To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection

by Lindsay Downs

  “My apologies, Lady Markson,” he corrected himself, bowing to her.

  “As I was starting to say I’ve known from the onset Lord Kersey,” he halted, glanced to Donna while Kristina noted his change in attitude. “was spying on us. Several years ago, he somehow learned I was connected with a network of people who hunted out traitors. Carefully, he approached me and said someone had learned of his connections with France. To that end they forced him to spy against us.”

  “But who and how?” Donna could barely say.

  “Believe it or not, Lord Williams. His mother was French and as such had developed an affection for the country. In their youth both did the Grand Tour and Kersey became infatuated with a young lady. Williams arranged for them to be alone and as such he got her great with child. This information he kept to himself until much later when the father of the lady rose to a high position in the government. He used that to get your husband to give secrets to the French.”

  “Yes, I can understand how it would be embarrassing if it was known Lord Kersey had sired a child of a powerful French politician. So, he would give them information while collecting names of those spying on us. Then, he’d give them to you?” Donna asked, hoping to understand the process.

  “Ethan, then why kill him?” Robert said.

  “That I believe I know the reason and its here in these documents. From the few I looked at he was being blackmailed even more. Someone learned he was passing false secrets to the French and decided he no longer could be trusted. My guess it was Williams. Remember how nervous he seemed at first when we met him then relaxed when we told him we were seeking information to clear his name?” Kristina said, and smiled on seeing Robert nod his understanding.

  “On that Lady Markson, you’re correct. The French thought he was giving them information about ship and troop movements. In actuality, he was helping to hunt down traitors. By this time tomorrow everyone he told us about will be in custody except Lord Williams. It seems he met with a tragic boating accident this morning.”

  “But what will it do for Lord Kersey’s name at trial? Won’t he be branded a traitor to his country thus damaging me?” Donna said.

  “Darling, no matter what you’re always going to shine in our eyes,” Kristina said to give her encouragement.

  “Fear not, the trials will be secret with no notes being taken. With this information, which is what we were hunting out, they will hang at the end of the day.”

  “Donna, as to what Kristina said you’re more than welcome to live on the estate and townhouse once everything reverts to the Crown,” Robert said. He stepped up to her and taking her hands in his.

  “Ethan the only question remaining is, who killed Bryce and why?” Kristina enquired of her brother, pointedly using his Christian name to irritate him.

  “The daughter of the lady Lord Kersey compromised years ago who became Lord Williams lover. Unfortunately, she’d escaped across the channel so we can’t get her at the moment. However, I’m sending several people after her to bring her to justice,” he answered.

  “Then let’s get these documents back to my townhouse, set up guards and look them over,” Robert ordered.

  “Yes, I agree. This time however we’re going out the front door,” Kristina demanded.

  A short time later Robert and Kristina led her brother and Donna through the door of the Markson townhouse. After ordering whisky for the men and sherry for the ladies they adjourned to his office. There, with his wife’s and sister’s assistance, everything was laid out to Lord Rosewood.

  With good-byes all around along with a few more names of traitors they’d uncovered in the process of their investigation added to the list Kristina bid good-bye to her brother. She also promised to stop in on the morrow.

  Epilogue

  The sound of delicate footsteps outside his office alerted Robert to the return of his wife from visiting with her parent. Glancing over to Bing, he ordered tea then stood as Kristina swept gracefully into the room.

  “At once, m’ lord.” The butler bowed then slipped out.

  “My darling, how was your duty call?” he queried as he, stepped around his desk to embrace her in a warm hug.

  “Oh, you’re so impossible. You know it’s never a duty to call on Mother and Father but a pleasure. Mother wishes us a safe and enjoyable excursion, to the savage hinterland known as Scotland as she called it.”

  Robert tried to quell a chuckle on hearing how the Countess of Crossington referred to the highlands. Yes, he knew years ago the land had been wild but now for the most part it was civilized. Alas, his shaking shoulders gave him away earning a not so sweet scowl from his wife.

  “I do hope you explained the Scots aren’t really that much different than us.”

  “Except for some of their food, haggis for one and the way they talk.”

  “On that point I grant you. Now, I see Bing has returned with the tray. Shall we enjoy a cup while we discuss our leaving tomorrow?”

  He nodded then settled his hand on the small of her back guiding her to the divan where he took a seat beside her. “Thank you. We’ll call when we’re finished.” Robert then cocked his head to his bride. “Are we going out this evening?”

  “Yes, and I’m sorry for not mentioning it earlier. Mother has invited us for, as she put it, a farewell dinner. Something tells me she doesn’t think once we cross the border we won’t be coming back.”

  Highland Gold

  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.

  Highland Gold

  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, past present and future.

  Thank you for your service.

