To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection

by Lindsay Downs

  “Even if that’s true, I’m still going to kill you as I did your brother,” the man admitted.

  That was all he needed. As Evan took a step closer and raised the club, Robert smiled. Then, risking life and limb, he advanced on the murderer. His movement produced the reaction he’d hoped for, forcing the man back toward Evan. The club smashed down on his head and he dropped to the ground.

  Directing his attention back to Kristina he smiled on seeing she was standing, arms across her chest, a smile on her lips. “I do hope the next time we kiss, we won’t be interrupted.”

  “The next time you kiss had best be on your wedding day and not a moment before,” Donna announced as she stormed up to them.

  “As you wish, dear sister. Now I need you to return Kristina to her parents and I’ll be along momentarily to explain everything.”

  “Certainly. But from what I see, everything is well under control. I’ll request the earl have his coach called for to take you home,” Donna suggested, to which Robert nodded his agreement. With the two ladies away, he turned his attention back to his valet.

  “Evan, secure him and take him to my townhouse. Put him in the basement.”

  “Aye, Captain. If he wakes before you arrive, do you want me to start a long discussion with him?”

  “Yes.”

  Several men appeared from the shadows and in seconds they had the prisoner secured. They hustled off through the rear of the garden. With that out of the way, Robert returned to the ballroom and hunted out the principles. Finding them at the same alcove, he marched up just as Kristina finished informing her parents what had occurred. He hoped she'd left out the kiss, but from the glare he received from the countess, he wasn’t sure.

  “Ladies, Eustace, with your permission I must depart so I can learn what’s needed from this man, first of which being his name,” Robert said, then started to turn.

  “Not so fast, Hampshire” the Earl of Crossington demanded. "We’ve seen this from the start and we’re not about to be shut out now that it’s over. We’re going with you so we can receive the report firsthand."

  “Sir, I was hoping you were going to say that,” Robert countered before offering Kristina his arm. "Especially considering how it will affect our marriage, as I don’t want it to start with secrets and half-truths. So, shall we be off?"

  Later, in the family parlor, they digested the information Evan had extracted from the man, now known as Maurice Markson the Third. “It’s interesting Markson named his two sons as he did. It was almost as if he wanted them to carry on his name in its entirety,” Robert said once Evan had departed to take the villain off to Bow Street.

  “He will get his wish except, they’ll carry it with them to their graves,” Eustace stated, taking a sip of brandy.

  “Yes, and at least there aren’t any more to worry about with the second one in custody,” Kristina’s mother said. "Now we can finish planning the wedding. And on that note, young lady, you’ve a fitting in the morning. Considering the late hour, I do believe it’s time we returned home." She stood, bringing the men to their feet also.

  With the earl and countess following, Robert escorted his bride-to-be down the stairs to the front door. After assisting her into the carriage, he smiled at her. “I’ll stop over in the afternoon for a drive around the park. With your and your parent’s permission, I’ll invite my sister and her husband along as chaperones.”

  “Granted, as there is some final planning to do for the wedding breakfast,” Sylvia said with a smile.

  “Thank you, Countess,” Robert answered. He waited until the coach departed the forecourt, then returned to the parlor where Donna and Bryce were waiting.

  “Now, what might your brother do for you, Sister?”

  “Bryce and I won’t be returning to the country for a few weeks, as he’s a few details which need completing. We’re offering the estate to you and Kristina for a quiet retreat,” Donna proclaimed.

  “Bryce, Donna, you are too kind. We’d love to spend a few days there on our way to my holding in Scotland. As you know, I hadn’t spent time there before needing to return here. Kristina doesn’t know of my plan as I wish it to be a surprise for her.”

  On hearing laughter from Bryce, he glared at the man. “And what do you find so humorous?”

  “Oh, nothing really, except you keeping a secret from your betrothed. Wasn’t that why we all returned here, so none would wonder about what was learned from Maurice?”

  “With all the planning for the wedding I thought it best not to burden her with having to prepare for the trip. And speaking of which tomorrow, afternoon you’ll be acting as her chaperones as we take a drive in the park,” Robert uttered.

  “Are you sure Kristina won’t be needed elsewhere?” Donna enquired over the lip of her teacup.

  “Not according to the countess. It would seem she is more than willing to let her daughter off of her duties for a few hours,” Robert replied with a grin.

  “It should be an interesting outing, and I can assure you I’ll be keeping a very close eye on you,” Bryce warned. There won’t be any sneaking off for a kiss like this evening, that I can promise."

  “Of course not. I knew it was wrong, but seeing her in the glow of the lights, I couldn’t help myself. Other than that I’m not about to excuse my actions, nor should she.”

  “Somehow, Brother, I knew that would be your answer. In a few days you can kiss her all you want, even in front of the entire ton. Which, of course, I’d love to see, and knowing you that’s exactly what you’ll do,” his sister teased.

