“You sound very confident.”
Lily blushed. “Not exactly confident, but I’m sure they aren’t courting me because they lack anything better to do. It shouldn’t be long before one of them asks me to marry him. So I hope your investigator is working hard.”
I hated to tell her my investigator was working on another case altogether. Of course there was my meeting today. “I might receive some information this afternoon in fact. But I still advise you not to be in such a hurry. Don’t say yes to any proposal of marriage unless you love the man.”
Lily pulled a face. “They’re all very nice men.”
“But you don’t feel more for one than the others?” She hesitated, and I reached across the desk to squeeze her hand. “Give it time, Lily. Who took you riding yesterday?”
“Viscount Ainsworthy. We drove through Hyde Park in his carriage.” She flipped through her sketchbook. “I did a sketch of him yesterday.” She turned the drawing toward me, then flipped forward another page. “I did this one of Mr. Kendrick just now, but I’ll have to see him again to make sure I’ve got him right.”
I turned back to the first sketch. “You did this while in a moving carriage?”
“Well, no. We stopped, and walked a bit, and—”
“Found a secluded spot somewhere in the park?”
Lily put on an innocent face. “It wasn’t very secluded.”
“Lily, you must take better care of your reputation. Thank goodness Aunt Hetty is your chaperone today. Jenny must have felt it wasn’t her place to advise you.”
“Aunt Hetty is coming with me today? How am I to get to know these gentlemen with her at my side?”
“By talking with them. And with Aunt Hetty drawing them out, you’re likely to learn more, not less.”
“I’d much rather Jenny chaperone me.”
I held up my hand to stop her. “You cannot coax me out of this decision. I have an appointment this afternoon, and Jenny has work to do. It isn’t as though I have a surplus of servants in this house. When Jenny spends two or three hours with you, someone else has to do her work. So it’s Aunt Hetty, or you stay home.”
“Well, if you put it that way, I suppose it’s Aunt Hetty.”
I patted her cheek. “And no pouting.”
“I’m not pouting. And I like Aunt Hetty, really. She’s just so, so—”
“American?” I supplied.
“Oh, worse than that.”
I gasped theatrically. “Worse than American?”
Lily pinned me with a glare. “You must admit she’s more outspoken than even most Americans.”
“When a woman reaches a certain age, she’s earned the right to speak her mind. Many British ladies of my acquaintance behave in the same manner. As I said, she’ll draw the gentleman out. You’ll enjoy it, you’ll see. Who is taking you out today?”
“Mr. Kendrick. He is a little quiet so you may be right. Aunt Hetty might be just the thing.”
As I recalled, Mr. Kendrick was also very proper, so Aunt Hetty might be a little too much for him, but he should know in advance the family he might be marrying into.
Lily left to change her gown for the outing, and I took up the business that brought me to my office in the first place. Mr. Hazelton would arrive shortly and I wanted to be ready. I hadn’t told him about the footman calling. I’d just sent a note asking if he were free this afternoon to lend his assistance. Now, as I posted a few receipts to my account book, I realized I was nervous about spending this time with him. I’d had nothing but kindness from him since we’d met up again in London, but still he made me anxious. Probably because he knows my secrets, or secret actually. There is just the one, large though it may be.
It was quite an ironic twist of fate. As much as I’d give to forget that moment in my life, I seemed constantly to be thrown together with the two people who’d shared it with me.
I was saved from further contemplation by Mrs. Thompson, who informed me Mr. Hazelton had arrived, and she’d put him in the drawing room. He was studying a framed photograph of Rose when I walked in. “Believe it or not, Graham made that photograph,” I said.
He gave me a smile as I stepped beside him and took the picture, admiring my darling little girl. “It was about three years ago. We were all at Harleigh Manor, and Graham had one of Mr. Eastman’s cameras. He’d only recently learned how to use it and was photographing anything that stood still. In fact, it was rather amazing one didn’t have to stand still longer.” I turned to look up at George. “Do you remember what it used to be like? Have you been photographed before?”
He laughed. “Yes, and I do remember. My school cricket team, if you can imagine that. All those young boys forced to remain still while the image developed.”
“And yet this image of Rose was formed between the blinks of her eyes.”
“It’s rather breathtaking when you consider all the new inventions that have happened just in our lifetimes.”
I set the picture down and led him over to a seat on the sofa. “And here we are, standing on the brink of a new century. Can you imagine what’s ahead?”
George shook his head. “Some things, yes, but I expect there will be many surprises. In fact, I’m surprised by your interest in mechanization and invention.”
“Oh, come now. Americans are always interested in the next idea, the next invention. I’m surprised by your surprise.”
“I see your point,” he conceded with a grin. “I must try to get to know you better, in order to avoid further surprises.”
And as quickly as that, our easy camaraderie vanished. Is he flirting with me, or is this just his friendly nature? I couldn’t tell. My mind was scrambling for a new subject when Mrs. Thompson tapped on the door.
“Mr. Kendrick has called for you, my lady.”
“Me? I’m sure there’s some mistake. He’s here to take my sister and aunt to the park.”
“I’ll be sure to let them know he’s arrived, but he specifically asked to see you.” She paused. “I believe he has something to show you.”
