by Amanda Quick
“What did Aspasia do after she learned he had taken his own life?”
“She was utterly distraught. It is the only time I have ever seen her in such a state. Elland was the only man she had ever truly loved, and she was inconsolable. It was not just the fact that he had taken his own life that wounded her so deeply.”
“It was that she had loved him and not seen the truth of his nature?”
“Yes. Aspasia is a woman of the world, as I’m sure you have guessed. She considered herself too intelligent and too strong-minded to be deceived in matters of love. Zachary’s deception shook her to the core.”
She told herself that she ought to feel some sympathy for Aspasia, but every time she thought about how she had discovered the other woman with her arms around Tobias’s neck, she found it impossible to summon up much pity.
Nevertheless, she had to admit, learning that one’s lover was a professional killer who took such a degree of satisfaction in his work that he marked it with his personal signature was enough to give any woman, even Cleopatra, a bad case of nerves.
“I collect that you feel a sense of obligation in all this,” she said. “And Mrs. Gray is no doubt playing on that sensibility. Does she blame you for starting Elland down the path that led to his personal destruction?”
“She did not say as much aloud, but, yes, I suspect she does.”
“Rubbish,” she said again, very harshly this time. “Absolute rubbish.”
“I think she also feels a measure of guilt, because she was the one who helped him achieve the connections in Society that led to certain murders.”
Lavinia sighed. “What a sad tale.”
He opened his hand once more so that the candlelight flared on the small skull and crossbones. “And now it would seem that someone is determined to retell it.”
“Surely you do not believe that Zachary Elland has come back from the grave to resume his career?”
“No, of course not. I myself found Elland’s body, and I saw him buried. But this new killer sent a ring such as this to Aspasia, and I am quite certain that he intended for me to find this one tonight.”
“An old acquaintance announcing that he is back in town?”
“So it would seem. The discovery of the ring on her doorstep this morning threw Aspasia into a panic. That is why she followed us here.”
“Hmm.”
Tobias frowned. “What is it?”
“I must tell you, sir, that Aspasia did not appear to be in a panic tonight.”
His mouth twisted wryly. “She is hardly the type to succumb to a fit of the vapors. But I know her better than you do, and you may believe me when I tell you that her nerves were in a very rattled state tonight.”
“If you say so. Personally, I believe that she is attempting to use guilt as a means of manipulating you.”
“She has no need to go to such lengths to acquire my assistance in this matter, and I’m certain she is well aware of that.” Tobias pocketed the ring. “No one wants to find this new Memento-Mori Man more than I do. He has thrown down the gauntlet and there is no time to waste.”
“You must allow me to help you, Tobias.”
“I do not want you anywhere near this case.”
“You have said it is imperative that you resolve this matter as soon as possible. You need all the assistance you can obtain. Furthermore, it is not as though I am an amateur at this sort of thing.”
“Bloody hell, Lavinia—”
She raised her hand to silence him. “I would remind you that I am the only witness you have at the moment. Granted, I cannot give you a good description of the maid who accompanied Fullerton up here tonight, but I noticed some details that may be helpful.” Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed a bit of white cloth in the deep shadow of a chimney. “Well, well, what have we here?”
She took the candle from his hand and hurried toward the chimney.
Tobias took his foot down off the stone wall and followed her across the roof. “What is it?”
“I’m not sure. But if it is what I believe it to be, we have our first clue.” She bent down and scooped up the object. “Her cap.”
“Are you certain?” Tobias took the large, floppy cap from her hand and examined it carefully by the light of the candle. “It looks like any other woman’s cap to me.”
“Not quite. It has an unusually large brim and a ribbon. That is most certainly the one the blond maid was wearing. I would not be surprised to find a few blond hairs inside when we take a closer look in a strong light. Tobias, this proves that the new killer is a woman.”
Tobias studied the cap for a long moment. “Or a man who wore women’s clothes to disguise himself.”
Chapter 6
Downstairs they found Beaumont waiting for them in the library together with his butler, Drum, and a nervous little man who was introduced as Dr. Hughes.
Beaumont appeared even shorter and rounder seated behind his vast desk. Tobias noticed that he had a glass in one hand. Half of the contents had already been consumed.
The spirits had clearly had a medicinal effect upon his nerves. He no longer seemed anxious or uncertain. His lordship was once more firmly in command of his household.
In response to Lavinia’s inquiry, Drum informed them that no one employed on the regular household staff matched her description of the blond maid.
Lavinia brandished the cap. “What of this, may I ask?”
They all stared at the cap.
“I do not doubt that you did, indeed, see Fullerton with a woman,” Beaumont said to Lavinia. “One of the village girls, perhaps. In any event, it is obvious that Fullerton had too much to drink, went in search of a willing wench, and found his way to the roof for a bit of dalliance. What happened next was an extremely unfortunate accident.” He glowered at the doctor. “Is that not correct, Dr. Hughes?”
“Indeed.” Hughes cleared his throat and made an attempt to sit a little taller in his chair. “I have examined the body,” he announced gravely. “There is no doubt in my mind that Fullerton was the victim of an accident.”
