* * *
“It’s still not too late to go back home if you aren’t up to this.” I glanced behind me for Lily’s reaction, and instead saw Aunt Hetty shake her head, while George scowled in exasperation. Well! Perhaps this was the third or fourth time I’d said something like this to Lily in the past two hours, but she’d steadfastly insisted she wanted to come to the ball. Now, as we were climbing the stairs of the Roswell mansion in Mayfair, I had to admit it actually was rather too late to turn back.
“Franny, I assure you I am completely fine, and since this is my last night before I’m banished to the country, I intend to enjoy myself. Now stop fussing.”
Easy for her to say, I thought. She’d only fallen over a wall and dangled by her fingertips above a large body of water. I had to watch that happen to my only sister! Still, I bit back my arguments. The plan for this evening had been to convince the general public that Lily was feeling unwell and needed to go to the country. In my opinion, the accident this afternoon, which everyone would have heard about by now, provided ample excuse to absent herself from town, making this charade unnecessary. At least it seemed unnecessary to everyone but Lily.
We left our wraps with a footman, greeted our host and hostess, and melted into the crowd. I could hardly fault Lily for wanting some fun, or wanting to make use of her moment of fame. And while I was here, I might as well start gathering information.
Ainsworthy arrived to lead Lily out to the dance floor, George immersed himself in a group nearby, and I asked Aunt Hetty if she’d mind playing chaperone, while I looked for a friend. “Go ahead,” she urged. “I’ll guard Lily’s virtue as if it were my own.”
I tried not to imagine what she might mean by that as I scanned the room for Alicia. I finally spotted her in a dark corner dazzling a tall, well-built man who was young enough to be—well—far too young for her. As I approached, he ran a finger around the edge of her ear. Goodness, they were behaving far too intimately for such a public place. If I could see them, so could anyone else.
Alicia caught sight of me and glowered, backing up a pace or two from the young man.
“Please forgive the interruption,” I said, then took a step back myself as the young man turned around. Grayson!
“Mr. Grayson.” My voice was chilling, but the anger burning in my veins was white hot. How dare he?
Grayson’s jaw sagged open for a moment, before he visibly collected himself. “Lady Harleigh, what a surprise to see you here.”
“Clearly.”
Alicia hid a smirk behind a gloved hand, amused at his discomfort. “Mrs. Stoke-Whitney had something in her eye,” he said smoothly. “I was simply removing it.”
“How very kind of you.” I turned to Alicia. “How is your eye now, dear?”
She fluttered her lashes. “All better.”
“Good. I’d like to borrow you for a moment.” I placed my hand on the lady’s arm and drew her away from the sputtering Grayson.
“This had better be important,” she said. “I had that man quite captivated.”
“Yes, I noticed,” I said through gritted teeth. “You’ll have to excuse my poor humor. He was one of Lily’s suitors, and I’m very disappointed in his behavior.”
“What do you mean, ‘was’? For heaven’s sake, a suitor is not the same as a husband. I’m sure he’ll behave admirably once he’s married.”
I gave her a quelling glare.
“In the man’s defense, I was using all my powers of seduction.”
I couldn’t stop the chuckle that burst forth. “You are incorrigible, Alicia. But you must realize if you continue down this road, you’re bound to come to a bad end. In fact, the way Grayson was stroking your ear, you just might have been about to lose another piece of jewelry.”
Her fingers flew to the earrings. Finding them still in place, she pursed her lips and gave me a sidelong glare. “He is on the list,” I reminded her.
“But you don’t really believe he’s the thief, do you?”
“I wouldn’t have believed he was a philanderer either, until a few moments ago.” At her tut I relented. “But you must be more careful. If someone else had seen the two of you, your reputation would be in tatters.”
She linked her arm through mine, and slowed my pace, guiding me around the perimeter of the ballroom. “It’s my only enjoyment in life,” she said, her voice bordering on a whine. “Now, did you really need to speak to me, or were you just out to ruin Grayson’s fun?”
