Mr. Whitford answered.
“We shall seek legal protection for the trust property, demand an accounting, and place the evidence of forgery before the proper authorities.”
“And Sir Edmund?”
“He will have questions to answer.”
Julian looked toward the empty strongbox.
“Provided we find him.”
A voice sounded from the doorway.
“You need not look very far.”
They turned.
Sir Edmund Cross stood beneath the lintel.
His traveling coat was buttoned to the throat.
Behind him, two men waited beside a carriage.
He looked at the documents upon the desk.
Then at Clara.
His expression changed.
“So,” he said quietly, “you have discovered the copybook.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Sir Edmund stepped inside.
He looked older than he had at the dinner party.
The polished confidence remained, but something beneath it had begun to fracture.
Julian moved between him and Clara.
“Sir Edmund.”
“Your Grace.”
“Where is Vane?”
“Gone.”
“Where?”
“I do not know.”
Julian's voice hardened.
“I suggest you reconsider that answer.”
Sir Edmund glanced at Mr. Whitford.
“Ah. Independent counsel. How very thorough.”
Clara stepped forward.
“Did you forge my letters?”
Sir Edmund looked at her.
“My dear—”
“Do not call me that.”
The words were quiet.
But their effect was unmistakable.
Sir Edmund stopped.
Clara continued.
“Did you forge my letters?”
He looked toward the copybook.
Then gave a weary sigh.
“I authorized certain correspondence.”
“Why?”
“To ensure the marriage proceeded.”
“By convincing us we disliked one another?”
Sir Edmund's expression tightened.
“Affection was never the purpose of the arrangement.”
Clara stared.
“You had no right.”
“I had every reason to believe that an affectionate understanding would complicate matters.”
Julian gave a harsh laugh.
“So you preferred us miserable?”
“I preferred you practical.”
Clara looked at him.
“You used my mother's money.”
Sir Edmund's face changed.
“That money was invested.”
“Without my knowledge.”
“For your eventual benefit.”
“You took money intended for children.”
Sir Edmund's voice rose.
“I took funds that were sitting idle while an opportunity stood before us!”
Julian stepped forward.
“An opportunity to enrich yourself.”
“To enrich everyone involved!”
Sir Edmund's composure finally broke.
“You have no notion what the undertaking could have achieved. New transport routes, profitable rents, improved commerce. Your estate could have been restored in five years!”
“At the cost of people's homes.”
“A regrettable necessity.”
“And Clara's school?”
“A sentimental obstruction.”
Clara flinched.
The words struck harder than any threat.