“Do you recall his hair colour? Or anything about his facial features?” Kristina enquired.
She shook her head as Robert tried to hide his disappointment. “Let’s not worry about that for now as something more important needs an answer. You told Kristina the runners learned of the murder from someone who saw it from the street. That would mean Bryce’s office overlooks Mayfair unlike mine, which looks out to the mews. Where, and this is important, does his?”
“Before we married it was at the side of the house, but as I loved the view so much, he gave the room to me and had it converted into a sitting room which overlooks the gardens. He then moved to the rear of the house. After it was done, he thanked me as it was much quieter for him and wondered why it hadn’t been done earlier.”
Robert and Kristina shared a knowing smile, which he noted had Donna confused.
“It’s simple really. Whoever told the runners about the murder knew of this in advance. If I remember correctly, the stairs pass in front of the windows that look out over Mayfair. All someone needed do was wait until they spied you. They would then report the crime to one of the runners who keeps a watch out in the area,” Robert explained sharing a knowing look between Donna and his bride.
“So that proves I’m innocent of killing Bryce. Shouldn’t we tell the magistrate so he’ll call off the dogs and I can bury my husband,” Donna pronounced.
“Sister, and Kristina will agree with me, that won’t be good enough for him. As far as Bow Street goes, they see what they want. In this case, you and Bryce were all but estranged for the past few years and finally even with his confession to us it won’t matter.” He looked to Kristina to continue.
“What we need to do is find the actual murderer and present him or at least the evidence to the magistrate. Only then will you truly be cleared of the crime. To that end, you need to stay in hiding until we find this person or person.”
“I understand. What do you need of me?” Donna asked, not sure how she could be of help.
“As my darling wife said, to begin with you must stay inside and away from the front windows as the runners might be watching even though I’ve arranged for guards on the far side of the wall. Next, do you know if Bryce might have someplace in the townhouse, specifically his office, where he could have hidden away important papers?”
“Might I be allowed into the garden?” Donna requested.
“Most certainly, as Bing has set footmen to guard the grounds. To go from one floor to another use the servant stairs as they’re hidden from outside view,” Kristina spoke, knowing her husband’s sister would do as instructed.
Donna’s nod of understanding brought Robert to her side where he bestowed a brotherly kiss to her cheek to which he grinned on seeing her face pink in embarrassment.
“Good, I can still make you blush,” he teased.
“You’re such a brat but still a wonderful brother and you, my dear Kristina, a marvelous sister. Now as for a hiding place, yes I believe there might be one set in the bookcase behind the desk. Where exactly I’m not sure. Why?”
“Because someplace within his papers we might find a firmer clue as to who this murderer is. Kristina has already made a few suggestions so I’ll defer to her to explain,” Robert pronounced giving his wife a playful leer.
“Stop that,” she demanded of her husband, then continued. “Yes, as you mentioned this man was dressed as a gentleman of the ton, in the finest, but I don’t think he is as you’ve never met nor seen him. I’m guessing he’s an imposter who uses his skills to go where he needs, thus someone who Bryce knew but suspected could be a traitor. Granted this is only speculation, which will make hunting him down difficult but not impossible as he’s already made one mistake,” Kristina explained.
“And what was that?”
Robert stepped over and took a seat on the arm of the chair where Kristina sat, took up her hand and gave it a kiss.
“Dear sister, it’s simple, you saw him but he doesn’t know that.”
“Knowing you were able to elude Bow Street, he or they will continue in an attempt to plant damning evidence that you killed Bryce. My guess, they’ll do it in such a way to make you look to be a traitor and he found out,” Kristina added.
“Then, I recommend my dear we depart for the Kersey townhouse.” Standing, he then offered his hand to assist his bride to her feet. Next, he turned to Donna, “I’ll make sure the Earl’s body is properly taken care of.”
“Thank you,” Donna said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
After comforting hugs and consoling words, Robert and Kristina departed the suite then made their way through the mews towards his sister’s townhouse.
Chapter Three
As their carriage rolled through the streets, Kristina glanced to her husband and set her hand softly on his lap. When he directed his attention to her, she smiled. His words about how this wasn’t how he’d wanted to start their married life together drifted into her mind.
“Darling, I’ve a suggestion. When we arrive at the Frome townhouse, as John Coachman has been directed to take us through the mews, you use the servant stairs to the first floor. I’ll go through the house and take the main staircase. This will certainly cause a bit of a stir and a visit from Bow Street.”
“Why would it? I don’t understand,” Robert enquired.
To fully explain her reasoning, Kristina opened her pelisse and withdrew its hood from her head. What she revealed was an image similar to that of Donna.
“This was why I kept you waiting. I changed into one of the gowns she kept at our house then had Amanda restyle my hair as Donna would wear it. This way anyone who sees me will think I’m her and set about a cry,” she explained with a smile.
“So that’s why you hinted at having our own people keep a watch out at the house. This way one or more can find out who is telling the runners of Donna’s visit. Of course they won’t be allowed entrance by Blair.”
