Murder at the Hunt Ball : A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery

by Sonia Parin

  The man she’d met might have been her co-conspirator.

  Evie laughed. “I really am becoming quite suspicious of everyone.”

  “I’m sure it will serve you well in your new endeavor.”

  The Halton House stable hand, Billy, rushed up to them and held Poppy in place while Evie dismounted. She gave Poppy a pat. “Give her a good feed, Billy. She earned it. You can take the horses back today. I doubt we’ll be riding tomorrow.”

  Caro stood by talking with one of the riders while Henrietta, Sara and Toodles headed toward her.

  “I believe we have solved one of your problems,” Henrietta declared. “Sterling Wright has just extended an invitation to dinner tonight.”

  Evie’s eyebrows curved up in surprise. “How did you manage that?”

  “We decided he’s eager to please, so we complimented him on his hospitality.”

  “Are we all invited?”

  “Oh, yes. Absolutely,” Henrietta assured her. “His butler nearly had a fit but he rushed off to make the necessary arrangements.”

  “Six extra guests. I pity the kitchen staff.” While not entirely comfortable with the idea of more or less inviting herself, Evie welcomed the opportunity to observe some of the guests.

  A commotion had everyone turning. Twiggy Lloyd stood in the middle of the courtyard hollering his wife’s name.

  A moment later, someone pointed across the park. Sure enough, Helena Lloyd came trotting across. When she reached her husband, she gave him a bright smile.

  Twiggy Lloyd huffed out his displeasure but it didn’t seem to affect Helena Lloyd who merely continued to smile.

  “Well, what do you make of that?” Henrietta asked.

  “They’re putting on quite a performance,” Sara mused. “Perhaps it’s deliberate.”

  “Are you suggesting they’re trying to divert our attention?” Henrietta looked mystified and turned to Evie who merely shrugged.

  Without knowing anything about their marital state of affairs, Evie couldn’t really say for sure what they were doing or even if their performance had anything to do with Marjorie Devon’s threatening letters.

  Giving her gloves a tug, she said, “I can’t begin to imagine why they would go to such lengths.” Turning to Tom, she smiled. “If we’re to make it back in time for dinner, we should head back to Halton House now.”

  Still enthralled by the spectacle, Henrietta waved them off. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll follow in due course.”

  Tom laughed under his breath. “Was it only yesterday you had decided to keep them in the dark?”

  Settling into the passenger seat, Evie moaned. “Feel free to drive as fast as you can. There is a hot bath with my name on it and I simply can’t wait to sink into it.”

  Chapter 7

  Halton House

  Reinvigorated by her relaxing bath and with still a few hours to spare, Evie made her way to the library only to be intercepted by Edgar.

  “My lady, your cousin is in the drawing room.”

  “Caro? I mean, Cousin Carolina?”

  “No, my lady. Your other cousin.”

  Overjoyed and somewhat puzzled, Evie asked, “Cousin Ruby?” She was in regular communication with her cousins and not one of them had mentioned making the transatlantic crossing to visit her. Oh, what a wonderful surprise, she thought only to then worry she would have to include her in the dinner party.

  Edgar shook his head.

  Evie took another stab at it. “Cousin Pearl?”

  Edgar looked down at his feet.

  Evie laughed. “Oh, don’t tell me it’s Cousin Sapphire.”

  “Perhaps you should see for yourself, my lady.”

  They were the only cousins who would think of visiting without an invitation. Evie ran through her entire family tree, but she couldn’t really think of any other cousin who’d wish to see her. They were mostly male and too busy to pay her any attention.

  Edgar turned and led the way to the drawing room. When he reached the door, he stepped aside to let Evie through.

  Walking in, Evie’s gaze went to the first person she saw. Caro sat on the edge of a sofa with her hands clasped and looking somewhat tense. As Evie took another step inside the room, Caro turned.

  “Oh, heavens. At last,” her maid exclaimed.

  Evie’s gaze jumped from Caro to the person sitting opposite her. Presumably, her cousin.

