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There was no doubt now that the h to see hi But to threaten him would serve no purpose There was more to the story than what appeared on the surface Reassurance was now their best plan of action

“We are here to help you, Mr Blackwood” Tristan squeezed Isabella’s hand as she sat down beside hiesture of reassurance and trust “But weour problems”

“I cannot say another word” Mr Blackwood stared at Isabella “It is for your protection, my lady”

“Then let us ask our questions,” Tristan said, hoping to tease the information slowly from him “And you may decide which ones you wish to answer” He paused whilst he thought how best to proceed

“How long have you been stealing itee?” Isabella blurted before Tristan had a chance to speak “I want a figure, nothing more”

“For … for just a few er than that I swear”

The answer proved revealing

Mr Blackwood had been stealing items since Andrew’s death, all to provide the h him Andrew may well have met his demise at the hands of another

“How long have you been using untoward h his constant use of Isabella’son him

“For six months, maybe more Since his lordship requested me to find a way to persuade Lady Fernall to leave”

“And you did not object because, in the first instance, you are in Lord Fernall’s e in the best interests of Lady Fernall,” Tristan clarified

Mr Blackwood nodded “That is correct”

“Were you responsible for frighteningthe few days before his death?”

She was obviously referring to Lord Fernall’s accident with his horse and whatever had dragged hiht

“No, my lady No” Mr Blackwood’s botto to do with that”