Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Come in,” Robert said then glanced to his wife who cocked a brow to him.

  “M’ lord and lady, you wish to see me?”

  “Yes. Once it’s dark I need you, along with several footmen of your choosing, to sneak into The Albany and Lord Ethan Rosewood’s apartment. He will be staying with us for a few days while a problem is resolved but arrived with nothing. You need to collect attire and other sundry items so his time here will be comfortable,” Robert directed his valet.

  From the grin Kristina saw the man give them she knew Robert had chosen the perfect person to do this task. If she wasn’t mistaken entering a building without causing an alarm was one of his better skills, besides making sure her husband was turned out properly.

  “M’ lord, I know the perfect assistants.”

  “Wonderful. Now do what needs doing and we’ll see you later,” he pronounced, nodding to the man’s bow.

  With that done Kristina stood then waved Robert from his chair which she then occupied and penned a short note to her mother. She also wrote another but secreted the recipient from him. Sealing them she turned to him.

  “Can you make sure these are sent today and the footmen needn’t wait for a response?”

  “Of course. Now I’d suggest you go rest until dinner as I’ve some digging to do and will let you and Ethan know what I’ve found then.”

  With a dip of her head she stood, swept from the room and up the stairs to her suite. There she, with assistance from Amanda, crawled into her very seldom used bed.

  Before she knew it Robert was gently rubbing her back waking her.

  “Amanda has gone to make sure your bath water is heated. I’ll see you in an hour and might I suggest your sitting room?”

  “Perfect. Will Ethan be joining us?”

  “No. He chose to dine in his suite.”

  Later, over dinner, followed by tea for her while brandy for Robert, she listened to what he’d been able to discover which was very little. She now knew the meeting with her mother would be highly important but it still left the question—where had this woman gone to ground and could she be found.

  Chapter Four

  “Good morning my dear,” Robert told his wife as she swept into the dining room.

  “And to you my love. Please sit while I fix a plate. Have you seen or heard from Ethan yet this morning?”

  “He left a few minutes ago saying he wanted to continue to write down everyone he met and or talked to over the past days. But, on an interesting note you have responses from your notes from yesterday. Of course your mother is one and even more interestingly the other is from Lady Katherine.”

  “Yes, we’ve been friends for years and I sent her a note telling her how sad I was on hearing of the death of her brother. I also assured her Ethan didn’t kill him and promised we’d find the culprit.”

  After fixing a plate of eggs, toast and a slice of ham she stepped over to the table, set it down and took her seat. Ignoring her breakfast she passed over the note from her mother, more interested in the one from Katherine. Breaking the seal she withdrew the parchment and quickly read it then gave Robert a warm smile.

  My dearest friend,

  Thank you for your kind words of sympathy.

  Yes, I know Lord Rosewood didn’t and couldn’t have murdered my brother as we were at the theatre then a ball when he was supposed to have done the deed. I tried telling the authorities that but they refused to believe me.

  You are more than welcome to visit me at eleven and review the letters my brother sent to our parents regarding Ethan’s request.

  Your friend forever,

  Katherine

  “Would you please have the landau out front in an hour as we have a private interview with Lady Katherine.” She paused and sliced off a small piece of ham, dipped it in egg yolk then popped it in her mouth. All the while she, under hooded lids, studied the confused look her husband had.

  “Certainly. Would you also tell me what Lady Katherine said?”

  “She invited me to come to visit privately with her and review the letters her brother wrote. Here,” she said then handed him the note.

  While she continued to break her fast she glanced to Robert as he read the letter. She could tell when he got to the part about her friend knowing Ethan was innocent by the wide-eyed expression he had. What did infuriate Kristina was the fact even when presented with the truth Bow Street ignored it, thus the hue and cry for her brother.

  Kristina, and now Robert, knew the only way to clear him was to find the woman and gain a confession from her. But also, she needed to confirm what Katherine said about her and Ethan being at the theatre then a ball.

  “Darling, would you think Lady Katherine would object if I accompanied you? With the runners hanging around I fear for your safety and they don’t force you to go with them.”

  “Not at all. Actually, I was going to suggest you do for that exact reason. With several mounted outriders along with footmen on the coach that should dissuade them from causing trouble. But, before we depart I do believe a short meeting with Ethan is called for,” she declared, finishing the last bite of her meal.

  Taking up the note from her mother she glanced briefly at it, smiled then turned to Robert.

  “Yes, Mother and Father will be in the park this afternoon and agree we should start painting Ethan in a true light.”

  “For that meeting then I’d suggest the town coach so we may converse without being interrupted. After which a short stroll about the lawn,” Robert said.

  “That would be perfect. Shall we talk to Ethan to see if what Katherine said and what he tells us are the same?” she asked, getting up from the table.

  “Bing, please invite Lord Rosewood to join us in my office,” Robert ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  With the butler off to have her brother meet them she started to wonder what his answer would be. All she hoped for was the same as she’d read. If not, then who would she and Robert believe. Knowing Ethan as she did it would be difficult to answer especially knowing he hunted spies, which meant he could lie easily and be believed.

