An Unexpected Title (Suspicious Circumstance Book 1)

by Jackie Williams

  Ash thought of the red-haired youngsters and their efforts to bring home a huge fish for his dinner.

  “No, I would imagine not. But first we will have to look at the funeral attendees.”

  Madeleine’s more buoyant mood dipped immediately.

  “We have but an hour to wait. I must prepare.” She reached for the bell, but hesitated and looked at Asher again. “I will be wearing a veil. I can study the congregation while in the church.”

  Ash shook his head.

  “No. You must take care of your own emotions before anything else. Take this time to say goodbye to your father. I can keep a look out for suspicious activity.”

  Madeleine rang the bell before answering him.

  “But you are not from here. How will you recognize anyone? How will you know who is a stranger, or if they are acting differently to normal? I spent the day you went to London saying my goodbyes to my father. Though I still regret arguing with him, we are at peace with one another. Now it is time to avenge him.” Determination laced her tones and Ash felt his desire for her rise even higher.

  Chapter Eleven

  Standing Together

  So many faces. So many introductions. The old earl might not have been popular with his staff, but he clearly had influence in the area. People had come from far and wide.

  Ash’s head spun. He felt as awkward as a newborn foal. But he stood firm by Madeleine’s side throughout the whole affair, accepting the curious gazes and ignoring the whispered asides. It seemed that few had expected him to put in an appearance quite so soon, and none had known of their recent marriage.

  Most were solicitous and polite. A few were clearly shocked at the apparent indecent haste of the wedding. Madeleine’s veil hid her emotions well but once or twice he felt her hand tremble on his arm. Each time he placed his own over it and gave an encouraging squeeze. Each time the trembling stopped.

  Claiborne’s staff had left the proceedings at the church early. Mrs. Grenfell led the way back to make last minute arrangements for the funeral party. Ash had guided Madeleine to their carriage a few moments later. She leaned back on the seat and lifted her veil.

  “I didn’t think that would be so difficult,” she choked out her words and grappled for a handkerchief.

  Ash came to her rescue, handing over one of his own.

  “People seemed genuine in their sorrow. He must have been a popular man.”

  Madeleine dabbed her eyes on the square of white linen.

  “At one time, perhaps. When my mother was alive and well. People were kind to remember those times rather than the last few years.”

  Ash nodded.

  “People are generally compassionate at times like these. Your father had suffered greatly recently, but people will remember the better times.”

  Madeleine folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her reticule.

  “I hope so. He wasn’t an unkind man. He certainly didn’t deserve to die the way he did. I am only glad that people could see past his more recent impatience and lack of manners.”

  Ash smiled gently.

  “I am sure they did. But I wasn’t sure about that Barnaby fellow. The brother of your friend, I assume. Ghastly youth. Seemed outraged that we were married already. Perhaps he was another suitor for your hand.”

  Madeleine let out a gasp of horror.

  “Heaven forbid! He has only just turned eighteen and he is a horrible individual. He hadn’t even allowed Constance to attend today. Did you hear him say that she was indisposed? Indisposed my arse! It was more likely that she only has rags to wear as he refuses to give her a penny. Why, the last time I saw her she had holes in her stockings and threadbare cuffs. With a man like Francis in charge of Bramston, I cannot imagine that her situation has improved in recent months.”

  Ash pondered this information. Could it be true?

  “The mother looked well enough dressed. Far too flamboyant for a funeral if you ask me, but well dressed all the same. Are you sure that he is as tight fisted with his sister as you say?”

  Madeleine snorted and stared out of the carriage window.

  “That was Francis’ mother, not Constance’s. Their father remarried only months after his first wife died. Francis is the only product of that union and he treats his step-sister like a servant... Worse as presumably he pays his servants. The last time I saw Constance she was a bag of nerves, desperate for me not to see her true situation, but I could tell. I would have offered her something from my own purse, but I had nothing of any value in it. It is a pity that my father hadn’t informed me about or replied to an invitation from Francis earlier in the year. If I had known of it, I might have been able to help her then.”

  Ash stared at her.

  “Your father didn’t tell you about the invite?”

  She turned back to him.

  “My father didn’t tell me a lot of things, but in his defence, I can’t say that I ever asked. I carried on with my life just as I wished. I can see now that I should have been far more observant. Constance must think that I have dropped her, but I would never do that.”

  “But you haven’t seen her in months.”

  Madeleine answered with guilt in her eyes

  “I have already confessed to being spoiled. Don’t make me confess to worse. I am not a bad friend, just preoccupied with other things. I am not interested in gossip or discussing the latest fashions. I like riding, being in the fresh air. And the summer has been such a wonderful one. I didn’t want to let a single day of it pass me by.”

  Ash gave a quick nod.

  “Good for you! But you are right. Time flies for us all, especially as we grow older. And sometimes we are quick to judge. You must forgive me. I didn’t mean to cast you in a bad light.” The carriage began to slow as they neared Claiborne. Ash stared out at the building, once again struck by its impressive beauty. “Do you know that your father told me that Claiborne was a ruin? I confess it was the reason why I had never bothered to call before. Knowing that I would be the next earl and responsible for bringing it back to its former glory gave me some cause for concern.”

