“Kristina, what if I have the Earl join me in my office for a whiskey. There, with your permission, I’ll inform him of your increasing and need to rest. Do you believe that will dissuade the Countess from overextending her visit?”
Patiently he waited while she took a bite of fish and vegetable, he suspected to use the time to evaluate his recommendation. Then, from the slight smile she gave him he knew his solution would work. He accepted her nod as consent then dived back into his meal as she did also.
“I dearly pray that will work, but knowing Mother I feel a nap after we finish is called for.”
“Yes, in your bed and not the settee in my office. I wish you to sleep peacefully. Since I don’t believe they will arrive before three have Amanda wake you in time to refresh yourself. This will also give me a chance to review the mail, mostly invitations I suspect. Are there any you wish me to respond in the affirmative to?”
“My dear, as we’re only intending to be in town for a few day send regrets to all. I feel our time would be best served if we take a carriage drive around the park tomorrow as I know Mother will let the word out as to my delicate condition. Then, for the next day we’ll see how things go. We also don’t want to let the ton know of our latest purchase. Heaven forbid what the matrons will say,” Kristina explained, then finished the last bite of the apple Robert had peeled for her.
“I agree with you on both points. Now let me escort you to the first floor then I’ll send you along to your suite. I’m almost sure Amanda will appreciate the fact you’re resting in your not our bed,” he declared, stood and offered Kristina his hand which she easily accepted.
From the first floor landing he watched as his wife made her way to her suite and stepped in. Glad she was safe he turned and strolled into his office. His first stop was the sidebar to make sure the finest of Scotches, from his distillery, was available to serve her father then went to his desk, sat and groaned at the pile of envelopes presented him.
Even though the review of invitations normally would have fallen on his wife Robert knew with how easily she tired he needed to undertake the job. Little did he, or was he aware, know the extent of them. After opening each he quickly glanced at each then with the original envelope created a pile.
To his left were the requests for their presence at musical events including the opera. Centered were the ones for balls and finally on the right he piled ones he classified as “other”.
From his years in the Guards he knew the best way to attack the different stacks was to resort them by date. All which had passed went into the fireplace to be burned. Next those wishing his wife and he to attend an event other than a ball quickly followed.
Now, with a manageable number of invitations, he slowly read each then dashed off a brief response informing the invitee they’d not be able to attend. With none did he give the true reason except to say they’d be away.
So intent on the task at hand it wasn’t until a gentle cough brought his attention to the person standing in front of his desk—his wife.
“I’m sorry my dear for not hearing you enter. It seems these blasted invitations have taken over me. I’ll never understand how you ladies can handle them but on a good note this is the last refusal,” he declared, holding up a small white card.
“Perfect then as according to Bing, whom I met coming here, my parents carriage is only now entering the forecourt. Might I suggest we wait for them in my sitting room then put your plan of separating my father and mother into motion,” she declared.
He stood, strolled around his desk then wrapped an arm around her waist. Giving her a soft kiss on the tip of her pert nose he smiled. “Yes, that would be the best. Perchance did you inform him where we would be?”
“Of course I did. Now let’s hurry as I do believe I hear him greeting them,” she said grabbing him by the arm and marching him from his office.
He barely got her settled on her favourite divan, overlooking the gardens, when Bing knocked on the doorframe.
“M’ lord and lady, the Earl and Countess of Crossington.”
“Mother, Father welcome. Please come in and have a seat. Tea will be here in a moment,” Kristina said with a bright warm smile.
“My dear, might I steal His Lordship away for a few moments as I’ve a question to discuss with him,” Robert uttered softly.
Accepting her nod he turned to her father. “Eustace, if you’ll join me in my office so as not to disturb the ladies?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Robert couldn’t help but not miss the grin of relief the man wore, as if he was happy to escape whatever the two ladies planned on discussing.
Leaving the women to their tea and the news Kristina was about to impart on her mother Robert led Eustace to his office. Strolling in he glanced to his side at the man.
“Whiskey? Or brandy?”
“The first as I suspect it’s from your distillery. If it is as excellent as I’ve heard I might have to invest a few pounds to assist its production.”
“Sir, I do believe you’ll find it to be one of the finest, if not the best, single malt ever to come from the highlands,” he pronounced, handing over a glass to his father-in-law then waved him to the chair in front of the desk.
Taking a seat Robert waited patiently until the man took a sip of the amber liquid, smiled and nodded.
“Yes, without a doubt this is one of the finest. How can I order a cask?”
Robert was about to answer when the sound of horses hooves in the forecourt brought his attention to the overlooking window. He was about to stand when Bing came rushing to the office door.
“M’ lords, pardon the interruption but Lord Ethan Rosewood is demanding to speak with Lord and Lady Markson,” the butler barely got out, he was so short of breath.
“Wait a few minutes then have him escorted by two large footmen to Her Ladyship’s sitting room.” Robert then turned to Eustace. “I feel we should join the ladies and find out what he’s done.”
