions, please don’t hesitate to inquire.
Mr. Shepard
Mrs. McDermott looked through the remaining papers. Deciding it was better to wait for the letter to her husband, she folded the letters. Where to hide them? That was the key. Maybe the fireplace was the best idea, but for some reason, she couldn’t destroy the letters.