  “Hello.” Evie searched the woman’s face for any family resemblance but found none.

  Could she be a distant cousin she’d never met or even heard of?

  She struck quite a dramatic pose with her legs crossed and her foot, clad in a velvet shoe embroidered with what looked like a Chinese symbol, swaying from side to side. As she studied Evie, she adjusted a monocle eyeglass on her eye.

  Evie stood looking at her and feeling quite entranced by the eyepiece. She’d seen a few of them but mostly in display cases as, these days, anyone needing to correct their eyesight wore spectacles.

  Caro bounced slightly on her seat as if belatedly remembering to be excited. “Look, Cousin Evie. It’s Cousin… Ophelia.”

  The effort to hold the black rimmed monocle in place meant Cousin Ophelia’s eye looked smaller while the other eye looked larger. Also, she had her cheek lifted slightly to help keep the eyepiece in place. That gave her a lopsided smile.

  Cousin Ophelia chortled. “Cousin Evie is lost for words. Our last encounter ended in an argument over something silly. I’d hoped you’d put it all behind you.” Cousin Ophelia’s lopsided smile grew. She sat back and adjusted a cigarette onto an elegant holder. Lighting it, she held it against her lips but did not draw on it. Evie watched a curl of smoke dance around her and waft away.

  “Cousin Ophelia?” Evie looked over her shoulder.

  Edgar stood by the door looking up at the ceiling.

  Evie knew she could say anything in front of him and he would not repeat it to a single, living soul.

  Looking back at Cousin Ophelia, Evie asked, “Is this what you came up with?”

  Lotte Mannering shrugged. “I had you fooled for a moment.”

  Admittedly, she hadn’t recognized Lotte at first. The effort it took to keep the monocle in place distorted her features to the point that Lotte really became unrecognizable.

  As for her clothes…

  She had dressed as a Bohemian in a striking coat with red and white stripes and a floppy black velvet beret on her head.

  “We were just discussing tonight’s dinner,” Caro said.

  “Oh, I see. Am I to turn up at Sterling Wright’s house with an extra guest?”

  Lotte smiled. “I’m sure you’ll have no trouble arranging it, Cousin Evie.”

  Sighing, Evie sat down opposite her new cousin. “Please tell me you’re the black sheep of the family and no one ever talks about you. You’ve been turned away from everyone’s house and, here you are, taking refuge at Halton House.”

  “That sounds like a solid background story but here’s something else I’ve come up with. I’ve spent several years wandering around the Far East and India. There are many months I cannot account for and my correspondence has been vague so you can’t really help to fill in the gaps.”

  Evie checked the clock on the mantle. “I suppose the vagueness will lend credibility.” Looking at Edgar, she asked, “Where’s Mr. Winchester?”

  She heard a stifled laugh which seemed to come from a corner chair turned away from the room. As the laughter grew, Tom showed himself.

  “My apologies, Countess. Before you ask, I didn’t hide on purpose. These two simply caught me in the act of napping.”

  “Well, now that we have all that sorted out, have you come up with a new plan? Something other than dressing up as my notorious cousin.”

  Just as Lotte was about to respond, a footman approached Edgar and whispered in his ear.

  Edgar cleared his throat. “There is a telephone call for Caro.”

  Her lady’s maid and occasional cousin,
thrice removed, surged to her feet and excused herself.

  A moment later, she returned. “That was Mrs. Green calling to alert us of Miss Marjorie Devon’s imminent arrival at her establishment.”

  “Really? And why on earth is Mrs. Green informing us?”

  Caro sat down. “When we returned from the hunt, the Dowager, or rather, Cousin Henrietta… decided she would stop in the village and drop in on Mrs. Green. We all accompanied her and one thing led to another and Mrs. Green agreed to keep us informed.”

  Tom smiled at Evie. “All this happened while you were having a leisurely soak in the tub. You should do it more often.”

  “I see. So we have now engaged the services of Mrs. Green.”

