“I’m surprised you have any room at all left in that stomach of yours for brandy,” Emily snapped. “How is my father supposed to make something of you when you refuse to put forth the slightest bit of effort to change yourself?”
“Oh, come now, cousin. You’re just worried about old Jeremy here. Let’s get him back to the house.”
“Yes, let’s, but I’m not letting you near the brandy bottle.” Emily sent Todd a glare before he hoisted Jeremy onto his feet and helped him walk toward the waiting carriages. Poor Jeremy’s shoes squished with every step, and she had to hide a smile. She really did feel bad for him, even if it was one of the funniest things she’d ever seen. He looked remarkably dapper with a lily pad for a hat.
***
“Of all the silly messes to get myself into,” Jeremy grumbled as he tugged off his wet coat. Todd had asked a maid to bring up several dry towels and a pot of hot coffee, and he poured out a mug while Jeremy was changing. “I likely swallowed a frog while I was down there.”
“Do you feel anything hopping around in your stomach?” Todd asked, handing the mug over and then fixing one for himself.
“No, but it honestly wouldn’t surprise me.” Jeremy took several long swallows, placed the mug back on the tray, and stepped behind the changing screen to finish wrestling with the wet fabric. “I think Emily’s doing remarkably well, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do.” In fact, Todd had been impressed by her adaptability and the easy way she had of speaking with the other guests. He had no doubt that she’d work her way into their confidences soon enough. “She’s quite the young lady.”
“Yes, she is—and if I’d had any sense in my head, she’d be my wife by now.” Jeremy emerged from behind the screen wearing a fresh set of clothes. “That’s better. Is there any more coffee?”
Todd refilled the mug and passed it over.
“Thank you. I wonder if we could get the fire in here built up. I’m a bit chilly.”
“When the maid brought the towels, she said she’d be back to make a fire and to take your wet things down to be cleaned.”
“Excellent. I’m glad to hear it.” Jeremy sat down in one of the wingback chairs in front of the fireplace, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. “I haven’t seen Astor all day. I thought he’d join us at the picnic, but he never came. It’s strange to invite a whole houseful of guests and then be absent when they arrive.”
“Yes, it is.” Todd carried his mug to the other chair and took a seat. “I wonder if he’s here in the house and just hasn’t emerged, or if he’s actually gone. If he’s gone, this afternoon might be the perfect time to sneak into his office, but if he’s still at home, the office is the most likely place for him to be.”
“Excellent point. Any ideas for how we might find out?”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and Todd rose to answer it. It was the maid, and she got right to work lighting the fire. It had already been laid and was just waiting for her to set it ablaze.
“I wonder, young lady, if you know Mr. Astor’s whereabouts,” Todd said. “We were hoping to greet him when we arrived, but we haven’t seen him.”
“He left about an hour before you all arrived and he hasn’t been back since,” she replied, coming to her feet and wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Now, where are those wet things? I’ll get them cleaned for you.”
Jeremy had wrapped everything up in a towel, and he apologized as he handed the bundle to the girl.
“Never you mind, sir. It’s my pleasure to help.” She gave a little bob as she left the room, closing the door behind her.
“So, Astor receives word that the Percevals will be late, he leaves, and he doesn’t return for several hours,” Todd said, taking his seat again. “That’s either very interesting or not connected at all.”
“So, it’s either helpful, or it’s not.” Jeremy held his hands toward the blaze. “I suppose this is what detective work is about—gathering information and then figuring out what’s needful, eh?”
“Exactly. You often don’t know what’s significant until later.” Todd stood again when another tap came at the door. It was a different maid this time.
“Beggin’ your pardon, sir, but Miss Gray sent me along to inquire after Mr. Tobler’s health. She says she trusts he’s much drier now.”
Todd chuckled. “Yes, he is.”
“I’m sure she’ll be very glad to hear that. She also asks if you might meet her down in the gardens so she can see for herself. She seemed quite concerned about him.”
“As she would be. Yes, we’ll meet her there in a few minutes.”
