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

by Sonia Parin

  “It explains why she went upstairs,” Tom offered.

  Evie turned to Lotte. “Did you notice her wearing a different dress?”

  “No, in fact, when she came out of her room, she was wearing the pink dress. I remember thinking the color didn’t really suit her.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m not the best judge, but not everyone can carry that pale shade of pink.”

  Evie puzzled over Lotte’s response. “I meant, are you sure she was wearing pink. Never mind, you already answered the question. Albeit in a roundabout way.”

  So, Evie thought, at some point, after Lotte had lost her, Marjorie Devon had returned to her room and changed into the blue dress.

  What had happened to make her do that?

  “Maybe she just decided she wanted to change,” Caro suggested. “When Mrs. Green and I brought the pink dress for her to try on, Marjorie hadn’t been able to decide which one she would wear to the ball. Perhaps she realized she could actually wear both.”

  That sounded like a reasonable explanation. Evie watched Lotte weave her way back to the ballroom. A moment later, she returned, her expression blank.

  “George Stevens isn’t back yet.”

  “What about his wife?”

  Lotte shook her head.

  “Perhaps they left.” Evie turned to Tom.

  “I’ll go out and have a chat with the chauffeurs.”

  Evie tried to remember who else was staying at the house. “Oh, what about Archie Arthurs? Has anyone seen him?”

  “Who?” Toodles asked.

  Evie described him. “Stocky with stooped shoulders. No experience on horses.”

  “Stocky like Twiggy Lloyd?”

  “Yes, I suppose so. Anyhow, he’s one of the other guests staying here.”

  No one remembered seeing a man fitting that description. It seemed odd to attend the foxhunt and then forego the final event.

  “We appear to be the only ones in a state of panic,” Henrietta observed.

  “I wouldn’t necessarily say we have panicked,” Sara argued even as she pressed her hand to her chest. “Although, I must admit, my imagination is running wild.”

  “What with?” Henrietta asked.

  “With images of what might have happened. Think about it. One moment, everyone was in the ballroom dancing and, the next moment, they all disappeared. Did you notice anyone else leaving? No. Only those staying at the house.”

  Evie wished they had some way of finding out who’d left first and…

  If the others had followed.

  Caro gave her sleeve a tug. “I’ve lost sight of Matthew Prentiss and his wife. I’m going to the ballroom.”

  A glance around the hall almost made Evie dizzy. “Where’s Marjorie Devon?”

  Henrietta and Sara piped in, “We’ve lost Twiggy Lloyd again.”

  Before she could stop them, the dowagers went in search of Twiggy Lloyd with Toodles trailing after them.

  Evie groaned under her breath. “I suppose I should stay here.” Catching the attention of a footman, she helped herself to a glass of champagne. Taking a sip, she changed her mind. “The night is not over yet,” she murmured.

  Chapter 14

  Lost and found and lost again

  The great hall

  Hillsboro Lodge

  Relief swept through Evie when she saw Tom returning from talking with the chauffeurs. Evie tried to read his expression but he did a splendid job of hiding his thoughts as he wove his way toward her smiling and greeting people so she had no way of telling if he brought good news or bad news.

  Along the way, he picked up a couple of champagne glasses. He handed Evie a glass and stood by watching the guests as he took a sip of his drink. His tactic tested Evie’s patience. Finally, he said, “All the motor cars are still here. No one’s left yet.”

  Where could they have gone? “Everyone who’d returned has disappeared again. Do you think they’re having a private meeting somewhere?” Evie looked past Tom’s shoulder. Sterling Wright stood with a group of guests chatting and laughing.

  Everyone continued to enjoy themselves. Lively music wafted from the ballroom. “We must be making too big a deal of it. Either that or there is something strange going on right under our noses.”

  Tom cast his gaze around the gathering. “There’s definitely something wrong here.”

  “It’s possible they just went wandering around the house. Whenever I’m a guest in a new house, I like to explore the picture galleries.” Although, that didn’t explain Marjorie Devon’s absence earlier.

