by Ella Edon
“Lady Hartley!”
Amy almost burst into tears when she heard Derby. She managed to look around and saw him running along the landing. He flew down the stairs and grabbed Beatrice’s wrist, untangling her fingers from Amy’s hair. Amy slumped to the stairs, squeezing back the tears. Sarah was huddled against the wall, still crying, and she was clutching her face. Derby let Beatrice go and snarled at her.
“I will not have that conduct in my house!” He bellowed. “You will not put your hands on Miss Hartley.”
“She’s my daughter, Lord Derby.” Beatrice sneered. “I can do what I want with her.”
“She’s your stepdaughter, and you cannot treat her as I just witnessed. And you just assaulted my sister! If things weren’t so dire right now, I’d be making sure you suffered the consequences for that!”
He pushed past Beatrice and knelt beside his sister. He lowered her hand and inspected her face. That was when Amy saw the red mark over her temple. Beatrice had connected with her. Derby growled. Sarah stared at him.
“Is it true, Daniel?” She whispered. “Kenneth’s dead?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Sarah buried her face in her hands and sobbed, her shoulders shaking. Her head still throbbing, Amy shuffled across the stairs and hugged her friend. Derby laid a hand on her back, glaring up at Beatrice.
“Nobody is leaving here, Lady Hartley.”
“What?”
“The Marquis of Merseyside has just been murdered, and the murdered could still be in the house. Much as I would love to see the back of you and your husband, everyone must stay until we find out who did this.”
Beatrice snorted.
“We all know who did this! Like father, like son!”
Amy watched as Derby’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t snap. He simply turned to Beatrice, who suddenly cowered in front of him. Derby’s voice was barely above a low growl as he spoke.
“Go back to your room, Lady Hartley. You and your husband can lock yourselves in there, as far as I’m concerned, but the servants have orders not to help anyone leave. Everyone stays.” Then he turned his back on her and looked at Amy. “Could you get Sarah to your room, Amy? It’s best she doesn’t go to her suite right now.”
“Of course.”
Derby then reached out and squeezed her shoulder.
“We’ll find who did this.” He whispered. “I promise.”
Chapter Eighteen
Sarah was taken away by her maid, still in hysterics. Amy wanted to go after her, but she could tell that she wouldn’t be able to do much to help. Instead, she headed up to her mother’s room. Anna was awake and concerned about the screaming. James was sitting with her, grimly holding his wife’s hand. As soon as she saw her daughter, Anna had grabbed hold of Amy and hugged her tightly. Amy was sure she could hear her mother sobbing.
Amy could hardly blame her. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Lord Merseyside was a good man, and he got on with everyone. He had been fine earlier, no indication that he had things on his mind. But now he was dead, and the world seemed to be cracking.
For Sarah, her world would certainly come crashing down.
After a while of sitting in silence with her mother and stepfather, Amy excused herself. Anna was starting to succumb to the draft that James had given her, and her eyes were closing. James moved into Amy’s seat and sat by her bedside, still holding onto her hand. His obvious devotion made Amy want to cry. She hurried out before she did.
The activity outside had died down, but the atmosphere was very much subdued. One of the upstairs maids went past Amy sobbing, her shoulders shaking. Amy wanted to go after her and check on her, but she kept going. Sarah was her priority right now.
She tapped gently at the door and then opened it. Sarah was tucked up in her bed asleep, half-turned towards the window. Even from the door, Amy could see the tear tracks down her cheeks.
Victoria was sitting in a chair by the bed, her head bent over a book. She looked up as Amy came in and jumped to her feet.
“Miss Hartley.”
“Victoria.” Amy closed the door behind her and padded across the floor. She gestured at Sarah. “How’s Lady Merseyside?”
Victoria sighed.
“She’s only just fallen asleep. Her maid was at a loss, so I said I would sit in with the Marquess.”
“Thank you.” Amy squeezed the woman’s arm. “That’s much appreciated.”
“Do you think she’ll be able to cope with losing her husband?”
Amy bit her lip.
“I don’t know. I really don’t. Sarah’s strong, but she’s never been in this situation.”
“She’s lost her parents, hasn’t she?”
“That doesn’t quite compare to losing a man you were married to.”
“Fair point.” Victoria paused. “You know, Lady Hartley cornered me as I was on my way here. She said I wasn’t to leave your side no matter what. I protested that I was going to help out here, but she was insistent.”
Of course, she would. Beatrice would make sure Amy was put under lock and key, if she was allowed. Now Victoria was looking nervous at the prospect.
“And what do you think?” She asked.
Victoria sighed.
