The Peacock Throne by Lisa Karon Richardson Read Free Book Online

not to use the information I divulge for any purpose other than bringing the murderer to justice.”
    Anthony inhaled deeply, trying to maintain a pleasant demeanour. He leaned forward a bit more. And then another bit. If he could reach down her throat and rip the tale from her he would. “I have no interest in Mr Wolfe’s affairs except where they cross my father’s.”
    Her eyes searched his face and then she nodded once. “I found him in the kitchen stuffing some papers behind a couple of loose bricks in the mantle. He was as anxious as a cutpurse hiding his ill-gotten gain so I made him some tea to settle his nerves.” A wistful smile lit her features.
    Anthony jerked upright. Another fraction of an inch and he would have toppled into the chit’s lap. The information might indeed be valuable, but what was it about this girl that had him so out of kilter?
    A pink flush crept up her neck and into her cheeks. Once more she bent her head. Had his attention embarrassed her in some way? “As he drank it he told me the papers were reminiscences of his days at sea, but he didn’t want Mrs Wolfe or Fenn to know about them. He feared they would mock his efforts.”
    â€œHe made me promise not to tell anyone where they were hidden. I agreed, of course, but he remained distracted all evening. The next morning I found him murdered.”
    She looked up then, and met his gaze again. The restrained sorrow in her eyes made his breath take up lodgings in his throat. Perhaps her embarrassment was at her own failure to prevent her cousin’s death. He well knew the weight of that particular guilt. He opened his mouth but she continued.
    â€œI wouldn’t be telling you about it now but for the fact that those papers might have something to do with his death. Based on the letter your father wrote, this all began decades ago.”
    Anthony settled back into his chair. “I suppose it’s time.”
    â€œPardon me?”
    â€œBow Street is investigating the murder. I suppose it is time I introduce you to Perkins. I have been considering whether you ought to speak to him, and now I believe it would be for the best. What you’ve told me could be important indeed. You don’t mind speaking to a runner, do you?”
    She blinked at the sudden turn of the conversation. “Not if you think it important.”
    Anthony dispatched a footman to summon Rodney Perkins, and then returned to the discussion.
    â€œThe question we now face is how to retrieve those papers. Would Mrs Wolfe sell them?”
    Lydia hesitated. “Mrs Wolfe will not give them up if she knows someone else wants them. It’s her way.”
    â€œI could make it well worth her while.”
    â€œBut you would have to explain how you knew, not only of their existence, but of their hiding place.”
    â€œI would…”
    She shook her head. “Once you admitted that I told you of the papers you would have to pry them from her with a crowbar.” She gave a small shrug. “We never got along well.”
    â€œWhat would you suggest?”
    â€œI should go back. Then I could retrieve the documents and slip them to you after dark.” Her quiet words sounded as sombre as the tolling of a church bell at a funeral.
    â€œI cannot allow it.” Anthony stood and began to pace. “Surely you know as well as I what the consequences could be. That brute Fenn would enjoy making you pay for the humiliation he suffered at my hands.”
    â€œWhat did you do to Fenn?”
    Anthony paused in mid-stride. He had forgotten she did not witness the decisive action. “I knocked him senseless.” Satisfaction added relish to his tone.
    A wide grin spread across her face. “Impossible, I’m afraid.”
    His eyes widened. Did she question his veracity? He whirled to address her.
    â€œHe was already entirely senseless.” An impish light sparked in her eyes, and he found