  Taking Robert’s hand in hers she let him guide her to the first floor and down to his office. As they entered she released him, went to her favourite settee and got comfortable as Ethan strolled in.

  “Robert, thank you for obtaining fresh clothing for me and also the use of a valet,” he said, then nodded to his sister.

  “For the man you need thank Kristina as I did it on her recommendation. As she so aptly put it, ‘a gentleman of his station should always be turned out perfectly’. To which I agreed. The valet you have has been training with mine so you may be assured he’s well up to the task.”

  “Again thank you. How may I be of assistance?”

  “This will only take a moment as my wife has one question then you are free to return to your suite,” Robert told him.

  “Yes, the night Lange was murdered where were you?”

  “That’s simple. I escorted Lady Katherine to the theatre where we saw a passible rendition of Othello. From there we attended a ball. Why?”

  Kristina glanced over to Robert and gave him a smile then nodded for him to answer.

  “Last night Kristina sent Lady Katherine a note expressing her condolences on the loss of Lord Lange. She also ask if she knew where you were on the night he was killed. She said exactly the same as you. We wanted to confirm this information with you.”

  What did surprise Kristina, he’d not said anything about the upcoming visit. Was it possible Robert didn’t want to let Ethan know their plans for the next few hours as they were going to dig a little further into his story? She suspected that to be the case so held off saying anything except, “Brother, if you wish to send a note letting Lady Katherine know you’re safe feel free. All we ask is not to let on where you are hiding as that could put her in danger.”

  “How would you propose to do that?” Ethan asked. She noticed a confused tone in his voic
e.

  “Again Ethan for your safety and hers that means Kristina and I will keep to ourselves. Don’t forget if it was the French woman who murdered Lord Lange we don’t know who or how many eyes she has on us,” Robert explained easily.

  “I understand and thank you.”

  “However, I would recommend you pen a note to our parents as we will be seeing them this afternoon. What you say to them is up to you but I’d recommend it be positive?” Kristina told him.

  “I will and thank you. If you’ll excuse me I’ll write both letters and I suppose you’ll be seeing them this afternoon?”

  “Yes. Also, I know how boring it can be staying in your suite so you may stroll about the garden. Make sure you have at least two footmen with you,” Robert said.

  “Again, thank you for permission to be outside,” Ethan spoke, bowed then left the room.

  “Let me get my bonnet and parasol then I’ll meet you downstairs shortly,” she declared.

  “Perfect but take your time as I need to order up several outriders and have Bing assign footmen to accompany us,” he told her as he walked her to the stairs.

  “Thank you,” she said then made her way to her suite.

  A short while later, under extra protection, the Markson landau entered the forecourt of the Clarion ducal palace. Kristina was amazed at the lack of visitors paying their respects to the grieving sister.

  When the coach came to a stop in front of the main stairs she looked to the main portico and saw Lady Katherine standing in the doorway. Not surprisingly she was in a bombazine mourning gown which contrasted with the soft smile on her lips for seeing a friend again.

  Aided from the landau by Robert Kristina gracefully swept up the steps to her friend and embraced her while giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “My dear, I’m so sorry for your lose but I can assure you we’ll bring the person responsible to justice,” she declared.

  “Yes, one way or the other they will pay,” Robert added, giving her a deep bow as required considering her parents ranking.

  “I know you will as, through Ethan I’ve heard how you saved your older sister Lord Markson. Please come in as tea is ready so we may discuss your needs and wants,” Lady Katherine informed then.

  With her friend leading Kristina felt the warmth of Robert’s hand on the small of her back as they entered the massive structure then up to the first floor. Strolling down the corridor she noticed, save the size, this huge townhouse wasn’t much different than the one she occupied, nor her parents.

  Stepping into a small, very unduchess, sitting room Kristina noticed several letters and a well-worn book set on a table in front of a light purple divan. Immediately she knew they were copies of the missives to Katherine’s parents in regards to Ethan along with his diary. Accepting the offer to sit on the settee she patiently waited while tea was poured and biscuits passed.

  “Kristina, my dear friend, as you noticed I’ve the letter from the duke and duchess. They are responses to the ones my late brother sent and as you will see they have become more than pleased he’s wishing to offer for me. In the latest one, which arrived the morning of his untimely death, they extended an invitation for us to join them at the estate. I’m sure you will wish to review them but they can’t leave the palace,” Katherine explained.

  “M’ lady, we’d never think of depriving you of them nor the diary. All we wish is to confirm what Lord Rosewood told us. Between his verification of the events on that fateful night we only seek to remove him as a suspect. With what you’ve told us Lady Markson and I are in agreement everything he said is truthful. To that end we won’t be reading any of them,” Robert let Katherine know.

  Kristina was about to reaffirm what her husband had said but was distracted by the sound of quickly rushing feet toward the sitting room. Something told her it had to be the butler with horrific news and she was correct when the man came to a stop in the doorway, a panicked look on the butler’s face.

