Page 74 of The Marquess Takes a Misstep
“What is it, Jack?” Maddie’s heart thumped wildly.
“Your uncle came to see your father some weeks before their carriage accident, did he not?”
Maddie nodded. “Yes, he did.”
“I went back later and examined the carriage. It confirmed my suspicions. That drive shaft was tampered with.”
Maddie put a hand to her chest. “You think my parents were murdered?”
“Perhaps it isn’t wise to speak of this now…” Hart began.
“I want to hear it, Hart,” Maddie said.
Jack glanced at Hart, who nodded. “I think there’s little doubt of it,” he continued. “I wanted to tell the parish constable, but I had to leave the area to search for work and keep body and soul together. And I didn’t have any proof, so I doubted they’d believe the likes of me against your uncle.”
Maddie gasped. “I believe it to be true, Jack. My uncle was an evil man. I am glad you told me.” She had long wondered about the accident. She could make little sense of it because her father was a stickler for keeping his vehicles in top order.
As Jack walked away, Maddie gazed up at Hart. “Thank you, darling. This means a lot to me.”
“Then I’m glad, Maddie. I wasn’t sure I should dredge up the past. I wondered if it should remain buried.”
“No, I am glad you did, Hart.”
They wandered hand in hand through the gardens, which had become a colorful autumn display. Returning to the house, Mrs. Fletcher hurried down the drive, carrying a bunch of lilies.
Maddie went to meet her with Hart following. “How good to see you, Mrs. Fletcher.”
“And I you, Miss Burrell.” She held out the flowers. “I suppose you stayed away while they completed the renovations. It is nice to see you here again.”
Maddie took the lilies with a nod of thanks. “I am Lady Montford now, Mrs. Burrell. I’d like to introduce you to my husband, Lord Montford.”
“Oh, my goodness.” The farmer’s wife sank into a low curtsey.
Hart took her hand with a smile. “No need for that, Mrs. Fletcher. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance to my wife.”
“It was nothing, my lord,” the flustered lady said. “I mustn’t keep you. Shall you be living here then?”
“No,” Maddie answered her. “But we shall keep the cottage and visit it sometimes. It means a lot to me.”
Mrs. Fletcher looked at her keenly, scenting a romantic interlude. “Yes, of course. Then we might see you here again.”
She turned and walked away up the drive.
“I’m afraid I have flummoxed her,” Maddie said.
“No, I think you have made her day. I foresee some tasty gossip in the church group.”
Maddie laughed. “You are unkind. I’ll go up and inspect the bedchambers. Then we must return to Pembury. Diane and Peter and the children arrive tomorrow and there’s much to be done.”
“That’s what we have a housekeeper for.” Hart slipped an arm around her. “Those steps are steep. I’ll come with you.”
She reached up and touched his cheek. “Don’t fuss.”
Hart gave her an exasperated yet indulgent look. “Maddie, I know you like to remain as independent as possible, but you must allow me to care for you now that you carry our precious daughter.”
“Daughter?” Maddie put a hand to her stomach. “This is our son. And I know he will be as handsome and strong as his father.”
Hart smiled. “We shall see, my love.” He took her hand and kissed it then followed her up the stairs.