  Her brow furrowed quizzically.

  “A ruin? Why would he say such a thing?”

  “I think it was to make me work harder at earning my fortune. To make sure I had the funds to look after his daughter in the style to which she had become accustomed.”

  Madeleine let out a laugh.

  “You have to be joking! I might be used to doing what I like when I like, but my amusements cost virtually nothing.”

  “Hmm, no, I don’t suspect climbing trees costs a lot, but if you are going to tear your breeches in brambles all the time, well...” he smiled as her cheeks reddened.

  “That was once! And they were second-hand breeches anyway.”

  He quirked an eyebrow while studying her slim waist.

  “Really? Whose?”

  “Aiden’s, if you must know. He is at that age where nothing fits him for longer than a month. I am the fortunate recipient of all his out grown breeches.”

  Ash’s other eyebrow shot up to join the first. Aiden’s gangly figure looked hardly the right shape for his clothes to cover Madeleine’s enticing curves.

  “We will have to get some made to fit you properly.” He wasn’t sure why he made the offer. Certainly not for his own benefit. The mere thought of her body displayed in a pair of clinging breeches had his cock hardening so fast stars gathered before his eyes.

  She tilted her head.

  “You don’t mind me wearing breeches?”

  Ash grinned.

  “Can’t see how you would manage to climb a tree in a dress. One should always wear clothes fit for purpose.”

  She lifted her chin.

  “I ride astride too.”

  Her words nearly unmanned him. Did she know what she had inferred? Was that a challenge in her eyes? Definitely, but only one for horse riding. He coughed into his hand as he fought to bring his body back under control.

&
nbsp; “Perhaps you could show me around the estate sometime. Titan needs to stretch his legs and I am sure you have other horses that could do with the exercise.”

  Madeleine let out a deep sigh as they drew up at Claiborne’s door.

  “I am in mourning. Give me a year and I might be allowed to take you up on the offer.” She adjusted her veil to cover her face once again.

  The door opened and Aiden lowered the steps. Ash ignored them and sprang down before turning to help his wife from the carriage.

  “You disappoint me, my dear. I thought you were unconventional. A woman with a mind of her own. Not someone who would bow to convention, especially...” he glanced over his shoulder, checking to see that Aiden was once again occupied with the horses before whispering. “Especially when no one is looking.” He heard her faint gasp of surprise as he placed his hands on either side of her waist and lifted her down.

  “Ash! The servants!” She whispered back as her feet touched the ground.

  Ash tucked her hand in his elbow.

  “What about them. You might be in mourning, but we are newly weds. I cannot help it if I find you enticing.” He turned them towards the house. No one had come out. “Besides, they are all far too busy preparing for our guests.”

  She glanced up at him through the black lace.

  “Who are probably all turning in at the gate as we speak. Please Asher. I have to be conventional sometimes. And now is one of those times.”

  They mounted the steps. Flack opened the front door and stepped back to allow them entrance. Asher guided Madeleine inside and waited while she took off her coat. She handed it to the butler.

  “Everything will be set up in the drawing room. We should go there now.”

  Ash almost groaned at the prospect of hours of trivial small talk.

  “I wonder how soon we can get rid of them all. I wish to begin our investigations.” He kept his voice low.

  Madeleine walked towards the drawing room.

  “So do I. Perhaps we should make sure there is only enough for one slice of cake.” She opened the door and made her way to the settle. Asher remained standing at her side. Mary and Gertrude stood beside the long table, armed with pots of tea and trays of cake.

  Doctor Finch was the first through the door. He strode towards them, and gave Ash a curt nod before bowing over Madeleine’s hand.

  “Lady Madeleine, once again, I offer my condolences. This tragedy was not the end one would have wished for your father. He will be much missed.” He glowered up at Ash before moving off to take a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

  His greeting and words were the standard for the day, though most guests were far more polite to the new Earl of Claiborne. None of the mourners stood out as possible murder suspects. Not even Francis Barnaby, who had become so obsequious over the afternoon that Ash had been afraid he might vomit. The man only stopped fawning over Madeleine when she asked him of Constance’s whereabouts and health. Young Barnaby had immediately begun sweating. He ran his finger around his collar several times before answering.

  “I am afraid that she is unwell. Has been for some time. The long drive, you know... I say, it is awfully warn in here.” The sweat ran down his temples.

  Madeleine immediately sat forwards.

  “It has been a glorious summer. This drawing room benefits from facing west, but I will have Flack open the windows.” She raised her hand to the butler before turning back to Barnaby. “But you have worried me, Francis. What does the doctor diagnose is wrong with Constance?”

  Her question clearly rocked the young man. He sweated some more and pulled out a small cotton square. He dabbed his forehead quickly.

  “I don’t believe her condition is serious. It is simply a malaise of some sort. A summer cold, or some such female illness. She is simply off her food and feeling too weak to travel.”

  Ash stepped forwards.

  “Then perhaps I might bring my wife to see her at Barnston Hall. A friendly face might bring your sister around.”

