But Mathews shook his head and reached out over the desk.
“No, unfortunately. The maid overheard the earl arguing with Lady Madeleine earlier in the evening also. Before Leyman arrived. Although she had apparently run off to her chambers, there was nothing to stop her coming back down to argue again. She had reason enough.” He slid a sheet of paper from beneath the brandy glass and held it out, an expectant look on his brow. “Apparently there was some objection made to your visit by the young woman. Finch found this.”
Ash glanced down and recognized his own handwriting on the letter responding to the earl’s invitation to come and meet his bride. He stared at the doctor. The man glared back at him. Was that hostility, maybe even anger expressed in the man’s eyes? Ash returned his attention back to Mathews.
“They argued about my visit?” Had the constable seen any of the other letters? Did he know of the wedding plans? Mathews gave a knowing smile and opened a drawer in the desk. He lifted out several more sheets of similar paper. Damn! Clearly he did.
“A bit more than just a visit, it would seem. An engagement party has been proposed. The maid said that Lady Madeleine was quite vociferous in her objections to it. Seemed it was the first she knew of such an arrangement.” Mathews held the letters out.
Ash took the top sheet and stared at the evidence before him. His own hand accepting the earl’s proposed engagement ball. And Madeleine hadn’t known about it? Damnation! The maid must have had her ear glued to the blasted door! Ash looked Mathews in the eyes. He had nothing to hide. The fault lay with Lady Madeleine’s father, not himself.
“Her father cannot have told Lady Madeleine of our arrangement until yesterday. But though I owe you no explanation of our discussions, believe me, if she objected so violently, I would never hold her to such a plan. The earl and I have corresponded at some length in the years since I met both him and the Countess. No one was going to force Lady Madeleine to do anything against her will. I am sure her father would have made that quite clear.”
The doctor gave a small grunt. Ash couldn’t tell if it meant his approval or not. Not that Ash cared what the man thought. It was none of Finch’s business. Unless the doctor had an interest in Lady Madeleine himself. Ash looked the man over once again. Grey haired and well beyond middle age, but not yet old. Handsome enough and clearly fit. Was the doctor competition for Madeleine’s hand? The earl had never mentioned any other possible suitors. He had been adamant that none other than Ash would do. But perhaps the doctor didn’t know that.
Mathews interrupted his thoughts by nodding again.
“Well, yes. That’s as maybe, but you can see that she might have a motive if she really didn’t want to marry you. She only has to wait another year for her majority and then she can do what she likes. Her father’s death might give her some time. She would be in mourning at least a year. No one could force her into marriage during that time.”
Ash felt his temper rising.
“And you think that reason enough to kill a man she loved? She would only increase the chances of being thrown from her own home even sooner. If she were that determined to remain unwed, she is far more likely to kill me.” He took a moment to consider that statement himself before shaking his head at the ridiculousness of it.
Mathews narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“And who would the next heir be if you were not around? Is there any possibility that it might be him who has done this?”
Appalled at the suggestion, Ash quickly shook his head.
“My younger brother, I suppose, and then his son Henry, as I have no children of my own.” He carried on quickly when it looked as though Mathews might interrupt. “But August and I are not at odds with one another. He knows nothing of the entailment anyway because I was so disbelieving of it myself that I never bothered to tell him. And his son is only five years old, but even that would not have swayed August into murder. My brother was lucky enough to meet a woman with a substantial dowry who was allowed to marry for love rather than position. Both have decent heads on their shoulders and have increased their wealth. Little Henry is already heir to one fortune. I hardly think that he needs two. No, I think your culprit lies closer to home. What about the earl’s valet? He looked more than a little agitated outside just now. Perhaps his demeanour is less to do with discovering the body and more to do with guilt.” He didn’t really believe that the quivering man would stab his employee, but he had to say something to divert Mathews’ suspicion from both himself and Lady Madeleine.
Finch spoke dismissively.