“I do need to speak to you. Ruining his fun was just a boon. I wanted to inquire about your footman.”
“Oh, yes. Poor James.” She paused and gave me a sharp look. “How did you hear about him?”
“He was murdered in my garden. Didn’t you know?”
“No!” A couple nearby turned and gave us a curious look.
I gave her arm a little pinch as I smiled and nodded at them. “Compose yourself,” I hissed.
“Yes, of course, but this is rather a shock. Delaney didn’t tell me about that, and the papers only said James’s body was found in Belgravia. What was he doing at your house?”
“He overheard our conversation with Inspector Delaney the other day and gave my maid a note for me. He asked to meet with me, saying he had some information to provide. I believe it was about one of Lily’s suitors, but he was killed before he could speak to me. Now I’m worried one of those three men could be his killer.”
Alicia was staring at me with an expression of amazement mixed with horror. “Your face, Alicia! For goodness’ sake, smile.”
In an instant she was composed, and we nodded at some acquaintance as we brushed past them, both of us looking as if we were sharing recipes, or speaking of our children. Much better.
“So are you telling me James, my footman, knew who stole my bracelet, and decided to tell you, rather than me or the police?”
“No. I’m sure if he knew who stole your bracelet, he would have come to you, probably before you even called in the police. So I had to remember what else we discussed that he might have overheard, and the only thing that made sense was my comment that three of the names on the list were Lily’s suitors. There was nothing else we discussed that would send him to me, rather than you.”
Alicia’s brow furrowed. “I wonder what he wanted to tell you.”
“So do I, but I’m afraid we’ll never know. Unless, of course, you care to help me?”
Her eyes widened. “How can I help?”
“Did the police come and interview your servants today?”
“Yes, Delaney came, along with a constable.”
“Good. I suspect he was trying to determine where Capshaw went before coming to me. Somehow the killer found out he would be at my house, and I’ve begun to wonder if Capshaw might have tried to blackmail the killer, you see? ‘Pay me off, and I won’t tell the lady what I know.’”
“I do see. So you think James mentioned where he was going to a friend in my household yesterday?”
“Exactly.” We had reached the opposite end of the room and turned, pausing for a moment in the pretense of watching the dancers, flowing to the strains of a Strauss waltz. “Do you know which servants Delaney spoke to, and what their answers were?”
Alicia shook her head. “I can try to find out, but why don’t you ask Delaney?”
“I intend to, but I’m not sure he’ll tell me. He won’t want me interfering in his investigation. If you can provide me with that information, then he won’t have to know.”
“Whether he knows or not, it does appear you’re interfering with his investigation. May one ask why?”
I gave her my most chilling glare. “Need I point out that three of the suspects in James’s murder are courting my sister?”
“Ah, yes, including Grayson. It seems we do need to keep an eye on that boy. Well, point taken. You have every right to that information.”
“I’m pleased you see it that way, because there’s one other thing. Did Capshaw provide references when
he came to you for employment?”
“Of course. Do you need those, too?”
“If possible. I can’t think how he could have any association with one of Lily’s suitors except through his employment, so I’d like to find out where he’s worked before.”
Alicia gazed at me with something like wonder in her expression. “Frances Wynn, I am developing a whole new respect for you. You have quite a knack for ferreting out information. Even Delaney didn’t ask to look into James’s former employers.”
“Why, thank you, Alicia, how kind of you to say so.” Goodness, was I blushing? I couldn’t remember the last time someone told me I had a talent for something. Let’s see, it must have been—never! I had to revel in this sensation for a moment. With an effort, I brought my thoughts back to the matter at hand. “Delaney may still request this information, so it might be best if I copy what you have, and leave the original documents with you.”
“Of course. May I assume you’ll come by tomorrow?”
“If that’s convenient?”
