“Do you think I don’t know that?” Edward said angrily. “Every time I think of it, I’m ashamed of myself. But if you understood all the circumstances…”
Georgiana looked at him, waiting for enlightenment.
“There are reasons… Lady Wickerston relies on me.”
“Good gracious,” said Georgiana. “Why on earth should she rely on you?”
Edward’s tone grew lofty. “As I said, Georgiana, you do not know all the circumstances.”
“I know. All gentlemen have their indiscretions.”
Edward’s chest swelled. “This is not an indiscretion.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened. “What? But you said...”
“Never mind what I said,” responded Edward irritably. “I don’t care to discuss it with you.”
“Indeed?” said Georgiana. “Then what are you doing here, pray?”
Edward seemed at a loss. Georgiana went to the door and opened it.
“If there is nothing more, I shall say goodnight.”
“No, Georgiana, wait, please.”
Georgiana closed the door.
“Well?” she said.
Edward began to pace the room, seeming to search for what he wanted to say. Georgiana waited patiently.
“I know you think I am just amusing myself, but it is not that simple. Neither do I wish to betray Amanda.” He paused. “I know it is wrong, but it is the deuce of a tangle. I have tried to break it off, several times, but there are difficulties.”
“What difficulties?” inquired Georgiana.
Edward was evasive. “Lady Wickerston has problems. I am not at liberty to discuss them.”
“Oh, very well,” said Georgiana. She looked towards her brother. “How can you be sure Amanda won’t find out? I did.”
Edward looked gloomy.
Georgiana’s tone grew brisk, practical. “It would be very much worse if that were to happen.”
“I am aware of that,” he responded, “particularly in the present circumstances.” The abruptness with which he stopped speaking drew Georgiana’s attention.
“What do you mean, ‘the present circumstances’?” she demanded.
Edward looked uneasy, as if he had been caught off guard. “Why, Sir Robert Foster’s murder. It makes things a trifle awkward.”
“Awkward? My goodness, Edward, what a description. What does Sir Robert’s murder have to do with you and Lady Wickerston?”
“Nothing,” he said hastily. “But he was her uncle; this is a difficult time for her.”
“She did not appear particularly grief stricken,” said Georgiana. “Tell me, do you know if Lady Wickerston had anything to gain by her uncle’s death?”
“No, of course not,” he said, a little too vehemently.
“No, she had nothing to gain, or no, you don’t know?”
“This is absurd, Georgiana. Are you implying she had something to do with his death?”
“I’m not implying anything, I’m asking a question.”
“Well, it’s out of the question. In any case…” Edward paused, looking uneasy.
“In any case, what?”
Edward drew a deep breath. “I was with Theresa Wickerston on the night of Sir Robert’s murder.”
“You were?”
He nodded.
“So you weren’t at Brooks’s?”
“No. At least, I did look in there, but didn’t stay very long.”
“I see.” Georgiana digested this information. A finger of doubt niggled at her. Edward’s story did not quite ring true.
“Lady Wickerston will support what you say, I suppose?”
“What?” he asked. “You don’t mean to ask her?”
Georgiana shrugged. “Not unless I have to.”
“Why on earth should you have to?” he demanded. “I don’t like the idea of you discussing this with her, Georgiana.”
“I’d be surprised if you did.” Georgiana said lightly.
“Sir Robert’s murder has nothing to do with you, Georgiana. I must say, you’re developing a very unhealthy interest in this business.”
“Yes, well, it concerns a friend of mine,” Georgiana said cagily.
“Lakesby, no doubt,” Edward said with a grim note to his voice.
“Louisa Winters,” said Georgiana promptly. “There was talk of her marrying Sir Robert.”
“You’re not serious?”
Georgiana nodded. “Indeed I am. I believe Lady Winters and Sir Robert had virtually arranged it.”
Edward looked slightly nauseous. “I can’t imagine Lakesby agreeing to it. Isn’t he the girl’s guardian?”
