A Merry Little Murder

by Beth Byers

  “This dress is my most becoming,” the other woman hissed back. “Leave me be. I won’t be like you, throwing over man after man and making a name for myself. I’m going to convince Mr. Carlyle to love me and leave this backwater.”

  “A name?” the first woman asked. “What are you trying to insinuate, you insufferable brat?”

  “Insinuate?” The laugh that followed was mean. “No one has to insinuate anything with you. Leading on poor Robert, secretly engaging yourself to both of the Henry Wickhams. A nephew and an uncle? The name you think I won’t say is whore!”

  There was the sound of a slap and Violet jumped. She glanced at Kate, whose gaze was wide. Violet tugged Kate away from the door. When they were a good half-dozen steps back, Violet let out a wooden laugh that carried through the hall and then glanced around.

  It was a warning to the women they were coming—even if it was unbelievable to anyone who knew Violet. There was a sound above them and both Kate and Violet turned. Violet sighed with relief when she saw who it was.

  Victor and Jack were standing at the top of the steps, watching the two women. The smirk on Victor’s face said he’d witnessed them eavesdrop. A moment later there was the slamming of a door and the sound of footsteps as someone raced from the room the rest were heading towards.

  “I believe that Martha just ran out the side door,” Kate said low so that only Violet could hear. Kate tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “She has such pale skin. She’ll need to put something on her face or slap her other cheek to balance her looks out before she can feel confident in chasing your brother again.”

  Violet laughed. “Will you be my closest friend? It has been Lila all this time, but you are a bit more cutting in your wit, I think. Lila is kinder than I am.”

  Kate snorted. “You and Victor. You’re V.V. Twinnings, aren’t you? It took me a bit, but then I remembered that Lila said she had friends who wrote pulp. I never expected it to be you two. Aren’t you and Victor swells? Why do you write?”

  Violet laughed as she admitted, “Well, now we’re…ah…fiscally blessed. Our aunt died about a year ago.” Violet’s eyes burned suddenly with tears as Victor and Jack approached. Victor took in Violet’s expression and his gaze darted to Kate, who took Vi’s hand.

  “It stops hurting so consistently eventually. It doesn’t ever quite go away, but it stops.”

  Violet searched Kate’s face. She was so lovely. She also, Violet saw, had a sprinkle of freckles. Unlike Lila and Martha, who tried to hide them with powder, Kate’s naturally pale skin wasn’t covered in powder. She still wore a light lip color, a little rouge, and a little kohl, but her skin was clear and uncovered.

  It was a good look to embrace her freckles. Violet was well aware that Victor had always liked freckles. He also appreciated a rounder figure as Lila and Kate had, the full lips, but most of all—he appreciated a smart woman. He wasn’t another misogynistic man who expected women to stay in the boxes they’d been shoved into for ages. He claimed being raised with a more capable female twin had taught him the error of that thinking, but Violet felt it was more that Victor just appreciated wit in general.

  It was why he liked Jack so much and why he wasn’t close to their cousin, Algernon. Algie was a bit of an idiot—so despite the years together—Victor could barely stand to spend a day or two with him without someone else along for the ride.

  “Who did you lose?” Violet asked without thinking and then hated herself for the question.

  Kate didn’t seem to mind. “My first love. He died in the war. He was older than me. It was…is…but mostly was…awful.”

  There was a rolling laugh before Martha said from the hallway, “Monroe Kimball would never have actually married you, Kate. Not unless you didn’t let him get away with throwing you over. He was older, richer, and better connected than you.”

  For once, Violet saw that something reached into Kate and made her hurt. The look of distant amusement faded on Kate’s face and Violet lashed out again, without thinking. “Oh, I see that you decided to slap your other cheek to balance out the look. Perhaps we can get your cousin out here to even out your cheeks a little better. I don’t think you put enough effort in.”

  Martha gaped at Violet, her gaze wide, and then they darted to Victor. Violet followed the girl’s gaze and saw the disgust on Victor’s face. So did Martha, and her eyes swelled with tears before she turned and ran up the stairs.