  Caro nodded. “Apparently, Cousin Henrietta’s butler has several spies in the village but, Cousin Henrietta assures us, none from Halton House. Anyway, she thought this new investigation required some fresh recruits. Hence her appeal to Mrs. Green.”

  Evie sat back and stared at Lotte. “I believe you have sought out the wrong Woodridge to partner up with. Henrietta has proven herself to be quite resourceful.”

  Lotte grinned. “There’s always room for expansion and inclusion.”

  Evie rubbed her finger along her temple. “Just so we’re on the same page, which side of the family do you belong to?”

  “Your husband’s side but, like Cousin Carolina, I am several times removed and have even been ostracized and banished. To this day, there are still some Woodridge family members who refuse to acknowledge me.” Lotte leaned forward. “In fact, if you consult the family Bible, you will find my name has been struck off so effectively, there isn’t even a single trace of it.”

  “And how exactly did you find your way into our good graces again?”

  Lotte smiled. “Bygones. That’s your motto.”

  “Cousin Evie,” Caro shifted to the edge of her seat. “Shouldn’t you start making your way to Mrs. Green’s establishment?”

  Evie’s gaze automatically sought out Tom. Yes, she was now taking directions from her maid.

  “Of course. Thank you for reminding me. Tom, shall we go?”

  Caro, who had no trouble slipping in and out of character, rushed to the door, saying, “I’ll fetch your hat and coat, milady.”

  Moments later, as she waited in the hall, Evie paced around.

  Tom stood by, entertained by the sight. “Something tells me you’re not amused.”

  Evie swung around. “I’m trying to work out how I’m going to explain an extra guest to Sterling Wright. At this rate, I’ll be known as the Countess who blithely imposes on everyone’s generosity. A moocher. A sponger, going around loading up on free food and entertainment. A freeloader. Is there such a word? If there isn’t, it should be included in our vocabulary. Yes, that sounds just about right, the freeloading Countess.”

  Tom laughed. “Sterling Wright is keen to have you as his guest. He already said you were a positive influence on his fiancée. I doubt he’ll mind if you bring along another guest.”

  Evie gave him a worried look. “I’ve never seen anyone arrive at an invitation only event with an entourage of extra guests. Mark my word, this will be talked about.”

  Caro rushed down the stairs and helped Evie into the coat.

  “Thank you, Caro.” As she turned to leave, she said, “Feel free to rummage through my wardrobe. Cousin Carolina will need something suitable to wear to tonight’s dinner.”

  Lifting her collar up, she led the way to the roadster.

  As Tom settled in, he said, “Aren’t you concerned your lady’s maid will get ideas and start looking to improve her situation in life?”

  Evie laughed. “Caro is irreplaceable but if she wishes to move on, then I’ll have to grin and bear it. However, I think she’s having too much fun to ever consider leaving.”

  Caro rushed out of the house. “I thought you might need a blanket. It’s quite chilly out here, milady.”

  They drove the short distance in silence, both Tom and Evie smiling at some private thought.

  When they reached the village, Evie suggested, “You should leave the roadster somewhere out of sight. I don’t want to spook Marjorie Devon.”

  They saw only a couple of people out and about. Entering Mrs. Green’s dressmaking establishment, Evie removed her gloves and walked to the fireplace to warm her hands. When no one came to greet them, she assumed Mrs. Green was busy with Miss Devon in one of the private parlors.

  Tom joined her by the fireplace, sitting down in a comfortable winged armchair.

  “The more I think about it,” Evie whispered, “the more I like Lotte’s disguise. She’ll now be able to wander around at leisure. As my cousin, no one will suspect her of following Marjorie Devon around the place. She might even be able to befriend Marjorie Devon.”

  Hearing footsteps approaching, Evie fell silent.

  Mrs. Green appeared around a corner. “Lady Woodridge. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.” She looked over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “I’m afraid it’s been a wasted trip. Miss Devon left only a few minutes ago. She came in for a fitting and was supposed to wait until my seamstress could make a quick alteration but she hurried off. She’s asked me to have the gown delivered to Hillsboro Lodge. So I’m afraid she won’t be returning.”

