The Cavendon Women Read Online Free PDF Page B

love for him. He was doing his best to help keep Cavendon afloat, which was drowning in taxes and other problems. She and Hugo stood right behind her father, helping to prop everything up. She was very happy that the strained look had left his face this afternoon.
    She now said, “Papa will be grateful, and so am I. You do so much, we can never thank you enough.” She paused for a moment, and then added softly, “It will certainly give Papa a lift. He discovered something quite awful today.”
    â€œWhat on earth happened?” Hugo asked, leaning closer, peering at her, knowing it was a serious matter. There was a certain kind of disquiet about her, which was not like her at all. She was usually ebullient and positive, whatever problems she faced.
    â€œPapa went down to the big vault, to get something or other out, and he discovered there were quite a few pieces of jewelry missing. Obviously, he knew at once that my mother had taken them—”
    â€œWho else?” Hugo interrupted in a terse voice. “Only a countess of Mowbray knows the hiding place for the key. If I remember correctly, that is the ancient rule followed by the Inghams for generations.”
    â€œYes. And the butler always knows too where the key is. But I can assure you, Hanson hasn’t stolen diamond earrings to give to his lady love.”
    â€œDoes he have one?” Hugo asked, and couldn’t help laughing despite the gravity of this matter.
    Daphne laughed with him, and then went on, “I told Papa not to worry about the missing pieces, that whilst he was away I would get them back.”
    â€œAnd how do you plan to do that?” Hugo asked, a brow lifting. “Are you going to take Felicity on, and demand their return?”
    He shook his head, stared at her intently, before saying, in a low tone, “You know, you would be accusing her of stealing, since they are actually the property of the Earl of Mowbray, her former husband. I don’t think your mother will take very kindly to that sort of accusation, my darling.”
    â€œYou’re absolutely right, Hugo, she won’t; I’m well aware of that. But I must confront her. I’ve no alternative. And I do have an ally.”
    â€œAlly or not, I shall come with you to London. I’ll certainly not allow you to go alone, under the circumstances. Not to Felicity’s house. Lawrence Pierce may well be there and I don’t think you want to end up doing battle with him.” His glance was long, and speculative. “And who is your ally, may I ask?”
    â€œI will tell you, Hugo, but it is in confidence. I didn’t say who it is to Papa.”
    â€œI shall not tell a single soul, I promise.”
    â€œIt’s Wilson.”
    A knowing look crossed Hugo’s face, and he nodded. “Of course it’s Wilson. Olive has a very soft spot for you. She always has, and I don’t believe your mother is her favorite at the present time. On the other hand, your mother pays her extremely well, so why would she jeopardize her job?”
    â€œBecause soon she’ll be working for me, as my lady’s maid. In a few months. She finds the situation untenable at Charles Street, and confided in me that she was going to give Mama her notice. And she has. She told Mama she wanted to retire. Felicity made a fuss, didn’t want to let her go, but Olive was adamant, very determined. The point is, when she confided in me I asked her to come to Cavendon when she was available.”
    â€œI see,” Hugo murmured, and sat back in his chair, wondering what Wilson’s wages would be.
    As if reading his mind, Daphne swiftly said, “You mustn’t worry about the cost, Hugo. I shall pay Wilson myself. I have my trust, and I plan to use some of that to pay her salary.”
    â€œWhen does Wilson plan to retire, so to speak? And then come here?” he asked, thinking that Felicity would not like this turn of