“Very good, sir.” She also gave a slight curtsy before turning and heading down the hall.
“Who was that?” Jeremy asked over his shoulder, still toasting his hands at the fireplace.
“Emily’s maid. She’d like us to meet her down in the gardens.”
Jeremy nodded and crossed the floor to get some dry shoes from the wardrobe. “I’m ready.”
When they reached the fountain in the center of the garden where Emily was waiting for them, she greeted Jeremy with a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve been so worried,” she said, squeezing his arm. “Are you all right?”
“I’m quite all right, my dear. Nothing a good toweling off and a pot of coffee couldn’t cure.”
“Your hands are cold, though.” She looked up into his eyes. “I’m not sure you really are all right, Jeremy. Your eyes are a bit red.”
“I’m fine, my dear. Don’t worry about me. Shall we walk?”
They strolled down the path away from a few other guests who had also chosen to admire the gardens that afternoon. Once they reached a secluded area lined with benches, they sat, and Emily pulled her arm from Jeremy’s. “I do mean it. You don’t look well at all.”
“I just got some pond water in my eyes—it will all wash away soon enough.” He gave her a smile.
She shook her head. “If you’re sure, but I’m certainly not. At any rate, I wanted to compare notes. Have either of you figured out why this particular group of people were all invited to this particular party? I haven’t discovered many common threads between them, and that confuses me. If I were planning a weekend house party, I’d make certain that the guests would get along well by finding those with similar interests at least, but I’m at a loss.”
Todd leaned forward, resting one elbow on his knee. “A commonality between all the guests? No, I hadn’t thought of it. Why do you think it’s important?”
“Why don’t you think it’s important?” She turned to him, her eyes bright. “If I had stolen ten thousand dollars from someone, would I invite that someone to my home for the weekend? Yes, if it was needed for appearances, but who am I trying to impress or convince? The other guests, of course. So why are these other guests important? Why do they need to see Jeremy here at this party?”
Todd slowly nodded. “You make a good point. One I hadn’t considered, I admit. So, who are these people? What role do they play in Astor’s life?”
“That’s been my question today. We know that Mrs. Donovan is Astor’s sister. He probably has her along whenever he throws a party, so her being here might not be significant at all. The others, though—what does Mr. Cunningham do for a living? I never heard a mention of it. And Mrs. Rawley is here by herself. How does a middle-aged widow tie into this? And what of the Duncans? I spoke with their daughter a bit, but all I know of them so far is their complete disregard for propriety and for their daughter’s feelings.” Emily gave a little shudder.
Todd grinned. “I have to say, I thought you handled that quite well.”
“It was either that or drag the woman down to the lake and dunk her myself,” Emily replied. “Then Jeremy wouldn’t have been in there alone.”
“Yes, company would have been nice,” Jeremy said, his tone droll. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, which he used to mop his face. “A little chilly out here, isn’t it?”
“I was just thinking what a nice day we were having now that the wind has died down.” Emily’s brow furrowed, and she touched his cheek. “You’re clammy, and you’re sweating even though you’re cold. I think you’ve caught a chill and should go back to bed.”
“How can I be useful if I’m in bed? No, I’m fine. Just tell me what I’m to do next.”
“Next, you’re to do as Emily says and go to bed,” Todd replied. “She’s right—you don’t look good at all.”
“That’s not very complimentary,” Jeremy said, trying to smile. “I’m sure I’m fine. I just swallowed a bit of pond water, that’s all.”
“You swallowed some? Oh, gracious.” Emily shook her head. “I don’t suppose you could have helped it because you weren’t planning on tumbling in, but one should never drink pond water. The algae floating around in there, not to mention the other contaminants left behind by the fish and the birds . . .” She shuddered. “No wonder you don’t feel well. Come on—we’re taking you back inside.”
“But our conversation. We weren’t finished,” he protested.
“We’ve spoken enough for now.” She stood up and slipped her hand under his arm. “Back to bed with you. I’m quite serious about this.”
