P & P

Hidden in Plain Sight

Previously:

"You very well may be correct, especially since the lady is a widow. My contacts will take that into consideration when making their decision in regard to her actions. However, you will still have a new housekeeper; she cannot remain here. Now, you really need to get back to the main house."

"I agree."

Party

Ch. 19

Torches lit up the walkway of Mr. MacDonald's main home. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows of all shapes on the cobblestone path, creating an mythical atmosphere. There were rumors circling around that the man was either going to be given the title of marquess or even duke. No one knew for sure, few had even met the gentleman, but none wished to miss such a party if, by chance, the rumors were true.

Men handling security handled their job with skill. Their stern faces and sharp eyes scanned each guest meticulously. One by one, people were checked as they came to the door. Earls and their wives were allowed in, marquesses and their potential mates were ushered through the doors, barons and knights were permitted in, and even gentlemen with no titles were ushered in with sincere smiles. However, when Mr. Paul Dexter and Mr. Gene Johnston stepped up to the doors, they were met with a resounding no.

"But our names are on the list," protested Mr. Dexter, his eyes widening when told they were not.

"I am sorry, Sir," the security guard spoke firmly but politely. "I see neither one of them here."

"Is there a problem?" The butler stepped out the door and up to the small group. His presence was imposing, with a tall frame and a meticulously groomed appearance.

"Apparently, your guard cannot read." Mr. Dexter crossed his wrists and huffed. "He claims our names are not on the list." When asked what they were, it was all the butler could do not to give a smug grin.

"I am sorry, sir, but the lady who told you she could get you on the list lied to you and has been fired. Mr. MacDonald did not have you on his list." The butler spoke with no emotion and a straight face.

"Why, I… I… we were to meet a friend inside." The man clearly had not planned on having to say anything when his words were only met with a reiteration of what had already been told to him. Therefore, he stumbled on an apology and hurriedly left with his partner.

"Double down on all the entrances, just in case those two attempt to gain access."

"Yes, sir."

The butler went back and reported to Miss Thayne. The grand hall was filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses. She, in turn, went and began to mingle with the guests.

The chandeliers' light spread smoothly over the floor and mixed into the other chandeliers' as smoothly as melting butter. The crystal prisms sparkled, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The marbled floors sparkled brightly and were so shiny one half thought one might slip and fall if their shoes had no traction. Comfortable chairs, and even a few sofas, had been placed against the walls, along with tables for those not wishing to dance. Iona walked into the well-lit room and began to mingle with the guests.

Her smile was genuine and her talk light. People drew to her like moths to torch lights at midnight. This lady was as harmless as a dove, and yet, if they knew just how much her ears were taking in, some might have kept their mouths clamped down tighter… especially the men.

"I have never seen this MacDonald, but with this kind of home, if he gets that title, I will make sure I work my way into his private circle and then grab it from him." He spoke low to a friend, with the friend chuckling and saying to count him in; Iona made sure to get their names in a way as not to raise their alarm.

There were men and women, unlike those who Iona was taking notes to warn her boss to steer clear of, who would be listed as strong allies. Words like "MacDonald knows his way around London extremely well. He knows where to draw the line. The man knows when to bend and when not to." And the one that really cemented his allies in were the words, "I would rather die by MacDonald than die by that Dexter fellow." Iona would have continued making her rounds only she spotted a man with broad shoulders and a portly build standing against a wall, wearing a three-piece dark suit. His attire sported gold chains… with one missing.

Making her way over to the gentleman, Miss Thayne spoke politely and sweetly. "Good evening. I hope you are enjoying the party and seeing Mr. MacDonald's home."

"I am. I took a walk around the garden earlier. The view near the old oak tree is quite serene."

Iona showed no emotion but knew full well none of the guests had any business being down that far. However, all she did was smile and say, "I could not help but notice your suit. It is quite unique. Is it a custom design?"

"Yes, in fact, it is." The man puffed out his chest. "It cost a fortune."

"I can believe that." Iona kept their talk light and short, then weaved her way naturally through and out of the room. She then made haste to the back door intending to track down Mr. Shein, the gardener. Fortunately for her, the gentleman was coming around the corner. "We have a problem."

"How serious of one?"

"A bird flew into the coop and I know who they were to meet, not why though." She explained about the suit and what about it had caught her eye.

"Who? And where?" When told, Mr. Shein wasted no time in entering MacDonald's home.

Iona followed without delay. Her footsteps followed Mr. Shein's with no problem. No other servants barred the two as it was clear from the gardener's grim face someone was in trouble. However, when he got to the ballroom, they were shocked to see a lawman talking to the over-pompous fellow.

"Mr. Austin claims Mr. MacDonald has stolen from him."

"What has he supposedly stolen?" Mr. Shein asked between gritted teeth.

"A chain to my suit for one." The man pointed to his vest. "And a gold ring I take with me at all times. I had it with me earlier, before we talked"

"You mean the ones dropped by the bush near our rock wall, they were yours? I picked them up last night… which, by the way, was after Mr. MacDonald had left, I saw him off myself. I thought they must have belonged to one of the other servants. I was going to bring them up at the next staff meeting." Turning to the lawman, she asked, "Do you wish for me to go get the items now?"

"If you would, ma'am."

Iona left the dance hall and retrieved the items. Upon Miss Thayne's return and handing the items over to the law, the accuser stiffened; he did not wish for his lie to be exposed. His face turned pale, and his hands trembled slightly. Why had his friends not hidden those things better? Come to think of it, where were they? They were supposed to have been here accusing Mr. MacDonald of a far more serious crime.

"I could have sworn they were on me: I had no idea they had been taken after he made his departure. I am so sorry." With that, he left, but not before complimenting them on their very old oak tree in the back of the gardens; something Mr. Austin assumed all the guests knew about.

Mr. Shein spoke low to the lawman to follow him to the garden. "None of our guests should know about that part of the garden; it is for the family only." He turned to Miss Thayne. "You keep the party going here."

So, it was twenty minutes later Mr. Shein and the lawman were looking at a child's toy and a small boy's ring. "Someone is trying to ruin Mr. MacDonald's good name and -I dare say- frame him for taking the Chancellor's grandson," growled the gardener as he picked up the items and handed them over to the law.

"We might have believed them too, had it not been for his assistant; I hope he gives her a raise."