The carriage ride home was much too short for Claire's liking. It wasn't like she had anywhere else she wanted to go or disliked the estate, but just the idea that Nick, a man that had gained little of her respect despite yesterdays (minimal) efforts, was controlling her moves even while asleep was an annoying one. She arrived in good time just as promised, but was unnerved to see horses outside, ridden by a guest. Who would come on horses and not by carriage...and today of all days. She hoped her fears would prove to be wrong.

Claire stepped through the front door, putting on the most curious, innocent face possible. "Do we have visitors? I didn't realize anyone was coming today, I would have stayed home!" she exclaimed to the butler.

"Yes, Mrs. Rochford, it is the police," he answered reluctantly, wanting to be left out of it. He hadn't yet learned if Claire was the type to get angry or cry at unsettling news such as the police looking for you, but he would rather not find out today. Claire swallowed hard. The [i]police[/i] were involved? She'd thought this all might be kept under the table, that it wouldn't come to this...apparently she'd been wrong. A silent 'no thanks' to her contact went through her mind before she went on.

"Oh! Are they here about the man who hurt Nick? I do hope they caught him," she asked as the butler took her coat and hat.

"I'm not sure, my lady," he answered awkwardly, being as vague as possible. The police and her father in law could explain why they were there. "They are in the first floor sitting room, with Mr. Rochford's father. I believe they've requested you join them."

"Of course. If it hasn't been done, do get some tea." Busy yourself with making "company" comfortable, and being upset at the news. Not with guilt or the politics of the situation. Claire slowly made her way to the parlor, pushing open the door that was cracked open. Within were two officers and, as mentioned to her before, Bennett Rochford. Nobody was sitting.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting, but I wanted to know if everything was all right. Is this about Nicholas?" Please, please let it be about Nicholas.

"No, Mrs. Rochfoard, this is actually pertaining to you." Blunt and to the point. Well, hopefully that just meant this would be over that much sooner. Innocence, Claire... What was done [i]wasn't[/i] wrong...or, at least, it was done for a purpose...