"What do you mean? I'm not familiar with any midwives, so I have not developed any preferences in that area."
"I have a feeling you have heard of Madam Hershal."
Ashley was right. Ever since Brianna could remember, she had heard whispers about Madam Hershal. She was once a well-respected midwife, however, rumors spread that she dabbled in witchcraft. Although proof had never been brought against her, her popularity decreased as people didn't wish to associate with her considering the allegations.
"I have heard of her. The rumors were quite scathing, but as they are only hearsay, I will not pass judgment. In addition, it's also said she is proficient at her practice, so I have no objections to seeing her."
"Then I'll make the arrangements. If we are lucky, we should be able to visit her tomorrow."
"Thank you." Brianna sighed in relief. Tomorrow she would have her answer, and her doubts would be eradicated. Then she would be able to take assessment and develop a plan for her future. Today, however, she was going to forget her worries and spend one last day in ignorance.
Richard walked through the remnants of his kitchen, wincing at the sound of the delicate porcelain crunching under his feet. Being awoken with the panic of a fire, and working hard to contain it before it spread was not the way he preferred to spend his mornings. As he assessed the damage, he praised the efficiency of his staff. Together they managed to extinguish the fire quickly, isolating the damage to the kitchen.
"My lord," Hopkins said. "There is nothing more requiring your immediate attention. You are exhausted. I'll have a bath drawn for you at once."
"I want answers first. Send the staff out. I will not have anything moved until I discover the cause of this."
"Yes, my lord," Hopkins replied, bowing. With a few quick orders to the other assembled servants, Hopkins cleared the room.
As he walked, Richard surveyed the kitchen closely. The damage was not only from the fire and the smoke but from the water used to put it out as well. He noted the majority of the destruction centered around the stove, so thankfully there was no structural damage to the house to address. Although the sight was horrific, upon closer inspection, everything could be fixed.
After examining the room from every angle, it was apparent someone had not only left an unattended fire in the stove, but the excess logs were piled too close. The remaining question was whether this was an accident or an attack. If an attack, it was not very well thought out considering the minimal damage. However, looking at the cause, there was a probability of it being an accident, but it could easily have been designed to look as such.
Knowing Kirkwood remained out there, lurking in the shadows, Richard could not discount anything. Before making a determination, he needed more information. He rubbed his forehead and let out a sigh. Hopkins would have more luck interrogating the staff, so Richard left it up to him. Although hating the inaction, there was nothing more Richard could do here, so he climbed the stairs looking forward to the bath Hopkins had mentioned.
After washing the soot and grit off his body, he changed into clean clothes and felt rejuvenated. Once back downstairs, he noticed a letter addressed to him on the entry table. It must have arrived during the chaos of the morning. Breaking the seal, Richard saw it was from Greyson. His friend requested Richard and Jonathan meet him at the club immediately. Greyson rarely called for meetings unless there was something significant to report, so Richard didn't hesitate before heading out the door.
The morning typically didn't bring many members, so the level of activity within the club surprised Richard. Recognizing the faces, he noticed most of the staff present and milling about. He didn't stop to question anyone and went straight back to the offices.
"Richard, I see you received my message," Greyson noted. Although his words and posture exuded calm, his eyes were wild, and his breathing was not entirely even.
"What happened?" Richard demanded.
"We had a break-in last night. All the spirits stored for easy access are gone and some of the furnishings were damaged. Little else is missing, but this still provides a material loss."
"We are fortunate it was discovered before our normal guests arrived. What other damage was done? In my haste, I didn't pause to take note of anything."
"Chairs and tables were knocked over or broken. Several of the paintings have been shredded. Cabinets were opened and several bottles shattered. That is what signaled Sampson, so he made a point to check everything. He also alerted The Watch, but they saw nothing."
"Who is Sampson?" Richard asked, unfamiliar with the name.
"Due to the possibility of problems from Kirkwood, I hired some new staff. I have stationed someone here at all times. Sampson arrived this morning to take over for Daniel who was on night duty."
"Where was Daniel during all of this?"
"He was found unconscious on the floor in the back of the club. He said the last thing he remembered was making his rounds. After that, he was unaware of anything until the doctor woke him this morning. He had shards of glass and dried blood on the back of his head, but other than a headache and minor lacerations, he is fine."
"That is a relief." Richard sighed, wondering how this could happen. "How did they get in? Were any of the doors damaged?"
"Sampson checked all the ways of entering the building, and nothing appears to have been damaged. We suspect someone hid inside the club after the doors were locked last night. However, they have taken steps to prevent having to go to such lengths in the future."
"Why do you say that?"
"One of the spare keys was stolen, but the backdoor was left open." Greyson shook his head. "I suspect they were hoping we would not find the key missing, so they could easily enter next time."
A knock at the door paused their conversation.
"Good morning, gentlemen." Jonathan strolled in and sat down. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting at such an ungodly hour?"
As Greyson filled Jonathan in on the details, Richard listened with half an ear. With both the break-in and the fire occurring on the same night, he wondered if it was a coincidence or a planned maneuver. Did the additional staff hired at his house or the ones at the club work for someone else? If Kirkwood orchestrated this, had he satisfied his revenge, or was this only a taste of it?
Richard sat down in the chair beside Jonathan and again rubbed his aching forehead. He imagined the pain was caused from all the unanswered questions. Knowing it would be a while before anything was answered to satisfaction, he felt his frustration mounting.
"It was Kirkwood," Jonathan blurted once Greyson completed his explanation.
"How are you so certain?" Greyson raised an eyebrow.
"Who else would gain from this? We have been running this club for quite some time, and there have been no other enemies or significant incidents until now. The timing coupled with the recent threat from Kirkwood is very telling," Jonathan explained.
"I have a man following him." Greyson waved away Jonathan's certainty. "He said Kirkwood's movements have not been unusual. Not only has he not been frequenting lower establishments to recruit help, but he has not received any unusual visitors as of late."
"I would not expect there to be," Jonathan declared in a superior tone. "He would not dirty his hands with that. It's more likely he sent a servant to take care of it."
"I can't have every member of his staff trailed," Greyson spat darkly, sitting forward in his chair.
"I believe we have taken every possible precaution. However, these are new circumstances, and we have to proceed accordingly," Richard intervened.
"Agreed." Greyson settled back down, but Richard could still see the fight in his eyes.
"I have another situation I must disclose. Early this morning, there was a fire in the kitchen at my townhouse," Richard said, earning an expletive from Jonathan and a raised brow from Greyson. "We were able to put it out quickly and minimize the damage, but the fact is still the same."
"Was anyone harmed?" Jonathan inquired.
"No. We were very lucky. Cook awoke unusually early and discovered the fire. I would not like to think of what would have happened otherwise."
"Was it an accident or an attack?" Greyson asked.
"I'm not sure yet. Both scenarios are plausible. I too have increased my staff due to recent threats, and loyalties can always be bought."
"This only increases the possibility of Kirkwood being involved with the break-in here. He isn't very bright or patient, so I can easily see him attacking on two fronts. I'm sure he would see it as a perfect way to increase the distress of his victim," Jonathan stated with confidence.