Chapter 13 #3
“I see,” she said. “Even if you were to miraculously rise from the dead, they may have tied up your estate so that even you cannot access your funds—if they have not already stolen them from you completely. My uncle has ties to everyone of influence in Nottingham; you may not have authorized a mortgage, but I don’t doubt that he controls those who will enforce it.
If he has involved a bank in the matter, no doubt they will take his side over yours. ”
“That is precisely my concern,” he said, pleased—and surprised—that she grasped the situation so well.
She must have recognized his surprise at her comprehension. She gave him a condescending smile as well as an explanation.
“I understand some matters of law and business,” she said. “My father believed it was perfectly acceptable for ladies to have a brain, because we do, you know. He often discussed business with me and much appreciated my insights.”
“He was fortunate to have them,” Robert said, but of course she still glared.
The good vicar rescued Robert by interrupting.
“If you don’t mind, I believe I may have information to add regarding the legality of this mortgage.
It’s why I came here, in fact. I talked to my friend who knows of such things.
He works in banking and he assures me there’s been no talk of a mortgage filed on your estate. ”
“None?” Robert said, puzzled. “But Balford was very certain about it. He said St. John holds the mortgage on my estate.”
“If he does, then it may have been managed in private, an agreement between individuals without bank involvement. St. John would simply need a solicitor, of course, to draw everything up.”
“Oh, Papa has a solicitor,” Miss St. John offered.
Even Miss Maidland seemed surprised by her cousin’s knowledge on the matter.
“His name is Mr. Dent,” Miss St. John went on. “I’ve heard him talking with Papa about mortgages, in fact.”
Robert was thrilled that he might gain useful information so quickly. And from Miss St. John herself!
“Mr. Dent, is it?” he asked. “What did you overhear? Where are the actual copies of the mortgage document?”
Now Miss St. John looked confused. “Well, I have heard them say that word once or twice…”
Robert hid his disappointment. He should not expect Miss St. John to be as knowledgeable about business as her cousin. Most ladies did not bother themselves with such matters—Miss Maidland was certainly an exception. He turned his attentions back to her.
“Have you, by any chance, heard anything, Miss Maidland?” he asked.
She thought for a moment, her features screwed up in contemplation.
“I’ve seen Mr. Dent at the house several times; I know he comes to meet with Uncle Prinley quite often.
Of course, I don’t make it a habit of eavesdropping, but I do agree with my cousin.
The idea of a mortgage is familiar, but I’m afraid I’ve not heard any specifics.
Uncle Prinley is not like my father; he believes women should not be involved with any matters of importance. What information do you need?”
Damn, but he should have known St. John would be overly careful. At least Robert had confirmation that the matter was being handled at St. John’s house. The magistrate preferred to keep things close; perhaps some of the documents Robert needed to apprehend were held in the St. John home.
But of course, Gisborn was just as cautious. Robert had no doubt there would be copies made of any relevant paperwork. If St. Johns had documents in his home, surely Gisborn did, too. But how was Robert to stroll into either home to get his hands on them?
“You want to know how you can take possession of that mortgage, don’t you?” Miss Maidland asked with a knowing smile.
“Absolutely! Although, I expect my chances of getting into your uncle’s desk are negligible, at best.”
“Would you like me or Meg to do that for you?” she asked.
He could have fallen over, he was so shocked by her words. “Good God, no! I would never ask that of you.”
“You didn’t,” she said. “I suggested it.”
“Well, forget the idea immediately. It’s far too dangerous.”
Miss St. John professed agreement, visibly shuddering at the mere thought. “Papa would be furious! He would catch us for sure. No, Marianne. I’m afraid we cannot help Mr. Locksley.”
“But Meg, think of it! If Uncle Prinley’s scheme with Mr. Gisborn is upset, then perhaps Mr. Locksley can return to him home.”
“That is the goal,” he said. “But more importantly we must consider how to assure that you and Miss St. John can return to your home.”
Miss Maidland continued. “If you could take your place again, sir, then Mr. Gisborn would be removed. His treachery would be found out and Uncle Prinley would need to distance himself from the man or else be found out for his role in their schemes.”
“Yes, that would be likely, but—”
“If he wished to exonerate himself, my uncle might be very much inclined to take your side in order to strip Gisborn of any power to implicate him. And as you are a good friend to Mr. Muchleigh, you would expect my uncle to treat him fairly, wouldn’t you?”
