The Masked Lady and The Murder
Markson Regency Mystery
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
No portion of this work may be reproduced in any form--print, electronic, or otherwise--nor transmitted to anyone without the express permission of the author.
"The Masked Lady and The Murder"
Markson Regency Mystery
Copyright © 2014 by Lindsay Downs
Cover designed by Heidi Sieverding
Edited by Nia Shay
DEDICATION
Dedicated to the brave Women and Men of the
US Armed Forces
Thank you
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Nia for helping with the edits
and
Heidi who did the fabulous cover
Chapter One
London, May 1814
This wasn’t how he’d wanted to reenter society after a hiatus of several years in Spain. Unfortunately, as Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire, he had no choice. This thought he pondered as he crossed the polished oak and marble concourse leading to the steps down to the ballroom.
If not for the sudden death of his father and older brother, he would have been fighting the French, which he hazarded would be a lot safer than entering the battlefront known as the marriage market. Here he would be the hunted, not the hunter. His only saving grace in this particular instance was searching out one lady he knew well and could entrust with his safety— his sister, Lady Donna Kersey, Countess of Frome.
With her assistance he would be able to locate the chit who’d taken it upon herself to attempt to solve the murder of the previous viscount. After receiving Donna’s letter about this foolish young lady and her derring-do, he'd wondered not so much the why, but the who. He knew even the bravest of soldiers wouldn’t risk life and limb on a rumor as she had, so what drove her he had to know.
He’d chosen this venue as it was a masquerade ball, which meant no introductions were made except the invitation presented to gain entrance. With a heft of his shoulders to make sure his cape was secure and properly set, he stepped up to the major domo and presented the wizened old gentleman his response card. Robert didn’t worry about his half mask, annoying as it was, since he knew it was positioned correctly.
From the top of the stair he looked out over a sea of black cloaks. More than half the masks were bejeweled, and only the occasional hint of a colourful satin gown broke up the monotony of black and white. This would make hunting down this mystery woman difficult, but not impossible.
Knowing what his sister’s half mask looked like— the same she always wore to these boring events— would make hunting her down easy, or so he hoped. Quartering, with his vision, the dance floor then the sides of the room he finally located her.
The corners of his lips turned into a frown on seeing her husband, Lord Bryce Kersey, Earl of Frome, had chosen to eschew the requisite disguise. Then again, it wasn’t a surprise as the man only attended a very few balls to hold the gossip grinders at bay, according to the letters Donna had sent. Then again, from what he’d heard, it was well known the man kept not one but two mistresses and frequented gaming establishments, risking his fortune at the turn of a card or roll of the dice.
Gaining the floor, Robert slowly made his way around the edge, keeping his attention focused on the couple. His hope that the earl would excuse himself was rewarded when, without even a bow or word, the man trailed after a woman who’d caught his fancy. With military precision, something he was overly familiar with, Robert maneuvered his way up behind his sister.
“Dearest Donna, why on earth do you allow your husband to treat you like that?” he whispered in her ear.
He wasn’t surprised when she held firm and didn’t turn to greet him. However, her words surprised him.
“Brother, you know I’ve no choice. I can only pray he doesn’t disgrace his family name before he dies. That being said, fear not, for our late father has seen to my protection. Of that you need to trust me.”
Robert wanted to hug her as he suspected he knew what she was referring to. Even though cold, his father had always wanted to make sure his children were well cared for in the event of the unforeseen.
“Donna, that’s wonderful. I always suspected he had something planned but, as the youngest, wasn’t privy to exactly what.”
“Yes, you may calm yourself on that point. Now, onto the matter at hand, that which made you crawl out from your cave,” she teased, knowing how he hated balls.
“I would appreciate that, but first, do you know why this lady would want to search out why Father and Brother were killed? If I’m not mistaken that’s truly unladylike behavior,” Robert uttered softly, so he wouldn’t be overheard by others nearby.
“I agree and only pray once you lay eyes on her you’ll understand. Far be it for me to be critical of another, considering my husband, but Lady Rosewood is a bit plain in appearance. Also, I know she has a problem dancing.”
Robert could tell from Donna’s words and actions there was another problem with this young lady, which intrigued him even more. “Everyone dances. It’s not like riding a horse, where you need balance, skill, and in many cases steady nerves,” Robert answered back, glancing around the ballroom to see if he might spot her. When he failed to notice anyone fitting the description, he turned back to his sister, a frown curling his lips.
“Let me guess, dear brother, you don’t see her. Correct?” she whispered as two matrons stormed by, giving them both a scowl.
“Yes, and is that the usual reaction from matriarchs.”
“Especially when the Earl attends an event with me, then chases after a skirt, but I’ve gotten used to it. However, we’re not here to talk about my problem. If I may direct your attention to the four potted palms directly across from us, you’ll see Lady Kristina Rosewood.”
