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“It’s the same in the bedchamber,” Bostock said solemnly

“Everything is ruined” Daphne’s high-pitched tone conveyed her distress “The landlord will expect ed I’ll have to work day and night for months”

Daniel put his hand on her arm “You have no need to worry about money”

She smiled at him albeit weakly “I suppose we could make a list of repairs as we tidy up But where on earth shall we start?”

“I’m sure I can repair the sofa and cushions,” Betsy said

“And a nail and haht the picture frames,” Bostock added

Daphne turned to them “You’re both very kind”

“As you’ve not apprehended the man responsible,” Daniel said, “I assume neither of you were here when it happened”

Bostock shook his head “We went to an inn for supper” Guilt flashed across his face “You never said anything about staying indoors”

Daniel raised a hand to ease his friend’s fears “I a to establish what time this occurred Someone must have been watc

hing the house”

The person hired to monitor their movements must have sat outside for hours Such a determined effort spoke of desperation

“How long were you gone?” Daniel asked

Bostock glanced at the ed “More than an hour Two at most”

Lord Gibson’s house was but a ten-minute walk There would have been plenty of time for him to enter the shop, search the rooms and leave unnoticed Daniel made a mental note to speak to the pawnbroker The oings on the street