  “Well, that was dramatic.” Violet took Kate’s hand. “I think, Victor, this is an afternoon for a little something to go with our drinks. What have you got that would mix well with hot chocolate?”

  Victor grinned. “I’ve already got Giles bringing the things for a stinger.”

  “A stinger?” Violet demanded.

  “Creme de menthe, brandy, and a simple syrup. I think the creme de menthe would be nice in hot chocolate as well.”

  “My twin is obsessed with purchasing and mixing alcohol,” Violet told Kate. “You’d think he’d be floating on a river of cocktails the way he thinks about alcohol, but it is—I fear—a little more common for me to be zozzled.”

  “And yet,” Victor said as he opened the parlor door for the rest of them, “I am the one with the notoriously bad choices behind me.”

  “That is because you are a much better steward of me than Denny was of you.” Violet grinned at her brother and winked at Kate before she said, “Ah, Harriet. I hear you have the voice of an angel.”

  Harriet looked away from the window where she’d been standing and the serious expression on her face melted away. “Ah…yes, some people say so.”

  “And you’re going to be singing for a party soon? Did Lila explain things to me correctly?”

  Harriet nodded, smiling prettily. All sign of an argument or deeper thoughts were gone as she spun prettily towards them. She walked over flirtatiously, but there was no sign that she was targeting any of the men. More that she was just naturally sensuous. There was something in her mind, though, if you paid attention. Her mouth settled back to stiff silence. “I’m singing some jazzier version of Christmas carols tomorrow at a party in the village. I hope you all will come. Much of the proceeds are going to an orphan house near here. There’s one that has a rather pitiful setup for the children for Christmas morning. You never do quite think about how the holidays are for poor children, do you—not when you’re a child. It seems like such a robbery later when you realize that some are lucky to get an orange and I was so very blessed.”

  “Oh, no,” Violet said. “No, no. There are children in an orphanage near here?”

  “About twenty of them, I’m afraid. They struggle so to even take care of them. Where porridge is the best they can do and there aren’t enough blankets.”

  Violet’s gaze narrowed, and she glanced at her brother. “Send Giles.”

  He nodded and Jack said, “I believe my man would be able to help get things quickly. He’s quite effective.”

  “What carols will you be singing?” Violet asked before the rest of them could linger too long on what the twins were planning. She never quite liked to flash her money about, but she would be damned if children woke without a full Christmas stocking, let alone cold and hungry. Not while she had so much.

  Denny and Lila came in next, Lila having clearly dealt with her sister. “Oh hullo.” She winked at Violet as she said, “Martha has taken a bit of chill. We’ll see her at the party tomorrow. I’m so thrilled you’ll be singing, Harriet. I’ve been looking forward to it since I realized I’d be lucky to hear you again.”

  Violet and Kate opted for the hot chocolate with creme de menthe. Violet sighed into her drink. “This is lovely. Now tell me, Kate. When you aren’t reading the fabulous Twinnings, have you read Edgar Rice Burroughs?”

  She scrunched her nose. “I can’t get past the jungle man. Don’t you just think about how many bugs he must have had?”

  Violet snorted. “That is one of those things you shove out of your mind. It’s like wi
th the scarlet ghost, the man is clearly a villain. And yet poor, dumb Isla redeems him. We’ll just assume that someone took Tarzan aside and helped him out with his little bug problem off scene. And before Jane realized the nature of the issue. Or caught any.”

  Kate shivered as Violet laughed.

  “Oh look,” Victor said, nudging Violet, “food. Let’s eat and stop speaking of lice and fleas or whatever you’re imagining. It makes my delicate sensibilities turn.”

  Violet laughed at her brother. Jack pulled her from her chair and they walked into the dining room together. The luncheon itself was rather simple. Soup, ham, roasted potatoes, a cheese, and a sweet course, but it was so well done for no notice. Violet complimented Inkwell, who didn’t shoot Denny or Lila looks of consternation as they deserved for having a little party at their home without warning to the servants.