  “And it very well could happen. I heard from Bow Street this morning, and yes, I kept it from Kristina as it’s not something a young lady should know of. With the confession from the first Maurice, the magistrate is planning on a very short trial. Within a week both will hang, and I’ve been asked to remain in the city at least until the trial so I may give testimony. So, me kissing Kristina on a dance floor is very likely. Then we’ll be off to your estate, then on to Scotland for a leisurely honeymoon.”

  Epilogue

  “Good morning my sweetling,” Robert whispered into Kristina’s hair, then slipped a naked leg between hers.

  “And to you, my darling husband,” she whispered into her pillow, which to her glory was his well-muscled chest. “What would you like to do today?”

  “Stay in bed with you, but something tells me your maid and my valet are about to put a halt to our hiding away from the world." Robert referred to the two personal staff, whose voices were slowly rising in volume outside the viscount suite to the point of waking the dead .

  “I agree. Being hidden from everyone for the past three days most certainly has brought questions, even though we’re newly married. From what my mother informed me, our behavior isn’t unusual.”

  He understood she was talking about spending as much time possible making love, but Robert also knew they would have to make some sort of appearance soon. “True. Not to mention all the letters piling on the desk which need answering, for which I’ll help.

  “You had best. Don’t forget, we depart for the Frome estate this morning,” she reminded him.

  “Yes, if your lady’s maid doesn’t kill my valet first. From the yelling outside the door, I’d say it is close in coming.”

  The noise outside the room was quickly replaced by the sound of feet running up the hall toward the suite. Before anyone could say a word, the door burst open. Mrs Stoneworth stood gasping for breath in the doorway.

  “My apologizes m’ lord, m’ lady, for this untimely interruption, but Lady Kersey is hiding in the kitchen, covered in blood.”

  The End

  For now

  The Guilty Countess

  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 ma
y be reproduced in any form—print, electronic, or otherwise—nor transmitted to anyone without the express permission of the author.

  The Guilty Countess

  Markson Regency Mystery

  Copyright © 2014 by Lindsay Downs

  Cover designed by Heidi Sieverding

  Edited by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Dedication

  To the brave women and men of the US Armed Forces

  Forward

  April 11, 2014, its two minutes to air on my blog talk radio show ANYTHING GOES. .and my guest tonight is Lindsay Downs.

  Am I nervous about tonight's show? NAH! I done shows with Lindsay before. I know the person and their work. Even some of my listeners know the work of this person. We have fun doing these shows together. I noticed any show I do with Lindsay is a lot of fun. I enjoy them myself even listening to these radio shows on the blog talk archives.

  Earlier today, I received an email about Lindsay and how the show was promoted on my blog talk radio show page. This fan sent me an email, well I am getting ahead of myself.

  Lindsay’s phone call came through the Internet studio. I told Lindsay before we went to air, I wanted to read an email I just got today from a listener about the show. Lindsay coolly said, without fanfare “Fine, Bennet!”

  The blog talk radio announcement came on and it was show time. It was eleven pm Eastern Standard time and we were LIVE.

  The idea of doing a show live is an amazing feat. You NEVER know what happens with a live show. Most guests are scared of what I may say to them, or what they may say to me. I am not worried when Lindsay guests on my show. This person rolls with the punches.

  There is a bond of trust between us, I think Lindsay knows I want the best for the person as a writer and most interesting show we can do. I will say this, with many other guests, I worry what will come out of their mouth. Not with this person. Many times on shows I have done with Lindsay, we overlap and there is NEVER a moment of dead air. Some listeners have told me we are entertaining. One even said we sounded drunk, and I don't drink!

  I started the show with, “It's eleven o'clock on April eleven.” It is a standard opening for me for the show.

  Then I try to lead in to the show and my guest. “It’s been a crazy week this week. Things have happened all week long” (Historical information...this week the great actor Mickey Rooney passed away and Archie comics were planning the death of Archie for their Life with Archie magazine).

  “So” I continued, “before I begin the show, I need to share an email letter from a listener.” Lindsay waiting for my cue to introduce without a word.

  Pomerantz,

  I know you have the talented Lindsay Downs as your guest tonight on ANYTHING GOES. You should know Lindsay is a great romance writer. She is so talented. However in your show promo, you called HER a HIM. You need to get your genders wrong. Lindsay is a female writer. You need to correct yourself.

  In the background I could hear Lindsay chuckling at what I was reading, as I was trying to keep a straight face myself and not burst out laughing

  “And what do you say about this, LINDSAY DOWNS?”

  He set this listener straight. Lindsay was a HE and not a SHE. I will say this, he gently told this reader this with class and not getting his tail feathers in an uproar. He explained that this is his real name. It was on his driver's license, birth certificate and his passport. He said “He thought his parents must knew he was going to be a romance writer.”

  After he updated what he was doing as in new book. I asked if he would take listener questions. Of course, he said Yes.

  One of my listeners Denise has a question through yahoo messager and I asked it. She said in a message, “You're a guy. Why are you writing regencies? Shouldn't you be writing war stories?”

  Lindsay replied without a beat. “Denise, Why not can't I write regencies? He explained a publisher challenged him. Set it in 1812, had a duke as one of the primary character and I did it. He reveled he has ten books released or going to be released in that genre.

