Caught in a Cornish Scandal Eleanor Webster (new books to read .TXT) đ
- Author: Eleanor Webster
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âMrs Ludlow is my sister. I understand she is being held here. I would like my sister to be released into my care,â Sam said.
âShe is not âbeing heldâ exactly and I would love to release her, but there is a problem with that,â Sir Anthony stated somewhat incoherently, pushing his gold spectacles further up his nose.
âWhat might that be?â
âPlease, do sit down. A brandy?â Sir Anthony suggested, lifting a decanter conveniently located on his desk.
âNo, thank you. This problem with Mrs Ludlowâs release?â
âYes, well, the fact is she refuses.â
âRefuses?â
âYes, sir. She wonât leave.â Sir Anthonyâs forehead shone with perspiration and he dabbed at it with his pocket handkerchief.
âWhy?â Sam sat, trying to process this new information.
âI...um... I am not exactly sure.â
âThen can I see her?â
âAgain, there is another problem. I certainly would never prevent you from seeing your sister, but the thing is, we had to get Dr Acton. She was rather upset and he prescribed a sedative.â
âThat was necessary?â
âYes, she was distressed, but she is now resting. I invited my sister, the rectorâs wife, to stay to ensure propriety. Her child is also here. I mean Mrs Ludlowâs child, not my sisterâs, as she is oldânot that she would like that descriptionâand the childâs nursemaid.â
âGracious, you have a full house. She would not return home?â
âNo. Indeed, she was quite insistent. Actually...â The man blinked rather rapidly from behind his round spectacles, then placed his plump fingers together in the shape of a steeple. âI had not wanted to bring her here. I merely wanted to ask her a few questions at her house.â
âShe asked to come?â
âShe was most insistent. And brought her child. I must say I did not know what to make of it. Anyway, the whole thing quite upset me so I decided it best to consult Dr Acton. Nice fellow, you know. Youâre certain you wonât take a brandy?â
Sam again shook his head while Sir Anthony poured himself the libation. Frowning, Sam leaned heavily back in the chair, recognising his own exhaustion as he tried to take in these new details. âDoes she feel unsafe at home?â
âShe...um...did not say so.â
âDid you ask?â
âWell, no, one doesnât like to pry, what.â The man swallowed.
âGiven the situation, it might have been relevant. So what were her reasons for staying?â
âMrs Ludlow is experiencing a somewhat strained relationship with her mother-in-law. High-strung creaturesâwomen, you know. Never married myself. Do not have the stamina.â
âDo you know the cause of this strain?â Sam asked.
The man paused in obvious discomfort, again dabbing at his forehead. âMrs Ludlow senior feels that your sister might... I mean, that it is possible...that she could be involved in her husbandâs...um...disappearance.â
âHer own mother-in-law thinks that? It is ludicrous. My sister is physically and emotionally the most unlikely person to do anything to harm anyone. What motive would she have?â
âI do not want to be indelicate.â Sir Anthony pursed his lips as if even speaking the words was distasteful.
âYou are suggesting my sister harmed her husband. I do not think you need to worry about delicacy.â
âNot me...would never accuseââ Sir Anthony stopped after meeting Samâs impatient gaze. âMr Ludlow was known to enjoy the company of other women,â he concluded.
âGood Lord. If that was all that was required for murder, half the wives in London would be guilty.â
âExcept...â Sir Anthony paused again as though unwilling to continue. âThe other wives you speak of have husbands who are still hale and hearty while your sisterâs...isnât.â
âWe do not currently know whether Jason Ludlow is hale and hearty or not.â
âTrue enough. Indeed, it is my greatest hope that he returns, healthy and hearty. It would be one less thing for me to do. I would never have become a magistrate if I had known the work involved.â Sir Anthony reached for the decanter again, pouring another drink.
Sam rubbed his temples. There was little point, he supposed, in rousting his sister and child, particularly if she had had a sleeping draught. Moreover, he could hardly drag her back to a place she did not want to live. Sir Anthony seemed a pleasant enough fellow, if somewhat inarticulate, and he felt certain Marta would ensure that every measure of comfort was provided.
âVery well,â he said. âI will return in the morning. I brought her maid with me and would like her to stay. I am certain she could help her mistress and provide comfort.â
âYes, of course, very happy to oblige,â the magistrate said. âThis is all very troubling, I must say.â
Sir Anthony rang the bell, his eagerness to finish the unpleasant conversation quite palpable. The butler arrived promptly and they all moved into the hall. Sir Anthony directed the butler to ensure that Marta had accommodation and that every comfort was provided for both mistress and maid.
Sam exited, thankful to sit back in his vehicle. Although, as the vehicle headed towards Manton Hall, Sam had to admit he would not have minded also imposing on Sir Anthonyâs hospitality. The idea of staying at the hall was not enticing. Its owner was presumed deceased. His own absence had, apparently, been covered up by the butler with some ridiculous story about dawn horse rides, and its mistress was in such fear that she refused to remain there. Meanwhile, the other Mrs Ludlow was throwing around foolish accusations. Sam could only hope he escaped to bed and did not have to interact with her tonight.
Indeed, respite at Manton Hall seemed more a recipe for a melodramatic play than a goodnightâs sleep and, for a moment he wondered if he should find an inn. However, he dismissed the idea. He would not find anything to stimulate his memory within the smoke-filled walls of a tavern or the bottom of a tankard.
Chapter Eight
Millie woke late the next day with a confused disorientation as she stared about her bare bedchamber. Her every muscle ached and she had the feeling that she had slept for days, although she could scarcely
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