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Silence
“Very well, then there is but one other way to achieve estured for Mathers to enter “Mr Mathers will be handing each one of you a blank sheet of paper Once that’s been done, I will read to you the contents of a note left for Aurora by her accomplice at the rear door of the manor You will pen the sentence precisely as I read it When each of you has completed that task, you will hand your paper to Cutterton, ill place a nu entry on a list that I alone will keep After all the pages are collected, I will retire to my study, where I will compare each of your hands with that on the note When I find a match, I’ll have what I need Are there any questions?”
One stableboy raised his hand nervously “Pard
on me, m’lord, but I can’t write”
“Those of you who can’t write are excused Please check with Mr Cutterton at the door and he will make note of that fact for the list” A uilty party does not feign the inability to write as ahis task I have files on every person I hire I intend to verify who can and cannot read and write” A weighty pause “In the interiin”
Twenty minutes later, there were half the number of people in the roo occupants held a sheet of paper and a quill
Cutterton left the doorway and approached Courtney, signaling to Mathers to join theive me, Miss Johnston,” he said, “but I must ask you to participate as well”
Courtney’s jaw dropped “I?”
“Yes” Cutterton turned to Slayde and explained “I apologize for eh And Miss Johnston is Lady Aurora’s closest friend, constant co cohort I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask her to take part in this exercise”
“Really, Cutterton…” Slayde began
“It’s all right” Courtney waved away Slayde’s protest, her chin held high “If Mr Cutterton feels it necessary, I’ to participate” She extended her hand to Mathers
“You’re sure?” Slayde asked her quietly
“Perfectly sure” She accepted the paper and quill “As you yourself just said, Pembourne has become my home and its occupants my family There should be no doubts or deception between us”
“Very well Then we’re ready to begin”
“Slayde,” Aurora protested, “how could you ask Courtney…”