  Chapter 7

  Violet had the two new dresses that would work for the party that night. Well, she had several with her that would work, but two new ones would be best. She decided upon the gold one that was shorter and lower cut than she usually wore, but it sparkled in the light, would be good for dancing in a club, and made her feel like a shooting star.

  The party where Harriet would be singing was at the local public ballroom, but all the younger members of the family would be attending.

  Violet wore a gold and diamond choker with the gold, beaded, and fringed dress. She added her long strand of pearls to fly while she danced, and bobby pins to hold her hair to the side with gold and diamond snowflakes at the ends.

  Violet considered for a moment and then decided to try Kate’s look of leaving off the powder. She did, however, kohl her eyes, blacken her lashes, blend rouge into her cheeks, and added a brilliant red lip. She blotted, reapplied, and blotted again. With her silk stockings and golden t-strap shoes, her look was complete, but Violet put her fur coat over the look. She wanted the full-effect of the dress to occur within the dance hall, with the lower lights, and the sparkling of the beads and diamonds.

  After a moment, Violet added several diamond and gold bracelets to her wrists. She fairly sparkled like a glass ornament. Violet spun, watching the fringe of her dress fly, and enjoying the way the strands flared out.

  “You look absolutely fabulous, my lady,” Beatrice said. “As though you were a jazzy Christmas angel come to dance with the mortals.”

  “Let’s hope the gents feel the same way, eh?” Violet laughed but Beatrice took Vi seriously.

  “Oh, my lady,” Beatrice said, “they will!”

  Violet laughed. “You’re a perfect lamb, my darling.”

  Beatrice grinned and Violet asked, “Did Giles and Jack’s man head out for the orphans?”

  “Yes, my lady. They talked to the woman who cares for the children about what they needed, made a list, and are leaving to get everything on the early train. Mr. Inkwell is helping by ordering up the Christmas dinner for the little ones. They’ll have a good meal that day, at least.”

  Violet paused and then said, “I believe we should see about making that every day, darling. Would you work with Inkwell and the housekeeper to see what is necessary? I want to ensure that it’s not just money we’re sending but the needs actually being met. Maybe they can refer you to someone who would be trustworthy? Would you do that? I can take care of myself tomorrow if you can see about who might be a good person to manage a regular donation. Or inquire whether the donations really go to the children?”

  Beatrice nodded quickly and Violet said, “You really are the most delightful lamb.”

  The clock rang out and Violet gasped. “I’m late!”

  “I believe they’ll wait for you, my lady.”

  Violet hurried anyway, grabbing her lipstick and mirror and tossing them into her handbag. “Don’t wait up, darling.”

  Beatrice nodded and then went to Violet’s vanity to arrange the makeup. Vi was sure that her maid would have everything ready for when Vi returned home and probably all she’d need for tomorrow as well since Beatrice had alternate tasks.

  She found her brother in the parlor and he said, “Violet…”

  The way his voice trailed off warned her that he had something on his mind. His cheeks flushed just enough to tell Violet it was about a woman. The fact that she’d met all the possibilities told her which one it was. “Someone has succumbed to the finer feelings. Just after buying a house. I believe these finer feelings engaged the moment you had a home in the country, someplace for the…what did you call it? Some place for the little nippers to run about with fishing poles.”

  Victor growled at her. “You are the worst of twins.”

  “Am I? Lila spoke to Kate’s mother today about bringing her with us to the Amalfi Coast for a few weeks when we brought Kate home. I believe that Lila’s aunt was led to believe that we’re serious-minded. It was our interference, it seems, that brought the wayward Denny home for the holidays. Family, it seems, and responsibility are the tenets by which we lead our lives. Followed by study and seriousness. Careful, business-minded generosity. It helps that Kate mentioned you seeing to the orphans when you’d heard of their plight.”

  Victor weakly asked, “And when the mother meets us?”

  “Perhaps don’t use quite so much slang, darling one. And haul out the scriptures we learned in Sunday school. Consider, with Kate’s mother, on the merits of vigorous exercise and public-minded good works.”

  “Kate acts as though I’m a poorly-behaved puppy. Why is she misleading her mother?”

  “She wants to travel,” Violet said. “Now to show Kate there is more to you than smoking and cocktails.”

