“One more person who benefited handsomely. Between those who came into money and those who didn’t, the list of motives only gets longer.”

“How much easier if he had done it the normal way and left it all to you. No one would have liked that, but it is so commonplace I doubt the family would be arming themselves for battle now.”

“Perhaps he wanted to spare me the effort to figure out all the allowances they would all expect of me. Did Edkins have anything of interest to reveal?”

He saw a female visitor here that day. He did not know why he chose not to share that yet. It felt disloyal. He knew in his blood that whatever had happened, Nicholas had played no role. Yet he had been equally sure of another man once only to learn he was wrong. He hated how being disillusioned once had him guarding information now.

“I will invite Mrs. Rupert and her friend to dine with us,” Nicholas said. “It will be a distraction from all of that.” He gestured to a stack of papers on a desk.

“Tomorrow, perhaps. Tonight she dines below so she can meet the servants.”

“Do you think she will learn something new? The magistrate was most thorough in questioning them.”

“If you were a young footman or chambermaid and you thought you might have heard something in the night but were not sure, would you admit as much to that magistrate? After he questioned them, most of the women left the study in tears.”

“Do you believe they might confide in Mrs. Rupert instead?”

“Possibly, if there is anything to confide to begin with. She has a way about her that seems to encourage it.”

“You speak of her with admiration in your voice.”

“She is very useful.”

“Useful, is she? How practical. She is also very attractive. Captivating eyes. You must have admired them as well as her wits.” His gaze turned inward, as if he conjured up the memory of her. “Yes, most attractive.”

Chase did not care for the tone of that private musing.

“Have you kissed her?” Nicholas asked.

“No.” Yes, but she wasn’t interested in more of that. But then Nicholas was a duke. Presumably any woman would be interested if a duke kissed her. Even Minerva.

“So that means you do not have a tendre for her. If you did you would have at least tried to kiss her.” Nicholas clasped his hands behind his head, splayed his bent arms on the back of the divan, and sent a hooded look to Chase. “We will definitely invite them to dine with us.”

Chase knew that look. “I must leave you. I have matters to address here. By all means invite them to dinner. Tomorrow night.”

Nicholas just smiled. Chase went to the door.

“Just one thing,” Chase said before leaving. “I said her companion was not for you. Neither is Mrs. Rupert.”