From the shocked expression on the man’s face Robert surmised he didn’t have a hint so this would be an interesting interview. Not to mention dangerous for Ethan as he’d all but been banned for both the townhouse and estate by Kristina.
With drinks in hand they removed themselves from the office and re-joined the ladies just as Kristina informed her mother of her change in condition.
“Congratulations my dear and Lord Markson,” she declared as they entered.
“Thank you but right now we have a bigger problem. It seems Ethan has arrived, against my wife’s directive never to show his face here. At this moment he’s being brought to us,” Robert declared then stepped around behind his wife as the man was escorted into her sitting room.
“I apologize as I know I’m not welcome here but I need your help, Lord and Lady Markson. It would seem I’ve been accused of murdering Lord Martin Lange.”
Chapter Three
The crash of a tea cup broke the silence. Kristina turned her head in time to see her mother pale from fright. She then glanced to her husband and Ethan.
“How? When? And isn’t he the eldest son to The Duke of Clarion,” she stated.
“First my dear we need to have a guard set to keep the runners at bay.” Robert looked over his shoulder to Bing who was still standing in the doorway.
“Consider it done m’ lord. With your permission I’ll take care of it straight away,” the butler declared, bowed and departed.
“All right, now sit and tell us everything,” Robert demanded.
“But first take a sip of this son,” Eustace said thrusting a whiskey glass in his hand.
Kristina watched while her brother did as directed. This gave her the time needed to think back when last in town. If she remembered correctly Ethan had been seen in the company of Lady Kathrine Lange. Was it possible Martin had taken umbrage at her brother paying attention to the duke’s daughter? This would needed to be found out, but not necessarily right now. First, she and Robert need
answers to her questions.
Focusing her attention back to her mother she was happy to see she’d started to get her complexion back.
“Don’t worry, Robert and I will find the true murderer as I know my brother didn’t do it,” she announced, patting her on the hand.
“My dear daughter, how can you be so positive?” her father asked.
“Because he came here and didn’t rush off to the country,” Robert pronounced.
As she glanced around the room Kristina knew the initial panic had subsided to a small degree. Now it was time to get some answers but first she needed her parents to leave. This way, if one or both were questioned by the authorities they could honestly say they didn’t know anything.
“Darling, Robert I believe we need to set a watch over our townhouse as well. Even though Ethan,” Eustace looked down to his son and patted him on the shoulder, “Has an apartment in The Albany I’m sure Bow Street are pounding on our door as we speak.”
“I believe that would be for the best. If we learn anything we’ll be sure to let you know,” Robert said.
“Father, Mother I can assure you I didn’t murder him as we were the best of friends,” Ethan declared from where he was still seated.
“We know son and you’re to do everything Robert and Kristina demand of you,” his mother ordered.
“Darling, as Bing is busy setting up protection for us I’ll escort your parents to the door,” Robert said with a smile.
“Yes, and on your return I believe Ethan can use another drink. I do know I would appreciate a sherry, mayhap the amontillado he sent over,” Kristina suggested.
“Agreed. I shan’t be but a few minutes.”
With her parents now safely on their way home Kristina took the time to study her brother, sitting across from her while waiting for Robert to return. Considering what he was accused of he appeared nervous, taking sips from his glass which was not like him.
His eyes were constantly darted around the room as if looking for something. Even his attire, in particular the cravat wasn’t tied neatly, as if he’d quickly put it on without a valet’s assistance. In general he wasn’t the brother she knew which led her to believe he was telling the truth.
“What specifically do you need to know,” Ethan nervously asked.
“I’d rather wait until my husband returns so you don’t have to retell everything. In the meantime I wish you to think back over the past three days; where you went, who you saw and spoke to,” she directed him.
Not wishing to make him any more uncomfortable than he already was she focused on pouring a cup of tea. The heavy sound of footsteps in the corridor told her Robert was returning. When they disappeared she knew he was in the office getting the requested drinks. Lifting her cup she noticed her hand barely shaking and knew the reason, fearing for her brother, something she’d never had to worry about before.
Minutes later Kristina heard her husband continuing to her sitting room. When he entered she was disconcerted at the frown he wore. Had Bow Street already try to enter and take possession of Ethan? Accepting her glass of sherry she waited until Ethan had his and Robert was sitting beside her.
Taking a sip of her drink he glanced to him. “Why the dour look?”
“Bow Street were waiting for the earl and countess in the courtyard. They were informed Lord Rosewood wasn’t here and the earl and countess stopped in for tea. I had to have several footmen form a cordon of protection while they made their way to the coach. I then instructed my men to return to their townhouse with them to make sure they arrived safely.”
“Needless to say the runners weren’t pleased with your orders. I do hope you had them forcible removed from the grounds?”
“No, they weren’t on both counts. Also, they didn’t believe me that Lord Rosewood wasn’t here.”
“Let me hazard, they have a witness who saw me enter?” Ethan said.
Kristina could feel her eyes widen at the question. “Yes, but how did you know?”
