The Rakehell Regency(48)

Dr. Gold continued, "We're dealing with a fiend, one who was protected by his father and his solicitors, but who has been desperate for money for some time, and now has another victim within his grasp.



"We cannot let her go the way of the rest of the family. She must be protected, and we must find some proof of Gerald's misdeeds before it's too late."



Clifford began to pace in front of the hearth as he tried to absorb all the doctor had said. At length he replied, "I shall tell Malcolm all you've suggested, but one fact remains. We have no proof, only speculation. Even if we tried to convince her, had some sort of concrete evidence, Vanessa will never believe us."



The doctor uncrossed his legs and leaned forward earnestly. "That's the least of our worries at this point. I know someone has been attacking your estate with greater and greater regularity. You need to be extra-vigilant, Clifford. Post guards to stand watch along the entire perimeter of the estate. If it is Gerald, we will catch him in the act sooner or later."



"But whoever has been carrying out those depredations has attacked other estates and their livestock before. If the culprit sees my property is well protected, he will simply go on to another farm. Not to mention the fact that I'm certain whoever it is must have other hell-raisers to assist him."



John gave a wise smile. "The more people who know about a secret, the less likely that it will remain one. Mayhap we 'll be able to get one of them to talk?"



Clifford shrugged, and then struck his forehead. "You don't suppose those highwaymen on the Bath to London road--"



The doctor reached over to grasp his pipe and tobacco pouch. He busied his hands while he contemplated Clifford's new theory. "It is a stretch, I admit, but anything is possible," he said after a time. "We're dealing with a dangerous criminal."



"But Gerald isn't the only wild young man in these parts. We've already discussed the Stephenses. What about the Cavendish trio, and Timothy Bridges?"



Dr. Gold made a hopeless gesture. "We need to talk to the Bransons about this. It is all too much for me to take in."



"I know. Malcolm was making notes before. He didn't know what was in his father's official files, however."



"Then we need to consult with him. And try to think of who else maybe able to help us. Catalog all the names, dates places. All of the crimes committed in the past few years, great or small."



"Many of the more recent ones have been monstrous." Clifford shook his head. "I can't quite take it all in. It was only supposed to be a harmless ball last night. Then I win Vanessa in a card game of all things, and suddenly find myself in the middle of a maelstrom of murder and mayhem."



John reached over to pat him on the shoulder with warm affection. "Just stay calm, lad. It will be all right. You're not alone, and between you, Henry and myself, we can accomplish a great deal. With the Bransons' aid too, we will get to the bottom of this, I'm sure. We can't hope to solve every single crime in the region tonight. So for now let's go back to the salient point here. Gerald is in Queer Street and gambled his sister's hand. Vanessa was suddenly taken ill."



"Poor Vanessa has been dragged back here to Somerset and made a quiz of through no fault of her own."



"Unless--" The doctor looked aghast. "How did you say the old lady died?"



"Of an apoplectic fit."



"Another sudden death in the family?" he asked in a strange tone.



Clifford wracked his brains for a moment and then stared at Dr. Gold in horror. "Gerald was in Dorset at the time. It was his sister's eighteen birthday, and he went to pay his respects." He struck his fist into his open palm. "Damnation."



Joh said urgently, "Are you sure, Clifford? Really sure?"



"As sure as I can be," he replied, his voice trembling. "I remember, because the neighborhood was so quiet when he was gone. There were no highway robberies either during that time. He went to visit there, she died, he helped oversee the closing of the estate, and then moved Vanessa to Hawkesworth House. It's incredible."



Dr. Gold nodded. "It being so incredible would appear to be one of the reasons why no one has ever suspected him before. But he has become more and more unpredictable and unstable. He has grown increasingly desperate. He saw a chance to get money and took it. It's only a matter of time before he tries to move against Vanessa again, or you, if you try to protect her."



Clifford ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "You're right, his father must have been protecting him all along. And he would only act so rashly and murderously when he was backed into a corner."