  Then another audio listener, who stated she was a big fan of his Regencies novels, Angela asked “Are you ever going to change genre or play in another person's universe?”

  Lindsay again did not miss a beat. “I writes the suspense novels for Secret Craving publishing, The Jessica Sales novels.”

  All I have to say in introducing HIM in the front of his new book, he is renaissance man that writes what he enjoys..I am glad to call him FRIEND.

  Any book of his, you will enjoy. You don't have take my word for it, Mr Downs is a master craft-person in regard to writing the romance genre. Read it and see for yourself

  Bennet Pomerantz

  Host-ANYTHING GOES Blog Talk Radio

  Columnist-Night Owl Magazine

  Columnist Affaire De Couer

  Chapter One

  Tip-toeing down the steps, she silently made her way to the first floor. Turning down the corridor toward her husband’s office, a soft noise distracted her. Peering down the hall, she glimpsed a shadowed figure standing by the door to the servants stairs. Her breath caught as she narrowed her eyes, attempting to get a better look.

  “Bryce, is that you?”

  No answer.

  She took several small steps as the early morning light lit the far end of the corridor. The person quickly slipped through the door, but not before she saw his fine, dark suit that seemed too large for his thin build. She didn’t recognize him though.

  Now that her husband, Lord Bryce Kersey, Earl of Frome, had left the service of the Crown as a spy hunter, Donna had gotten used to secret visitors between her husband and strangers. However, now she couldn’t think of any reason for them to continue, especially at this early hour of the day.

  Dismissing her thoughts, she continued on to his office and raised her hand to knock when she noticed the door was ajar. Her breath caught in her throat as she became curious at this behavior as he never would have allowed it. He’d always insisted it either be closed or if open a footman waiting his direction.

  Feeling something was amiss, she slowly pushed open the door, she stepped in to find her husband sprawled on the floor with a knife protruding from his chest. Even from where she stood, Donna knew he was dead from the pallor of his skin

  Fear crawled down her spine as she screamed and dashed across the room to where he lay. Not giving a care to herself, she dropped to her knees and scooped him into her arms, cradling his head against her breasts. Gently rocking him, as a mother would an injured child, tears poured from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

  Overwrought with emotion, Donna didn’t know she wasn’t alone until a hand firmly settled on her shoulder.

  “Please m’ lady, set him down,” she heard Mrs. Raymond tell her.

  Moments later, Donna started to fight the housekeeper from taking her dead husband from her arms, but finally gave in when several strong hands lent their strength.

  Once separated from his body, Donna turned to the people standing around her. Before she knew what happened, a crystal glass was thrust into her hand. With a glance at its colour and smell, she knew it was brandy and, without needing to be told, took a large sip.

  As the events of the past minutes began to sink in she took a breath and turned to the butler. “Send someone to Bow Street to inform them someone has murdered the Earl.”

  “Yes, m’ lady, except they are downstairs awaiting you. I’ve several large footmen keeping them away from here,” Blair informed her.

  “Wait. What? I only found my husband fifteen minutes ago. How could they know something’s amiss so soon?”

  She watched as skeptical expressions fluttered across the faces of two senior staff as her words sank in. When she saw them bunch their brows in curiosity she knew they were wondering why the authorities were here when she’d only found her husband.

  “Yes, m’ lady, you’re correct. The only way that could happen is if someone knew His Lordship was going to be murdered and alerted th
em before the fact,” Mrs. Raymond said.

  “This means they want to cast the guilt on you. We know it is impossible as His Lordship finally came clean as to his supposed gambling and skirt chasing,” Blair added.

  The sound of yelling coming from the ground floor stopped any further discussion as Donna stepped to the door so she could hear better. After a few moments, she turned back, feeling her face warm at a few of the inappropriate words she’d heard. Some a lady should never bear witness to.

  “It would seem the runners are losing their patience so I’d best see to them.”

  “No, m’ lady. We know you’re innocent of this foul deed so you must flee from here, otherwise they’ll take you into custody. You know how thickheaded they can be. Once they have a suspect, even if the person’s not guilty, they stop looking for the truth,” Blair told her in a shaky voice.

  On hearing his words, she understood he was correct and needed to hunt down her brother and his wife. If anyone could, they would be able to assist in finding her husband’s murderer.

  “Then I’ve got to sneak out and go to the Viscount of Hampshire’s townhouse. He and his bride aren’t planning on leaving until later in the day and, as newly married, I’d suspect they’re still abed.” Looking down at her hands and dress, she knew what needed doing first, change and wash.

  Boots stomping in the hallway below changed her mind as she suspected, from the echo in the marble foyer, the footsteps were headed for the stairs.

  “Come along m’ lady as there’s no time to waste. I can keep the Bow Street runners at bay while Mrs. Raymond sneaks you down the backstairs and to Lord Markson’s,” Blair ordered, then guided her from the office and away from the main stairs.

  On her way down to the mews, Donna happened to see a blanket set aside, she hazarded to be washed later. Grabbing it up, she wrapped herself in it to the confusion of Mrs. Raymond.