A Kiss from the Heart by Barbara Cartland

to the next cupboard along and found the same.
    â€œWell, there have been no riots on the estate that I can think of, so this can only mean one thing!”
    â€œHoarcroft, the gamekeeper?”
    â€œExactly, Robert. And I’ll wager a large sum that he has his spies in the Hall as well. Tell me, in Stringer’s accounts, does he complain of things going missing or of items being used far more quickly than expected?”
    â€œLet us return to the study,” urged the Earl. “I have noted some other inconsistencies that Stringer brought to my attention this morning.”
    By the time luncheon was about to be served, both Stringer and the housekeeper, Mrs. Miller, had been taken from their duties and were huddled over the ledgers in the study with frowns on their faces.
    â€œI’ve been tellin’ Mr. Stringer for weeks now that somethin’ funny was a-goin’ on,” said Mrs. Miller with her arms folded. “Now entire salmon just don’t leap out of my larder! That Effie swore she had never seen it!”
    â€œI suspect that she may not be the only one who is in league with Hoarcroft,” said Sir George. “I am certain that when I was walking by the barn at Flodder’s meadow recently, I saw two women carrying stuff to a nearby cart.”
    â€œAnd Hoarcroft?”
    â€œHe was around patrolling the perimeter. When I challenged him, he said he was looking out for poachers. A likely story!”
    The Earl thanked Mrs. Miller and Stringer for their time and they returned to their duties.
    â€œWe shall have to tackle this at once,” suggested Sir George. “But let us leave it until after we have eaten!”
    â€œI quite agree. An empty stomach is not what is required here and thank you very much, Sir George. Your intervention in these matters has enabled me to pinpoint the culprits. Do you really believe that if we sack Effie, her other accomplice will come forward?”
    â€œIf you say that unless she names him or her, you will place matters in the hands of the Police, then I believe that she will.”
    As they spoke, the gong sounded for luncheon.
    â€œNot a word to Mama,” cautioned the Earl. “I wish to surprise her this evening with news of our triumph!”
    *
    Whilst they were eating he sent word to Hoarcroft and his helpers that their presence was requested at once.
    â€œMake it clear that this is an order and not a polite invitation,” said the Earl to the burly groom he had chosen for the job.
    â€œWill you please tell me what is going on?” asked the Countess, looking confused at the sudden activity in the house.
    â€œNothing to concern yourself with, Mama,” soothed the Earl. “Now, Sir George, you mentioned that you were keen to add to your stable. Where were you thinking of buying your new horse? A trip to the fair at Banbury, perhaps?”
    The Countess pursed her lips in annoyance, but let the two gentlemen continue their equine conversation.
    After luncheon she announced that she intended to take a nap and left the room.
    â€œNow to business,” began the Earl. “Hoarcroft will be here soon. Shall I send for Effie now?”
    â€œNo, wait until he is here.”
    Hoarcroft was a surly man whom the Earl did not really know. He had been engaged shortly before he had left for India, but his first impression of the man was that he was not to be trusted.
    The next hour was not a pleasant experience and the Earl was glad that Sir George was present to add his not inconsiderable weight to the proceedings.
    Hoarcroft swaggered in with all the arrogance of a man convinced he was completely in the right. His helpers loomed behind him with caps in hand looking uneasy.
    When the Earl presented them with incontrovertible evidence of systematic pilfering and selling off of goods from the kitchen, Hoarcroft at first attempted to bluff his way through the accusations – that was until Effie was brought