Chapter 187

The butler retreated at the sound of approaching footsteps, careful to put some distance between himself and the parlour before anyone discovered he had been eavesdropping.

He had lingered nearby, close enough to overhear the conversation without revealing his presence. At first, it was the mention of Cassandra’s case that had caught his attention. What followed, however, left him with little doubt that his employer was deliberately interfering with the course of justice at lord Ashford’s behest.

He had also heard Nathaniel offer to reward Harland for his assistance. Though he could not determine the precise terms of their arrangement, the nature of the conversation left little room for an innocent interpretation.

The butler hurried away just as the parlour door opened. Nathaniel stepped into the passage and made his way downstairs, never once glancing in the direction where the butler had concealed himself.

Shortly afterwards, the front door opened and closed, followed by the fading sound of footsteps outside.

Only after Nathaniel had departed did the butler emerge from his hiding place.

He had served Harland for many years and understood the danger of what he had just overheard. To accuse his employer of corruption was no small matter, particularly when the man in question held a position of authority and influence.

For years, he had regarded Mr. Harland as a man worthy of admiration, someone who upheld the law and conducted himself with the integrity he so often urged others to observe. Yet his actions that day had exposed a troubling contradiction between the principles he professed and the conduct he was willing to excuse.

The discovery was deeply disappointing, made all the more heartbreaking by the fact that he had never expected to see such a side of a man he had held in such high regard.

He knew better than to underestimate the consequences of speaking against his employer. A servant who accused his master of corruption risked losing his livelihood, damaging his reputation, and potentially inviting consequences far worse than dismissal. Yet the prospect of keeping what he had heard to himself troubled him almost as much as the risk of coming forward.

When the new Lady Montague had first approached him with her proposition, he considered refusing her outright. Her requests were unusual, and the circumstances surrounding them had provided more than enough reason for caution. He had nearly declined to involve himself in her affairs.

Now, however, his doubts had diminished considerably. Having witnessed evidence of his employer’s willingness to compromise his principles, he no longer regretted agreeing to assist Cassandra. If anything, he was convinced that he had made the right choice.

He had already pledged his assistance to her. Now, he had something of genuine importance to report.

- - -

Outside Harland’s townhouse, Cassandra sat beside Sebastian in her carriage, with Mr. Henshaw occupying the seat opposite them.

They had positioned the vehicle a discreet distance from the entrance, far enough to avoid attracting attention while retaining a clear view of the front door.

Cassandra had arranged the meeting after the butler informed her that Nathaniel intended to visit Harland that evening. The servant had agreed to alert her whenever such an opportunity arose, and she had ensured that witnesses of sufficient standing accompanied her to observe the encounter.

Among them was Mr. Henshaw, a senior watch officer and Sebastian’s superior.

Their wait had been uneventful until the front door finally opened.

Nathaniel stepped out, looking entirely at ease. He exchanged a few words with the servant who had seen him out, before descending the front steps towards his waiting carriage.

The carriage pulled away from the townhouse and soon vanished from view down the street.

Sebastian followed it with his eyes before turning to Cassandra. "Just as you suspected."

"I cannot say I am surprised," Cassandra replied. She then addressed Henshaw. "I suspected Harland was protecting my father, but suspicion alone would hardly have been sufficient grounds for a formal complaint. I wanted something more substantial before taking the matter further."

Mr. Henshaw rubbed his jaw, considering her words. He was an austere man, and right then, his expression was grim.

"Lord Ashford’s visit certainly raises questions," he conceded. "A magistrate overseeing a case involving someone with whom he has private dealings must take particular care to avoid any appearance of partiality."

She sensed a ’but’ somewhere in that statement.

"But?" she prompted.

Henshaw didn’t mince his words. "But the fact that they met here does not prove that Harland has acted improperly. We cannot accuse him of misconduct just yet."

"I quite understand," Cassandra said. She wasn’t worried. This wasn’t the only trick she had up her sleeve. "You are a man of principle who takes his responsibilities seriously and holds himself to the highest standards of conduct. I would not expect you to draw conclusions without sufficient evidence."

"Then our first task must be to establish what transpired inside that house," Henshaw replied. "If Harland has intentionally interfered with the proceedings, I shall report the matter through the proper channels."

He expected to see Cassandra looking dejected. It surprised him when she only smiled. It was a knowing smile, one that instantly had him on guard.

"Be patient, Mr Henshaw. I am confident we shall have more than this soon enough."

He had no retort for her. He had agreed to give her the benefit of the doubt before following her here and that was what he intended to do.

It was remarkable how easily almost anyone could be persuaded with the right sum of money. The butler was loyal to his employer, which only meant that securing his cooperation would come at a higher price.

Money well spent.

Cassandra had instructed the butler to report anything he discovered, but she had no way of knowing whether he had overheard enough to establish deliberate wrongdoing. Her confidence rested on the possibility that he had, and her instincts had rarely led her astray.

So they waited even longer.

Ten minutes passed. Sebastian kept his attention on the townhouse, while Mr. Henshaw occasionally glanced towards the street.

Cassandra remained patient, though she began to wonder whether the butler would be able to leave without attracting suspicion.