Knowing Donna would never steer him wrong, he turned and carefully examined each lady where she’d instructed him to look. A blonde— fiery-tempered, judging from the way she threw her arms around as she spoke— stood beside a giggling redheaded chit. Then there was the raven-haired lady clinging to a gentleman’s arm as if she had been cast into the ocean and he was a board of driftwood.
As the orchestra started up a quadrille, the ladies and gentlemen departed for the dance floor, leaving a young lady alone on a chair against the wall. A pleasing, light beige gown showed through where her cape had spread open. The only reason the dress suited her was that it matched the mousy brown of her hair. Her half-mask was slightly crooked, but she didn’t seem to notice as she was more interested in making notes on a tiny pad.
Why? He had no idea, but it was something he’d have to enquire about.
As he studied her further, he couldn’t help but notice her nose was slightly, though not unattractively large for her face. Her lips looked thin and lifeless, as though they’d been painted on by an unskilled artist.
Continuing his assessment downward, he saw she wasn’t too thin or too thick, but what did detract from her was how she had set her feet one atop the other as a wallflower might. Amazed at what he saw, Robert turned his head to his sister.
“You mean to tell me that seemingly timid thing actually walked into the slums and asked if anyone might know of the highwaymen who attacked Father and John?”
“Yes. Now come and I’ll introduce you. I should warn you, though, she has a stammer.” Donna linked her arm with his.
“No, other than you can see from how she’s sitting Lady Rosewood happens to be a bit apprehensive ,” she said, almost dragging him with her.
Robert rolled his eyes at this last little piece of unfortunate news. He still couldn’t understand how she had done all his sister had informed him of. “One last thing. How do you know all of this about her?”
“As it so happens, I’m one of the very few who will talk with her. This is something her parents are grateful for, as I also am able to arrange invitations to balls, teas, and other events.”
Making their way around the ballroom, they passed by the French doors that opened onto the terrace. Robert glanced out, saw it was mostly empty, and decided it would be the best place to talk with Lady Rosewood. He knew without asking, his sister would join them to maintain respectability.
With a glance back to the girl, he wondered how he’d go about asking what, if anything, she’d learned. He suspected nothing, otherwise Donna would have informed him. Unless she was keeping it to herself to tell him in person.
Stepping in front— but not too close so she wouldn’t be any more frightened than she looked now— he bowed and then waited for Donna to present him.
“Lady Kristina Rosewood, I’d like to introduce my brother Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire.”
Robert was happy she hadn't made the announcement too loudly, as he didn’t want many to know he was back in town.
As Lady Rosewood glared up at him, he gazed into her eyes of pale blue with long, dark brown lashes. He was immediately captured by their soft beauty and could barely hold a clear thought in his head. “M’ lord, it’s truly a pleasure to finally meet you,” she said, accepting his hand and allowing him to assist her in standing.
Hearing her speak to him easily, without a stammer, totally baffled him. He glanced to his sister, then back, and was about to say something when Kristina interjected. “M-m’ lady. Th-thank you fo-for the in-intro-duction, a-as w-w-we’ve m-m-much to di-di-discuss.”
“Yes, we do. I believe this room isn’t appropriate, so would you care to take a stroll with me to the veranda? I’m sure my dear sister would be more than happy to accompany us.” Robert glanced over to Donna and received a nod of agreement.
With a sweep of his arms, Robert collected the ladies to his sides and together they made for the terrace doors. As he stepped out, he noticed several couples along one part of the banister, so he chose the opposite side.
“Lady Rosewood, I’m wondering why you took it upon yourself to look into the death of the Viscount and my brother John," Robert all but demanded, trying to remember what Donna had said about Lady Rosewood being like a frightened mouse most of the time. "This surely isn’t normal behavior for a young lady, now is it?”
“M’ lord, I’m one-and-twenty and haven’t even received a hint of an offer for my hand. As you can see and I’m not afraid to say, I’m plain in appearance, unlike most of the eligible ladies. I also can’t dance. And if you don’t believe me, ask any gentleman who’s been brave enough to partner with me. And I have a stammer, which makes conversing with anyone near impossible.
“As such, if it wasn’t for the kindness of your sister, I’d be home every evening with nothing to do or look forward to. The only joy I get is reading. Not those insipid romance novels many of the ladies enjoy, but mysteries. I like to try to solve them before the end of the books and most times I can. When I learned of the Viscount’s murder, it seemed a task I was well suited for.”
As she spoke, Robert was amazed at how clearly her words spilled from her succulent lips. Not once did she pause or stammer, which caused him to think back to a few moments before when she'd spoken to his sister. If he wasn’t mistaken, when focused on him she didn’t have a problem, but did when speaking to others.
Then there was how she saw herself, which concerned him. Some might consider her plain in form and face. Much to Robert's astonishment, he felt that couldn’t be further from the truth. Standing in front of him was a lady who might not have been given the best features if taken separately, but as a whole everything worked quite well together.
“M’ lady, I find your argument interesting and intriguing, but could you answer me this? Why do you feel you’re better than Bow Street at coming to learn the name or names of the murderers?”
