“We shared a few words when I would bring horses to the front. Friendly sort. That Thompson fellow sent him over. I think they were both hoping he’d be kept on, but I don’t think he was. He used to be in service, but for several years was an agent to a manufacturer.”

“Then he has not been in service for years and probably has no recent references. Thompson placed him, you say?”

“I think he mentioned that. At my prompting. I asked if Mrs. Drable had sent him. I thought it might be worthwhile to know where those servants came from, and if any were like us.”

Meaning, if any had been placed there by Chase or some family member looking for information. Minerva had a high regard for Jeremy’s initiative. He possessed a shrewdness that could be very useful.

“I wonder if he might take employment from us when we have need of an amiable man who makes friends easily,” she said.

“My guess is he will take any employment that is legal.” Jeremy pointed to the coins before he swept them up. “If this is what they paid him, it won’t last long.”

Jeremy downed his port and left. Minerva rose to leave too. “There will be a caller in fifteen minutes,” she said to Beth.

Beth collected the glasses and set them in the washing basin. “Who might that be?”

“Mr. Radnor.”

She received a pointed glance and frown. “You getting sweet on him?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know I am not—” She let it hang there, because of all people Beth knew just how ridiculous it was. You know I am no longer capable of feeling that way about a man. It would not do to tell Beth that with Mr. Radnor she had begun to feel very capable.

“It has been a long while now. He is handsome and can be charming when it suits him.”

“I do not need a lecture, Beth.”

“Don’t you? He broke into this house because he is looking to blame someone about that duke’s death. He still is, no doubt. He is dangerous.”

“I have forgotten nothing. At the moment, however, we have a common goal.”

“The problem is he thinks to make you the means to reach his goal. I don’t trust him and you should not either.”

“I am not so stupid as to forget who and what he is, or the truth of his intentions. But for all I learned from Jeremy and Elise, and saw and heard myself, he is one of them and knows far more. You go up to bed. I will make sure the front door is locked before I follow.”

* * *