“I’m beginning to realize what you’ve had to deal with over the years, and I feel guilty for being a part of it.”
“It’s not your fault. We have to do as we’re told by our employers, fathers, and anyone of a higher authority.”
Victoria grunted.
“I know about that. And I wish that wasn’t the case.”
“But you can help me, if you like?”
“Do you want me to stay with Lady Merseyside?”
“Please. I don’t want her left alone.” Amy hugged the maid and then headed for the door. “I need to find out what’s been going on.”
“Go down the back stairs.” Victoria suggested as she sat back down. “You won’t have to walk by your father’s room.”
Amy waved over her shoulder as she left the room, turning in the direction of the back stairs. If she went down this way, it was only a quick walk around the corner to the study. Nobody would bother her, not even the servants. And, she wouldn’t have to face her father or stepmother for a while. Amy didn’t want to deal with either of them right now.
She headed down to the ground floor and turned into the corridor, stepping past two footmen hurrying the other way. Derby’s study door was closed, and Amy found herself looking over her shoulder before she tapped on the door, hearing Derby snap in response.
“What is it?”
Amy took a deep breath and opened the door, slipping into the room. Derby was by the drink cabinet, filling up a glass to the brim. He had his jacket off, along with his cravat, and his sleeves were rolled up. Amy’s heart cracked at the sight. The earl looked shaken.
She closed the door behind her.
“Daniel?”
Derby turned, glass halfway to his mouth. He stared at her like he had never seen her before. Then he put the glass down heavily, liquid sloshing over his hands, and he advanced towards her. Amy hurried to meet him, and Derby swept her into his arms, holding onto her tightly. Amy hugged his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. She could feel him trembling, his heart beating wildly against her chest.
Derby let out a heavy sigh, pressing a kiss to Amy’s head.
“You have no idea how much I needed that.”
“I think I can tell.” Amy pulled back and cupped his jaw. “You’re pale.”
“I…” Derby licked his lips. “I’ve never seen a dead body before. And for it to be a close friend…”
Amy put a finger on his lips, silencing him.
“You don’t need to say before. Come,” She slipped her hand into his, tugging Derby towards the chaise longue by the window. “Sit down with me.”
Derby didn’t fight her as Amy led him to the couch, sitting down heavily. Amy sat beside him, her hand still in his. Derby sat back, resting hi
s head on the upholstery as he stared at the ceiling.
“How’s Sarah? I swear I can still hear her screaming.”
“She’s asleep now. My maid Victoria is with her.” Amy bit her lip. “I’m worried about her and the baby. This stress will not be good.”
“I’m worried about her as well.” Derby looked at her. “And I’m also worried about you.”
“I’m fine.” Amy’s belly warmed at the declaration. “What happened to him? Beatrice said he was poisoned.”
Derby nodded grimly. His expression was pained.
“Your stepfather did a closer examination and confirmed it. Merseyside was poisoned by something very fast-acting. Probably something in his drink. Unless we do some tests, something this estate is not equipped for, we won’t be able to tell what the poison was.”
Amy shuddered. Poison. She had read about a woman who had killed three husbands and several other people a few years before using poison. For a while after reading the story - and hearing Hartley scoff at it over breakfast for several mornings - Amy had struggled to eat anything in case her stepmother had slipped something into her food.
“But who would want to kill him?” She asked. “Lord Merseyside is a decent man.”
“Clearly, someone didn’t think so.” Derby grunted. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Forgive me, Amy, when I invited you up here to my home, I had no idea any of this was going to happen.”
“It’s not your fault. I don’t blame you for any of this.”
“You don’t?”
Amy smiled at his expression and squeezed his hand.
“No, of course not.”
Derby stared at her. Then he sat up, drawing her close. His kiss was a gentle brush of lips, a kiss that had Amy sighing. Derby rested his head against hers.
“I wish I could take you somewhere safe.” He said gruffly. “But until we find out what’s happening and who is responsible, we all have to stay here.”
“I understand.” Amy rubbed her hand over his jaw. “I’ll keep myself safe as long as you do the same.”
“I plan to.” Derby kissed her again before drawing back. He rose to his feet, tugging Amy with him. “You’d better go back before your father and stepmother come looking for you. Your stepmother has looked in here twice already.”
Amy didn’t want to go, but she didn’t want to face the woman her father had married. She didn’t want to deal with an argument right now.
“May I go out the terrace doors?”
“You may.” Derby kissed her forehead. “Stay safe.”
Derby stepped out onto the terrace and watched Amy hurry around to the kitchen door. She paused in the doorway and looked back, giving Derby a smile that felt like a punch to the gut. He was tempted to run after her, pull her into an alcove and rip her dress off, tasting every part of her body.