“Yes, with her mother. You’re quite right; he wasn’t in favour of the match.” Georgiana paused and looked closely at her brother. “I understand you and Mr Lakesby are better acquainted than you led me to believe.”
Edward pursed his lips. “I don’t wish to discuss it.”
“For heaven’s sake, Edward, it was a lark. I don’t imagine anyone even remembers it.”
The look on Edward’s face left Georgiana unsure whether she had offended his dignity or his vanity.
“We were sent down, Georgiana.”
“Yes, well, even so, I think it a trifle excessive that you should still not be on speaking terms.” She paused, then continued tentatively, “I suspect he regrets it.”
“No doubt you consider you know best,” said Edward stiffly. “I must go. It’s growing late.” He hesitated, looking steadily at his sister. “It is not always wise to take people at their word, Georgiana. Since you are so interested in Sir Robert Foster’s murder, I suggest you ask your friend Lakesby about his own motives. He had a grudge against Sir Robert, far greater than any Theresa Wickerston may have had. Goodnight, Georgiana.” Refusing to say anything further, he left.
Emily was waiting for her when she retired.
“Are you quite well, miss?”
Georgiana smiled, trying to shake off her abstraction. “Yes, thank you, Emily. I’m sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
Georgiana lay awake for what seemed like hours, a jumble of thoughts tossing around in her head. Foremost in her mind were Edward’s parting words. She was less surprised by his suggestion that Lakesby had a grudge against Sir Robert than by his assumption that she was accusing Lady Wickerston.
Georgiana slept fitfully and rose feeling little rested. Emily looked knowingly at her mistress when she brought her chocolate, but made no comment, merely inquiring what she proposed to wear that day. Georgiana felt a twinge of guilt that that she was not being entirely candid with Emily. The maid knew the worst about her and had been friend, confidante and protectress. It weighed heavily on Georgiana that she was holding information back from her.
Drinking her tea at the breakfast table, Georgiana found herself watching James as he went about his duties. It was hard to imagine him as a murderer. Yet although Georgiana had known him as long as she had known Emily, in some respects he was hard to fathom. He had seemed to accept his imprisonment philosophically. Georgiana had never heard him complain about the cough he had acquired which seemed a permanent part of his life.
“James.”
The footman turned towards her inquiringly, halting his progress out of the room.
“Yes, miss?”
Georgiana found herself unsure what to say. How could she ask her footman how he had spent his evening out? It was none of her business. To point out the coincidence of it being the night of Sir Robert Foster’s murder denoted a lack of trust which was likely to wound him. Resolutely pushing away the guilt she felt, Georgiana smiled.
“How is Tom getting along?” she inquired by way of opening the conversation.
“Well enough, miss. He seems keen and willing to learn, but we’re keeping him away from the china.”
Georgiana frowned in puzzlement. She would have expected him to say the silver. James seemed to read her thoughts.
“Breakages seem more of a danger than theft, miss.”
“
I see. I trust no one’s objected to his being here?”
“Not at all, miss. It was nothing more than a charitable impulse after all. In fact, Mrs Daniels has taken to mothering him. He – er – doesn’t seem entirely comfortable with that. I suspect he’s not sure how to take it.”
Georgiana smiled. “Mrs Daniels is an excellent creature, but I can imagine her rather overpowering for a boy of his age.”
“Quite so, miss.”
“As long as he is not proving a disruption to the household.”
“Not at all, miss.”
“I’m very glad to hear it. By the way, I understand you changed your day out this week.”
“Yes, miss. There was a matter I needed to attend to.”
“I see. James, you would tell me if there was anything wrong, wouldn’t you?”
“I beg your pardon, miss?”
“I’d like you to feel you could come to me if you needed any help.”
“Thank you, miss, but I’d not wish to impose.”
“It’s hardly an imposition, James. After all, I have known you and Emily for rather a long time.”
