After finishing breakfast, I had Phaeton saddled for me. Then, with Ward, I set out for the home of the local magistrate. While I wasn't sure what the man could do to help, I was excited to meet him. After all, wasn't it better to be on good terms with one's neighbors?

And just because I hadn't had the time to introduce myself didn't mean that I didn't appreciate having good neighbors.

Gravel crunched under Phaeton's hooves on the driveway as we approached the house. It was large and of newer construction. The front boasted large, symmetrical windows that sparkled in the sunlight.

Grooms ran to take charge of our horses as we dismounted, and then a very proper butler greeted us at the door. We were ushered into a bright sitting area to wait while the butler went to find his master.

"Is there anything I should know about Sir Harrow?" I asked, glancing at my friend. "What kind of man is he?"

"I would say he is a fair man," Ward answered. "Reasonable. He makes sure to hear both sides of a situation before making any decisions."

I eyed him for a moment, trying to read between the lines of his words. Was that the ring of personal experience I was hearing? I wouldn't ask, of course. If Ward wanted me to know, he would tell me. Well, I hoped he would. His idea of what I needed to know sometimes differed from mine on occasion.

It was difficult to gauge where I stood with him. We were more than acquaintances, but friend didn't sound right either. He had shared his history with me, but that didn't necessarily mean he trusted me completely.

Before I could inquire further about the magistrate, the door to the sitting room swung open. A man in his mid-fifties entered, his hand outstretched. "John Ward, it has been an age since I last saw you," he greeted with boisterous good humor. "You're looking well! When did you get back home?"

"How are you, Sir Harrow?" Ward asked, shaking the man's hand. "I arrived home last night."

"Doing well, doing well," Sir Harrow responded with a broad smile. He then turned to me, curiosity lighting up his eyes. "And who is your friend?"

"This is Mr. Lucas Bywood, who is the latest owner of Pearsend. Bywood, Sir Harrow of Mooresland."

"Good morning, sir," I said, offering my hand.

"I must say, I didn't anticipate someone so young taking on the challenge of Pearsend," Sir Harrow commented, shaking my hand vigorously. "But I can see you are up to the task."

I wasn't sure how he could determine that just by looking at me, but his confidence was reassuring. Many people were too quick to point out flaws and overlook the potential benefits of a place like Pearsend. And they though I was the fool for seeing the potential.

"I apologize that I haven't been able to come sooner," I told him honestly. "As I'm sure you're aware, there has been a lot of work at Pearsend that demanded my attention."

"A shame what that place has become," Sir Harrow said, shaking his head. Then, his expression shifted to one of curiosity. "Now, what brings the two of you to my door this morning?"

Ward gestured at me, so I said, "I've run into a bit of trouble at Pearsend. I was hoping you would be able to advise me."

"Well, that does sound serious. Let's have a seat and talk it out. Do you gentlemen need any refreshment? Tea? Or something stronger?"

As we sat down, Ward and I declined the offer. Once Sir Harrow took his seat across from us, I began to explain the situation in as clear and concise a manner as possible. It was impossible to read the older man's expression as I spoke.

"I've heard this rumor before," he finally said when I finished speaking. "I find it hard to believe anyone would take it seriously."

"Normally, I would agree with you. But given that someone is digging up the grounds and searching my house, I can't think of any other explanation."

Sir Harrow steepled his fingers in front of his face. "I see your point," he agreed. "And you are certain that is not a member of your own staff doing the searching? That would be the most likely explanation for how this has happened while you are in the house."

"I'm completely certain." But could I explain why I was so confident? "I only have a small household. A housekeeper, who is also my cook. My valet, who also acts as butler. Two maids, a gardener, and a boy who takes care of my horse and stable. I trust them all."

"And your steward, Mr. Walton, as well," Ward added, speaking up for the first time in quite some time. I'd almost suspected he was sleeping in his chair. "Your valet, Davison, cleared all of them, didn't he? Approved the references and all that?"

Was he implying that Davison might be responsible? That there was some kind of conspiracy among my staff?

"I have always found Davison and all the rest of my staff to be honorable and diligent about their tasks," I said firmly. "I wouldn't have known about the holes in the garden or in front of the stable if they hadn't brought it to my attention."

Sir Harrow nodded his agreement. "It would have been all too easy for your staff to simply make their search and then cover it up," he responded. "But I appreciate your suggestion, Ward. It was a good thought."

Ward inclined his head in acknowledgement of the praise, looking pleased even though his suggestion had been refuted. I glanced between them, puzzled by the exchange. Perhaps Sir Harrow had known Ward for a long time, and couldn't help praising him as one might a young child.

"So none of your staff have heard any mention of who in the neighborhood might be to blame?" the magistrate asked, catching my attention once again.

"No one has mentioned any suspicions to me," I answered honestly. "My steward did say he would ask around, and he had heard the story's been discussed a great deal. More than usual. However, he hasn't had the chance to speak with all of my tenants yet."

Perhaps I ought to have waited for Walton to ask his questions before coming. Was this visit to Sir Harrow premature? Should I have brought Walton with me, so that he could answer the Magistrate's questions?

Tapping his chin, Sir Harrow fell silent. "I left the room as it was, in case you need to examine it," I offered, unsure if I should interrupt his thoughts.

"I don't believe that will be necessary," the older man said slowly. "It may be more effective to use some deception of our own to settle this issue."