He rose, grumbling, but he allowed her to lead him. Todd noticed as they walked that Jeremy did seem a bit weak, and he stumbled going up the stairs onto the terrace.
“Please ring for the doctor,” Emily said to one of the maids they passed in the entryway.
“A doctor? My dear, I’m quite sure that’s not necessary,” Jeremy said, but she lifted an eyebrow.
“Tell me, darling, if you can climb these stairs without assistance.” She motioned toward the staircase. “If you can do that, I’ll call off the doctor.”
He looked at her, then at the stairs, then back at her. “I don’t think I can,” he replied. “You’re likely right.”
“What a perfect way to start out our marriage. Just keep that thought in the forefront of your mind, and we’ll be happy for years to come,” she told him.
Todd grinned. This girl didn’t miss a beat.
“Oh, Mr. Tobler! I’m so sorry to hear you’re unwell.” Mrs. Astor glided across the floor, her skirts billowing out behind her. “I’m told you’ve called for the doctor. What else can we do to make you comfortable?”
“I’m sure I’ll be all right, Mrs. Astor, but your kindness is appreciated,” Jeremy told her.
“I’ll have the maid bring up some hot soup. Chicken broth is just the thing,” Mrs. Astor replied. She then turned to Emily and Todd. “I hope you’ll be staying, won’t you? We’ll keep Mr. Tobler as comfortable as can be while he recovers, and surely that’s better than whisking him off somewhere else.”
Emily glanced at Todd, then said, “I’m sure we can stay. Jeremy should be feeling well again after some rest, and the soup sounds like just the thing.”
Mrs. Astor noticeably relaxed. “Wonderful. I’ll have it sent right up. And dinner’s in two hours.”
She floated away as lightly as she’d come, and Emily glanced at Todd again, an odd look on her face. He’d ask her about it as soon as they were out of earshot.
They helped Jeremy up the stairs, and Todd made sure the tray of broth was situated where Jeremy could easily reach it from his bed. Then he went to find Emily.
She was sitting on the seat of a bay window in the hallway, a novel in her hand which she put down at his approach.
He sat beside her, then glanced around to make sure they were alone. “So, how are you enjoying our first day as husband and wife?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
“Considering that we’ve hardly spoken to each other, it’s not what I’d imagined married life to be,” she replied. “Then again, I’ve heard that spouses often go for days without speaking, so perhaps we’re off to a good start.”
He chuckled. “Good point. Now, tell me what you’re thinking. You had a strange look on your face just now when we were chatting with Mrs. Astor.”
Emily leaned toward him a little. “Isn’t it curious that she’s so anxious for us not to leave? I understand that she doesn’t want her party ruined, but I’d think that having an ill guest would be worse than having him go home. And isn’t it also strange that she hasn’t excused Mr. Astor to us? He’s our host, but he’s not here, and she hasn’t said why.”
“Also good points. I’m glad you’ve come along, Emily. You’re bringing up things I wouldn’t have noticed.”
“That’s only because I’m seeing it from the perspective of a hostess. I can’t imagine that’s overwhelmingly helpful.”
“No, it really is. Now that you’ve pointed it out, I can see that she’s acting strangely.” He leaned against his side of the bay window and thought it over. “The host for the party isn’t here, his wife hasn’t excused him, and she doesn’t want anyone else to leave. What does this have to do with ten thousand missing dollars, or does it? What if it’s something else entirely?”
“I don’t think we can overlook anything at this point,” Emily said. “We should consider it all to be related until we’re proven wrong.”
“Exactly right.”
They looked up when an older gentleman in a dark suit came up the stairs escorted by Emily’s maid. Both Todd and Emily stood to greet him.
“I understand the patient had quite the drubbing,” the doctor said.
“He did—tumbled right into the pond,” Todd replied. “It was quite the sight.”
“It wasn’t funny,” Emily retorted.
“Oh, yes, it was. His feet went right up into the air—I don’t know when I’ve laughed so hard.”
