To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection

by Lindsay Downs

  “Not at all.” Robert gave his wife a brief kiss on her cheek.

  Chapter Four

  The sun was barely dipping below the horizon, painting the sky and clouds a mixture of orange to maroon as the coach turned through the Hampshire gates.

  “Darling, I know I should have mentioned this earlier but until now forgot. In the letter I sent to Mrs. Swanson of our arrival, I told her this was a very informal visit, so you won’t need to go through with meeting the staff,” Robert explained to his wife and was relieved to see she was happy at his decision.

  Notifying the housekeeper and butler had been a hard fought battle for Robert. He’d only won out when he instructed the rider to follow the road north and when sure he was not being trailed turn to the Hampshire estate.

  “I would also suggest,” she paused to glance over to Donna sitting on the squab beside her. “We keep to ourselves and stay on the estate.”

  “I will be allowed to stroll about the gardens, won’t I as this was one of the reasons for hiding away here?” Donna asked, wringing her hands nervously.

  Robert wasn’t surprised at how his sister was behaving as it was typical for her when things were getting muddled in her life to go her own way. And considering what she’d been through not only on this day but over the years he was astounded she wasn’t more addled.

  “Yes, dear sister you may walk about the gardens under the condition you have at least one footman at your side. Until we’re sure Bow Street doesn’t know where we are it will be best for your safety.”

  “That won’t be a problem and I’ll have Judy along also,” she answered with a bright smile.

  “Good. Ah here we are. I see Mrs. Swanson and Sydney are waiting for us. Of course Donna you’ll have your old room,” he informed her.

  He saw Kristina was about to enquire as to where she was going to rest her head but halted on seeing the corners of his lips slant upward in a tiny smile.

  No sooner had the coach come to a stop then the butler opened its door.

  Robert climbed down and assisted first his sister then Kristina.

  “Welcome home m’ lord and ladies. Everything is prepared for your brief visit.”

  “Thank you, Sydney. I’m sure the ladies wish to refresh themselves then we’ll dine in the small dining room,” Robert directed the man then saw Mrs. Swanson step up and curtsy.

  “Lady Markson it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Your suite awaits you and Lady Kersey yours has been prepared for you,” the housekeeper said, maneuvering them away from Robert.

  “Brother, give us an hour then we’ll meet you in the family parlor and don’t worry I’ll show Kristina the way.”

  “Thank you, Donna. Oh, and Kristina don’t believe a thing Mrs. Swanson tells you about me.”

  He wasn’t surprised to see the three halt and his housekeeper glance over her shoulder to him.

  “M’ lord, I’d never do anything like that. Trust me your childhood secrets are safe,” she then continued to escort the ladies into the mansion.

  Considering the wicked gleam he noticed in her eyes, something told him some, if not most, of his secrets weren’t all that secure, and he wondered which ones. Knowing there, for the time being, wasn’t anything he could do about it he followed them in. They separated on the first floor with the ladies continuing up one flight while he headed for his office. As he had time before meeting them, and wanting to let Kristina start getting comfortable in their joint suite he decided dealing with what little mail there was would occupy his time.

  With a brandy in hand, Robert went to his oak and maple inlaid desk, took a seat in the well cushioned chair then started sorting through the few envelopes. Most he suspected were best wishes on his marriage. At the bottom of the pile was one from someone he’d not thought of for several years, a former but failed beau of Donna’s, Lord Roland Williams.

  “Why would he be writing her, much less here?” he mumbled, unaware Sydney had slipped into the room.

  “M’ lord, he learned of it from The Times which arrived this afternoon accounting the details. Fortunately, whoever wrote the piece didn’t make reference to suspects. I can only hazard Bow Street wants to keep things quiet as to who they believe killed Lord Kersey.”

  Robert knew that was an interesting supposition considering how demanding they’d been in wanting to speak with Donna. He wished to see what the man had to say except he knew not to open it.

  “Have the ladies adjourned to the family parlor yet?”

  “Yes, m’ lord. That was what I came to tell you. Both ladies are enjoying a sherry and I have a whisky awaiting you.”

  He nodded, collected the letter for Donna and strolled down the corridor to the parlor.

  “Ladies,” Robert said, entering the family’s private room.

  “Darling, I can’t believe how beautiful our suite is and the view out over the gardens is exquisite,” Kristina spoke, bubbling with excitement.

  Robert leaned over, brushed his lips across her cheek then glanced to his sister. “This came for you. Do you have any idea why Lord Williams would be sending you a letter here?”

  The shocked look in her eyes mixed with the trembling of her hand as she reached for the note had him seriously concerned. He looked to Kristina to see if she noticed the change also. A slight nod informed him she had.

  “What is it, Donna? You seem panicked,” Kristina uttered.

  “I am. It’s Roland. Robert you were off fighting the French when he offered for me but father refused to allow him. Father said Lord Williams wasn’t good enough for me and was possessive. Don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but didn’t love him so I was pleased. Soon after, I went to London as the Season was starting. There I met and truly fell in love with Bryce, but for some reason Roland wouldn’t give up. He kept sending me letters and on my birthday a gift.”