“Perfectly. I’ll have a talk with my butler in the morning. He sat in on all the interviews with Delaney, so if anyone mentioned where James was going, he’ll know. This is rather exciting.” She gave me a conspiratorial smile. “If there’s anything else I can help you with, feel free to ask.”
I hesitated a moment. She was being awfully cooperative. Dare I trust her? “There is one more thing, just your opinion actually.”
Her brows rose expectantly. “Yes?”
“I’m not quite sure how to phrase this. It’s a rather ticklish question.” I gave myself a mental shove. Just do it. “Have you ever wondered if Reggie did not die of natural causes? If, in fact, you know of someone who might have wanted him dead?”
“But Reggie died of a heart attack.”
“Yes, well, I have recently been informed there are drugs that can induce a heart attack.”
Alicia’s eyes grew wide. “Really?”
“So I’m told. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of that information, but assuming it’s true, I wondered if you know of anyone who might have wanted to—well—kill him?”
To my surprise, she remained calm and considered the question. “Well, I admit when it happened, and just for a moment you understand, I wondered if Reggie had been murdered.” She lifted a shoulder in a casual shrug. “But naturally I thought you had done it.”
“Me?”
“That was before I realized you didn’t know about our relationship of course.”
Lovely. Perhaps the wife was always the first suspect. “I don’t suppose you wrote a letter to the police to that effect, did you? Alicia! For goodness’ sake, close your mouth.”
She recovered immediately. “Then you must stop shocking me. Are you saying someone, and you don’t even know who, wrote a letter to the police, accusing you of drugging your husband into a heart attack?”
I instantly regretted discussing this with her. “Not exactly that, but close enough. Please, Alicia, promise me this will go no further than you.”
“Of course. No one will hear of this from me.”
“No, I must have your word on this. I should never have mentioned it except that I thought you had a better knowledge of his friends, and perhaps any enemies. You must promise to mention this to no one.”
She gave a little snort of exasperation. “Do you know how many affairs I’ve had?”
I was flustered at the change of subject. “Certainly not.”
“Neither does anyone else. That’s how discreet I am.”
I threw her a sidelong glare. “I just saw you in a compromising position, in the middle of a crowded ballroom, with a very young man, so forgive me if I question your discretion.”
Alicia twisted her lips in a grimace. “Good point. Perhaps I should be more careful. Fine. You have my word, but I’m afraid I can’t be of any help. I can think of no one who had a grudge against Reggie. He rubbed along well with everyone. Well, except Graham, but I don’t think that’s altogether unusual with brothers.”
Perhaps not, but her response still surprised me. “I don’t recall any particular animosity between Reggie and Graham.”
“I wouldn’t exactly say it ran to animosity. Just that Reggie often complained Graham always hounded him about money. He felt Reggie spent it too freely.”
I huffed. “I can’t argue with him there.”
Alicia gave my arm a squeeze. “Now I think it’s time we parted company before people start to wonder what has us so engaged. We can discuss these things further tomorrow if need be.” Her eyes twinkled with delight. “I must admit this conversation was definitely worth losing that young man!”
Chapter 15
The next morning Hetty and I stood at my doorstep, watching Delia and the girls climb into her carriage. I decided against going to the station with them to see them off on their train. This was difficult enough, watching them ride off with Delia—Lily, resigned, and Rose so excited it broke my heart. However, she had run back up the walk for an extra hug, her new kitten tucked in the crook of her arm. I think the hug was more for my sake than hers.
“They’ll be back soon, dear.” Hetty squeezed my hand in compassion.
I waved enthusiastically as the carriage pulled away. “Good-bye, darlings,” I whispered, then turned to Hetty. “I suppose I’m being foolish, but she’s my only daughter. And Lily is my only sister, and I’ll miss them both terribly.”
With an arm around my shoulders, she turned me back into the house. “Well, now you’re left with your only aunt.”
I paused in the doorway. “But you’re not my only aunt.”