He was sure the servants would have something to say about that. The cook, certainly, would kick up a fuss. But keeping hold of proprieties when all Derby wanted to do was grab Amy and not let go was getting harder than he expected.
“My lord?”
Derby looked around. Dobson was walking across the study towards him. He hadn’t heard the valet come in, and the other man looked troubled.
“What is it?”
Dobson reached the terrace doors.
“I saw Miss Hartley come in here.”
“I didn’t realize you were my guard.”
“Not intentionally, but with Lord and Lady Hartley charging around looking for her, I didn’t want to be caught in a lie.” Dobson shrugged. “Not that they would ask me, but I was more curious.”
Derby grunted.
“I bet you were listening at the keyhole.”
“I wouldn’t be a good valet if I didn’t eavesdrop on my master’s conversations.” Dobson frowned. “Why didn’t you tell Miss Hartley about the Marquis’ infatuation for her?”
“I can’t tell her. Not yet.”
Things had been happening so fast and Derby was more concerned about his sister that he had completely forgotten. But it wasn’t exactly something he could have brought up while he and Amy talked. That really would have killed the situation, and Derby didn’t know how he could go about it.
“Miss Hartley won’t want you keeping things from her.” Dobson pointed out.
“Yes, thank you, Dobson, I do know that.” Derby snapped. He turned away and paced across the terrace, running his hands through his hair. “I will tell her about it, but once I’ve spoken to Sarah.”
Sarah deserved to know first. Merseyside was her husband, and she had to know what was going on. Derby didn’t know how Sarah was going to take it, but he couldn’t keep this from her, even in the light of her husband’s murder.
“Very good, my lord.”
Dobson was too passive for Derby’s liking. Like the rest of the servants, Dobson had been shocked at the knowledge a murder had happened in the house. But now he was sounding troubled. A little more subdued. Derby turned to his valet.
“What is it, Dobson?”
“My lord?”
“You’ve got something going on in your head. I can tell.”
Dobson blinked. He tried to look innocent, but it didn’t wash with Derby.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Derby sighed and approached the other man.
“Stuart, how long have I known you? Don’t mess around with me. What are you thinking? Is it something to do with the murder?”
“I…”
“If it is, you need to tell me.” Derby stopped before his valet. “Dobson?”
Dobson swallowed. Now he was shuffling from foot to foot.
“You’re not going to like it, my lord.”
“You’ve never held back before.” Derby folded his arms. “Try me.”
“What if…” Dobson hesitated, and then he squared his shoulders, lifting his chin. “What if Miss Hartley was the one who poisoned the Marquis of Merseyside?”
Derby thought he had misheard. He couldn’t seriously think…
“Did I hear you correctly? You think Miss Hartley could be the poisoner?”
“It’s a subtle way to kill someone, and a woman is always subtle.”
“Not all women.” Derby could think of a few women who were certainly not subtle. Quite a few of them were in his house. “But why would Miss Hartley murder Merseyside? He hadn’t done anything to her, as far as I know.”
“Women do think up slights to commit crimes and make it right for them.”
Even as he said it, Dobson didn’t sound certain. Derby tilted his head to the side.
“Do you really think, in your heart, that Miss Hartley murdered the Marquis?”
Dobson was silent for a moment. Then he shook his head and looked away.
“No, I don’t. It was just a speculation.”
“Good. Keep it like that.” Then Derby turned away as he heard someone calling his name. He groaned when he saw who was calling for him. “Oh, what now?”
Rebecca Colburn was hurrying along the terrace, closely followed by her aunt. Derby was surprised the middle-aged woman didn’t trip over her long skirts. Rebecca strode towards him with a confident walk, beaming at him. Derby glanced at Dobson, who shook his head. There was no getting away from this. She had seen him, and Derby just had to get rid of her himself.
Derby growled and turned back to Rebecca, who practically threw herself on him.
“Lord Derby!”
Derby grabbed her wrists and set her away from him. Then he stepped back and started rolling down his sleeves. He was only just realizing that he was in a state of undress.
“Get my jacket, will you, Dobson?”
“Very good, my lord.”
Dobson headed back into the study while Derby finished adjusting his shirt. Rebecca giggled and tapped him on the shoulder with her fan.
“You don’t need to dress yourself in front of me, my lord. I’m going to be seeing it all soon.”
That made Der
by nauseous.
“I prefer to be dressed properly for everyone, Miss Colburn.” He was relieved to see Dobson come back out with his jacket, which Derby slipped into quickly. “What do you want?”
