CHAPTER 26
THE WEDDING CEREMONY was a small and intimate affair. Roberto lamented the fact that there hadn’t been time to prepare a new dress for the bride, the former Countess Scharwenka, but he was gratified to learn that the new Duchess of Tarrington would be a client of his establishment in the future.
After the ceremony, a small and subdued wedding luncheon was held in the private dining room of the bridal suite that had been hurriedly prepared for the newlyweds. Cecil, the new Duke of Tarrington, proved himself to be quite comfortable in his new role, Inspector Travers noted, displaying an admirable mix of the traditional amiable lord of the manor and the crafty squire with a shrewd judge of character.
The new duke slipped a generous check into Bert Ayres’s hand along with a whispered warning: “This will pay for your passage back to the States, plus there’s a little something extra to help you get started in a new line of business. I know all about my wife’s past, so don’t even think of trying to blackmail her.”
To Cora Hardwick he extended an invitation for a weekend visit to the family’s country house during her stay in England, along with some advice: “I won’t talk about your committing insurance fraud to my friends, if you don’t talk about these murders to yours.” She playfully tapped his arm with her lorgnette case to signal she understood.
Peter Carroll was a more difficult kettle of fish. There was no doubt that Carroll had acted disgracefully. If he had only caused the family embarrassment, Gerald might have been able to forgive him. But Gerald didn’t feel it was for him to forgive the destruction of so many lives. He therefore coolly informed the young man that he would receive a one-year stipend to do with as he pleased. “Waste it, or write your symphony or Broadway show, or whatever it is you were supposed to be doing. But after the year ends—and the annulment of your marriage comes through—your connection with my family is over. Forever. Don’t come back to me for more money.”
There was no need to offer the two Garnetts financial compensation, but Cecil did promise to keep his eye out for an eligible duke or earl for Penny. He also promised that he and his duchess would be in the audience for the pair’s opening night.
Jeffrey Baird was another one who needed nothing from the new duke, and Cecil didn’t insult him by offering him anything other than a handshake and thanks for the part he had played in solving the crimes.
“Well, Inspector,” he said to the last guest to depart from the room, “your job is almost over. But we will need you when we reach port. It’s an old family tradition that when a new duchess appears in public for the first time, she wears the Tarrington pearls. I expect there will be quite a crush on the pier, what with the reporters and the gawkers, so I’d appreciate you keeping close by us until we’re safely in a taxi.”
“A detachment of police officers has already been arranged,” replied Travers.
There was a short awkward silence. Then Gerald extended his hand, and Travers took it.
“I appreciate what you’ve done,” said Gerald. “Once we’re on shore, though, we’ll be on opposite sides. Sir William is too broken to help his wife and Lady Margaret, but I intend to hire the best legal counsel money can buy. I’ll do all I can to get them cleared of all charges.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to do otherwise, Your Grace.”
Cecil was right about the crowds on the pier. Although Inspector Travers had tried to keep his wires to Scotland Yard confidential, news about the murders and the arrests of Lady Lambton-Keene and Lady Margaret had gotten out. News about the new duke’s marriage had also made its way to shore. This double sensation meant half of England was on the pier, waiting for the ship to dock, or so it seemed. After the gangway was lowered, reporters crowded about the departing passengers, hoping for a scoop, while flashbulbs popped and newsreel cameras churned.
Penny and Nick were among the last of the first class passengers to depart. Their show business savvy told them not to compete with the new Duchess of Tarringon and her pearls. They therefore remained on deck, where they had a front-row-balcony view of the excited tumult that ensued when the new duchess graciously posed for the cameras.
But if they were feeling a little down because of their second-billing status, their spirits lifted when they spotted Fred Baker, the American producer of their show, waving frantically from the pier—and pointing to the photographers he had in tow.
“All set?” asked Nick, as he straightened his already perfect tie and made sure his hat was sitting at just the right tilt.
Penny did a final check of her hair and lipstick, and put her compact in her purse. Then she took Nick by the arm and put on her best smile.
“All set,” she said. “Let’s knock ‘em dead.”
THE END
If you enjoyed this book, please let others know by leaving a review at Amazon. Thank you!
About Aster Press
Aster Press publishes both traditional historical mysteries and historical mysteries with a Jewish theme. Here’s a selection of some of our other titles:
Ode to a Dead Lord
A Theo Bryght, Runner Mystery
By Jolie Beaumont
“A brilliant story about murder, deception and love” —Regency Inkwell
While Lord Byron is dazzling the Beau Monde with his poetry, Viscount Percy Ainsford Foster Ashe is discovered dead in a shabby boarding house in Brighton. Who murdered Viscount Ashe? Will his now penniless widow ever recover her lost fortune? For Bow Street Runner Theo Bryght the stakes are high as he races to solve the mystery behind what may be just the first canto in a deadly ode to revenge.
By Libi Astaire
Tempest in the Tea Room
“For anyone who loves Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, or who enjoys cleverly plotted mysteries dressed in period costumes.” — Kansas City Jewish Chronicle
When a young doctor newly arrived in London is accused of attempting to poison his patients, Mr. Melamed must discover the true culprit before it’s too late—for both the patient’s and the physician’s career.
The Doppelganger’s Dance
“Another great read by Libi Astaire.” —Amazon.com
A young Jewish violinist and composer comes to Regency London to find fame and fortune, but disaster strikes when someone steals his compositions before he can publish and perform them. He therefore turns to Mr. Melamed for help with finding the thief—and thus begins one of the most discomposing mysteries of the wealthy-widower-turned-sleuth’s career.
The Moon Taker
“One of the very best mysteries I have read in a long time” — Amazon.com
After a colleague of in the secondhand linen trade is murdered, General Well’ngone and the Earl of Gravel Lane set out to unmask the killer. First, though, they must unravel the secret of a mysterious snuff box, a quest that takes them from their East End slum to an elegant country house where a group of distinguished astronomers are meeting—one of whom has a secret as dark as the night sky.
The Vanisher Variations
“Another riveting book in this delightful series” – Amazon.com
When the wife of a Junior Lord of the Treasury vanishes while visiting Mahomed’s Steam and Vapour Sea Water Medicated Baths in Brighton, Mr. Melamed must battle wits with one of the craftiest criminal minds in England to find her.
For more information about these and other books, contact Aster Press at: [email protected]
Follow Jolie & Libi on Facebook at:
http://bit.ly/2iCEovL
Or Visit Their Websites:
Jolie Beaumont
Libi Astaire
yscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share
Set For Murder (Showbiz Is Murder Book 1) Page 23