  Barnaby swallowed several times.

  “Your wife? Oh yes, such surprising news. I had thought that with our close family ties and longstanding friendship...” He trailed off at Ash’s glare and gave Madeleine a short bow. “Of course, I offer my congratulations, but I am afraid any visits won’t be convenient. I am having some long overdue works done at the hall. We are unable to entertain guests at this time.”

  Ash beamed at the man.

  “Oh, but that is no problem. I know people in the area who will be happy to put us up. We can come and visit during the day and be away after dinner. We would put you to no trouble.”

  Barnaby gave another quick bow and began backing away.

  “Yes, of course. Please write and let me know when is convenient to you. Er, I must gather mother. We have a long drive home.” He disappeared into the crowd of guests, but his early departure galvanised others and soon everyone had said their goodbyes.

  “Your friend’s brother is indeed an odious fellow. It is obvious that he was hoping for more than a mere friendship with you.” Ash observed as the last of the visitors left Claiborne.

  Madeleine looked up at his tense figure.

  “Who? Francis? He is a bigger fool than I thought if he ever imagined that I would accept a boy like him.”

  Ash barked out a laugh.

  “You do a man’s ego good. I wonder why he ever thought to pursue you? Perhaps his renovations need added funds. He must have known that Claiborne was in good standing and probably assumed that you would have a large dowry.” His eyes narrowed. “He might have even thought to make sure of the money. Has he been near Claiborne recently?”

  Madeleine shook her head.

  “Not as far as I know. My father would never have given him an audience anyway. But if you are considering him as a candidate for my father’s killer, I wouldn’t give it much thought. I doubt he has the stomach for murder. He was a sweet boy when young but had a dreadful phobia, and I know from things that Constance told me only last year that he has never been able to control it. Francis faints at the mere hint of blood. And not merely his own. He cannot even look at a joint of rare roast beef without passing out at the table.”

  Ash grinned.

  “A lily liver! And an idiot too if he thought to capture your hand. I am concerned about your friend though. Did you notice the way he worded his response to your question about her diagnosis? If he is as tight fisted as you think, I wonder if he has called the doctor at all.”

  Madeleine pressed her lips together thoughtfully.

  “I don’t know. I suppose it is a possibility. I will have to write to Constance and see if she can give any answers. It is awful though. Francis never used to be like this. He doted on Constance and only changed after his father died. I believe his mother to be at the root of it all. Did you see her gown?”

  It wasn’t really a question. Ash had already noticed its brilliance earlier in the day, but at the church the woman had the decency to wear a shawl. She showed no such restraint once she reached Claiborne and he had overheard more than one person remarking on the danger of her assets spilling forth from her gown.

  “I could hardly miss what there was of it. And what there was didn’t cover half enough. Someone mentioned that they thought she had forgotten to put her clothes on entirely and had come out in her nightgown.”

  Madeleine laughed, the stress of the day leaving her at the shared lighthearted observation.

  “Indeed. Somewhat less than a nightgown if my own are anything to go by.” Her cheeks warmed as she said the words, but Asher didn’t seem to notice anything amiss and she hurried on before he did. “I think this might be a good time to tackle some of the staff. I am going to go to Mrs. Grenfell and thank her for her support today. I can bring up the wretched murder while chatting about who did and who didn’t attend the funeral.”

  Ash took his mind off the image of Madeleine in her nightgown, whatever style it might be, and agreed that talking to t
he staff was a good ploy.

  “And I’ll go and talk to Phillips. Now is as good a time as any, especially as his tongue might be loosened by the amount of brandy I suspect he might have been quaffing throughout the afternoon.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Enlightening Conversations

  But Ash didn’t have the opportunity to question Mr. Phillips. After a fruitless hour trying to track the man down, Ash eventually discovered him slumped in a chair in the library. An empty bottle of brandy lay at Phillips’ feet while the man himself snored gently.

  Ash rang for Mr. Flack.

  “Where does this fool sleep, apart from in the library?” He grunted as he squatted before Phillips’ limp body and hauled the man over his shoulder.

  Flack limped quickly to the door and held it open.

  “He has a small room beside the master’s suite or larger quarters on the third floor, but he rarely uses those.”

  Ash hoisted Phillips into a more secure position and grabbed the man around the back of his thighs.

  “The small room it will have to be. I am not hauling his drunken arse all over the house.” He began walking up the stairs. Flack walked with him.

  “It must be the stress and lack of any proper position. He doesn’t usually drink in the day.”

  Ash grunted. The valet might have been slender but he weighed as much as any man.

  “I don’t know how he functions at all. If the smell of him is anything to go by, he must be keeping the local distillers going all by himself.”

  They reached the top of the stairs and Flack rushed on along the hallway only stopping when they reached a small door just past the master suite. He opened it and went in, holding the door again as Ash came through and deposited the unconscious man on the narrow bed. Phillips chose that moment to let out a huge belch.

  “Ugh!” Ash wafted his hand before his face to dissipate the man’s sour breath. “How long has this been going on?”

  Flack blew out a long breath.