  Tom grinned. “You mean, you like to snoop.”

  Putting on a haughty tone, Evie lifted her chin. “I like to admire and appreciate. That’s the reason why people have so many works of art and fine furniture on display. Besides, I’m not the only one. Henrietta and Sara also enjoy wandering around.”

  “They did that because they were following the Prentiss couple. Actually, where are the others?”

  “They went exploring. At least, that’s the excuse they’ll give if anyone asks.”

  “I suppose the dowagers and Toodles will look less suspicious.” He raised his glass to his lips. “And I’m sure Caro can talk her way out of anything. If you change your mind about becoming a lady detective, you could turn your attention to becoming a society thief. You already have your band of adventure seeking would-be thieves.”

  “Mr. Winchester, I’m shocked that you would even propose such a venture.”

  “Are you?”

  Evie shifted and smiled. “Actually, I’m not at all surprised by the suggestion or the fact that I spent a moment entertaining the idea. Of course, it would never work. We simply don’t have it in us.”

  He gave a pensive nod. “Lotte didn’t exactly come straight out and say it, but I believe you need a creative mind for the job at hand.”

  “Are you trying to distract me?”

  “Yes, you’re fixating. I thought you might help to think about something else.”

  Evie hummed under her breath. “No, I can’t quite see myself walking around in disguise.”

  He lifted an eyebrow and teased her, “Really? I think you would have no trouble disguising yourself as an indigent, half-crazed woman.”

  Evie gave him a measuring look. “And I think you would do just fine playing the role of my husband.”

  Tom grinned.

  “Or my butler.” Evie shrugged. “We already know you can fool everyone as a chauffeur.”

  “Brace yourself,” Tom murmured, “Sterling Wright is heading straight for us.”

  Smiling, Evie greeted him. “Your ball has been a wonderful success.”

  He rocked on the heels of his feet. “Ah, yes. And yet, I’m slightly disappointed because no one has danced on a table. I doubt the event will make the society pages.”

  “Few country events do.” Unless something happened, Evie thought. “Also, these days, we’re competing with the bright young things.”

  “At least it was well attended.”

  “I think you’ll find us country folk all quite enthusiastic. You might want to see about holding a garden party or a fête for the local village. They’ll really appreciate that.”

  He raised a glass to the idea.

  Evie took the opportunity to ask, “Did George Stevens approach you about buying back the horse?”

  Sterling gave her a brisk smile. “Not yet. I’m sure he’s biding his time and he’ll have plenty of it since he’s spending a couple of days here.” Suddenly, his attention drifted away.

  Evie saw the butler standing nearby.

  Giving a nod, Sterling said, “You must excuse me. It appears I am needed elsewhere.”

  Once he was out of hearing, Tom asked, “Is Sterling Wright looking to make a name for himself as the host of the season?”

  Evie watched Sterling Wright’s progress across the crowded hall. His butler spoke briefly and then led the way out through a side door. “I think he might want to
impress the folks back home. Unfortunately for him, he’s unlikely to succeed since the only news reports that make it across are all about the success of debutantes landing a titled gentleman.”

  “Did you make headlines when you married the Earl of Woodridge?” Tom asked.

  “Yes, of course. Although, by then, the novelty had worn off. Others before me had made bigger splashes.” However, Evie thought, only a few of them had married for love. “Oh, thank goodness. I see the dowagers and Toodles. I wonder if they discovered anything of interest?”

  Doing their best to remain inconspicuous, they took their time reaching them so Evie assumed their search had yielded nothing of real interest.

  Henrietta’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “We have been poking around the place. Sterling Wright has a descent art collection and some beautifully furnished rooms. He must have acquired some pieces at auction as I recognize some of the furniture from nearby Hertfords-by-the-field House.” Lowering her voice, she murmured, “The owners lost their only son and heir. Poor souls, they put on a brave front but apparently could no longer bear living in the house without him. Then, there was only so much furniture they could fit into their London house. With no heir, their future looks dim. It’s comforting to know Halton House has been spared such a fate.”

