"Because it annoys you."
Nathaniel walked away before the conversation could continue. Unfortunately, distance offered little relief: throughout the day, he found himself thinking about Genevieve, wondering whether the meeting was successful, wondering whether Charles remained at her side, wondering far too many things he had no right to wonder.
By late afternoon, the carriage finally returned. Nathaniel happened to be repairing tack outside the stable when he heard approaching wheels. His attention shifted instantly. Genevieve climbed out first; Charles followed. One glance told Nathaniel something significant had happened: excitement illuminated Genevieve's features.
"You found something," Nathaniel said before he could stop himself.
Genevieve looked surprised. "How did you know?"
"Your face."
A smile spread across hers. "The supervisor remembered the maintenance request."
Nathaniel immediately stood. "And?"
"He did not submit it." Her excitement faded into concern. "Someone else did."
"Who?"
Genevieve unfolded several papers. "The original request came from a junior inspector assigned to the bridge project." She hesitated. "The strange part is that he resigned only weeks after filing the report."
Nathaniel felt anticipation build. "Did anyone know where he went?"
"No," Charles answered this time. "The supervisor said the man disappeared shortly after the collapse."
Silence followed. The information felt important—dangerous, even: another missing piece, another unanswered question.
Genevieve lowered her voice slightly: "And there is more."
Nathaniel's attention sharpened. "What?"
She handed him a copied note. "The inspector claimed repair funds had been delayed repeatedly."
Nathaniel stared at the page. "Delayed by whom?"
"That information was removed from the surviving records."
The mystery deepened once again. Yet, despite the troubling implications, Genevieve seemed energized: hope had returned. For the first time in years, she was uncovering evidence rather than assumptions.
As evening settled over Carter Estate, preparations for the upcoming Harvest Ball accelerated. The annual event attracted neighboring families, local officials, and prominent landowners from across the region: servants polished silver, florists arrived with wagonloads of flowers, musicians confirmed schedules; the manor transformed daily. Nathaniel quickly learned that everyone viewed the ball as the social event of the season—everyone except Genevieve.
He found her reviewing bridge documents in the library while servants measured draperies nearby. "Most women would be planning dresses."
Genevieve glanced up. "Most women are sensible."