“Phillips is always a bag of nerves. I’ve known him all his life and he’s never been a bit different. Frightened of his own shadow half the time and of the person’s next to him the rest. And the drink doesn’t help. But after apparently seeing a ghost a few weeks ago, he has become considerably worse. I doubt he would be able to hold the knife steady enough or long enough to plunge it in exactly the right place.” His eyebrows suddenly dipped, then rose quickly. “Unless he thought the earl was already a ghost, thrust wildly in self defence, and just got lucky.”
Ash rolled his eyes at the ridiculous scenario.
“Mrs. Grenfell mentioned the ghost incident. Seems a little odd. And I doubt one would mistake a figure as solid looking as the earl’s for an apparition.” Ash commented.
Finch nodded.
“Utter nonsense of course. No one else has ever seen spirits walking the halls of Claiborne, including me and I have stayed here often enough. But regardless, Phillips has no motive either. In fact he has less of one than most seeing as he is now without a job. More likely it was Flack. Pompous arse detested the earl.”
Mathews dipped his brows curiously.
“I never knew that. Well, I mean that I know he is a pompous arse, but I didn’t know he hated the earl. Why would he despise his employer so? Seems to me that he has it easy here.”
Finch turned his gaze back to the body.
“He might have had it easy in years past, they practically grew up together here, as you know. But things have not been so easy in more recent years. And definitely not since the earl became ill. Had been for some while. And his wife had been ill before that. His temper was short and his tongue often ran away with him. Flack has been here for years. Almost as long as the earl. They had rubbed along well enough in the past but not more recently. An irritability had grown between them. Where they had once verbally sparred good naturedly, it was now more confrontational. Flack would come very near to arguing with the earl. More than once in my presence. The man could barely control his tongue. Perhaps the earl went too far this time and Flack couldn’t take any more.”
Mathews grimaced and scratched the side of his nose.
“But how could he have done it? He swears that he never entered the study after Leyman left. He was flat on his back in his room within half an hour with a severely swollen ankle. Several of the staff heard the man’s shouts when he slipped on the newly polished floor. The man had to be carried to his bed and never set a foot out of it until he was helped down the stairs again this morning. And even I’ll vouch for his turned ankle. Flack insisted on showing it to me. He has it all wrapped up with some kind of foul smelling poultice that Mrs. Grenfell swears by for bruising.”
Finch shrugged.
“It’s not as if he has anything much to gain either. However much he disliked the earl, I doubt if he wanted to be put out of his job. Which might have been the case if the new earl brought his own staff with him. No, there is only one person I can think of with any real motive for murder.” He paused before narrowing his eyes. “And he is standing right here with us.”
Ash felt the blood drain from his face as anger curled in his stomach. Was the doctor really accusing him?
“You cannot be talking about me! I wasn’t anywhere near here last night. I was at the Crown and Horses in Dovedale, over an hour’s ride away. And the landlord, his wife, and about twenty of their other customers can vouch for me! It’s har
dly as if I can go about the place unnoticed!” He kept his temper in check as he waved his hand from the top of his head and down his side towards his feet, indicating his well above average size. The first thing anyone ever said about him was always something like, ‘Derwent? You mean the great big fellow?’
Mathews didn’t appear to be impressed by that observation.
“And you slept alone? All night?” Suspicion laced his tones.
Ash raised his chin and narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the man.
“Of course I was alone all night. How dare you suggest any different. I don’t employ a valet or groomsman. And I was about to come and meet my bride. I hardly think it likely that I am to spend time in the company of a local whore where everyone can see it!” He could imagine the gossip if he had, but harlots were not a part of Ash’s life. He had never felt the need. Not that he was any kind of saint, but there were widows a plenty who liked the idea of a big but gentle lover. A far more tempting option if he ever felt inclined.
But Mathews wasn’t about to give up so easily.