A pleasing, warm smile curled her thin but delicate lips, making him wonder if she’d ever been kissed and what she’d taste of if she allowed him to be so forward.
“Unlike you, m’ lord, who evaluates the facts presented before seeking action, as is evident with you learning about me, the runners tend to charge ahead. They only listen to what they think is important or what they want to hear.”
Robert had, until now, barely dealt with the men from Bow Street, and so far what they’d learned and imparted to him had been discouraging. He now wondered what she’d learned. “Have you been able to uncover any information as to who might have killed my father and brother?”
Until now his sister had remained at a discreet distance, but now she swept toward them. “If I may?” she asked of Kristina, who answered with a nod. “Simply put, what she's found shouldn’t be discussed here, but in private.”
Robert was about to respond when he heard the beginning notes of a waltz through the open French doors. Since she had no trouble talking to him, he pondered whether or not she might also dance with him to success. “Lady Rosewood, I believe this is my dance,” he requested.
Chapter Two
As she contemplated an answer, he decided it was better to charge ahead. Stepping up, he set his right hand on the small of her back only to feel a tingle course up his arm before settling in his stomach. Unsure, but knowing he needed to continue on to enjoy the feel of her in his arms, he grasped her right hand and stepped them back as one.
“M' lord, maybe you didn’t hear me earlier," Kristina said, trying to escape his gentle but firm hold. "I can’t dance.”
“That, my dear lady, is because you’ve never partnered with me. Now relax and let the music fill your mind,” he answered back, whispering the words into her ear.
Robert shifted his head so he would be able to see her expression. She looked panicked at first, but after a few steps she wore a broad, relaxed grin.
“What’s happening to me? By now I’ve trod on the gentleman’s feet several time,” she said, breathing heavily.
What is it with this woman? He thought, gazing down upon her upturned face. All she’s done since we’ve met is confuse me. Now with her breast rubbing against me, I’m at a total loss.
“M’ lady, you’re dancing and causing me no harm,” he said, sweeping her gracefully into a turn lest they tumble down the steps that led to the lawn.
He watched as she scrunched her brow. He suspected trying to marshal her thoughts. Robert was beginning to wonder if she might be as confused as he.
“But why? That, I can’t understand.”
“Robert, Kristina if I might interrupt your dance, I believe I’ve an explanation,” Donna said, settling a hand on his arm.
He brought them to a stop, then bowed to both ladies and escorted them to a nearby stone bench. Once they were settled, he leaned against the banister and waited. “Well?” he finally asked when his sister wasn’t forthcoming.
“Believe it or not, it’s very simple. Kristina, when you’re with Robert, you’re relaxed. If you hadn’t noticed, when you speak to him your stammer is gone, and while dancing you’re comfortable in his arms.”
Robert saw she was going to say something to Donna and intervened. “No, look at me when you’re talking, even if it’s to my sister.” He looked to her. “I’m sorry, but that might be the only way.”
Looking surprised, she did as he asked, keeping her focus on him. “Lady Kersey, I don’t understand. No, wait. I’ve no
t stammered, so what you say must be true. And with the dancing it’s the same, m’ lady?”
“Yes. Now might I suggest we return to the ball as I’m sure my dear husband must have tired of the chit he’d chased after and is now searching me out.” Donna stood, then started for the doors they’d exited through a short while ago.
Robert turned his attention back to Kristina. “M’ lady, shall we rejoin the others, this time with you on my arm?”
“I’d be honoured. And if mayhap another waltz were to be played—”
“We would enjoy it together, to the astonishment of the ton.” He offered his hand to assist her to her feet, then together they strolled toward the ballroom. As they approached the doors, he glanced down at her only to see her gazing up at him.
“Yes? You have a question?” she asked, giving his forearm a slight squeeze through his perfectly tailored black evening jacket. He wondered if she did it to see if she might be dreaming.
“No, my dear. This is very real. Now, shall we find a comfortable place to watch the others?”
“Most definitely.”
Over the next hour Robert quizzed her about what was going on within the ton, after explaining he’d been in Spain for the past two years. Flouting the rule of only dancing with the same partner twice, they joined the other couples on the floor every time a waltz played.
After the first time, ladies and gentlemen would smile and nod approvingly to them. Several of the matrons protested, but silently.
As the midnight hour approached, Robert turned to Kristina. “M’ lady would you wish to depart before the unmasking?” he asked, hoping she’d agree.
“In the past I would have agreed with you, but for the first time I’m confident in myself, with thanks to you, m’ lord,” she said, bestowing him a smile.
“Very well, then.” He hoped what she would soon see wouldn’t horrify her too greatly. This was another reason he’d chosen a masquerade ball, but unfortunately now he couldn’t slip away unnoticed. In a few minutes the bells would ring out and everyone would reveal themselves, which in his case would send at least one lady either into a faint or scurrying away in fright.
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