“Even so, miss…” James paused, looking steadily at her. “Begging your pardon, Miss Georgiana, but why should you imagine there’s something wrong?”
“I was just concerned, James. It’s not often you change your day out so I wanted to be certain nothing was amiss, particularly as…” Georgiana halted, wishing she could have bitten out her tongue.
“Particularly as what, miss?”
Pushing her empty plate away, Georgiana drew a breath and spoke steadily.
“Your evening out was Tuesday, was it not?”
“Yes, miss.”
“I believe that was the night Sir Robert Foster died,” she said in as light a tone as she could manage. “It occurred to me that you might have encountered some trouble, either heard something, or seen the person who carried out the murder.”
“Or committed the murder myself?”
“James, no,” Georgiana protested.
“It’s all right, miss. Lord knows, I had reason to dislike the man. I can’t honestly say I was sorry to hear he was dead, miss, but I promise you I had nothing to do with it.”
“James, I am not trying to accuse you. I just want to find out what happened.”
“I beg your pardon, miss, but shouldn’t you leave that to the proper authorities?”
“I have my own reasons for wishing to see the matter resolved.”
“I see.”
Georgiana wondered whether he did. However, she did not pursue it and he did not elaborate.
“I visited a friend, Miss Georgiana.”
“Oh?”
James seemed hesitant to volunteer any more. Georgiana waited expectantly.
“He’s someone I met when…” James’s voice trailed off. He took a deep breath before continuing. “He’d been sentenced to transportation.”
“Then how did you come to be visiting him?”
“He escaped,” said James uneasily, “before the sentence was carried out.”
“So he was in hiding,” responded Georgiana.
“Yes, miss. I took him some food and some spare clothing.” He bowed his head slightly. “I beg your pardon, miss. I know it was wrong, but I took pity on the poor fellow. He was planning on going to France.”
“It’s quite all right, James. I don’t need to know any more,” said Georgiana. She paused thoughtfully. “Unless… Did Sir Robert by any chance sentence your friend?”
“I don’t know, miss. It’s possible, I suppose.”
“You didn’t see anything out of the ordinary?”
James shook his head.
“And your friend?” she asked.
“He didn’t mention anything, miss, though I think he was too busy trying to avoid being seen himself.”
“Yes. Thank you, James.”
“Miss.”
James departed. Georgiana was surprised to see him return a few minutes later.
“Mrs Grey has called, miss.”
“What?” Georgiana laid down her napkin. “Please show her in, James.”
“Very good, miss.”
Georgiana’s first thought, that Edward had confessed his indiscretion to his wife, was soon dismissed by her sister-in-law’s appearance. Amanda looked concerned but not upset, and was immaculate in a cream morning dress. She laid down her reticule on the breakfast table as she came forward to embrace Georgiana.
“Amanda, I trust there is nothing wrong?”
“No. That is, I’m not sure.”
“Shall I ask James to bring some fresh tea?”
Amanda shook her head. “No, thank you. I won’t stay long. Where is Selina?”
“Gone to do some sewing,” replied Georgiana. “Shall I send someone for her?”
“No, I’m glad to find you alone. I wanted to speak to you about Edward.”
“About Edward?” Georgiana was wary. She poured herself a second cup of tea to avoid her sister-in-law’s eye.
“Yes. You see I am a little worried about him. He does not seem quite himself.”
Georgiana refrained from suggesting this could be an improvement. “In what way?” she inquired.
“He seems preoccupied, worried about something. Has he said anything to you?”
Georgiana took a sip of tea while gathering her thoughts.
“Edward is not given to confiding in me,” she replied.
“I know,” said Amanda. “But I had hoped perhaps if there was something he did not wish to worry me about…”
Her voice trailed off. Georgiana’s heart went out to her. Impulsively she put her hand over Amanda’s.
“I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s probably just the extra responsibilities of his magistrate’s appointment.”