“Very simply put, the man sent to take care of the person who murdered Lord Kersey was killed, so his mission was never completed,” Ethan clarified.
Now everything became clear to her and turned to see if Robert had the same suspect in mind. The nod and grin he gave her told her she was correct. They both knew from having seen this person they had the ability to not only change appearance but disappear without a trace. They now needed to find out where the woman and Ethan’s paths crossed.
With a glance to her brother then Robert she quickly came to a decision.
“Lord Rosewood, during this investigation in hunting down the murderer when it’s only the three of use you have permission to use our Christian names. When staff are present all formalities will be used. As far as questions being asked and answered all three of us will be present. However, Lord Markson and I do have the right to discuss things in private. Do I make myself clear?”
“Ah yes I do and thank you,” he could barely get out.
From his stuttered reaction Kristina suspected he’d been shocked to almost speechless at her declaration.
“Good. Now, why you and why Lord Martin Lange? Has something changed between the two of you?” Kristina started.
“It was under my orders the person was sent after her. I’d guess she tortured him thus giving up my name. As for Lange, on that I can only speculate. He and I have been close friends for years, having met at Harrows. Since then we kept in touch with letters and on occasion partook of luncheon together at Whites. Also, he introduced me to Lady Katherine and we had his blessing to be seen out and about together.
“As neither the Duke or Duchess are much for town I recently confided in Lange I was contemplation asking to make my address to Lady Katherine. This he strongly encouraged, even saying so in our presence and would pen a letter to their parents to give their consent.”
Kristina found this all interesting but still didn’t explain why kill Lange. What she knew of the duke and duchess, very little. The last time either had been in London was four years ago when Lady Katherine had her come-out. Since then they’d stayed ensconced at their country estate. This she’d have to confirm with her mother, but not at this time.
Cocking her head to her husband she saw the same confused expression she knew she must be wearing. Mayhap he might know something?
“Robert, what, if anything do you know of Clarion?”
“My dear, about as much as you do, almost nothing. Debrett’s might shed some light on the Duke.” She wasn’t surprised when he turned to Ethan.
“Besides Lange and Lady Katherine, do you know if they have any other offspring, in particular male?”
She studied her brother, over the rim of her sherry glass, as he thought over the question, which did surprise her. In the past, she knew, he tended to charge ahead not thinking of what he did or said.
“I never thought of him until you asked but there is a younger brother who’s just come of age. What I know about him is nothing as Lady Katherine nor Lord Lange spoke of him.”
With several avenues to investigate Kristina needed to talk them over with Robert but first get Ethan settled in a suite. If possible one near the rear of the townhouse plus letting him know where he can and can’t go.
With a glance to her husband, who gave her a nod to continue, she turned to Ethan.
“We’re going to have Mrs. Stoneworth assign, if she hasn’t already, you a room. When you move between the floors I need to use the servant stairs as they are at the rear of the house. Since you, in a panic rushed over here not even knowing we were in residence, I might add, you don’t have anything except the clothes you’re wearing. We’ll have Bing send a footman or two to get clothing and personal items for you. I presume you have staff?”
“Kristina, Robert I have a cook but no one else. With my working for the Crown, on occasion, we’d meet in my apartment so having staff is difficult.”
“In that case, my dear, I feel Evan should accompany the footmen as he
’ll know what to collect where they won’t,” Robert said.
“Agreed. Do you mind ringing for Bing so Ethan can get settled?”
When he arrived she instructed the butler to show her brother to his suite.
“Yes, m’ lady.”
“Then have Evan meet us in my office as I’ve a job to which he’s highly suitable for,” Robert added.
Once Ethan left to get settled Kristina turned to her husband and smiled. “It would seem we have several questions which need answers to before we can go forward with finding that French woman.” Getting a nod she continued. “We need to find out about this son and at the same time confirm why the duke and duchess have stayed away from London.”
“I’d also like to find out, someway, if Lange was in favor of a union between his sister and your brother. To do that we’ll need to somehow get into the ducal palace and review any letters he’s written.”
“Don’t forget his diary, if he keeps one,” she added.
“Excellent point. Now we only need to find a way in.”
“Trust me my darling as I believe I know how to achieve that, seemingly impossible, task but more on that later. In the meantime shouldn’t we adjourn to your office as Evan should be along shortly,” she said with a teasing smile.
“Yes and then you should rest until dinner,” he suggested. Robert stood then offered her his hand to assist her up.
“I will but first I’m going to send Mother a note. To answer at least one of our concerns I, or we, need to meet with her and the park tomorrow will be perfect. At the same time we must start turning the mind of the ton around to support Ethan.”
“Agreed and to follow your line of thought we should also attend at least one ball tomorrow night, in consort with your parents. This will help form a united front,” Robert recommended.
“Dear husband, I do like your way of thinking.” She wanted to continue but Evan presented himself at the office door.
Brotherly Love! (Markson Regency Mystery Book 4) Page 2