“I’d like to see how you’d feel if your fiancée was the one to fall in.” Emily turned to the doctor, suddenly all smiles. “Please forgive my cousin, Doctor. He never has yet figured out when laughter is appropriate. My fiancé is right down this hall.”
Todd made sure the doctor had the right room, then turned back to Emily. “You’re doing an excellent job of disliking me,” he whispered. “I hope that’s not actually true.”
“I don’t know you well enough to dislike you,” she replied. “But I’ll let you know as soon as I decide.” She flashed him a smile, then disappeared down the hallway.
He shook his head as he watched her go. She was certainly one confusing woman.
Chapter Eight
Emily returned to her seat in the bay window, thinking it was a good place to wait for the doctor’s report, but it was nearly impossible to sit still while she waited. She finally put her book aside and looked out the window, watching the other guests play lawn croquet. It would soon be time to change for dinner—would the elusive Percevals show up on time, or would Mr. Astor, wherever he was, be doomed to wait for them even longer?
Finally, the door to Jeremy’s bedroom opened, and the doctor emerged, followed by Todd. “Make certain that he follows all my instructions,” the doctor was saying. “He must if he’s to recover within a decent amount of time.”
Emily came to her feet. “You’d best repeat those instructions to me if you’d like them followed, Doctor,” she said. “My cousin isn’t likely to remember them.”
“I happen to have an excellent memory,” Todd said. “I just have to concentrate a bit harder than most.”
The doctor nodded. “Mr. Tobler has ingested some foul water, which you already knew, and it has introduced a fever. I fear that he’s taken in something nasty, and it must be cleansed through his system. I’ve left some remedies to be mixed in his water that will help him . . . er . . .”
“It’s quite all right, Doctor. I understand what you mean,” Emily told him.
“Excellent. He should take those preparations as written on the labels. I’ll speak to the household staff about extra bedpans and the like. In the meantime, he’s to stay right down. The fever is helping his body fight off whatever strange component he swallowed in the pond, but if it becomes too high, we’ll need to treat it as well. I’ll be
back tomorrow to check on him.”
“So, we’re to be his nurses?” Emily felt a jolt of panic race through her. She was terrible at nursing. Anna had always taken care of things like that, and when she married, they’d hired Lillian. If Jeremy’s care were left up to Emily, he’d be far worse off than if he was still bobbing around in the pond.
“I will send a nurse around to help prepare him for bed and to take his nighttime doses, but yes, he’ll need your assistance. He’s perfectly lucid and can actually dose himself, but if he begins to feel worse, he’ll be appreciative of your help, I’m sure. Have a good evening.” The doctor gave each of them a nod and then headed down the stairs.
Emily turned to Todd, completely unnerved. “I don’t know how to take care of anyone,” she hissed. “I had a houseplant once. It died.”
He touched her arm. “It’s all right. We’ll get it figured out.”
“I wasn’t expecting this. Yes, we’d sneak around and ask questions and try not to get caught. I’d marry you even though you’re my cousin—all right. It still makes no sense.” She shook her head. “But I can’t give out medicine and be . . . compassionate. I have no idea how.”
“You heard what the doctor said—Jeremy is still lucid, and he can take his own medications. We’ll be around to cheer him up, and if his fever gets worse, the doctor will take care of it.” Todd placed his hands on her upper arms, and she met his gaze. “Everything’s going to be all right, Emily. He’ll be just fine.”
“Yes, he certainly will.”
Emily whipped her head around to see who was talking. It was Mrs. Donovan, her little dog tucked under her arm. The woman continued, “I’ve never known someone to die from falling in a pond. That’s not to say it could never happen, but the odds are definitely in his favor.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Donovan. That’s exactly what I was trying to tell her.” Todd let go of her and took a step back. “She’s a bit overwrought, though. I told her a spot of brandy would do her worlds of good, and she nearly flew apart right here in the hall.”
An Agent for Emily (The Pinkerton Matchmaker Book 28) Page 7