“I suppose so,” Amanda sighed. She smiled. “Thank you, Georgiana.”
“Has he made any progress with the inquiries into Sir Robert’s death?” Georgiana asked as casually as she could.
“I don’t know. He hasn’t really talked about it.”
Georgiana was unsurprised. Amanda drew on her gloves. “I must go,” she said. “I have a few errands. I don’t suppose you’d care to accompany me?”
“No, thank you,” responded Georgiana. “I have some matters of my own in need of attention.”
“Very well,” said Amanda, rising. “Give my love to Selina, won’t you?” She moved towards the door just as James entered the room.
“Yes, James?” prompted Georgiana as he looked towards her.
“Mr Lakesby is here, miss.”
Amanda looked at her sister-in-law in some surprise. Georgiana did not blink.
“Already? Very well, I suppose you had better show him into the drawing room. I will be there directly.”
“Yes, miss.”
The footman withdrew. Georgiana turned and bade her sister-in-law goodbye, making no attempt to explain her visitor.
Lakesby stood in the middle of the drawing room, looking out of the window, his driving gloves in his hand. He turned and smiled as she entered. “My curricle is outside; your stable-boy is walking the horses. I assume he can be trusted with them?” He looked at her attire. “Had we not arranged to go driving today, Miss Grey?”
“Yes, but I am afraid my sister-in-law called and has just this second left. I will not keep you above a few moments while I fetch a pelisse.”
“Of course,” said Lakesby, turning his attention back to the window.
There was no sign of Emily, so Georgiana reached quickly into the wardrobe for a pelisse, hastily tying the ribbons at her throat. The bonnet she chose was the first one which came to hand and she ran lightly down the stairs clutching it, putting it on her head when she returned to the drawing room. Not being certain where Tom was, Georgiana wanted Lakesby out of the house with all speed. She was not ready to run the risk of the two meeting.
“There was no need to rush,” said Lakesby with a smile as he came towards her.
“Do you?” asked Lakesby as they stepped out to his curricle. They fell silent as they reached earshot of the stable-boy. Lakesby tossed him a coin. They did not speak again until the horses were moving.
“What do you intend to say to Lady Wickerston?” Lakesby inquired. “Surely you do not mean to tax her with her liaison with your brother?”
“Good gracious, no,” said Georgiana with a laugh. “Besides, I have already spoken to Edward about that.”
“What?” Lakesby was momentarily startled. “You’re not serious?”
Georgiana looked towards him, an impish grin appearing. “Was it not your own suggestion, Mr Lakesby?”
“Well, yes, but I did not imagine...” He stopped and looked at her sternly. “I ought to box your ears.”
“Hardly your responsibility, Mr Lakesby,” she said lightly.
“Very well, what did your brother have to say?”
Georgiana hesitated. Edward’s infidelity was a family matter which she felt uneasy discussing with Lakesby. Besides, she was not fully convinced of his innocence in the matter of Sir Robert’s murder, especially after Edward’s suggestion that he had a motive.
“You might as well tell me, you know,” he remarked. “If Lady Wickerston is Sir Robert Foster’s niece, it could have some bearing on his murder.”
“How so?” said Georgiana, knowing he was right.
Lakesby gave her a baleful look. “Stop trying to pretend you have the intellect of my cousin. I know perfectly well you have a first class brain and all this has already occurred to you.”
“What makes you so certain?” Georgiana demanded.
“Because if you were bird-witted you would have been on the gallows after you had held up your first carriage.”
Georgiana did not answer. Lakesby looked exasperated. “Miss Grey–”
“Mr Lakesby,” she interrupted, “my brother seems under the impression you had a motive for the murder of Sir Robert.”
Lakesby was silent for a moment or two. When he did speak, he was not casually dismissive as she had expected.
“I take it you mean apart from my supposed desire to remove him from the path of marriage to my cousin,” he said grimly.
The Crimson Cavaliers Page 21