by Sarita Leone
“The Talbots seem a reputable source of information. We are agreed on that.” Oliver picked up his vest and foil. He had reasoned the matter out in his head several times but hearing it aloud only made him surer he had a lead in the theft. “The robbery had to occur between Sunday and Monday, then. The cottage is nearest the road, which is only sporadically traveled. Most of the time it is desolate, so anyone might easily sneak onto the property, to the cottage and…well, let us just say it would be the most likely way to steal something from the place.”
“Anyone, then, is capable of carrying out your plan. Everyone is a suspect, if it is that easy to accomplish the deed.”
Will gathered his equipment and the pair began to walk slowly back to the manor. The heat on Oliver’s head did not sufficiently chase the chill from his heart. If what he suspected was true, there were going to be people who were hurt by the news. In particular, his parents, and he hated the idea of doing one thing to upset either of them. He had done enough of that in his lifetime already, and had not atoned nearly enough to repay the sadness he had brought to their lives.
“Not everyone. We need only suspect those who traveled the road on either Sunday or Monday. Actually, we can narrow that down to Sunday night or Monday.”
Will snapped his fingers, turning so quickly he caught the shin of Oliver’s buckskins with the tip of his foil. The steel punctured the deerskin but, fortunately, did not pierce Oliver’s.
“Now who is trying to kill whom?” Oliver, knowing he was not injured, kept walking.
“Sorry! It is just that I wonder how you can be so sure it happened by Monday. Why not Tuesday morning? You don’t check the cottages until late in the day Tuesday. Yesterday you were early because of the lawn party but you are usually much later. That is neither here nor there, in any case. It still could have happened yesterday morning.”
“I don’t think so. Monday night there was a bit of a breeze, remember? I found leaves inside on the floor, and surmise they got blown in during the night. So that leaves Sunday night or Monday. And, while I hate to say it, we know of at least one carriage that went that way on Monday, don’t we?”
Will stopped short. He turned, a look of astonishment on his face. “You don’t mean…?”
They were within shouting distance of the house. Lord and Lady Gregory waved from their position at one of the tables set out on the broad stone terrace. Oliver waved with his free hand.
“That is exactly what I mean.” They were too far from anyone to be overheard but he spoke softly nonetheless. It seemed the fitting thing to do, considering what they discussed. “The only one I know of who passed that way on Monday was our new houseguest.”
“I cannot believe it. Miss Fox seems so-so-so—”
Watching Will sputter would have been comical had they not been discussing such a serious offense.
“Innocent?” The word tasted sour. When Will nodded, he could not look directly into his eyes. He began walking toward the terrace, and was pleased Will did the same. Just before they reached his parents, Oliver said, “In most crime novels the one who seems the most innocent is the criminal.”
****
Now that is the look of a woman in love, Vivian thought as she watched Lady Lucinda Jane Grayson pour a second cup of tea from the pot that had just been brought into the library. She refilled Miranda’s cup without asking, and then wordlessly held it out to her. Vivian shook her head, declining the offer and watched the light sparkle on the duchess’s wedding ring as she placed the pot in the center of the table. It was the second pot, the first having been depleted by the trio over introductory small talk. Now that they were getting down to more personal topics a fresh pot of tea seemed necessary, and Vivian was glad for that. She wanted a chance to get better acquainted with both women—even if that meant she had to drink countless cups of tea!
Today Miranda wore a morning dress made of shimmery pale turquoise fabric. Every time she moved, the dress rippled in a way that was all but mesmerizing. The dress’s graceful undulations and her fiery red mane, done in all-over ringlets held off the face with a deep turquoise ribbon, made Vivian think of mermaids. The effect was stunning and she could not keep from admiring the look.
“I am so glad you are back from your trip, Lucie.” Miranda ran a gentle hand down her skirt. “I missed you.”
“And I you.” Lucie sipped her tea, a sigh passing through her rosebud lips.