  “I think Evie wants to know if we found anything of interest.” Sara smiled. “We encountered a maid and I asked if George Stevens’ wife had retired for the night. She confirmed it. So that’s one person accounted for.”

  “You left out the most important part,” Toodles said. “The maid emerged from Marjorie Devon’s room. How do we know? She was carrying her pink dress to mend.”

  “So that’s why Marjorie changed her dress.” Evie glanced at Marjorie who, surprisingly, had remained in the hall. So much for her keen desire to dance the night away. “Did Caro go with you?”

  Looking worried, Henrietta adjusted her necklace. “No, she didn’t. I thought she remained here with you.”

  “I don’t like the look of this,” Tom said.

  “What?”

  He signaled toward a side entrance.

  Sterling Wright walked toward them, his face devoid of any expression, his movements steady and determined.

  “Oh, heavens,” Henrietta exclaimed. “I hope we’re not in trouble for wandering around the house unescorted.”

  Avoiding eye contact with Evie and the others, Sterling Wright looked straight at Tom. Drawing him aside, he murmured something.

  Tom turned to Evie. His face had drained of color. Leaning in, he whispered. “It’s… Caro.”

  Evie’s heart gave an alarming thump against her chest. Somehow, she managed to keep her voice steady. “What’s happened?”

  Instead of answering, he turned to the others. “We’ll be back shortly.” He took Evie’s hand and led the way.

  “What is happening?” Henrietta demanded and was echoed by the others who followed Tom and Evie.

  The butler walked ahead of them. Reaching a door behind the staircase, he opened it. “We didn’t think we should move her upstairs yet. The doctor has been summoned. One of the maids found her outside.”

  A flurry of questions swept through Evie but she couldn’t find the words to express them.

  They hurried down the stairs. Realizing the others had followed, Evie managed to turn and say, “Henrietta, perhaps you should all remain upstairs.”

  “Out of the question.”

  “Then please take care coming down the stairs. We don’t want someone else injured.”

  A footman carrying a tray hurried up the stairs. When he saw them, he stood aside to let them through.

  Reaching the landing, the butler signaled to a room just off the kitchen. “This is my office.”

  Tom and Evie rushed in and found Caro stretched out on a leather sofa.

  The housekeeper stood by while a maid pressed a cloth to Caro’s cheek.

  Finding her voice, Evie asked, “Is she responsive?” Before anyone could answer, she kneeled down beside her and took her hand. “Caro, can you hear me?”

  When the maid removed the cloth to dampen it in a bowl, Evie gasped. Caro’s cheek looked red and slightly swollen. Had someone struck her? Or had Caro run into something?

  Patting her hand lightly, Evie tried again. “Caro, you must say something to let us know you are fine.” She had to be. Evie couldn’t think of any other outcome. She didn’t dare. Her thoughts had frozen in place. She couldn’t even entertain the possibility of anything being other than fine.

  A swirl of emotions pressed against her chest then dove all the way down to the pit of her stomach, swelling into something hard.

  Tom rested his hand on Evie’s shoulder and squeezed. “She will be fine. Whatever happened, I think she’s just responded by going into shock.”

  Evie sensed movement behind her and knew the others had finally come in. Henrietta’s breath whooshed out and Sara emitted a soft moan.

  “Has anyone tried smelling salts?” Toodles asked.

  “We didn’t dare,” the housekeeper said. “The doctor should be along shortly. He doesn’t live very far.”

  “What was she doing outside?” Evie murmured and looked up at Tom. She could feel her eyes stinging with an urgent demand for him to offer answers that made sense but he only gave a small nod before withdrawing from the room. Evie knew he had gone in search of those answers she’d demanded.

  Lotte came to stand beside Evie. Leaning down, she whispered, “She will be fine.”

  Evie gave a stiff nod.