“So no one can really say that you spent the night in your bed. You had ample opportunity to sneak over here during the night, creep in through the open window, and stab the earl!” He said triumphantly, his eyes glowing and fingers twitching as if he had found an open chest of treasure.
Ash glared at the man and waved his hand dismissively.
“Don’t be a fool. I may have corresponded with the man but I had no idea he kept his study window so conveniently open every evening. And besides, I didn’t need to kill the earl. There was no point. I was one of the few to know that he had but weeks to live. Why don’t you ask the good doctor as he is right here? He can confirm what I say. I would have inherited the title soon anyway. It has been over three years since my father died. I’ve known that I am the heir since then, and can prove it with letters from both my solicitor and from the earl himself. Why would I not wait a few more weeks after being patient for so long already?”
Mathews’ face sank as quickly as his suspicions, his treasure once again out of his grasp. He cleared his throat noisily.
“Well, it was merely a thought. I have to investigate every avenue. Mulling things over out loud sometimes helps get things straight in one’s mind.”
Ash glowered.
“Well, you can get the fact that I did nothing untoward straight in your mind right now. The very idea! I m as likely to have done the deed as you or Doctor Finch here.”
Finch raised an eyebrow and gave a grim smile.
“Yes, just as likely. But I abhor violence and wouldn’t have done it with the paperknife. There are too many variables. Might have just pricked him rather than killed him, if that was the intention. There are plenty of other ways to kill a man without making such a dramatic gesture as plunging his own paperknife into his chest. And I have no motive either. Probably less of one than most. Being dead, the earl will no longer need my services. I am a valued client short. Unless you require my attention, my Lord.” He wiped his hands on a cloth and looked Ash up and down as if examining an interesting medical specimen.
Ash gave a short nod.
“If I am ever ill you will be the first to know, but I’ll tell you now, I enjoy remarkable good health. Don’t recall needing a doctor since I split my head open falling out of a tree when I was approximately six.” He lifted his hair to reveal a faint scar running from his brow into his hairline.
Doctor Finch grunted for a second time.
“Hmm, well let’s hope your luck continues.” He picked up his gloves up from the desk as he glanced at the body once again. “Rigor is easing at last. We should allow Mrs. Grenfell to begin making some arrangements. I’ll organize for his Lordship to be taken to his room. And I’ll check up on Lady Madeleine and her maid before I leave too. This has all been a terrible shock to her. It is no wonder she has taken to her room.”
Ash glanced about the study again. It seemed tidy and mostly undisturbed. The gentle breeze rustled the papers on the desk. Ash stared out at the view, noticing the spire on the distant skyline. He glanced over his shoulder.
“Has the local vicar been informed of the tragedy?”
Mathews nodded.
“I believe Mrs. Grenfell sent one of the maids with a message to wait for a word from me before he calls. Might not get it for a while though and might come straight here anyway. He is generally about the parish this time of day. Knowing how much my wife can gossip, the news will probably already be about, but I would prefer that Reverend Green is not here for a short time longer. I still need to question some of the staff, and I want to know more about the arguments Flack and the maid overheard. Even if only to eliminate suspects.” He added quickly at Ash’s glower. “Obviously a search will have to be made for Leyman. He has a lot of questions to answer.”
Ash sighed.
“It appears that you have much to do. I’ll let you get on with it, especially as it seems I am to take over Claiborne sooner than I had anticipated. I have to return to town shortly but I am clearly going to need this study usable as quickly as possible. Perhaps if I have everyone brought to the drawing room... I assume that there is a drawing room of some kind... We can conduct operations from there.”
Finch nodded.
“There is a small formal sitting room just along the hall that I am sure will meet Mathew’s requirements.” He turned to the door and peered outside. Mrs. Grenfell hurried across the hall towards him.
“Doctor Finch, is there anything I can do?”
“The earl’s body can be removed within the next hour, but Mathews requires everyone to assemble here in the hall in ten minutes.” Finch announced.
Mrs. Grenfell’s eyes widened.