Miranda grinned at Vivian as if they shared a secret. Female companionship was something she had not had much experience with so she loved the feeling of inclusion. She smiled back, her smile growing wider when the other woman winked.
“Judging by that sigh, your trip with His Grace must have proved…satisfactory.” A tiny giggle punctuated her words.
Lucie colored slightly and waved her hand through the air. Again the sunlight streaming through the window hit her wedding ring. Rainbows of colors prismed from her finger, making the leather-bound volumes filling the room’s bookshelves seem alive.
“You must stop calling Nick that. Honestly, it is much too formal. Why, you and I are nearly sisters; how can you address the man who will be like a brother to you in no time as ‘Your Grace’? You cannot do it, Miranda. Or you either, Vivian. My husband would definitely prefer a more informal address, I am sure of it.” At the mention of the duke, Lucie sighed dreamily. “And to answer your question, we did have a pleasant time in Ireland. It all was very satisfactory.”
“What was it like? Ireland, I mean.” Stropshire had insulated her from the outside world, and while she had never minded that she was inexplicably drawn to hearing more about someplace so far from home.
I could not miss what I did not know, she thought with a twinge. Now I know…will I begin to miss things that I shall never have?
“Oh, Ireland was divine! All moldy old castles, rolling green hills and quaint little villages.” Lucie put a hand over her heart. “It was heavenly.”
“It sounds like England,” Miranda said with a laugh. “You have just turned me off from wanting to see the place. Why, if I travel anywhere it is going to be somewhere that does not remind me of here.”
Vivian heard something that sounded strangely like disgust in Miranda’s voice and wondered what caused it. She did not have long to guess, since Lucie asked the question she was not bold enough to ask.
“What is wrong with here? I have always loved England, and you have, too.” Lucie leaned forward, her eyes filled with concern. “What has changed in my absence to make you sound so sour? It is not like you to act this way.”
Vivian shifted in her chair when the redhead’s gaze swung her way. She felt as nervy as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs, and wondered which way to dart in order to keep the end of her tail from being squeezed.
“I do not wish to say.” Now her tone was a sad one, and it pushed her friend to interrogate her further.
“Don’t be such a silly goose. It’s obvious something is troubling you.” Lucie looked to Vivian for confirmation, and seemed satisfied with a quick nod. “Vivian sees it as well. Come now, tell us what is on your mind. And don’t hold back because of our guest. Why, I have spoken to Mother and she is already in love with our dear cousin so it is safe to share your secrets. Besides, she is a relation, and as such is in the family’s inner circle. You must not be shy around her. It simply would not do.”
It felt like her stomach fell right down into the toes of her borrowed slippers when Miranda glanced at her. Vivian had felt lighthearted when she dropped the rose-patterned dress over her head. Its scooped neckline and tulip sleeves had made her feel like a princess, and when she found the matching slippers, with rosebuds embroidered onto their toes, she had been truly delighted.
Now, however, elation seeped out of her like air from a bellows—in one sharp whoosh that made her head spin.
Whatever it is, it seems best to meet this head on.
“Lucie is right. I can see that whatever is bothering you has t
o do with me.” Vivian cleared her throat, trying to push the shakiness from her voice. She swallowed hard, and then asked. “What have I done? Please, tell me so I can make it right.”
“You have not done a thing. Well…” Miranda’s cheeks looked like apples and her lower lip quivered as she twisted her fingers in her lap. Her distress was enough to send thoughts for herself scattering. She put a hand on the woman’s arm, and spoke softly, the way she did with Liam when he was upset.
“Whatever it is, it is not worth getting yourself distressed over. Is it, Lucie?”
“Of course it isn’t. Come, tell us what is wrong so we can address the problem. I know you hate upheaval but there is no denying your discomfort.” She put her hand on Miranda’s other arm and patted it encouragingly. “Just spill the beans, dear. We are all adults here and together we will find a way out of whatever flap any of us is in. That is it, isn’t it? One of us is in a flap, and you are afraid you will hurt our feelings by saying so. I know you well…just spill it, and you will feel much relieved.”
