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“You are forgiven if you do not discuss him again.” As they reached the outskirts of Lambton, Elizabeth tried once more to smile. “Have you ever been to Goodwin? I understand it is but ten miles southeast of here.”

“I have not. Since it is ‘off the beaten path’ so to speak, one does not pass through Goodwin to get anywhere.”

“I see.”

The rest of the trip passed in conversation that did not address anything of importance, and before noon they found themselves approaching their destination. Both expressed their surprise that the village was less than half the size of Lambton, consisting of an inn, a pub, and a combination grocery and mercantile shop. Directing the driver to stop at the largest building—the inn—Richard suggested that Elizabeth sit in the carriage whilst he enquired about the Stevensons. In what seemed like only a few minutes, he returned to the carriage, spoke to the driver and entered the vehicle again.

“Apparently, Stevensons make up a large portion of the population of Goodwin. I was given directions to a prominent family that the innkeeper thought would know the ones we seek. They live a mile to the east of here.” Whilst he was explaining, the carriage had begun to roll forward and turned east at the end of the street.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and let it go loudly. “Let us hope we find them quickly. I may be overestimating the threat, but I fear their sudden departure from Sheffield may be taken as a sign by the ones who murdered David that Mr. Stevenson has knowledge of my brother’s death. In truth, my search for them may have put them in greater danger.”

“If that be the case, we can only hope they will be agreeable to removing to another place for their safety.”

London

William had scheduled the appointment with Mr. Graves at Lady Morgan’s townhouse, for he felt obligated to accommodate her condition by every means possible. After they heard what the barrister had to say, both were impressed.

Mr. Graves had allowed that he had taken time to review the case as he travelled back to London from Scotland. Moreover, he was very pleased that due to his relationship with several clerks in the system, he was able to get the case scheduled for the first of next week. In addition, he assured Darcy that his first appearance in court would likely be of short duration.

As for the case itself, he had concluded that the judges could be persuaded to rule that if the child Lady Morgan was carrying was a boy, he would be the heir needed to satisfy the original will and carry on his father’s legacy. Moreover, even if the child were a girl, he was ready to argue that Jane and the children were due more than Lord Morgan’s brother proclaimed in his letter. Graves’ opinion concerning the supposed newly found will was that it was likely a fraud concocted by James Morgan, and he felt certain he could convince the judges to let the original will stand.

Upon Mr. Graves’ departure, William apologised for not having Lady Morgan and Miss Catherine to Darcy House for dinner before Richard’s sudden departure to Derbyshire.

“Given Georgiana’s performance at the Matlocks’ dinner party, I had hoped to convince her to join us for dinner so that you and she could become better acquainted. Thus far, she has avoided my overtures to see her again, but I hope to succeed soon.”

“Perhaps there will be other opportunities for me to be in Georgiana’s company before we marry,” Jane replied.

Upon the mention of marriage, William swallowed hard. “Perhaps.”

Chapter 14

Village of Goodwin

Within a few minutes of reaching the farm suggested by the innkeeper, Richard and Elizabeth were being introduced to the elderly man who had only been in residence there a week or so, a farmer by the name of Asher Stevenson. At first appearance, Elizabeth judged the well-worn and stooped man to be in his late sixties. Though his silver hair was bushy, his matching beard was carefully trimmed; moreover, his spirited blue eyes suggested someone whose mind was still alert. He appeared to study her and Richard with equal parts curiosity and apprehension.

After introducing herself as the sister of Lord Morgan who was murdered at the bridge near Sheffield, Elizabeth glanced to Richard, who instantly responded.

Explaining that he was appointed by General Lassiter to investigate the crime and, hopefully, make an arrest, he made certain the man knew this interview would be an important part of the probe before asking, “Would you mind answering some questions?”

The elderly man merely shrugged. “It looks as though I have no choice.”

Elizabeth swiftly asked the first question. “Mr. Stevenson, Constable Stone said that you have a grandson, and he believed the boy might have seen something the day of the murders. Would it be possible for him to join our conversation?”

“Jesse,” he stated. “He is but ten years old and has the mind of a child half his age. I was at home and saw nothing, but he had taken his horse to the river to drink his fill of water. If Jesse saw anything, he has not revealed it to me. He talks very little since his father was killed two summers ago, and when pressed to speak, he often goes completely silent.”

“What happened to his father?” Richard asked.

“He and Jesse had gone for supplies in our wagon, and as they rode up the incline from the bridge, a bag of feed slid off the back. My son got down to put it back but forgot to block the wheels to keep the wagon stable. Whilst he was replacing the bag, the wagon ran him over. Jesse jumped down to help but could only watch as his father died. Again, I say it will do no good to question him; if he saw anything, he will speak of it in his own good time.”

“You cannot be certain that if asked specifically about the murders he will not talk,” Richard prodded.

“Perhaps, but, given his mindset, I doubt any judge would take his word in a court of law in any case.”

“I can assure you that is not the case,” Richard replied instantly. “I have seen children as young as three or four who were taken seriously about such matters; moreover, I can keep whatever he deigns to tell me confidential, if that is your desire. Other than pointing us in the right direction, we do not have to reveal his testimony.”

“I would rather you leave us alone. If the murderers learn you were interviewing me, or him, they will likely believe we know something and not stop until …”

The old man swallowed with difficulty as he continued, “I am old, and my life does not matter, but I will not risk my grandson’s life. Furthermore, the fact that you tracked us here makes it evident that we are not even safe in Goodwin. Thanks to your persistence, Miss Bennet, I shall be forced to move again.”