as the man spit out half truths. Darcy grimaced as he heaved a sigh. âI made a poor assumption. Please continue.â
Gry apparently enjoyed having the upper hand. He smiled easily. âBesnik had met the men when several gadje came to our camp to play cards and to have their fortunes told. They offered my brother promises of barvalimos, with claims that if he aided them in opening Mr. Samuelâs gravesite, they would share with him the riches they would find. If I had known, I would have forbidden Besnikâs participation. My brother held dreams of a new wagon and team for his wife and child.â
Darcy stared at the man in disbelief. It seemed a shame for a man to lose his life for something so trivial. Darcy imagined Besnikâs wife and child would prefer the Româs return to a new wagon. âWhat would make your brother and the others believe that my cousin would be buried with some sort of treasure?â
âIt was common knowledge, Mr. Darcy, that Mr. Samuel had recently acquired what the late Mr. Darcy referred to as his âmost amazing find.â In Dorset, men and women are known to take their talismans to their graves. Besides, a sennight following your cousinâs untimely death, someone thought to illegally enter Woodvine Hall.â
Darcy refused to reveal any hint of his concern. âWas no one charged in that matter?â
âI assume Mr. Stowbridge thought the act occurred at my familyâs hand. Fortunately, Mrs. Ridgeway caught a glimpse of the intruder. She explained that the man was fair of head. And, of course, no one of that description lives among my people.â
âNo one but yourself,â Darcy noted suspiciously.
A grim expression closed over Gryâs countenance. âTrue, Mr. Darcy, but Mrs. Ridgeway assured the squire that I was much too tall to fit her description.â
Darcy gave a slow shake of his head. âWas no one else questioned?â he asked warily.
Gryâs eyes narrowed. âEven when the evidence says otherwise, a Rom is always the most likely culprit.â
Darcy was more inclined to practice caution, especially when this interview brought more questions than answers. Needing to speak to his wife regarding these developments, he moved to end the conversation. âIs there anything else of which I should be made aware, Gry?â
âOnly that my brother would never touch a dead manâs body.â
Darcy flicked a brow upward. âAnd how can you be so certain? Often, the temptation of great riches has men acting unconventionally.â
Gry shifted his weight. As if sharing a secret, he leaned forward for a second time. âThe Roma, Mr. Darcy, have a deepset respect for both Godâs, or Delâs, power and of Bengâs evil intentions. My brother would fear that by opening the box he would unleash ills upon the world.â
âPandoraâs box?â Darcy murmured.
âExactly, Mr. Darcy. Besnik, like most Roma, believe in predestination. My brother had asked Tshilaba to read his fortune prior to his departure. Nothing in the cards foretold of this tragedy.â Gry stood slowly, and Darcy followed him to his feet. âI know my brother, Mr. Darcy. For money, he might dig a grave, but for no amount would he despoil a manâs body.â
Darcy accepted the manâs assurance with a nod of his head. âMay I call upon you if I have additional questions?â
Gry turned toward the door. âPerhaps it is best if you send word, and I will join you as I did today. Most of my family remains more suspicious than ever.â
âWhy not leave the area?â Darcy asked curiously.
âIt is what is expected of a man who feels guilt. As I do not, I choose to remain; at least, until the May Day celebration.â
Darcy motioned a footman forward. To Gry, he said, âIf I learn of anything of importance, I will make it known to you.â To the servant, he said,
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