Miranda’s nod sent her curls bouncing. She looked from one woman to the other, and then said, “It is Vivian.”
“What about Vivian?” Lucie asked, shooting her a look that said Be still and let me uncover the problem. They had not known each other long but it did not take a lifetime of knowing someone to see such a clear intention.
Now that the truth was out in the open Miranda did not hold back. Her gaze grew hard when she said, “It is not all her fault. It is this world we live in, with its stringent social rules that put every woman at a disadvantage. Why, if we were men we would not be having this discussion.”
“But we aren’t men, so we must, apparently, have a discussion.” Lucie sat back in her chair, looking certain that it was only a matter of time before the mystery of the distress would be unraveled. “What is it, precisely, that we are discussing? I still am in the dark about it, as I am certain poor cousin Vivian is as well.”
Miranda balled her hands into fists. “Convention! That is the root of all evil, I daresay. It is what prevents us from behaving as we would like and is what allows others—unconscionable reprobates, I say—to speak ill of us.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Just spill it already. You have got Vivian at sixes and sevens, and who can blame her? She probably imagines she has insulted the Regent himself, you are going on so. Just say it. What awful deed did my cousin carry out?”
The cream from her tea felt curdled in her stomach. A sour taste rose in her throat, burning the back of her mouth and bringing tears to her eyes. Vivian wished, in that half-second between knowing and not knowing, that she had stayed in Stropshire. At least there she knew when she had stuck her foot in something.
“She ate.” Miranda sighed, as if the effort of recounting the horror had been too much for her.
“Whatever do you mean…?” Understanding lit Lucie’s eyes, and she turned to Vivian and said, the words borne on another sigh, “You ate at the lawn party, didn’t you?”
“Of course I ate.” Goodness, where she came from no one saw food like had been at the previous day’s party. Sheer stupidity, that is what it would have been, for her to pass up the chance to eat her fill. A swell of justification rose within her, so she added, “I sampled nearly everything on the buffet table. It was all quite delicious.”
“Everything?”Lucie’s eyes grew as round as tea saucers. “You tried everything?”
“She did. Every single dish, from what I hear.”
“What do you mean? From what you hear—how is it that you hear anything about what I did or did not eat?” Indignation chased trepidation away in a heartbeat. Whatever could these two be going on about? It did not make any sense at all.
“Oh, by now tongues are wagging, I assure you.” Lucie looked amused. “I wager they wagged so fast they were nearly set afire yesterday, even before the party ended. That’s the truth, Miranda, isn’t it?”
“You know it is. Why, even before I met Vivian I knew she had eaten—all alone, no less—beneath a tree near the serving tables. It was the talk of the party.”
“Tsk-tsk-tsk, Vivian. You have no idea you committed a social blunder, do you? Oh, my dear cousin, I believe I love you already. Why, to think you could actually attend a party and eat your fill without anyone noticing—why, that is such a novel idea I almost wish I had thought of it myself.” Lucie steepled her fingers, placing her elbows on the arms of her chair and staring thoughtfully across the table. It did not take an interpreter to see she considered her next words carefully before she spoke them.
Their tea had been long forgotten. By now it would be cold if any of them cared to taste it.
She waited, holding her breath while the other two women exchanged knowing looks.
“I see we shall have to educate you in the ridiculous ways of Society.” Lucie smiled broadly, her eyes twinkling as if she looked forward to the job. “It will not do to have you appear to be such a green girl. It is no wonder you are not aware of the silly intricacies of polite society. There is no example of such in Stropshire, so how could you know what is expected and what is expressly forbidden to a young woman of some social standing?”
Vivian shook her head wearily. “Eating is forbidden?”
“Only in view of those who might think you too robust,” Miranda answered. “Eating in moderation is fine, but to heap your plate the way you did and eat as much as two hansom cab drivers is out of the question. It does not look good, and does make you seem a bit hoydenish. A lady eats small, dainty amounts—all things in moderation. That is, I believe, the key to the mealtime situation.”
