Chapter 48 The Sheriff Arrives, Suspecting Her of Arson?
The fire at Sable's quarters was all planned by Cressida.
Cressida knew that Clio was unhappy about Sable taking advantage of the situation to secure her position, but Clio didn't have time to deal with Sable specifically.
So she deliberately had Della occupy the main stove during cooking time to make tonic soup for Sable.
This gave Tatum an opportunity to make trouble and immediately punish Della.
Later, Della set the house on fire while delivering the tonic soup, watched the flames rise from a hidden spot, and only then went to rescue people.
Patrick was seriously ill, Clio was overwhelmed, and no one suspected Della.
"Stand up. Emma always mentions you to me. When I first returned to the mansion in difficult times, you gave us food. I've always remembered this kindness."
Della was flattered and quickly kowtowed: "Ms. Hamilton, you're too kind. Being able to serve you is this old servant's fortune."
For some reason, although Della felt Cressida was speaking gently and pleasantly, beneath that calm and cool expression seemed to hide a decisive and ruthless heart.
It made people afraid to provoke her carelessly, fearing they might lose their heads.
Emma helped Della up: "Della, don't keep kneeling. We're all in the same boat now, we need to work together."
"Of course, naturally." Della nodded repeatedly.
Cressida asked again: "Do you have any brothers or children in this household?"
Della quickly said: "Yes, this old servant has a younger brother who runs errands in the front courtyard."
"Have him deliver a message for me."
Evening.
Clio was helping Patrick take his medicine.
Butler Noah hurried in and bowed to report: "Mr. Hamilton, people from the security bureau are here."
Clio's hand feeding the medicine suddenly paused, and she frowned: "Why are they here?"
Noah answered with his head lowered: "They heard about the sudden fire in the manor that burned down a side building and nearly put you in danger. Although no one filed a report, according to security regulations, they need to investigate thoroughly to rule out arson."
Patrick looked up at Clio, his tone steady: "Go deal with it. It's just an accidental fire at home, nothing serious. Don't let it become public knowledge and lose face."
Especially they needed to hide the detail that he had been drinking and lingering at his mistress Sable's place when the incident nearly happened—if word got out, he'd definitely become a laughingstock for "indulging in wine and women," which would damage his lordship status.
Clio immediately obeyed and left with Noah.
Three security officers were already waiting in the front courtyard. The leader saw Clio approaching and immediately gave a standard bow: "Mrs. Hamilton, I'm Ronin Sterling from the security bureau. We heard about the fire at The Hamilton Mansion and came to investigate."
Clio wore a proper smile and explained gently: "It was just a small accident from knocking over a candle. I feel bad that you three made a special trip."
Ronin's expression was serious, his tone firm: "Mrs. Hamilton, if this involves arson, it's a serious security case. Since we've received the information, we must get to the bottom of it—otherwise, if His Majesty holds us accountable, we really can't explain."
Clio's smile stiffened slightly.
She thought to herself: It's just a small fire in the manor, how would Doyle, with all his daily affairs, specifically ask about it?
She knew these security officers all too well—in these peaceful times with no thieves around, they had few opportunities to make achievements, so they always watched noble estates for any disturbance. Whenever there was a fire or dispute, they'd immediately come to "perform their duties," but really just wanted to get some benefits. Usually the household would wisely offer some "trouble money" to send them away quickly.
Now The Hamilton Mansion had a reputation and had become a "fat sheep" in their eyes, which was unavoidable.
Clio suppressed her impatience and made a "please" gesture: "Please follow me."
The three followed her to Sable's quarters. The burned ruins had been mostly cleared, leaving only a blackened foundation and a few smoke-darkened beams not yet removed.
The security officers examined the scene for a long time without finding anything unusual, then asked Clio: "Were there other people present when the fire started?"
"Only Sable and my husband Mr. Hamilton," Clio answered.
"Where is Sable now?"