"Deception?" I repeated, surprised by the statement. "What do you mean?"

"You said your sister wishes to make a search. Why not allow her to do so? In fact, you could even help her. Make a big show of it, so that everyone in the neighborhood is aware of what's happening. Then, after some time has passed, you can announce that you've found the treasure."

As he explained his scheme, the more I could see the logic behind the suggestion. It could work, but at the same time... "What if someone wants to see the treasure we discover?" I asked, trying to think of all aspects of this plan. "They might break in to see what it is."

"Yes, I thought of that possibility. I will lend one of my men to keep watch. If anyone attempts to take our fabricated treasure, we will catch them in the act and have our culprit." Sir Harrow sat back in his chair with a satisfied smile.

"I suppose that would work," I said slowly. "But it does sound a bit risky. What if there are multiple individuals searching for the treasure?"

"There is that possibility, but I think it unlikely," the magistrate responded. "Certainly there could be a pair of men working together in their search, but separate men? Making their plans alone all at the same time? I think not."

When he framed it in such a way, the whole idea did seem absurd. But, given that the whole thing was ridiculous, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

"Thank you for your advice, Sir Harrow," I said. "You have been very helpful."

He waved his hand, looking pleased with himself. "I am always happy to help a neighbor. Do let me know when you shall need a guard and if there is anything else I can do to assist you."

"What will your treasure be?" Ward asked.

Money was out because that would have been too easy for the paper to decay. Gold coins were also out of the question due to their weight and difficulty to conceal. Jewels presented the same issue as coins. Honestly, any kind of treasure in Pearsend was just ridiculous to imagine.

"Perhaps I will be able to learn what the general opinion is," Sir Harrow said with a confidence I wasn't sure was warranted. "Go home. Proclaim you are going to find the treasure yourself. Have a dinner party and invite the neighbors to help search."

"After all, you wouldn't know what the treasure is," Ward added, sounding enthusiastic about the plan. "You'll have to be able to feign surprise."

Why did I have the feeling that this plan wasn't going to go well?

~*~

After an hour of further discussion, Ward and I rode back to Pearsend side by side. My friend had latched onto the idea of a dinner party with the same enthusiasm Philippa had when she had suggested I entertain. He listed off all the families in the area who were at home and should be invited.

Just the thought of what the cost would be made me wince. I had been worried about hosting a dinner for only five people. How could I possibly handle something larger?

When we arrived at Pearsend, we went our separate ways. He continued to the house to fulfill his promise to my sister, while I continued on towards one of the nearby farms. I did not want to get cajoled into another visit to a neighbor just yet.

And a suspicion had occurred to me on the ride from the magistrate's house. What if the treasure seekers turned their attention to a different part of my estate?

It was good to see one part of the estate restored to working order. The efforts of the Little family had been extraordinary.

As I approached, Mrs. Little noticed me and paused from her laundry duties to greet me with a smile. "Mr. Bywood. What can I do for you? Mr. Little is out breaking ground in the field. He wants to be ready for planting next spring."

I didn't envy him the back breaking task. The fields had been left fallow for who knew how long. It would take time to get them ready for growing any crops.

"I just wanted to stop by and see for myself that everything was in order,' I informed her. "Have there been any more leaks or anything of that sort?"

"Not a drop," she answered. She tilted her head as she frowned up at me. "You look like you've got some worry on your mind, if you don't mind me saying so. What troubles you?"

"Has Mr. Walton told you about the trouble we've been having up at the house?"

"He told us a fairy tale of people thinking there's treasure to be had."

"It had struck me that someone might think treasure was hidden in the tenant farms," I told her, getting to the point of my visit. "They were unused as much as the house was. It seems it might be an ideal place to hide something."

Her expression shifted to one of surprise. "You think they might come here?"

"Maybe not this exact house," I amended. "We surely would have found anything of value with all the work we've done here. But maybe one of the other tenant houses?"

She paused, mulling over my words. "I suppose that could be true," she admitted. "You think we should be on guard? Keep a look out for strangers?"

"I don't think it would hurt to be cautious." I hesitated and then added, "And if your boys want to make a search of their own, I wouldn't object. A boy's imagination can lead to some interesting hiding spots."

Mrs. Little shook her head. "You're not that much older than a boy yourself," she chided with a smile. Then, she became serious again. "Are you sure there's no danger?"

"I can't make any promises, but there should be no danger since there's unlikely to be anything to find." Did that make sense aloud as it had in my head? I couldn't be sure anymore.

"Then why search?"

"I spoke to the magistrate about it this morning," I informed her. "He suggested that if I pretended to actively search for the treasure and then announced that it had been found, it will put an end to the matter."

The woman frowned. "I suppose that makes sense," she said slowly. "And you're asking for our assistance in making it seem more credible?"

"If it won't take up too much of your time." I would completely understand if she declined. It was a complicated situation, and the last thing I wanted was to put her and her family to any trouble.

"I think the boys will think it a great adventure," she said with a sigh. Then, her face brightened with another smile. "As long as they are careful, I think it should be fine. It will get them out of my hair for a time."

It was a small thing, but hopefully it would help put this thing to rest. I thanked her for agreeing and she promised to inform Mr. Walton if anything, even something small, was found. "Even if it's just a silver spoon, we'll bring it to you," she said.

Chuckling, I thanked her one last time and then went on my way. If it was as simple a thing as a silver spoon, I wasn't sure if I would laugh or rage.