  When Lotte moved away, Evie knew she had gone out to join Tom in his search. Between them, she hoped they would be able to find out what had happened.

  Evie looked up at the housekeeper. “I’m sure Mr. Wright has already asked you. Did any of the downstairs servants see anything or hear something out of the ordinary?”

  The housekeeper, dressed in severe black, stood with her hands clasped. Evie saw her press her fingers together and draw her eyebrows down as if in thought.

  “We were all so very busy, my lady. It tends to become quite noisy in the kitchen.” She shook her head. “One of the maids went outside and that’s when she found her.”

  Managing to keep her voice steady, Evie asked, “Where? Right near the door?”

  “No, she was near the wood-fire building. It’s attached to one of the storage outhouses.”

  “And what else is out there?”

  “There’s a servant entrance and the kitchen door and…”

  “I mean, are there other buildings beyond the wood-fire building?”

  “The old coach house, the stables and the motor car garage are opposite. The chauffeur lives upstairs.”

  “Is he there now?”

  “No, my lady. He’s been in the kitchen all evening. Although, he stepped out a couple of times to chat with the other chauffeurs.”

  “And where are they?”

  “They’re all with their vehicles out the front.”

  Caro’s lips parted and she moaned.

  The others moved closer.

  “Did she just moan?” Sara asked. “That must be a good sign, surely.”

  Evie had no idea how much time had passed. Someone put their hand on her shoulder and urged her to move.

  “It’s the doctor. He’s here, Birdie.”

  Looking up, it took her a moment to recognize Toodles.

  “Birdie. You need to give him some space.”

  Although reluctant, she released Caro’s hand, straightened and stepped back.

  The doctor set his case down and took Caro’s pulse. Then, he inspected her reddened cheek. When he touched Caro’s nose, she winced and moaned again. “It looks like she has been struck in the face. A blow to the nose would be enough to knock anyone out,” he explained.

  Someone had struck Caro? Scooping in a determined breath, Evie looked at the others. “You stay with her.”

  Understanding, Toodles nodded.

  “Promise me you’ll s
tay and if anything changes send someone to fetch me. I’ll be outside.”

  Before she could change her mind, Evie swung around and found her way out. Seeing her coming, maids and footmen stepped out of the way.

  “Which way to the back door?” Evie asked a maid. If the young girl’s expression was any indication, Evie had just succeeded in frightening her with her abrupt manner. Distraught and feeling utterly helpless, she apologized.

  Pointing her in the right direction, the maid stepped back only to find the courage to hurry ahead and open the door for Evie.

  The crisp night air engulfed Evie but it didn’t deter her. She’d hoped to find Tom and Lotte out here but, at first glance, she failed to locate them.

  Light from the windows spilled out lighting the immediate cobblestoned area. Stepping away from the door, she looked around and identified the outbuildings the housekeeper had mentioned.

  A light moving across a window of one of the buildings caught her attention. A moment later, two figures emerged from the building carrying a lantern.

  Tom and Lotte.

  Seeing her, Tom asked, “How is Caro?”

  “The doctor is with her.” Evie wrapped her arms around her waist and shook her head. “I had to come out and… do something.”

  “I’m afraid we haven’t found anything out here. We might have better luck in the daylight.” Signaling with the lantern, Tom added, “We were just going to look around the stables and garage.”

  “I’ll join you.”

  Tom handed Lotte the lantern and removed his coat. “Here, put this on.”

  Evie didn’t bother protesting. The warmth of his coat offered her enough comfort for her to realize she had been cold.

  She spoke as if in a daze. “I’ve been thinking… Caro must have followed someone outside. She didn’t just come out here to look around.”

  Both Tom and Lotte agreed.

  “She must have been standing in the person’s way,” Lotte said. “Or, we think she might have caught someone by surprise. Someone making their way back to the house.”

  Evie tried to picture the scene but her mind only provided a blurred image. “From doing what?”

  Lotte shrugged. “I assume there are still people missing inside. They have to be somewhere on the property.”