Tobias swore silently to himself. It was clear that Beaumont had decided to close the door on the subject of Fullerton’s accident as swiftly as possible. He would not welcome any suggestion of murder.
Lavinia’s brows snapped together. “Sir, Mr. March and I suspect that this willing wench, whoever she is, deliberately lured Fullerton up to the roof. We must see if there is anyone who can identify her.”
Beaumont beetled his brows at Drum.
The butler assumed an impassive air. “As his lordship has indicated, the maid was likely one of the village girls taken on temporarily. She no doubt panicked when Lord Fullerton suffered his unfortunate accident and fled the castle before she could be questioned. She certainly had every incentive to disappear. After all, if word spread locally that she had been caught entertaining a gentleman alone on the roof, she would have an extremely difficult task finding other employment in the neighborhood.”
“It is also possible that she is still right here in the castle,” Lavinia said forcefully. “We must assemble the entire staff as well as the guests and question them.”
Beaumont turned red. His mouth opened and closed several times before he finally managed to speak. “Question the guests? Are you mad, Mrs. Lake? You will do no such thing. I forbid it.”
“Sir, we may be talking about a matter of murder.”
“Fullerton was not murdered. It was an accident.”
“We have every reason to think—”
“Think what you wish, Mrs. Lake. But this is my house and I will not allow my guests to be inconvenienced any more than they have been already.”
This approach would gain them nothing, Tobias thought. He looked at Beaumont. “You agree that Fullerton was with a woman shortly before he fell but you do not think she had anything to do with his death?”
“The man was in his cups.” Beaumont took a hefty swallow of his brandy and lowered the glass.
“He lost his balance. That is the end of the matter. A great tragedy, but certainly not a case of murder.”
It was a pity that Beaumont had recovered from his earlier confusion and had acquired allies in the shape of his butler and the local doctor, Tobias thought. The situation was back under control so far as his lordship was concerned and he had reasserted his authority. One could hardly blame him for not wanting to acknowledge the scandalous possibility of murder. That sort of gossip could hang around for a very long time.
“Sir,” Tobias said evenly, “allow me to tell you that in my professional opinion there are a number of questions relating to this affair that should be answered. With your permission, I would like to continue my inquiries into the matter.”
“That is quite impossible, March.” Beaumont slapped his palms flat on the desk and surged to his feet. “This has gone far enough. There has already been entirely too much disruption in the household. Lady Beaumont is extremely overset.”
Lavinia tapped one toe on the carpet. Tobias could see the fulminating expression in her eyes. He tried to signal her but she ignored his silent warning.
“Lady Beaumont’s concerns are quite understandable, sir,” she said briskly, “but as we have just explained, we may well be dealing with a matter of murder. Surely, under the circumstances, a few discreet questions are warranted. They will pose no great inconvenience to your guests.”
“For the last time, I have determined that this is not a matter of murder.” Beaumont bristled. “And I will be the judge of what constitutes an inconvenience to my guests, madam.”
“Sir, I really must insist that you allow us to investigate,” Lavinia said. “I assure you that we have had experience in this sort of thing and—”
Beaumont reacted very much as Tobias had anticipated. His lordship exploded.
“You insist?” Beaumont’s round face turned an unsightly shade of purple. “You insist, Mrs. Lake? Who do you think you are, madam?”
Tobias exhaled deeply and prepared himself for the inevitable. And she had the nerve to accuse him of not being sufficiently diplomatic with clients, he thought.
“It is not your place to insist upon anything in this household,” Beaumont roared. “Not to put too fine a point on it, madam, but neither you nor Mr. March would even be here tonight were it not for the fact that I was induced to repay an old favor to Lord Vale.”
“I quite understand, sir,” Lavinia said hastily. “Indeed, it was very kind of you to extend the invitation to your house party. I can assure you that Mr. March and I have enjoyed ourselves immensely. Everything has been most elegant. Admittedly, my bedchamber is rather small and inadequately furnished, but I suspect that was merely an oversight.”
“What’s this?” Beaumont’s eyes bulged. “Now you wish to complain of the size of your bedchamber?”
“Do not concern yourself, sir. I am certain that it was not your fault that I was removed from a perfectly satisfactory bedchamber on the second floor and sent upstairs to a room that is considerably less desirable.” She waved that aside. “It will do for the short time we are here. Now, then, regarding our theories about events tonight—”
Beaumont gripped the edge of his desk with both pudgy hands and leaned forward in the manner of a bull preparing to charge. “It occurs to me, madam, that as you and March appear to be obsessed with your bizarre theories of foul play, you will doubtless be unable to enjoy the remainder of your stay here.”
“It is kind of you to concern yourself with our pleasure, sir, but there is no need. We shall manage nicely, I’m sure.”
“I don’t see how that will be possible,” Beaumont growled. “Both of you no doubt wish to return to London as soon as possible.”
“No, really—”
“Drum will send a maid and a footman to each of your bedchambers first thing in the morning to assist you in your packing. Your carriage will be waiting for you at nine. On second thought, let’s make that eight-thirty. It is a long trip back to Town. I’m sure you’ll want to set out early.”