“Agreed.” Lucie shrugged.”When I am with family or friends I may eat a third—or even a fourth—scone if I wish, but I would never dream of doing so before any I might wish to impress. Delicate; that is something a woman wishes to portray at all times.”
“Delicate.” She tucked the word into one corner of her mind, although it was entirely unnecessary. After today’s conversation she would never make the same mistake she had made yesterday. No one would accuse her of being hoydenish again. Ever!
“That’s correct.” Now that the initial disclosure was behind them, Miranda warmed to the exchange. Her hands were no longer fisted, and she waved them in the air around her head for emphasis. “A woman is, above all else, restrained. It is something we have been taught from the time we wore leading strings, so we are all-too aware that we may not indulge our wants or appetites. As Lucie said, amongst family and dear friends it is not necessary to be so careful. But out in public, it is a whole other story. Out there, people can be unkind. It is a sad truth of the world, I am afraid.”
“I have not had much experience with social constraints.” Vivian could not help but feel embarrassed by her faux pas. Had she known what was expected of a lawn party attendee it never would have happened. But she had not, so it had and now all she could do was pick herself up, learn from her mistake and move forward.
It was not as if the world was going to end just because she had behaved like a stable hand.
“Do not fret yourself over it.” Lucie sat up straighter and, with a small clap of her hands, turned to Miranda. “We shall take Vivian under our wings. Don’t you think it would be an enjoyable venture for all of us? Why, we could brush up on our manners while teaching dear cousin the ins and outs of the rigors of convention. I am sure Mother would approve of our doing so, and there is no harm for any of us in bettering ourselves. You are such a fabulous dancer. I am sure you could teach us some of the latest dances, as well as tutor us in the old stand-bys.”
“What fun!” Miranda glowed, her curls bouncing again against her shoulders as she warmed to the idea.
“Vivian? What do you say?”
She met Lucie’s gaze. It all sounded a lark, and no one could benefit more from lessons than she.
What do I have to lose? I am here for one grand Season, not to create one embarrassing Season.
“If you do not mind co
aching me, I would be extremely grateful for the help.” Being anything other than honest was pointless. They already knew she did not know what was expected of her so she could not hide her ignorance. “But I would not feel right if this arrangement is only one-sided. There must be something I can do to repay you.”
They shook their heads in unison, but she would not be deterred.
“I insist. You will keep me from making a fool of myself a second time, and I will never be able to thank you for that. And Miranda is going to teach me to dance without trampling all over a gentleman’s toes—something every man I partner will never be able to thank her for.”
They shared a quiet laugh. Camaraderie had grown between them, and all awkwardness had been banished.
Lucie tapped a finger against her temple. “I am well-read, having devoured nearly all of the books in this very room. You should be able to carry on a conversation with a literary slant, so I shall recommend books which I think may benefit. The first one I think you should read, if you have not already done so, is Miss Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, A Novel by a Lady. Have you read it?” Vivian shook her head but did not feel self-conscious. Lucie merely nodded, as if she had expected as much. “I shall loan you my copy, and you will begin reading this very day.”
“We should begin dance lessons today, as well.” Miranda wiggled in her seat, as if she heard musical notes no one else could hear. “The waltz. That is the dance to begin with, I believe.”
They had not solved one problem. Vivian might be unschooled, but she had a sense of obligation so she set her heels. “That is all well and good, but we still have not determined what I may do in return. I vow, I will not take part in this endeavor—which, if I may say so, sounds like more fun than I have ever had—unless we can decide upon something that I may do in return. What can I do to repay you?”
“Mother says you are an expert seamstress.” Lucie arched one eyebrow. “Is it true?”
Pride had never been one of her sins but now was no time for false modesty. “I am proficient, and have worked on designs sold in London shops. Would you like me to provide dressmaking skills while I am here? I would be only too happy to do so.”