  Chapter One

  Bundled in a pelisse against a cold, early summer wind, Kristina stood in front of a solid wood and iron strapped door. Having climbed several levels of stairs leading to this spot, she desired to look over the property her husband had under his protection. With a gloved hand, she grasped the handle, then with all her strength pushed it down, until she heard a resounding click. She leaned her shoulder against the door and pushed with all her might. Much to her relief it opened partway, only to have a burst of wind force it wide.

  The gust caught her with force, sending her forward through the door. A scream gurgled up into her throat and was lost as a grip dragged her back into safety. She looked down at the muscled arm wrapped around her waist. The strong, spicy scent told her who’d saved her from falling to her death.

  She turned and met the concerned gaze of her loving husband. “Thank you, darling.” Her voice shook.

  “Look at where you could have ended up.” He pointed over her shoulder.

  She peered down the hundred foot drop as an icy finger of relief raced up her spine. “But I didn’t, thanks to you, my hero.”

  “I’m glad I came up to the suite to find you. Amanda told me you’d decided to venture here. What I’m wondering, why did you have so much trouble opening the door?” He cuddled her in his arms.

  Kristina tilted her head slightly so she could look into his eyes. The panic she saw quickly faded into relief.

  “I wanted to look out over the land and thought this would give me the best vantage point. For the door, the latch was stiff as were the hinges. I would have thought things would be in better working condition,” she exclaimed.

  “On that I definitely agree with you. Considering the climate I know my father would have made sure there was sufficient funding t
o maintain everything.”

  Now it was her turn to feel dread. “What if someone wasn’t doing their job? If so, why and where did the money go? Could there also be other hidden problems within or without the castle?”

  “My dear, that is something we definitely need to look into,” he replied.

  “Robert, I believe I’ve seen enough of the countryside from here, so shall we step back in and take a stroll around the grounds,” Kristina recommended.

  She slipped her hand into his and his warm smile was all the answer she needed. Returning into the main part of the castle, she led him down the steps she’d taken a short while ago. This time she paid more attention to everything around her, such as the corners, looking for dust or cobwebs. Places where maids would clean on a weekly basis.

  On gaining the first floor, she swept down the hall and into her private sitting room.

  She and her husband had gotten in later than planned, and after a delicious dinner in their suite, they had retired. So seeing no servants bustling about last night hadn’t concerned her, but where were they now?

  She turned to her husband. “Where are all of the staff? Unless I’m mistaken, I think there would be at least a good thirty or so within the walls of this castle.”

  From what she could gather so far, nothing was amiss except for people. The rooms were clean, no cobwebs or dust to speak of.

  “Tell me what you’re thinking darling and we can talk this out.”

  “Let me first work a few things out in my mind. In the meantime, let’s take a stroll in the garden. I feel it may help clear my mind, so I can then sort through my thoughts.”

  She linked her arm in his and made their way down the stairs. As they stepped out onto the veranda, she was happy everything was lovely. No weeds between the flags and newly swept of grass and leaves.

  She turned back and examined the windows. They sparkled. This told her someone was washing them on a weekly basis.

  Hand in hand they started down the granite stairs to the well cared for lawn, then continued to the garden. As she surveyed the beds, again she was pleased. They were in perfect condition. But where were the gardeners? She doubted a few could manage such a huge job in course of a work day.

  Ambling down the main path, her husband’s puzzled expression drew her attention.

  “Robert, from what you told me it’s been quite a few years since you’ve been here. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. From the staff that I’ve seen, the only ones I remember are Cook, the butler and Mrs. Fairbairn. Why?”

  Now, Kristina knew she had to explain what she’d seen and only prayed he’d believe her. Separating from him, she slipped over to a wood and iron bench, took a seat and with an inviting smile tapped the space beside her.

  “What is bothering you, dear?”

  Taking in a calming breath she explained, “Even though I’m relatively new at maintaining and running a household, as you well know, I’ve had training in the subject. Something here isn’t right. Where are the maids sweeping and polishing? Footmen rushing about doing the heavier jobs? In a house this size, which is only a little smaller than the estate mansion, we should be seeing staff. Before you go rushing off in your usual headstrong manner, I wish to point out, from what I’ve noticed everything inside and out is well cared for. Granted the latch and hinges on the parapet door need care but other than that I’ve not encountered any problems.”

  “Now with you mentioning it I don’t remember seeing very many staff either. I do believe this is something we need to look into. I know the manager, whom we haven’t met as of yet, which I find very disturbing, receives a comfortable income from my man of business.”

  “Would it be sufficient to maintain an appropriate level of maids and footmen?”

  “Most certainly. I should point out we do have a modest but well received distillery along with cattle and sheep. Between everything the land brings in, I’m guessing around several thousand a month,” he answered.

  She heard a proud tone to his voice.

  With these little facts at hand and easily verified, Kristina wondered if someone was stealing from Robert.

  “I meet with my senior staff monthly. Do you do the same with the estate manager?”

