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“I have always suspected foul play,” Isabella said lifting her chin “But my opinion was partly based on the suspicious incidents occurring at the Grange”

Tristan cleared his throat “In a bid to settle Lady Fernall’s fearsdown in a notebook which Mr Blackwood retrieved upon my brother’s death and which is now hidden soed to meet Mr Blackwood in order to make a trade”

Henry’s eyes grew large and wide as his curious gaze scanned the room “You left the notebook here?” he snapped “Good Lord There is a cri piece of evidence inby the flash of fear in his eyes he appeared grateful his head was still firmly attached to his body “And are you here to reclaim this book?”

Mr Blackwood shuffled from one foot to the other “It is hidden under the boards in ill be the new master chamber We must take it with us”

“Then go and get it this instant” Henry’s frantic hand movements revealed his impatience

Mr Blackwood scuttled from the room

They waited in silence

The tension in the air felt heavy and oppressive

Henry paced back and forth in a military fashion, whilst Tristan’s clenched jaw and disapproving stare conveyed an e

Mr Blackwood’s frantic steps could be heard racing through the hall, but he slowed to a walking pace as he entered the study “Here … here it is” He waved the small leather-bound book, first at Tristan and then at Henry, not knohat to do No doubt his loyalty to his e his decision

“The notebook belongs to Lord Morford,” Isabella said in a bid to bring clarity to the situation “It is his by rights, regardless of where it has been kept”

The corners of Tristan’s azes locked His blue eyes sparkled with a vitality that stole her breath

“Then give it to him,” Henry snapped as he shooed Mr Blackwood away “I am tired and in need of my bed”

Tristan took the notebook He ran his fingers over the brown leather, placed his palh it still contained the essence of his brother With a shake of the head, he flipped the book open and scanned the pages, stopped periodically and traced various words with the tip of his finger

She e to touch his ars, ithe would never have another opportunity to hear his brother’s voice