"She was punished for negligence and sent to a country estate to rest." Clio deliberately downplayed the punishment, her tone showing a hint of impatience.
"She personally attended to Mr. Hamilton, yet had no other servants to assist her?" Ronin pressed.
Clio paused briefly, then responded calmly: "Originally there was a personal maid serving her, but she happened to be away when the fire occurred—probably slacking off. The manor has its rules. She caused a disaster through negligence and was beaten and expelled from The Hamilton Mansion. I heard she caught a cold on the road and didn't make it."
Ronin's eyes flashed with doubt: "You expelled her right after the incident? Why not question her thoroughly first before dealing with her?"
Clio's expression remained calm, but her tone carried undeniable authority: "Sir, this is The Hamilton Mansion, not the security bureau's interrogation room. Servants who fail in their duties should be punished. There's no need to waste energy questioning them—besides, it was her negligence that caused the fire. This punishment is reasonable."
With things said this clearly, the security officers understood that further investigation would be pointless. The three exchanged glances, bowed again: "Since Mrs. Hamilton is certain it was an accident, we won't disturb you further. We'll take our leave."
Clio instructed Noah to see the three out and prepare some "trouble money" as thanks, while she returned to Patrick's bedroom.
"How did the security officers' investigation go? What did they ask?" Patrick asked as soon as she entered.
"Nothing important. They looked around the scene, asked a few questions and left," Clio said dismissively, adding lightly, "They just came to get some benefits."
She deliberately avoided details—afraid Patrick would ask why the maid wasn't at her post, which would lead to questions about Sable and uncover things Clio didn't want him to know.
But Clio didn't expect that this evasive attitude would actually make Patrick suspicious.
That evening, Cressida brought the copied scripture to the main courtyard and handed it to Clio with both hands: "The scripture Mother asked me to copy is finished."
Patrick struggled to sit up in bed, his tone clearly displeased: "You need to prioritize important matters. Don't you understand this basic principle? I already told you to go to the palace to request the royal physician, but you stayed home copying these useless things!"
Cressida stood with lowered eyes, her expression calm: "Mother repeatedly urged me, I didn't dare delay."
Patrick's dissatisfied gaze immediately turned to Clio.
Clio calmly put away the scripture, saying casually: "I truly didn't know you asked Cressida to request the physician. If I had known, I certainly wouldn't have had her copy scripture first—this child is just too honest."
Then she turned to Cressida with some reproach in her tone: "Look at you, now you've nearly delayed your father's treatment."
Patrick slammed his palm on the bed rail in anger: "I only injured my leg. Is there no one capable in this household?"
His movement was too forceful and immediately affected his leg wound. He couldn't help crying out in pain.
Clio quickly came forward to comfort him: "There's medicine still brewing in the kitchen. I'll go check on it."
As she passed Cressida, Clio lowered her voice, her tone cold: "If there's nothing else, go back to your room. Don't cause trouble here."
"I certainly won't cause trouble," Cressida looked up, her tone firm. "The scripture is finished. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the palace myself to request the royal physician."
Hearing this, Patrick's expression softened slightly, but Clio's eyes instantly turned cold. However, in front of Patrick, Clio didn't react and simply lifted the curtain and left the room.
As soon as Clio left, Patrick beckoned Cressida closer.
"People from the security bureau came to the manor today to investigate the fire. Did you know about this?" he asked in a low voice.
"I heard something about it, but I don't know the specific details of their questioning," Cressida answered, then asked back, "Does Father think there's something else going on?"
Patrick glanced warily at the door, lowering his voice even more: "Originally I didn't think much of it, but your mother's attitude today made me feel something was off. Go to the security bureau for me and find out exactly what they asked and what they discovered today."
Hearing Patrick say this, a thoughtful look flashed in Cressida's eyes, then she spoke: "Now that Father mentions it, I remember something."
Patrick immediately looked up, his expression urgent: "What is it?"