The colonel remained behind his writing desk.
On the blotter lay a copy of Margaret’s forged letter.
Daniel recognized it instantly.
Richard noticed his glance.
“My wife has behaved foolishly,” he said.
“She has been asking questions about papers that do not concern her.”
Catherine looked at him with quiet fury.
“Those papers concern my sister.”
“She died years ago.”
“I have a letter dated after her funeral.”
Richard slammed one hand on the desk.
“Enough.”
Daniel stood between the desk and the door.
He could feel Silas watching his shoulders for any sign of movement.
Richard lifted a second paper.
“It appears Carter has been interfering in the affairs of my family.”
Catherine spoke before Daniel could answer.
“I asked him to repair my trunks.”
“And he used that access to steal.”
“He stole nothing.”
Richard turned on her.
“You don’t know what he stole.”
Catherine stood.
“I know what you hid.”
The colonel’s expression changed.
For a moment the handsome public face disappeared, exposing a man who had relied on obedience for so long that disagreement looked like an attack.
He pointed at Daniel.
“This man has been spreading lies among the servants.”
Daniel chose his words with care.
“I have worked where you sent me.”
“Then why was your father’s writing found near the mill?”
Daniel’s heart lurched.
Silas had discovered the hidden wall.
The originals were safe elsewhere, but the empty space would reveal that someone had removed them.
Richard continued.
“I can send you farther away than your mother ever traveled.”
Daniel felt Catherine look toward him.
He did not let her see his reaction.
“You’ve threatened me with that since I was a child,” he said.
The words were more direct than he had intended.
Silas moved forward.
Richard held up a hand.
“Perhaps you need reminding how much depends on my patience.”
Catherine stepped between them.
“If you harm him, I will take these letters to Margaret’s lawyer.”
Richard laughed.
“Margaret has no lawyer.”
“She does now.”
The room went still.
Daniel understood Catherine had contacted someone beyond the household without telling him.
Her decision could help, but it could also expose the network.
Richard seemed to calculate the same possibilities.
He asked whom she had approached.
Catherine refused to answer.
The colonel crossed the room and seized her wrist.
She winced but did not retreat.
“Let go,” she said.
He released her only when a loud knock sounded at the front door.