“Everyone? Even Lady Madeleine?”
Ash stepped out of the study, lines of irritation etched on his face.
“Of course not Lady Madeleine! However, I will need to see her privately, and soon. Perhaps there is somewhere else we could...”
Mrs. Grenfell nodded quickly.
“The garden room. I’ll have a tray of tea taken there.” There was a tremble in her voice.
Ash softened his tone. He didn’t want to make a poor impression this early in his tenure, but however unexpected the change, the staff had to realize that he was now in charge.
“Thank you. And if you could ask the remainder of the staff to wait in the hall. I believe Mathews needs to make some eliminations from his enquiries.”
Mrs. Grenfell’s eyes widened.
“Eliminations... I thought everyone knew it was Leyman who did it.”
Ash shook his head.
“I don’t think anyone should assume that. The stable master was seen leaving the house early yesterday evening. And you saw the earl alive when you took his supper. Someone killed the earl well after Leyman had already departed.”
Mrs. Grenfell gave an unladylike snort of derision.
“If that is the case, why isn’t he here now declaring his innocence? He came back, did the deed in a fit of rage, and made a run for it, you mark my words!” The housekeeper persisted.
Ash kept his patience as he excused the woman’s forthright outburst. The trauma must have alarmed her far more than her initial demeanour revealed.
“Mrs. Grenfell, please do not cast aspersions. As yet, there is no proof of any wrongdoing on Leyman’s behalf apart from being somewhat outspoken. Something that might be forgiven considering the man’s concern over his master’s horse.” Ash chided the woman. “Yes, his actions look suspicious, but as it appears that he left the estate after his discussions with the earl, he might not even know of his Lordship’s demise, in which case he wouldn’t know that he has to defend his name. And I don’t like the fact that he didn’t return to the foaling mare. No stable master worth his weight would leave an animal in such distress. It seems entirely out of character when he was worried enough to risk the earl’s wrath over it.”
The housekeeper dropped her gaze to the floo
r and spoke quietly.
“Yes, my Lord. Begging your pardon. I’ll go and ask the rest of the staff to come to the hall before I call on Lady Madeleine.” She didn’t meet his eye but gave a quick curtsey and hurried way.
Ash pressed his palm to his brow and glanced at Finch.
“Damnation! Now I have upset the woman. It would appear that my first day as the new earl is having a negative impact. I didn’t mean to berate her, but really. With an attitude like that, Leyman will be hung before Mathews gets a chance to question him, let alone sends him to trial. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?” He shook his head in resignation.
Finch gave a grim smile.
“Staff gossip. Rumour was bound to spread. There’s not much you can do about it, though it seems to me that it is fortunate you are here and already making yourself heard. At least there will be no question of who is in charge of the household.”
Ash frowned at the man’s tone. His words might sound supportive enough, but was there a hint of irritation? Finch merely looked back at him and Ash dismissed the thought. Everyone was under stress and he was a stranger in the house. Tempers were bound to be unpredictable. He glanced at the wide staircase leading to the upper floors.
“I wonder if Lady Madeleine will appreciate that fact. She must be in some distress and my arrival won’t have made that any easier.”
Finch’s gaze drifted also towards the staircase.
“I gave her a sedative earlier. Nothing strong,” he qualified at Ash’s raised eyebrow. “It won’t have knocked her out, just enough to let her rest. She was quite beside herself with grief. I’ll look in again now. If she is well enough, I’ll bring her down to the garden room. Do you know where it is?” He asked Ash as an afterthought.
Ash shook his head.
“This is my first visit to Claiborne, but I am sure I will find my way. One assumes it will be facing the garden.”
Finch gave a more natural smile.
“As in its name. Yes, but if you walk through the hall here it is the fourth door on your right. Lovely view over the formal garden and shrubbery. I believe it is Lady Madeleine’s favourite room in the house. The garden was planned by her mother.”
An Unexpected Title (Suspicious Circumstance Book 1) Page 5