“Correct and, as they will think she’s still in the city and not at our house, the pressure will be reduced. Then, if need be, we can spirit her to the Hampshire estate safely.” She smiled at him on seeing his nod of approval.
“Depending on what we find that might be an excellent idea as I fear we won’t be able to keep the hounds at bay forever. Now, as we’re here shall we put your plan into action?” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Assisted from the coach, Kristina wasn’t surprised to see not only Blair but Mrs. Raymond waiting by the kitchen door. Briefly, she explained the plan then allowed the housekeeper to guide her through the house.
“I’ll have Judy, Lady Kersey’s lady’s maid, pack a case and have it delivered to the carriage. This way she’ll have some of her own clothes,” Mrs. Raymond recommended.
“Very good, but also have Judy pack a bag for herself as she’ll be accompanying Lord Markson and I back to our townhouse. This way Lady Kersey will be more comfortable.”
“I’ll have her meet you at the carriage,” the housekeeper said.
“If I might enquire, how long has Judy been Lady Kersey’s maid?”
“I know why you’re asking and Judy is completely trustworthy. She’s been Her Ladyship’s maid for years even before marrying Lord Kersey.”
“Wonderful as there is a strong possibility she and her mistress will be going to the country. Help me out of this cloak so I am able to take the grand staircase. You can then slip away to tell Judy she needs to take care of the packing. Tell her to plan for no more than three days in town. I’ll wager Lady Kersey has gowns at the Hampshire estate if we need to make a hasty retreat.”
“Certainly, m’ lady.”
With a smile, Kristina started up the stairs, forcing herself not to glance out the window that illuminated the area. After gaining the first floor, she strolled down the corridor and finally smiled on seeing Robert standing at the far end.
“Fear not my love, I’ve already looked into Bryce’s office and the rug is gone. I also spoke with Blair an
d told him we’d take care of the arrangements thus relieving Donna of the pain,” he told his wife as he took her hands in his.
“That’s going to be a big assistance for your sister. Mrs. Raymond is having Judy pack a case for Donna and herself. I feel having her own lady’s maid will help make her more comfortable.”
“I agree. Now as you can see there’s no way anyone can look in from the street, not even the mews as the windows are all wrong,” Robert said.
Kristina stepped away from him and marched to the center of the room, then slowly turned, taking everything in particularly the window. Once satisfied, she nodded her understanding with a smile.
“So we now know the alert was set into place before Bryce was murdered thus allowing those idiots from Bow Street a chance to arrive immediately, thereby hoping to apprehend Donna leaning over the body,” Kristina spoke as she walked to the bookcase.
Stopping beside the desk, she studied the floor to ceiling shelves then rubbed her chin in thought. From what she could see, there wasn’t anything out of place, actually everything, she was amazed, was organized perfectly. Every book flawlessly cared for and set so the spines aligned with the edge of the shelf. She was a little astonished they were arranged by subject and not by author as she’d noted Robert’s were the other way.
When his arm wrapped around her waist, she let him draw her into his side. Lifting her head, she watched as his lips descended to hers. Gently tilting her head to match his angle, and without coaxing, she opened her mouth slightly then allowed his tongue in. Falling against him, she draped her arms around him, relishing the warmth and strength of his body.
“Darling, as much as I love kissing and being kissed by you, I think we should halt for now as someone is approaching,” she whispered into his mouth.
He replied with a nod and opened his arms, allowing her to step from him as the butler entered the room.
“M’ lord and lady it would seem an individual from Bow Street is here and demands to speak to Lady Kersey. I tried to explain she wasn’t here but the man wouldn’t listen. He claims to have been told by an informant she was wearing a pale red gown, such as you are, m’ lady.”
“Where is he now?” Kristina asked, not wanting to be angry at Blair but the runner for his stupidity.
“I left him on the front stoop. Without Lady Kersey present I felt that was the best,” Blair answered.
Kristina glanced at Robert, raised a brow and frowned.
“Shall we deal with him then continue our search,” she whispered so the butler, if asked, couldn’t say why they were here.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing his face when you step through the door,” he answered softly.
With her lips pinched tightly in anger, Kristina, with Robert at her side for support if needed, stormed down the stairs.
After taking a calming breath, she nodded to the butler then heard several footsteps come up behind her. Turning her head, she was relieved to see several footmen, scowls on their faces, step up to her and Robert. She didn’t have to be told why they were here, for her protection.
“Let’s deal with him.” Once the door was opened, she stepped out into the sunlight to see the runner standing at the far edge of the step.
“You’re not Lady Kersey?” the man stumbled out.
“Of course I’m not you bumbling fool. What brings you here? I’ve things which need doing to maintain the smooth running of this household,” she demanded.
“Yes, I asked Lady Markson, as Lady Kersey is my sister, if she’d assist until the mistress returns.” Robert stepped in to help with the ruse as to why they were here.
“Well, I got a report Lady Kersey, wanted for the murder of Lord Kersey, was here. It’s plain someone was mistaken. If you’ll excuse me then I’ll be on my way,” the man stuttered out as he started down the steps.
“You’re not excused,” Robert snapped at him.