“Most certainly I would,” he confirmed.
“Then our only course is obvious, Mr. Locksley,” she said.
“We must help you rise from the dead and retake your rightful place as quickly as possible. Mr. Gisborn will be gone, Uncle Prinley will have to behave, the sheriff will have a new master, and Meg will be free to marry Mr. Muchleigh without any fear of reprisal. Don’t you see?
Finding those mortgage documents is the key to everything. ”
Robert couldn’t deny that her logic was sound.
But certainly he couldn’t allow Miss Maidland to put herself in danger for him.
Spying on her uncle could cost her dearly!
That was not a burden Robert wished to carry.
He could, however, allow her to assist in a somewhat less risky task… if she would be willing.
“If anyone is to be prowling around homes, hunting for secret documents, it will be me, Miss Maidland. I cannot allow you to put yourself in jeopardy. However, there is a way you could help me, I believe.”
“Oh? And how is that?”
“You’ll be having dinner at Greenwood Manor the day after tomorrow, won’t you?” he asked.
“We will,” she confirmed. “Do you want us to hunt though his office then?”
“No! I most certainly do not want you to do that.”
“Then how can we help you?”
“By providing a distraction,” he replied.
“Nothing drastic, nothing risky, just a simple matter of entertainment. If I can count on you to keep Gisborn and his staff busy during your dinner, then I will be able to get in undetected. I will search his rooms and hopefully find the relevant documents.”
It seemed a perfectly good plan as far as he was concerned. Miss Maidland, however, wrinkled her nose at the idea.
“That’s all? You merely want us to go to dinner and make conversation?”
“You can suggest music, or dancing, if conversation is too dull for you,” he said. “I have a lovely pianoforte at Greenwood Manor—at least I did when I left. I’m assuming Gisborn hasn’t done away with it. Do either of you ladies play?”
“Meg can play beautifully. I can hit the keys,” Miss Maidland said. “Are you certain there isn’t something more we could do to further the cause? Poison his food, perhaps?”
“Sounds like she’s as rogue as we are, Rob!” John laughed at the woman’s eagerness.
Robert shushed him and gave Miss Maidland a stern warning.
“No rogue activities are required—or requested. An hour of musical entertainment will be more than enough. Convince your host that he must beg you to play for him. And keep the servants occupied, too. I’m told he keeps a small staff.
If they are busy serving demanding guests, they will be unlikely to wander to other parts of the. ”
It seemed little enough to ask of her. He’d certainly known other ladies who kept household staff dancing to their whims at all hours. With Miss Maidland’s cooperation, Robert felt certain he and his men could get into the house and find what they needed without being discovered.
She shrugged. “Of course Meg and I can do that, but will it be enough?”
“It will, and I thank you,” he said, beyond grateful for her willingness. “Now we must focus on our next challenge; getting you ladies to your home! It will be no good at all if you are found here with this lot of outlaws.”
“Speak for yourself, Rob!” Alan laughed.
“I believe that he was,” Will said. “But at this point, is there anywhere they can be found that won’t cause them damage? Surely St. John would never believe they’ve simply gone for a walk.”
“I can hide them in the wagon and drive them back into town,” Much suggested.
“It worked perfectly well the first time,” Miss St. John noted. “If Papa thinks I’ve run off, then surely he won’t be searching wagons coming back into Nottingham, only those going out.”
Robert shook his head. “No matter which direction Much is going, your father no doubt gave careful instruction to search any wagon driven by your special sweetheart.”
Miss St. John blushed furiously, but the others nodded. Much was no doubt on the top of St. John’s list of suspicious people by now. It was highly unlikely he could even return home alone without being dragged in by the sheriff and questioned.
“I don’t think Much should be out on the road at all until after the ladies are safe,” Robert said. “We’ll just have to think of another idea.”
“Then I am the obvious choice,” Mr. Fraytuck announced. “I have my dog cart with me. I hate to suggest it, but if the ladies will agree, they can hide themselves in the back. Surely no one would think to search me, especially as I will be going into the village, not out of it.”
“That might work,” Robert said. “Yes, no one would suspect the good vicar of smuggling women into the town. If you ladies are inclined, this could be our solution.”