In the card room, Peter had played four hands and lost every one. I'm sure my luck must change at some point,” he laughed. The man sitting next to him looked at him sympathetically, as he drew on his cigar, and send a ball of smoke towards the ceiling.
Lord Wallace, I'm afraid a lot of people seem to be losing money these days, and not just at cards. The markets are in turmoil. What do you make of it?
It is very worrying. I'm afraid it is terribly difficult to find good investments. It isn't a good time now. We are constantly at war with France and war is never good for the markets. Everyone seems to get very jittery when the bullets begin to fly. The best place to have your money is, either in cash, in the bank, or tied up in land or property.
Yes, it's a terrible mess at the moment. I have lost quite an amount recently, but luckily I was sensible enough, to only invest a tiny fraction of my wealth in stocks. Not like the poor blighter in Bead House. His property backs onto mine and one day, he told me he's lost just about all he has, on some hotel deal in London.
How very unfortunate for him. Hotels are really not the kind of thing you should invest in at the moment thought.
No, quite. Peter do you know what the best investment is in life?
Prey tell me.
A good woman. Look at you. You have the best looking wife in the area and she looks after your household with such precision it is scarcely believable. Add in the fact that she is wealthy, and you have to conclude that such an investment could never be beaten.
Indeed, although I am not sure the fairer sex would be too happy if they knew we looked upon them as investments.
One exception to that rule is that woman in the village. What's her name? Ah, yes Mrs. Pemberly. She has no money whatsoever. Her husband left her almost bankrupt. And her daughter doesn't seem to help. I hear she swans around London spending what little money they do have.
Really? It's your turn again. Did you hear of the new alterations at Newmarket Racecourse? Peter asked, eager to change the subject.
Alright, I'll help you, but how do we go about it, the woman said.
You have Lord Wallace's trust, do you not? the man said.
Yes, I do. I only have to say the word and he jumps.
Good, then I suggest we proceed as follows.
Emily felt as though she was going to pass out as she listened to their plotting.
Get him to meet you at his office in London, and offer him a lift home in your carriage. I'll meet the carriage where the road runs through the forest and stop you. It will look like a robbery. I'll get him out of the carriage and shoot him. That way you can be a witness and give the police a totally false description of me.
But what about the driver? Surely his account will contradict mine?
I'll shoot him too.
And what makes you think Lady Wallace will marry you after the deed is done?
She’ll be lonely. She's twenty five, and after her husband’s funeral, she will be twenty six. Nobody will want such an old widower. I'll come along and provide her with company and understanding. After that, she won't want to be lonely, and she'll be bound to marry me.
Alright, Sir John. We will do it. Now I must get back to the ball, people will be missing me.
Emily hid around the back of the tree as Miss Pemberly came from behind the bush and went back into the building. Sir John followed at a discreet distance.
Emily looked out of the bedroom window and saw Peter getting into the carriage. He was going to London again, and again she was going to spend the night alone in Sedgefield House.
After breakfast she put on her coat and walking shoes and went into the garden. Milly and Flossy almost knocked Emily over in their haste to get outside. Emily headed for the gate and after the two dogs had visited the flower beds, they joined her. Emily wondered whether she should be out at all because there was a bitterly cold wind blowing from the north. She persevered and eventually reached the village. After the wooden foot bridge, the two dogs turned left as they always did. They were quite confused when Emily walked the other way. They soon caught her up and bounded past her. As Emily walked up the main street, she didn't see a soul. It must be the quietest village in England, she thought.
At the end of the village she turned right, and walked up to Bead House. Milly growled at the man who was chiseling a piece of stone into shape and Flossy chased the fat cat around the back of the house. Emily knocked on the door and waited. After and age Patterson appeared and showed her inside.
Sir John appeared. Emily, he exclaimed, pleased to see her.
Sir John, can I come in and talk to you? she asked.
Of course, it's very nice to see you. Emily walked inside and into the drawing room. Sir John made an attempt to clear away some bottles but gave up when he realized there too many.
What can I do for you? he asked.