“I have earned a holiday,” he said. “It will be possible for me to take it, and I mean to do so.”
“Indeed!” she replied.
“Yes, I am going into the country.”
“Where to?”
“To Devonshire.”
“To Devonshire,” repeated Clara, sitting upright.
“Yes, to Devonshire. Mrs. Pelham, I understand, is now staying at the Towers, and I want to see her.”
“What for, Luke?”
He was silent for a moment, staring full into her face.
“I wish to see Mrs. Pelham, Clara, for that purpose which I mean no longer to delay in putting into execution. I have discovered beyond doubt that poison was administered to Sir Piers Pelham. The poison, without question, caused the child’s death. This poison was given by Sir Richard Pelham, who is now the owner of the property and the reigning baronet. Mrs. Pelham must know this fact without delay.”