Page 23 of A Treacherous Treasure

“And I your sister,” Caroline said.

“That is so very kind of you.”

“But it’s probably best if Thomas does not go to the funeral.” Mrs. Westbrook sent a look her son’s way.

“I agree,” he said. “Your mother-in-law might take out her offended sensibilities on you if I were to attend the funeral services.”

“Thank you for being so kind and understanding.” She was relieved, for if Thomas Westbrook attended the funeral, her mother-in-law might very well create a public spectacle, with her wild accusations and unfounded hatred for Thomas Westbrook.

“Thomas, can you believe our dear Rebecca came here on horseback again?”

“I trust you did not encounter any strange men on the way?”

“No, I did not. Have you seen any more of the shooter?”

“I have not. I also ascertained that he has not done any more digging at the spot where you saw him.”

“Perhaps we scared him away for good, although that doesn’t seem likely.”

“No. Were you able to discover anything about what he may have been trying to dig up?”

“I did discover some very interesting things about it.” Did he want her to tell him in front of his sister and mother?

“You discovered something about why that man was digging on your property?” Caroline asked. “What is it?”

Rebecca’s gaze met Thomas Westbrook’s.

“Does Thomas not want you to tell me because he thinks I can’t keep a secret? I will not tell anyone. I know this is very important and Mother and I won’t tell a soul.”

“Tell a soul about what?” Benjamin Westbrook came into the room looking mildly curious.

“It is your decision,” Thomas said.

“I don’t mind, as long as they won’t tell.” Perhaps it was unwise to tell so many people about the treasure, but the Westbrooks were good people and did not seem prone to gossip, so there could be no harm in it, could there?

Thomas Westbrook went to the door and closed it. He then came close to where they were seated. “You must all solemnly vow,” he said quietly, glancing around and catching the eye of each of his family members, “not to breathe a word of this to anyone.”

“Not to breathe a word of what?” Benjamin looked more curious now.

“Rebecca has discovered why someone was digging on her land,” Caroline whispered excitedly.

“The man who shot at her? The one who killed Arthur Heywood?” He was leaning in.

In fact, they were all leaning toward Rebecca, forming a circle around her. She couldn’t remember when she’d been the center of attention like this. But with the items in her purse, and with how much she’d been wanting to share them with Thomas Westbrook, she didn’t mind.

“Yes, now say it,” Thomas Westbrook ordered. “Say you will not breathe a word to anyone.”

“I will not breathe a word to anyone.” Caroline, Mrs. Westbrook, and even Benjamin all repeated the words almost simultaneously.

Rebecca opened the purse, which had been sitting in her lap, and pulled out the letter, handing it to Thomas Westbrook.

“I found this in Arthur’s grandfather’s desk. The library seemed undisturbed since he used it many years ago.”

Thomas opened the letter and read it aloud, but in a low voice. There were a few gasps from Caroline and Mrs. Westbrook as he read.

“Isn’t it incredible?” Rebecca was looking at Thomas Westbrook.

“It is an amazing confirmation.” He was still staring down at the letter. “The paper is obviously old, and the ink looks old as well. Where did you say you found it?”