Kristina was a little alarmed when the runner continued on his way. To her it seemed he had something to hide. Stepping aside, she glanced over her shoulder to the footmen and cocked her head to the retreating man.
She was amazed at the speed they responded and deposited, very unceremoniously, the runner at her and Robert’s feet.
“Lord Markson said you weren’t dismissed as he has a question that demands a truthful answer,” she snapped at him before Robert could say anything. She loved the look of fear in the man’s eyes as she knew exactly what her husband, and she, needed to know.
“You said an informant told you Lady Kersey was here. I want this person’s name and direction as I wish to interrogate him myself.” Lord Markson demanded.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not at liberty to give you his name.”
Kristina kept the smile from him as now she, along with Robert, knew more than a moment ago. Granted, it could be any man but now it had to be someone who’d been watching the house. This information they’d learn upon returning to their townhouse but first they needed to find the files Donna had mentioned.
“Now you may go,” Robert announced.
“If you’ll excuse me, my dear, I still need to discuss a few more details with Mrs. Raymond,” Kristina said.
With a grin, she watched as the runner rushed away then turned her attention to Robert.
“I believe we still have work to do, so shall we be to it then return to see how Donna is faring?”
She accepted his nod of approval, settled her hand lightly on his sleeve and let him escort her back into the townhouse and up to Bryce’s office.
This time, instead of stopping in the room’s center, Kristina swept up to the bookcases she’d been studying before that horrid man had interrupted them in their search.
This time though, instead of studying the shelves, she examined the rug under her feet for what, she wasn’t sure. At first not seeing anything, she asked over her shoulder, “Do you know how tall Bryce was?”
“My height, about six feet. Why?”
“Then we only need to hunt out the secret compartment from the third to the fifth shelves. Anyone above or below would be difficult if his jacket fits as yours does and, from what I remember it did.”
She was stunned when suddenly silence filled the room save the tick-tock of the mantle clock.
“Interesting. I never would have thought of that. It’s a good thing then I’ve no secrets from you because I know you’d find them out in short order.” He chuckled.
She refrained from answering as something on the rug caught her eye, the faintest of an indentation from a boot heel. Looking over her shoulder to the desk, she smiled and carried it onto Robert.
“Please bear with me, I need you to sit at the desk.”
After he took a seat, she stepped to the side as she directed him to stand again and walk to the bookcase. She then pointed to where he was to stand. Much to her astonishment and without a question as to why he did as instructed.
“Now, if I’m not mistaken, the secret compartment should be in front of you built into one of the three shelves,” she told him.
“I don’t understand.”
Kristina explained what she’d seen on the rug, which then would have put him in front of the section they were looking for.
In less than a minute, they had several handfuls of documents in their arms.
“Shall I ring for Blair to fetch a sack to carry the papers?” Robert suggested.
“Yes and I do think once we return to the townhouse we make preparations to depart the city with Donna and her maid secreted in the coach until we’re free.”
“I agree and since the Hampshire estate is less than a day’s carriage ride I’d suggest there. If we hurry, we can leave this afternoon, which will put us in just before dinner. I’ll send a rider ahead telling them as they had expected us to go north to the Frome estate,” Robert told her.
“No. We need to make it appear we’re doing as everyone thinks and a messenger might alert Bow Street to our intentions. The only way to keep D
onna safe is for them to think she’s not with us. I know it will seem unusual we’re departing while she’s under suspension of murder but we can sort that all out later,” she corrected as Blair entered with several canvas bags.
In no time, they were headed to the kitchen then out to the mews where Judy awaited them, two bags already, Kristina saw, in the boot of the coach.
“I do apologize, but you’ll have to sit on the floor until we reach our townhouse. We can’t risk you being seen by anyone,” Kristina told the frightened girl.
“Not a problem, m’ lady. Anything to keep Lady Kersey safe,” she answered.
Kristina let him hand her up then he climbed in.
The drive to the townhouse was traveled in silence but several times Kristina glanced down at Judy and smiled which was returned.
Once in the Markson townhouse, Kristina instructed Mrs. Stoneworth to arrange a room for Donna’s maid, then with Robert at her side, went in search of his sister.
“We found the documents and brought them with us along with your maid who’s being settled as we speak. I did instruct her to bring several of your gowns so you will be more comfortable,” Kristina announced to Donna.
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go change then meet you where?”
“Um, how about my office as it has the room needed to spread everything out. It seems your late husband kept extensive notes and letters on his activities. Hopefully, somewhere in them we can find the true murderer. I’d also suggest you continue to use the servant stairs to move between floors,” Robert instructed his sister.
“I do believe it would be appropriate if we were to change out the drapes, in the front of the house, to mourning black and keep them drawn. This way no one will be able to look in from the street,” Kristina directed.
“Yes, darling I do think that’s a wonderful idea. Since I know you wish to change out of Donna’s gown into one of yours, I’ll speak with Mrs. Stoneworth and Bing about having it taken care of.”
“Thank you. I’ll meet you in your office shortly. Would you also mind having tea and sandwiches delivered.”
To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection Page 11