  “Did you keep them, the letters?” Kristina queried.

  Robert knew exactly where she was going with this question as it had been letters between his supposed uncle and mother that helped lead them to the killers of the late viscount and brother.

  “After the first few that I read I realized father had been correct about the man. All he talked about was how we’d be perfect together. By then Bryce and I were close to being engaged and I told Lord Williams, then as they arrived I’d burn them.”

  “Donna, mayhap you should see what the man has to say for right now I’d make him a viable suspect,” Kristina said.

  Robert waited while she read the letter and his worry about her increased as he watched her brow furrow as her eyes widened in panic.

  “Yes, here.” She passed her brother the letter. “From what he’s saying I’d agree with you, but if I remember he bears no resemblance to the person I saw.”

  Reading the letter, he then passed it to Kristina who started to read it when the butler stepped into the parlor.

  “M’ lord and ladies, dinner is served in the small dining room as requested,” Sydney announced.

  “Shall we ladies? After dinner, I’d suggest we have tea or brandy only for myself, in my office while we start reviewing the documents we brought. With this disturbing missive the sooner we find the culprit the better for everyone concerned. Then, with your permission sister, once everything is settled I’ll have a very strongly worded discussion with Roland, if it turns out he’s not the guilty party,” Robert declared, giving his sister a smile.

  “Consider it given, no matter the outcome,” she replied, linking her arm with his free one as Kristina already had commandeered one.

  As the simple dinner progressed, Robert made sure the conversation was kept light especially considering the letter Donna had received. This partly for the worry on his sister’s face and seeing the panic Kristina presented when seated opposite him at the foot of the table. Something told him she was uncomfortable sitting there as it was the first time for her as mistress of the estate. In London, they’d taken all their meals in the suite except on the one occasi
on in the dining room where she’d sat to his right.

  Turning to Sydney he, with a cock of his head, called the man over.

  “As of now Lady Markson will sit directly on my right unless we’re entertaining.”

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  Robert gave his wife a nod receiving a warm smile on the change of seating.

  Once dinner was complete, Robert instructed Sydney to bring tea for the ladies and a brandy to his office. He then escorted them to the room and settled them on a settee just as the post dinner beverages were delivered.

  “Robert, might I suggest we first attempt to organize the documents in some form of logic. This way we will be able to find out not only patterns but recurring names,” Kristina recommended, taking a sip of tea.

  “Yes, but we should also do it by the dates Bryce has on each one. In doing that we’ll be able to follow his progression of finding the spies and traitors thus hopefully locating the murderer,” Robert said, earning a murmur of agreement from both ladies.

  Over the next hour plus, they sorted the sheets first by year then narrowed everything down by month. Eventually, Robert noticed the ladies were starting to fade as it had been a long day.

  “It’s getting late and we’ve achieved quite a bit so far. Might I suggest we put the work on hold for tonight, have another tea, then continue with it in the morning once refreshed,” Robert purposed, receiving murmurs of approval. Ringing for Sydney, he ordered a tray for the ladies and another brandy for him.

  “Also, if there might be biscuits would you bring some also,” Kristina said.

  “Yes, m’ lady, as I do know Cook a short while ago took some from the oven,” he replied.

  Robert stood from where he’d been seated, walked over to the mahogany table and looked down at the different piles of paper.

  Turning about he studied the others and frowned as the refreshments were delivered, poured then passed.

  “I do hope we find what we’re looking for someplace here,” Robert exclaimed as he swept his hand over the stacks.

  “Husband, I know we will and quickly also. Don’t forget we slipped from London without anyone, including my parents, knowing. I can assure you not so much Father but Mother will be worrying.”

  “That’s a very good point so I’d say after we refresh ourselves we retire for the night. I’ll also be locking the door so no one will enter and have two footmen stand guard,” Robert said.

  “I know this room is about twenty feet above the ground but wouldn’t it also be wise to have several outside?” Donna asked.

  “Husband, your sister does make an excellent point considering the letter from Lord Williams, not to mention the fact why was it sent here not London.”

  “Consider it done then.”

  Robert gave his wife a gentle pat on her knee. This was one of the reasons he’d wanted to and was so pleased to have married her. The ability to think ahead, which might prevent a disaster or the wrong person charged with the crime. Now, if they could only discover the person or persons who’d killed his sister’s husband. That, though, would have to wait until the morning as he watched Kristina, his beloved, attempt to stifle a yawn.

  “And I think it’s time we retire for the night as my darling wife can barely keep her eyes open.” Leading the ladies from his office, he closed and secured the door. Pocketing the key, he instructed Sydney to have two guards outside as well as the corridor.

  “Yes, m’ lord. I’ll see to it straight away.”

  “We’ll see you in the morning.” With that, Robert swept Kristina up in his arms and marched up the stairs to the second floor and their suite. He didn’t even pay attention if Donna was following. Swinging the doors to the viscount suite open, he saw Evan and Amanda in chairs by the fire, talking. “Be gone both of you and don’t bother us until you’re called for in the morning,” he ordered.