  Well, so much for shadowing her every step. “Did she say why she couldn’t wait for the alterations?”

  Mrs. Green made an open-hand gesture. “I left her in the parlor and when I returned she was already out the door.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Green.”

  “Is there anything else I can assist you with, my lady?”

  Evie looked around. “Actually, may I step inside the parlor?”

  “Would you like me to bring you a selection of fabrics to peruse?”

  “Oh, no. I… I just need a moment to think.” Seeing her downcast expression, Evie changed her mind. “Actually, yes. That would be a wonderful idea. I need a new evening dress.” Mrs. Green brightened, but only slightly. Evie realized only a few people would see her in an evening dress. However, something more practical she could wear out and about might be seen by more people. “Oh, and a coat. Yes, I definitely need a new coat.”

  This time, Mrs. Green smiled. “I have the loveliest fabric, my lady. I’m sure you will love it. I won’t be long.”

  Evie slipped into the small parlor fitted out for special clients and looked around. There was a velvet chaise in the corner and a matching chair near the fireplace with a small table and lamp next to it.

  Evie walked around the small space and then sat down. Tapping her foot, she tried to picture Marjorie Devon coming in earlier. Why had she left so quickly?

  A fire had been prepared so she could not have found the room uncomfortable. She sat back and drummed her fingers on the armrest.

  A stack of paper sat on the small table. Evie looked away only to lean in for a closer look. She couldn’t remember ever seeing writing paper in the room. Mrs. Green carried a small leather-bound book she used to take down measurements, so she had no need for more paper.

  Picking up the sheet on top, she studied it. She could just make out the slightest indentation showing a couple of words.

  Inspiration struck. Setting the paper down, she went to stand by the fireplace and, leaning down, she ran her fingertip along the edge. It came away with a layer of soot which she used to brush along the piece of paper. As she did, two words were revealed.

  “Rosebud Green,” she read. Just then, Mrs. Green came in carrying a selection of fabrics.

  Evie made quick work of folding the piece of paper and slipping it inside her pocket.

  “Oh, these are lovely. I believe you already have my measurements. Do you think you could start working on a coat for me, please?”

  “Yes, certainly, my lady. Straightaway. What about the evening gown?”

  “Oh, I’ll have to think about that one. My maid is very particular about the colors I wear.” She gave her a brisk smile.
“By the way, is there such a color as rosebud green?”

  Mrs. Green thought about it for a moment. “It could be a new color but not one I’m aware of.”

  “So you haven’t heard it mentioned recently?”

  “No, I can’t say that I have, my lady.”

  What could it mean and had Marjorie Devon written it?

  Walking out of the parlor, Evie imagined Marjorie sitting down and suddenly remembering something. She then pictured the young woman writing it down, putting the piece of paper away and rushing out because…

  Because rosebud green had reminded her of something important she needed to do?

  “That was quick,” Tom said and rose to his feet. “Where to now?”

  “Back to Halton House. Heaven knows how many more family members will be waiting for me.” Inspiration struck again. Evie turned and smiled at Mrs. Green. “Do you happen to remember what Miss Devon wore this afternoon?”

  Chapter 8

  Dinner is served

  Hillsboro Lodge

  Lotte congratulated Evie on her ingenuity. They had spent some time studying the piece of paper and trying to decipher its meaning right along with Marjorie Devon’s curious behavior.

  There had to be a reason for the threatening letters. If they could keep a close eye on her, they might get to the bottom of it all.

  Looking up and across the dining table, Evie lifted her wine glass, both to take a sip and to toast Lotte’s transformation into her Cousin Ophelia.

  She wore a stylish suit in black satin with wide legged trousers and a glittering scarf studded with beads that glimmered like the crystals on the chandelier above. Instead of a headband, she wore a silver satin turban with a black feather. As it turned out, Lotte traveled with a set of disguises for any occasion.

  After an afternoon of practicing, she had mastered the art of holding her monocle in place. However, after the second glass of wine, Evie could see it risked falling into the soup.