I gave Mrs. Thompson a nod. “Please show him in.”
George and I exchanged a look while the housekeeper backed out and was replaced by a smiling Mr. Kendrick. As we bid one another good day, I couldn’t help noticing the basket he carried. I first assumed it was a picnic luncheon. Then it moved.
“Mr. Kendrick, what on earth is in your basket?”
“Just a small token for Lady Rose.” He pulled aside the cloth, tucked into the basket, and a small, furry head popped out.
“A kitten!” In fact it was the sweetest, most lovely kitten I’d ever seen. White with patches of black, or perhaps the reverse, but whatever its color, it climbed into my arms when I reached for it, then snuggled into my neck.
“Oh, heavens,” I said, cradling the dear little thing. “You brought this for Rose?”
“It seemed wise to make sure she met with your approval first.”
George’s lips tightened as he turned toward the other man. “I assume you have your answer.”
“Of course I approve.” The little creature was now purring against my ear. “Rose will be delighted. Whatever gave you the idea?”
Kendrick wore a gratified expression, but before he could answer, Lily and Hetty strolled into the room. “Someone has an idea?” Lily’s eyes rounded. “Frances, what is that wrapped around your neck?”
The kitten had indeed become a bit too clingy. George peeled her gently away from my throat and handed her into Lily’s willing arms.
“I thought Lady Rose might enjoy life in town better if she had the company of a pet,” Kendrick said, giving the kitten a little scratch. “She seems to have a fondness for animals.”
“How thoughtful.” Lily gave him a smile. “Shall we take her up to Rose before we leave?”
“Yes, please do. You don’t mind going with them, do you, Aunt Hetty?” I was fairly certain she did mind, but I needed the room to ourselves, so I could provide some explanation
to George before the footman showed up.
“Oh, what fun,” Hetty muttered, ushering the young people out of the room.
“Thank you again, Mr. Kendrick, for the lovely gift,” I said as they left. I was still smiling when I turned back to George. “What a good-natured young man.”
“Exactly what he wants you to think.”
My smile faded as we returned to our seats on the sofa. “Do you mean you don’t like him?”
“I mean I recognize the gambit. You are acting as Lily’s guardian. If he makes you happy, you may encourage his suit.”
I tutted. “How cynical of you. Are you speaking from experience?”
George struggled to keep from smiling. “I’ve taken the occasional calculated risk.”
“How was this a risk?”
“You may not have liked cats.”
He didn’t attempt to hide his smile at this, and I grinned right back. “You can be assured he won’t win my favor that easily.” I used those words to remind myself that Kendrick was on the list of suspects. Of course, so was George. How confusing.
“Now, I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you to call.”
“I’m prepared for any duties you see fit to lay before me.”
“Oh, excellent! I almost wish I had some dangerous feat to test that claim, but the truth is, I’m simply in need of your presence this afternoon.”
His brows rose. “I had no idea my presence was so desirable.”
I was quite sure he had some idea, but I chose to ignore the comment. “I’m expecting another caller, a young man, employed as a footman with the Stoke-Whitneys. He proposed this meeting as he wants to impart some information about one of Lily’s suitors. The police inspector didn’t consider it wise for me to meet with him alone and—what’s wrong?”
George was gaping at me as if I were speaking in a foreign language. “However did you meet a footman from the Stoke-Whitney household? And why are you being advised by the police?”
“Right. Clearly, I need to bring you up to date.” I started to explain how I met the footman, then realized I needed to back up to the stolen bracelet, in order to explain my meeting with Alicia and Delaney, and that I’d mentioned investigating Lily’s suitors at that meeting. Showing him the note I received from the footman, I explained about the break-in, and concluded with Delaney’s hesitation about my meeting the man alone.
I couldn’t quite read George’s expression as I imparted all of this. He was paying rapt attention, his brows lowered, with two lines puckering up between them. He might have felt concern, horror, disbelief, or some combination of all three. “Please, say something,” I finally urged.
He pursed his lips and blew out a breath. “I wasn’t sure you’d finished,” he said.
“Isn’t that enough?”
“Beyond enough! Why didn’t you call on me sooner? This Delaney chap is right. You might well be in danger.”
Ah, concern it is. Well, perhaps a touch of horror and disbelief too, but at least concern was uppermost. “Well, I didn’t actually recognize any danger until Delaney brought it to my attention.” I gave him a helpless shrug. “I appreciate your willingness to help, but what would I have asked you to do? Stand guard at my house? I had no idea anyone would be breaking in.”
I had to increase the volume on my last few words as George, in an agitated state, rose to his feet and strode across the room. I found myself speaking to his back. What on earth?
“George?”
He turned, and ambled back toward me, his brow still furrowed in thought. “Who knew you were investigating your sister’s suitors? Something, by the way, with which I could have helped you.”
“You could? How? Do you even know which gentlemen they are?”
He swept a casual hand through the air as if that point were immaterial. “There are a dozen or so popular clubs in London, and most gentlemen belong to two or three. I’m sure I have at least one club in common with any gentleman in town.” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “You strike up a conversation, ask a few innocent questions over a drink or two and”—he snapped his fingers—“you can find out almost anything.”