  Chapter Five

  “My darling Kristina, why do Amanda and Evan verbally joust so much?” Robert asked, tossing their bed sheets off and climbing from the bed.

  “It’s very simple. I’m surprised you don’t know or haven’t seen the looks they exchange when they think no one’s watching,” she said as she reached for the covers.

  “You’re kidding, aren’t you? I’ve never known him to be interested in a lady but for only a very short time. He then tosses them aside and goes on to his next conquest.” He rose from their bed and pulled the sheets off her. “I know you want to go back to sleep but we’ve too much to do today.”

  “Well, if you hadn’t kept me awake until the sun started to rise then I’d be more than will to get up. Right now, all I want is sleep,” Kristina declared.

  “I seem to recall you didn’t put up too much resistance,” he said.

  Closing the door, he took care of his morning needs then returned to their suite only to see Evan lay out a pair of dark grey trousers with matching jacket. Glancing around, he wondered where Kristina had disappeared to only to hear her voice coming from the viscountess’ suite. With a grin, he turned back to his valet.

  “Since we won’t be receiving anyone while here there’s no need to be formal, trousers and shirt with a scarf.”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  Dressed, he started toward his wife’s suite when the joining door opened and she stepped through. “You look lovely, my dear. That shade of light blue suits you quite well.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he was uncomfortable being too intimate with her in front of others. He suspected she felt the same way from the shy smile she gave him.

  “Shall we adjourn to break our fast?” He recommended before offering her his arm.

  “Most definitely as I seem to have developed an appetite of late. It must be from all the excitement of yesterday.”

  “Or last night after we retired,” he whispered.

  “My dear, I wouldn’t exactly call it retiring as I only got tired when you tried to wake me,” she teased. “I also wonder if Donna is up yet. I’m sure the strain must be taking a toll on her.”

  “That’s why we need to find the killer quickly so her life can return to normal.”

  In a comfortable silence, they descended to the ground floor and the small family dining room. Strolling in, Robert spotted his sister at the table, a plate piled high in front of her. At her right elbow a blue china tea pot and matching cup.

  “Good morning, sister. I do hope you slept well,” Robert said as he escorted Kristina over to her seat beside his.

  “Brother, Kristina. It was good to be back in my old room. I just wish it was for better reasons.”

  “Yes, I do agree. I’m sure we’ll find what’s needed to clear your name easily enough,” Kristina said.

  At that moment, Sydney slipped in.

  “I’ll have coffee and Lady Markson will have tea,” Robert ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lord,” the butler said.

  Robert was happy the man hadn’t offered to assist in getting neither his nor Kristina their breakfast plate, making him wonder if Evan hadn’t explained his master and mistress’s independence.

  After seating his wife, he turned to the sidetable and started selecting cuts of meat, eggs, even a slice of fish, along with toast for them both. Returning to the table, he set one before Kristina, earning a smile and pat on his arm for his effort.

  “Robert, except for serving to me from the wrong side you might make a passable butler someday,” Kristina teased.

  “At least you didn’t make me a footman,” he jested.

  He was glad she couldn’t answer as she’d started working on a piece of venison.

  Robert studied both of the ladies as they ate in silence. He wondered what was going through their minds, was it the problem at hand or something different. “Ladies, what would you both be thinking about?” he finally asked.

  “Brother, I’m still trying to understand why someone would want to lay the blame for Bryce’s death at my feet. From what I know, he has no male relatives so it surely
isn’t a disgruntled family member. If it had to do with his previous association with the Crown then it might be a traitor he was soon to uncover.”

  “I would tend to go along with the latter as it does appear the most logical. This person would have to have been someone he trusted to get so close to stab him,” Robert suggested.

  “Yes, like one of the people he used to pass messages to for the Crown, or more specifically the exact person he was working with. Until now, we’ve assumed it to be the Crown, the Prince Regent himself. However, he would have someone under him who received the information. This way Prinny would be protected if something went wrong,” Kristina said, finishing the last of her tea.

  “Then I suggest ladies we move this discussion to my office so we can start looking over the documents we brought. Somewhere in them is the name we’re looking for, of that I’m even more sure of now.”

  Marching, with a lady on each arm, to the first floor and his office Robert unlocked the door and they stepped in. Looking around, he moved to the long table set in front of the window, which overlooked the gardens. Clearing off the few items, he turned back to them.

  “My proposal is that we start by taking each month then sort by day. That’s the reason for this table as it should accommodate everything,” Robert explained.

  Over the next two hours, only taking a short respite for tea, they worked mostly in silence until all the documents were in their correct piles. Then came the tedious task of reading each one.

  At Kristina’s suggestion, they sat in different parts of the office, foolscap and pencil at hand so they would be able to make notes on any important points they found. It had also been agreed they’d not discuss what they found until the very end.

  After luncheon, which they partook of in the dining room, they started back to work when Robert stopped. “Ladies, instead of returning to the task at hand shall we take a walk about the gardens. This way we’ll return with refreshed minds and clear heads.”

  “Husband, I love your idea as I’m anxious to see them,” Kristina said, wrapping an arm around his waist.