  “M’ ladies and lord. Please forgive my interruption but several men from Bow Street are demanding to speak with you,” he sputtered out

  “Have them thrown off the land and told not to return until they find the one true murderer of Lord Martin Lange,” Katherine ordered him.

  “I would m’ lady but one is the magistrate himself who demands the audience.”

  “Katherine, if I might suggest don’t let them in. From what you wrote me they don’t believe you were with Ethan. As such you’ve nothing more to say to them unless it’s to clear his name,” Kristina told her friend.

  “Yes, I’m in total agreement with you on that point. As I said, have then tossed them out and if possible into the gutter,” she ordered her butler.

  “As you wish m’ lady.”

  Kristina couldn’t help but notice the grin the butler gave her friend. If she wasn’t mistaken this wasn’t the first time the man had been forced to deal with the magistrate but it would be the last. Turning back to Katherine she gave her a warm smile.

  “Now, where were we? Ah yes, the letters and diary. As my husband said, from what you have told us we’ve no need to see them as they might also contain personal family news. But, over the past few months have you met with anyone new, to you that is?. By that I mean not introduced by a current friend but someone who wished to make your acquaintance,” Kristina asked leaving off the fact this individual might be from across the channel.

  “Now that you mention it, yes. It was right after Ethan returned to Scotland, for what I don’t know as he keeps his Crown business to himself. I attended a ball with my brother and was introduced to an attractive young lady. From her speech, even though very English, she did have a French accent when she spoke.”

  “Perchance can you remember her name or who sponsored her?” Kristina asked.

  Kristina knew this could be the one tiny piece of information needed to hunt the murderer down.

  “Unfortunately no. I only met her once at the Darish ball and only for the briefest of time. Why, do you believe she could have hunted me down for a nefarious purpose?”

  Not wishing to add to her friend’s sorrow Kristina didn’t directly answer and glared to Robert not to say anything, which was rewarded by a slight nod. Now they had another avenue to look into but as time was coming to an end she stood, bringing Robert to his feet.

  “My dearest friend, thank you for your time during this sad period in your life. At the duke and duchess expected?”

  “No. They sent a letter directing Martin’s remains to be returned to their estate where he will be buried. They did, however, affirm they didn’t believe Ethan killed him.”

  With that Kristina knew at least they were on their side, which could be a help as she and Robert looked into the murder. After saying their good-byes she let her husband guide her downstairs and into the landau. Pleasantly, the carriage drive back to their townhouse was in silence, thus giving her the opportunity to think over what had been learned. Glancing to Robert she knew he was doing the same.

  Chapter Five

  He started to cut off a piece of ham when heavy footsteps told him Ethan was about to step into the small dining room. Lifting his head Robert smiled on seeing his brother-in-law stroll in, two envelopes in hand.

  “Ah good I see you’ve taken the time to pen a letter to the earl and countess. Might the other be addressed to Lady Katherine?”

  “Yes but I have no idea how you will get the one to Lady Katherine?”

  Robert knew exactly how it would be done but didn’t want to let Ethan know, as he might try to use the same way to see her. He’d talk to Kristina on their way to the park to meet her mother and see if she agreed with him, have the same footman deliver it. He reached out to take the proffered letters with a smile, something he wasn’t used to doing around the man.

  “Unless you’ve already dined why don’t you join me?” Robert told him.

  “Thank you. I don’t mind if I do as eating in my suite, nice as it is doesn’t lead to a he
althy appetite. Will my sister be joining us?”

  “No. She’s going to dine in our suite then rest before meeting with your parents.”

  From the look of astonishment Robert suspected something was wrong, to which he agreed silently. Ever since they’d first met at the ball when Donna had introduced them Kristina had always been energetic. Now she needed to rest but that was to be expected considering her delicate condition. He wondered if Ethan might be beginning to deduce exactly what was wrong with her. If he did or somehow learned of it Robert’s primary question was—what would Ethan do or insist on her not doing?

  He waiting until Ethan took a seat and started to cut into his meat. “From what we were able to learn earlier the facts as you told us are correct. We also learned this mystery woman met Lady Katherine at the Darish ball.”

  “Now that you mention it, I do remember Katherine telling me something about meeting a young French woman when I’d returned north to help you.”

  Again, everything they’d learned earlier was confirmed by Ethan. At least the man wasn’t lying but it didn’t get him and his wife any closer to finding murderer of Lange. Hopefully, this afternoon when they get together with Eustace and Sylvia they will learn about the younger son, now that he was set to inherit to dukedom. Also, the countess might know a way to find out more about the woman, in particular who sponsored her to the ball.

  As they continued to work through luncheon Robert studied Ethan, looking for any hint as to if he knew the identity of the French woman. After all, he’d sent his man after her once it was learned she’d been responsible for Lord Kersey’s murder. At this point, though he didn’t want to bring this fact up until discussing it with his wife. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his judgment, it’s that she tended to look at the problem in a unique way. One he couldn’t describe, if asked, but rarely was she ever wrong.

  Even though neither he nor Kristina had specifically asked the name of the woman Robert was amazed Ethan hadn’t freely volunteered it.