“How?” Richard asked with surprise.

“You said ‘excuse me,’ ” Haversham said simply.

“And from that you knew it was him?” Daniel asked with amusement.

Haversham nodded solemnly. “His lordship treats everyone from the lowliest servant to the highest nobleman with a certain respect that was sadly missing in his brother. George never would have troubled to excuse himself, not even to the King.”

“Ah.” Daniel nodded and the butler continued.

“After that the events in the house became rather confusing to me,” Haversham admitted. “I felt a draft as I passed the library, opened the door to see that the French doors were wide open, went in to close them and saw something lying on the lawn. Realizing it was Master George half wrapped in a blanket, I looked up and saw Lord Woodrow and Lady Suzette in the window in a passionate embrace.”

Everyone turned to peer at Daniel. He shifted and murmured an uncomfortable, “Erm.” And then Haversham drew the attention back to himself, saying,

“I left Master George as I found him and started upstairs, but heard Lady Lisa and Lord Richard talking and realized that she—and I therefore assumed everyone else—believed Lord Richard was Dicky. It appeared to me then that he was simply going to remove George’s body and step back into his life and all would be well. I nearly left then to—”

“Left?” Christiana interrupted with surprise.

“I am a murderer, my lady, leaving did seem wise,” he said gently. “However, I decided I should wait to be sure the transition went without difficulty.

Besides, there was still Freddy to worry about. He would surely realize that Richard was not George, and I thought I had best see how he decided to handle it. If he just pretended he didn’t know and carried on I would have slipped quietly away and retired. However, if he didn’t and caused trouble I wished to be on the scene to help right things.

“That is done now,” he added on a small sigh. “And I feel quite certain all will be well from here on in, so if no one protests, I shall collect my things and begin my retirement . . . on the continent.”

Much to Christiana’s relief, Richard slipped past her and moved to the man. At least she was relieved at first, but much to her dismay he merely shook the man’s hand and thanked him for everything and then walked him out of the room.

“He isn’t going to let him leave, is he?” she whispered with dismay.

“It would appear he is,” Daniel murmured, and then moved toward the door as well, saying, “I should go tell Suzette everything is resolved and we can head for Gretna Green.”

“Wait for me,” Robert said, hurrying after him.

Christiana watched them go with a frown, but then glanced to her father as he moved to her side.

“Are you all right?” he asked with concern.

“I—Yes,” she sighed and then said, “I need to talk to Richard.”