  “Up until now I’ve only dealt with Mr. Colin by post. I know he has an office in the castle and yes, I do find it unusual he has not made his presence known to me. Before we left I sent him a letter informing him of our planned arrival.”

  “Might I suggest, dear husband, we return and find where he is, then demand to review the accounting ledgers,” Kristina proclaimed.

  “Yes, but the only problem is I’ve no idea where his room might be so we’ll need to hunt down either Hamish or Mrs. Fairbairn.” He joined hands with her.

  As they marched back to the terrace, Kristina had an uncomfortable sense that something worse was going on than she’d first expected. While breaking her fast earlier, the housekeeper had made herself known and they agreed to meet before luncheon in Kristina’s private parlour. She’d also asked to have Cook join them to go over the menu for the next few days.

  She also knew Robert had spoken with Hamish as she’d heard them in the hallway.

  Climbing the granite steps from the lawn to the veranda, she was surprised to meet the butler.

  “M’ lord and lady, did you enjoy your stroll in the garden?”

  “No, we didn’t. Lady Markson and I have come to a very disturbing conclusion. To start with, why hasn’t Mr. Colin made himself known and where is his office?” Robert demanded.

  “I’m sorry, m’ lord and lady, but I thought you were aware he had to go to Glasgow. I posted a letter to you last week and you should have received it before departing London,” Hamish said.

  “And why did he need to go to Glasgow?” Robert demanded.

  “Mr. Colin received a letter informing him his mother was dying and to come quickly as she might not last a fortnight.”

  “Do you know when he’ll be returning?” Kristina insisted, not sure to believe Hamish or not. Was it possible Mr. Colin was away and might not return as he’d stolen the monies.

  “I believe so. From what he said I gather he’ll be back tomorrow.”

  She glanced over to Robert and noticed his expression had changed little from the furrowed brow of earlier. With the man gone, she knew this would be the perfect time to have Robert start examining the accounts. However, that was only part of the problem. The lack of staff concerned her also.

  “Hamish, have tea brought to His Lordship’s office,” Kristina ordered. Normally, she wasn’t so stern with staff but in this case she felt it was necessary.

  “But first, take us to Mr. Colin’s office,” Robert demanded.

  “At once, m’ lord and lady, if you’ll follow me please,” Hamish replied.

  As they made their way toward the area where staff offices were located, Kristina halted. “Go ahead and collect what you need while I go to the kitchen. This will give me the opportunity to meet with Cook.” With a nod from Robert, she went left down the hall.

  As she stepped into the kitchen, she was astounded at the limited staff. With Robert and her now in residence, the kitchen should be teeming with people. All she saw was Cook, an assistant, a scullery maid, and a young woman who was cutting vegetables.

  Where were the others, such as a young lad who would make sure the fires were stoked? Also, another two or three who would turn the spit on which a steer hindquarter was now impaled. And why only one person to wash the pots, pans and dishes, which would be piled high in the sink and on the drain board?

  Kristina cleared her throat to announce her presence then five heads turned, wide-eyed and curious as to why and who was here.

  “M’ lady, what an unexpected surprise,” Cook announced, giving her a curtsey.

  A crash of a pan on the floor brought Kristina’s attention to the scullery where she saw an embarrassed maid whose hands dripped of soap.

  “I thought it was
important we meet to go over the menu while Lord Markson and I are in residence. However, I see other problems, which need addressing post haste. Shall we have tea? I recommend the staff dining area.”

  “Certainly, m’ lady. Would you also care for a scone to enjoy with your tea? They’ve just come out of the oven.”

  Not familiar with the particular pastry that Cook mentioned but, considering what was about to happen, Kristina nodded. She then followed the woman into a very small room, barely large enough for the table and chairs.

  As mistress, she took the one at the head of the table. Normally, she wouldn’t have taken this particular seat but exerting her authority over the woman was paramount.

  Later, if things developed as she prayed then she’d sit at the long side of the table with staff on both sides of her.

  Kristina waited while the tea was poured and the simple plate with a scone set before her.

  With a noncommittal wave of her arm, Kristina instructed Cook to take a seat. After a few minutes, she turned all of her attention to the woman.

  “I may be newly married and never managed a household, but I’ve been schooled in all aspects of the running of one, no matter the size. Speaking specifically of the kitchen, I can tell it’s understaffed. I demand an explanation and if it’s not what I desire to hear you will be gone before my tea cools,” Kristina warned. She caught a brief glimpse of Robert standing in the doorway, listening.

  “M’ lady, I most humbly apologize for the lack of staff but I had no choice. Two years ago, Mr. Colin informed me I had to let most of the kitchen help go. The only explanation he gave was the drastic reduction in funds to maintain everything at a proper level. I tried to delve further into his reasoning, but my effort was halted at every turn. I feared for my employment so I stopped asking.”