Lavinia stared at him for a few seconds, mute with shock. And then outrage leaped in her eyes. Her lips parted.
“Excellent suggestion, sir,” Tobias said before Lavinia could speak. He crossed to her side, clamped a hand around her arm, and drew her toward the door. “Come, Mrs. Lake. We had best go upstairs and see to our travel preparations.”
For a few seconds he thought that she would not follow his lead. He tightened his fingers around her arm in silent warning.
“Yes, of course.” She gave Beaumont a steely smile. “Good night, sir. I do hope that there are no more accidents among your guests after we take our leave. Heavens, only consider the possible effects of another such incident. Why, you and your lady might find that your house parties were not quite so fashionable in the future if it got around that guests are inclined to suffer unexplained accidents while attending your affairs.”
Tobias winced, but it was too late. The damage had been done.
Beaumont’s whiskers twitched in fury. “How dare you, madam? If you are implying for one moment that I am deliberately attempting to conceal an act of murder—”
“That is certainly open to question, is it not?” Lavinia shot back much too smoothly.
“Enough,” Tobias said in her ear. He looked at Beaumont. “You must make allowances for her, sir. I fear Fullerton’s death has shattered her nerves. You are quite right. It is best that I take her home to London as soon as possible. Never fear, we will be on our way first thing in the morning.”
Beaumont was somewhat mollified. “Mrs. Lake is obviously quite overwrought. I’m sure she will feel much more herself when she is back in her own home.”
Tobias sensed Lavinia preparing a scathing response to that observation. Fortunately, he had got her as far as the door. He managed to haul her through it and out into the corridor before she could add any more fuel to the flames.
He could feel her vibrating with outrage on his arm. The air around her almost sizzled.
“Correct me if I am mistaken,” she said, “but I believe that Beaumont just tossed us out of the castle.”
“Your observation concurs with my own. So much for our jolly little outing in the country. Perhaps you and I were not made for such fashionable entertainments, madam.”
Chapter 7
They started up the main staircase in silence.
“I suppose you feel that it is my fault that we have been asked to leave,” Lavinia said on the first landing.
“Yes, but you need not concern yourself overmuch with the matter. As it happens, I had already concluded that it would be best to return to London.”
She glanced at him, astonished. “But what of our investigation here at the scene of the crime?”
“I believe we have already learned as much as we can here. The killer has completed his work. I doubt he will hang around for long. I would not be surprised if he has already left the neighborhood.”
“Mmm. I take your point. He planned for Fullerton’s death to take place here because he knew that you would be in the immediate vicinity, did he not? He wanted to make certain that you were aware of his handiwork.”
“I suspect that is the case,” Tobias said.
They emerged on Lavinia’s floor and found a small gathering in the narrow hall. Two women of indeterminate years, garbed in chintz wrappers and voluminous nightcaps, stood talking animatedly to a man who appeared to be in his early twenties. It was obvious that Fullerton’s death was the topic of conversation.
“Some of my neighbors on this floor,” Lavinia explained in low tones as they walked toward the group. “Lady Oakes’s hairdresser, Mr. Pierce, and two ladies who are here as companions to two of Beaumont’s guests.”
All three heads turned toward Lavinia and Tobias. Avid curiosity glittered in each pair of eyes, but there was something particularly penetrating about the gazes of the two women, Tobias noticed. They were staring at him with an oddly riveted, albeit slightly
dazed expression.
Even if he had not been warned by Lavinia, he would have had no difficulty determining the role of these two, he thought. Both possessed the resigned, self-effacing, slightly faded quality one associated with impoverished ladies who have been obliged to undertake careers as professional companions.
Tobias suspected that the women had gone to bed early this evening. Their posts had likely excluded them from the evening’s festivities. Companions generally found themselves in the same peculiar, uncomfortable, in-between world as governesses. They were not servants, but neither were they the social equals of those they served. The combination of gentle breeding and poverty had doomed them to a profession in which they were expected to keep silent and remain discreetly in the background.
It occurred to him that this late-night gossip about violent death was probably the most exciting thing that had happened to this pair in some time.
He had met only two companions in his entire life who did not fit the usual mold of the species, he reflected: Lavinia and her niece, Emeline. They had not remained in the profession for long, and with good reason. Neither of them possessed a temperament that was suited to such a career.
“Mrs. Lake!” the hairdresser exclaimed. “We were just speaking of you. We feared that perhaps you had been overcome by the ghastly sight down below in the garden. Are you all right? Do you need a vinaigrette?”
“I am fine, thank you, Mr. Pierce.” Lavinia gave him a reassuring smile and then looked at the women. “You must allow me to introduce you. Miss Richards, Miss Gilway, this is my friend, Mr. March.”
Tobias inclined his head. “My pleasure, ladies.”
They both blushed furiously.
“Mr. March.” Miss Gilway beamed.
“Sir,” Miss Richards whispered.
“And this is Mr. Pierce.” Lavinia swept her hand out in a gracefully dramatic gesture, as if heralding the arrival of a noted actor on stage. “He is the one responsible for Lady Oakes’s enchanting headdress this evening. Surely you recall it, sir?”
“Can’t say that I do,” Tobias admitted.