Hmm, as easy as that, is it? “Well, I’ll be sure to keep your investigative skills in mind the next time I need that service.”
That surprised a smile out of him. “You think there will be more?”
“Lily’s just been launched into society and she is considered an heiress.”
“Considered?”
Heavens, the man missed nothing.
“My father has had a bit of a financial setback, but Lily’s dowry is still intact, so yes, this might be just the beginning. Besides”—I smiled at the thought—“she’s urging me to sponsor other young ladies from New York, so I may be making a habit of this.”
“It seems like a rather dangerous occupation to me.”
“You think one of Lily’s gentlemen might be involved in the theft? I’ve been wondering about that myself.” I shook my head. “That’s right. You asked me who they were.”
“And who was aware you were investigating them?”
“No one who could have informed them. The gentlemen were Viscount Ainsworthy, Daniel Grayson, and Leo Kendrick. Only my aunt, Lily, my solicitor, and Delaney knew about the investigation.” I paused as I realized this wasn’t exactly correct. “Well, Alicia and her footman found out when I spoke of it yesterday. But that was after the bracelet was stolen, and probably while my house was being ransacked, so I don’t see how they could have had anything to do with it.”
“Has your sister seen any of these men alone? Is it possible she told one of them?”
“Yes, she has, but I don’t think she would risk offending them by telling them I hired a private inquiry agent to spy on them.”
George’s brows rose as he pressed the matter. “But she might have let it slip?”
Here I hesitated. “I have to concede it’s possible, but I doubt it. Where are you going with this?”
“Whoever did this must have had some grudge against you by the evening of the ball, or why plant the bracelet on you?”
“Goodness, George,” I sighed. “Now you sound like Delaney. Why you, Countess? Why did the thief choose you? Well, I must ask why not me? Honestly, isn’t it possible my reticule just happened to be nearby, when the thief needed to hide his stolen goods?”
George held out a hand to placate me, which had the effect of infuriating me instead, especially while he stood, looming over me. “No, George, I’m willing to concede the thief could be one of Lily’s suitors, although I find that rather far-fetched. I’ll even go so far as to admit they each had access to my reticule at supper. But the theory that one of them stole the bracelet, then placed it in my bag for the sole purpose of making me look guilty, is beyond credulity. If one of them is interested in Lily, why instigate a scandal in her family? Why have her sister branded a thief? And why come to my house looking for the bracelet the next day?” I ticked the questions off on my fingers. “It makes less sense than Delaney’s theory about Graham.”
All the while I was talking, I could see George working himself up for a big argument, until he heard that last point.
His brows shot up. “Graham? Your brother-in-law? What has he to do with this?”
I groaned. Why did I have to say that? I looked up at George.
His eyes narrowed.
“All right, Inspector Delaney agrees with you that I was a deliberate target, but he suspects Graham as the villain in this affair.”
George’s face softened as he sat down on the sofa next to me. “Why would Graham do such a thing to you?”
“He wouldn’t. I’m certain he wouldn’t. However, since we are in a legal battle for the money my father gave me—” I bit my lip, cutting myself off. “Hetty did tell you about this, didn’t she?”
“Yes, and he’s wasting his time. But please continue.”
“Delaney suggested Graham might instigate a scandal to discredit me and win the
case.”
“That seems a bit of a stretch for Graham.”
“There’s more.” I winced at the thought of what I had to tell him. “Do you recall my telling you the police are looking into Reggie’s death?”
“Of course.”
“Well, Delaney told me the police received an unsigned letter urging them to do so.”
“Ah, so that’s what sparked their interest.”
“Yes, and it further suggests I killed him.”
He shook his head in wonder. “You really are having a bad week. Let’s see if I have all this straight. In the past two days, someone has left stolen goods in your bag, broken in to your house, and accused you of murder.” He stopped to give me a penetrating look. “Have I left anything out? Any further trials you haven’t told me?”
“No, I’d say that sums it up,” I replied, my hackles rising. I wasn’t sure I liked his tone. Was he simply speaking emphatically, or taking me to task? “It’s not as though I’ve done anything to bring these troubles on.”
“Of course not,” he said, resuming his pacing. “You’re simply an easy target. A woman, alone and unprotected. This would not have happened if you were married. You should be married.”
What on earth? “That’s absurd! I was no less vulnerable when I was married. You know the man Reggie was, and the amount of protection he afforded me. If nothing like this happened to me then, it’s only because I was stuck in the country, running an estate, while my husband spent my father’s money, enjoying himself in the city. Good Lord, I’ve only just shed myself of that family. I’d have to be insane to repeat such a mistake.”
George had moved to the window overlooking my small garden, and there was little satisfaction in arguing with his back. I stepped over to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder, turning him to face me. “And because someone has broken into my house? Isn’t that a ridiculous reason to marry? If I find myself in need of security, I’d do better to get a dog.”
George’s eyes sparkled with amusement. His lips quirked up in a smile as he held up his hands in surrender. “I concede your point. If you are completely against the idea of marriage, you must at least allow me to offer my protection.”
A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder Page 13