Victoria laughed lightly. "Perhaps because nobody imagined you would investigate old bridge paperwork someday."
The joke sounded harmless. Yet Nathaniel noticed something interesting: Victoria never answered the actual question. Neither did Lord Carter.
Genevieve noticed it, too. "The missing records begin six months before the collapse."
"Coincidence," Victoria said immediately.
Genevieve looked unconvinced.
Lord Carter stood. "That is enough." The firmness in his voice surprised everyone, even himself, judging by his expression afterward. "There are more important matters requiring attention."
Genevieve stared at him. "I only asked a question."
"And I answered it."
"No." The word emerged quietly. "You did not."
Silence filled the room. Nathaniel felt tension settle across the library.
Lord Carter turned away first. "The discussion is finished."
Genevieve remained motionless for several seconds. Then she gathered her documents. "Very well." Her voice sounded perfectly polite; that somehow made the moment worse. She left without another word.
Nathaniel watched her go. Then he glanced toward Lord Carter. The older man's face looked troubled; Victoria's looked relieved. That difference stayed with him long after the conversation ended.
Later that evening, rain threatened across the western horizon. Dark clouds gathered above the fields. Workers hurried to finish outdoor tasks before the weather arrived. Nathaniel spent the afternoon repairing equipment inside the stable. Shortly before sunset, Genevieve appeared carrying a lantern and several folders. She headed toward a small office attached to the stable. Nathaniel hesitated only briefly before following.
The office door stood partially open. Genevieve sat at a desk covered with maps, maintenance reports, and financial records. She looked up when he knocked.
"You need something?"
"No." Nathaniel nodded toward the papers. "You looked busy."
A faint smile appeared. "An accurate observation."
He stepped inside. "More bridge research?"
Surprise flickered across her face. "How did you know?"
"I overheard part of the library conversation."
Genevieve sighed. "Then you also heard me being dismissed."
Nathaniel leaned against the doorway. "You seemed frustrated."