  “Oh,” Victor sighed, “I’m not sure I’m one for treatises on morality. What does she expect from me? Perhaps I shall just be infatuated from a distance and eventually hear of her marrying some righteous cove.”

  Violet cocked her head at her brother and realized that his infatuation was growing into a near-obsession. “You have to watch out for the clever ones.”

  Victor nodded. “Clever women ruin you for others. You realize you’ll never be bored. Add in that she’s lovely. Just perfect, and…I was a goner before I knew I was in danger.”

  Violet laughed. Kate was pretty enough. She wasn’t truly beautiful like Isolde, but neither was Violet. It seemed that a clever turn of phrase and good enough looks was all that was necessary for men like Jack and Victor.

  Lila strolled into the great hall with a grin. Her dress was black-beaded with a drop waist and fringe. She wore a headpiece that had a jaunty feather above one ear, and a long strand of beads.

  “You look fab, darling one!” Violet crossed to Lila and held out her hands. The greeting was over the top even for Vi, but she was giving Victor a chance to smooth out his expression into that of amiable spaniel. If things continued, no doubt, Victor’s dog, Gin, and he would have similar wide, pleading gazes to ensnare the love of the unwary. Would that work, Violet wondered, on Kate?

  The drive to the ballroom where the party was being held was truly alarming. The snow had melted some, but it was slippery on the roads.

  “Let’s not die,” Violet said after they slid sideways for the third time. “Please. I have plans for my holidays that includes fun, not the next life.”

  “What are we planning?” Victor asked, taking her hand. She had her fingers tangled with Jack’s on one side, Victor’s on the other, while Denny drove the car slowly.

  “Roller-skates!” Violet announced. “I sent Beatrice out for them when I heard Denny and Lila had a ballroom.”

  Lila glanced back, mouth agape. “You clever girl. Did you get enough?”

  “My house has a ballroom,” Victor declared. “I think. I’m not quite sure.”

  “I got some for you too,” Violet said, pressing her face into Jack’s shoulder and squeezing her eyes closed when they slid again. “I knew you’d say that.”

  “Clever girl, indeed,” Victor said. “Look, we’re here. Denny, old lad, we’d better let Violet and L
ila out at the doors. Their shoes are not meant for slush and mud.”

  “I’m sure they’ll have someone parking cars,” Denny said. He turned off the motor while Jack stepped out and handed Violet out after him. She was followed by Victor, who took one look at the sidewalk, put an arm around his sister’s waist and lifted her a few inches from the ground. He carried her to the entrance with her laughter ringing out to their party. Denny followed suit with Lila.

  Near the coatroom, Violet grinned at Jack and winked at Victor as she opened her coat. It wasn’t a teasing move, but she knew her dress would be arresting. They both paused and Jack said, “By Jove, Violet! You can only dance with me, Victor, or Denny. Anyone else might kidnap you, thinking they found Artemis, herself, dancing among mankind.”

  “You do look amazing.” Lila’s gaze darted to Jack, and she lifted her brows up and down. He didn’t notice since his gaze was fixed on Violet, who spun, laughing, while she let her fringe fly.

  “It does get hot at these parties.” She grinned when Victor snorted. Their merriness was broken by a female shout.

  “Stop it, Robert! I don’t care what you imagined. It’s not going to happen.” Whatever reply he made, it was too low for the rest of them to hear, but the woman said, “No! I said no, and I mean it. Leave me be. I can’t believe…”

  A moment later, the sound of heels clicking against the aged wood floors of the public ballroom ended with Harriet, whose face was flushed with anger. Her face smoothed a moment later and she said, “Hullo, there! Have you come to see me sing? I have been running scales and drinking hot tea to prepare for my jazzy versions of Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls. Are you ready?” She glanced around, took in Violet, and said, “Oh Violet! You do look lovely!”

  “Thank you, darling,” Violet replied. “I love your Santa Claus-inspired dress. The white fur, the red silk—perfection.”

  Harriet grinned happily, winked at them all, and said, “I must be off. The show can’t start without me!”