The Ruby in the Storm

Chapter 26: Strange Bedfellows

Chapter 26: Strange Bedfellows

Elizabeth watched solemnly as her husband read over the list she took from her father's study. Still in a state of shock, she had not said a word, but she knew the list would speak for itself.

"Bloody hell," Sebastian murmured. That was all he said every now and again. He perhaps had forgotten she was sitting right there, or he would have not used such improper language around her. But she understood his surprise, she felt it herself.

"Bertha Denning as well?" Sebastian ran a hand over his face. "And he has them listed by family, that's oddly detailed."

"What do you think it is?" Elizabeth asked, the first thing she had said since giving the list to her husband.

Sebastian looked at her with a troubled expression. "Well, darling, I cannot say for certain. I should think it would be a list of his enemies, a practical necessity for a man in such a position, but then Bertha Denning being on this list does in fact confuse me. And, as I remember it, he was on speaking terms with James Boatwright... And this list is dated weeks after he left for Belmoran."

"But look at this," Elizabeth pointed to the last name on the list. " 'Boatwright maid'. Who is that? Perhaps she knows something?"

She saw her husband stiffened for a brief moment. "I did not see that."

"Who is it?"

"I... Do not know," he did not sound convincing. "But perhaps Mary Boatwright does."

"She is on the list as well, including her husband, and the entire Quincy family," Elizabeth shook her head. "I knew father disliked the Quincys, but I only thought that hatred extended to the former Magistrate, not his wife and children too."

"Not only them, but Robert as well," Sebastian said.

"I am hoping you can make more sense of this than I can, darling," Elizabeth told him. "Can I use this against Bertha Denning?"

"I daresay you could," Sebastian looked at her. "But first, we have to figure out what it is, how these people are connected. I shall go around and speak to as many people on this list that I can."

"Perhaps then you should start with Robert Quincy?" Elizabeth suggested. "Since his name is on the list, and he is an acquaintance of yours."

"Good thinking, darling, I will do that," Sebastian stood, but then paused. "Does your father know that you took this?"

Elizabeth was unsure. "He certainly did not see me do it, but he will know it's missing."

"Hmmm..." Sebastian nodded. "Then it would be best if I kept this with me. The last thing I want is to drive a rift between you and your father. If he should accuse anyone of theft, let it be me."

Elizabeth smiled. "You are my hero."

Sebastian smiled back. "I won't be long."

He tucked the list into the pocket of his shirt and hurried out of the room. Elizabeth remained sitting there, staring at the door he had just left from. She was not sure really what her husband planned to do with the list, but she knew she could trust him, as he only meant to help her. But still, she couldn't take the nagging feeling that Sebastian was hiding something from her.

Who is the Boatwright maid?

Her intuition told her that Sebastian knew who it was, but she did not want to accuse him. If he was keeping it from her, there was likely a reason, and he would tell her when it was time. It was not the duty of a wife to question her husband's motives or intentions, no matter how troubling. She made her vows to stay loyal to her husband, and she would stand by them. If he kept something for her, it was for her own good, it had to be.