“I know.” She prodded me forward. “But it sounded so much more dramatic and suited to your current mood. Besides, I’m certain I’m your favorite aunt.”
“Humph,” I muttered, following her into the drawing room. “As if you would even participate in such a competition. Mother’s sisters are dreadful.” I stopped at the sight of an artist’s easel in the place of the low tea table, a pad of paper where the canvas should be. “What’s going on here? Are you planning to sketch something?”
She directed me over to the sofa. “In a manner of speaking, I suppose we are.”
“We?” I seated myself on the sofa. “I’m afraid you have the wrong sister. I’m not a bit artistic.”
“You have the skills for this, dear. It’s time we tried to make some sense of the mischief going on around here. I thought if we put our heads together, and made some notes of the basic facts, we might be able to see some logic or a pattern—”
“That might lead us to the culprit. How clever of you.” I warmed to the idea immediately. She truly was my favorite aunt.
Hetty was beaming, but she forced some severity into her countenance. “We must do something. You sent the girls away, but you may be in danger still. I’m hoping we can develop a plan of action.”
“Well, I do plan to take some action already,” I said, not without a little pride. “But I suggest we start with the facts, and I’ll add my plans as we go along.”
Hetty picked up a charcoal pencil. “I agree. First things first. We know someone is stealing valuable objects from homes around town.” She wrote the word Thief at the top of the page.
“We might also make note of what was stolen,” I began, only to be interrupted by the appearance of Mrs. Thompson in the doorway. Before she could even speak, Fiona brushed past her, the plumes on her tall toque bobbing in the breeze she created.
“Frances, I can’t tell you how hurt I am by the way you’ve been neglecting me. All this excitement going on around you, and I have to learn of it from George.” She sat on the sofa next to me and gave me an incredulous stare. “How can you just leave me in the dark? You must stop being so secretive.”
“Have you left poor George at the breakfast table again?”
She made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “Oh, he doesn’t need my company to eat. I, on the other hand, need to find out what’s been
happening.”
“Had you been at the Roswell ball last night, I could have brought you up to date.”
Fiona sighed. “We had a prior engagement. But from what I hear, you wouldn’t have had time for me anyway. I understand you and Alicia Stoke-Whitney were thick as thieves last night. Are you sharing secrets with her instead of your best friend?”
Fiona had spoken lightly, as if she were teasing, but I could see she really felt hurt by my neglect. Unfortunately she’d never let me apologize. That would involve talking about unpleasant emotions, and Fiona would never admit that anything might disturb her serenity.
“Actually, if you wish to know what’s been happening, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. Aunt Hetty and I were just about to review everything.” I glanced at Hetty, who was waiting, not so patiently, at the easel. “I think explaining things to Fiona might help to clarify them in our minds, don’t you?” I turned back to my friend. “You’d be doing us a great service.”
“I suppose a fresh set of eyes can’t hurt.” Hetty never took long to catch on.
Fiona’s smile lit her face. “Oh, then please carry on.”
“All right then, we were just about to detail the various burglaries that have happened recently. The first item was stolen from the Haverhill home about three weeks ago. Then the Chestertons had a theft about three or four days later.” I looked at Fiona for confirmation.
She shook her head. “The Haverhill reception was on the fifth of April, and the Chesterton musicale was on the thirteenth.”
Hetty wrote this down. “Do either of you recall what was stolen?”
Again I looked to Fiona. “The snuffboxes were stolen from Mr. Haverhill, the necklace from Mrs. Chesterton.”
“That’s right, I remember now. The snuffboxes were taken from the library, but the necklace was actually removed from the lady’s boudoir. That seems like quite a risk for our thief to take.”
“If he moved swiftly, there’s little risk involved.” Fiona lifted her shoulders in a casual shrug. “At any gathering people excuse themselves for a short time. Who would be indelicate enough to ask where they’re going? As for the stolen items themselves, they were all small objects. Easy enough to fit in a pocket, and leave the house with their new owner, undetected.”
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