To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection

by Lindsay Downs

  Now Kristina had at least a partial understanding of why there was few staff.

  Turning her attention to the doorway, she smiled as Robert came into full view, Hamish quivering behind him. Her anger started to rise at what she’d just learned from Cook. She frowned then glared past Robert to the butler.

  “Did you show Lord Markson Mr. Colin’s office and help him collect the account journals?” she demanded of Hamish.

  “Yes, m’ lady, and they are being delivered to His Lordship’s office.”

  Chapter Two

  With the account books for the past three years in hand, Robert chose to settle himself at his maple desk. Kristina, on the other hand, had selected to use the mahogany table overlooking the rear lawn and garden. There she had the room needed to spread out the letters sent to the late viscount and his replies.

  Robert had suggested she handle them since she was attuned to the workings of a household more than he, to which she wholeheartedly agreed.

  Over the next few hours, and several pots of tea, they continued, each in their own way, to examine their appointed documents. It wasn’t until Hamish enquired as to where they wished to take luncheon did they halt.

  “We’ll dine in the family dining room. Also, inform the stable master Her Ladyship and I will be going for a ride later,” Robert ordered. “We wish to see the grounds past the castle walls and visually appraise the conditions of the tenant cottages.”

  “Certainly, m’ lord. Luncheon will be ready in about ten minutes and I’ll send word to the stables. Will Your Lordship wish to select a mount for Her Ladyship or shall I instruct the master to do that for you?”

  “M’ lord, even though I’m skilled in the saddle I would feel safer if you were to select my mount,” Kristina requested.

  Robert answered with a nod of understanding then dismissed Hamish. He also decided, and would discuss it in private with Kristina, to have Amanda and Evan talk quietly to some of the staff to get their understanding as to why there were so few. This was because so far he’d not found a reason for letting maids and footmen go. From what he had been able to ascertain there were enough funds sent each month to not only pay them but maintain the castle. All this he’d confirm with his wife in the privacy of the countryside as he felt the walls might have ears.

  “I was hoping we’d go for a ride but I’m a bit astounded you wish to do it today when we have so much to review,” Kristina spoke. She rose from her seat, bringing Robert immediately to his feet.

  “I can understand your confusion. As I’ve not found anything wrong with the accounts so far I thought a pleasurable ride would refresh us. With your near plummet over the wall, then realizing the staffing isn’t as it should be a change of venue would be welcome. This way, when we return our minds will be clear.” He stepped up to her and enveloped her in his arms.

  “Now I know why I agreed to marry you. Not only are you devastatingly beautiful but also intelligent and learned in the ways of ferreting out the truth.” She then gave him a soft kiss on his cheek.

  “My dearest, ladies such as yourself are beautiful whereas I’m handsome, at least according to you,” he whispered as he cupped her face with a gentle hand, then settled his lips over hers.

  When Robert heard the sound of footsteps coming down the hall, he halted any further enjoyment of her mouth. With a last taste, he separated from her as a knock on the door announced Hamish’s arrival.

  “Come,” he snapped, annoyed at the interruption.

  “M’ lord and lady, luncheon is set and I’ve notified the stables of your wish to ride out later.”

  “Thank you,” Robert said.

  With a wave of his arm, Robert followed Kristina out the door and down to the family dining room. Entering, he was surprised to see her place setting was at his right, not at the foot of the table as it would normally be.

  “M’ lord, Evan informed me of Her Ladyship’s preference not to sit opposite you so I reset the table.”

  Robert was astounded his valet had taken the initiative to inform Hamish, for which he’d have to thank the man. Escorting Kristina to her chair, he settled her then took his seat.

  Over a meal of venison steaks along with boiled then fried potatoes and broccoli Robert explained to her about the different farms they would visit. His only hope was that not much had changed since he’d last been here.

  “Since I’ve not been here in years, thusly not familiar with the land I feel it would be best we stay to roads and paths. Then, once we become more acquainted with the area we can then go over the fields,” he suggested.

  “I agree with you since I won’t know the mount you select. This will give me a chance to get a feel for her,” she answered.

  “Then, shall we finish our repast so we may be on our way,” he said.

  Robert waited patiently as Hamish set small bowls of custard before him and Kristina

  Sinking his spoon into his, he watched Kristina take a delicate bite and smile brightly. He then followed suit and returned her smile with one of his own.

  “This is so delicious and light. It has a hint of something, which I can’t put my finger on, but has a slight flowery taste,” she declared.

  “That, m’ lady, is rose water. Cook uses only a tiny bit to help flavor the custard. If I’m not mistaken she has several other waters that she can choose from,” Hamish said with obvious pride.

  Robert found it interesting the woman was able, with reduced staff, to create such a marvelous dessert.

  With luncheon complete, Robert led his wife to the stairs so she could return to their suite to change.

  “I’ll have the horses brought to the courtyard so you won’t have to find your way to the stables.” He brushed his lips over her knuckles then sent her on her way.

  “Thank you. I shouldn’t be long.”

  Robert tried to hide his relief that he’d not be kept waiting, as he’d already learned women tended to take their time in dressing. The problem, he wasn’t successful as his relieved sigh gave him away. That was definitely something he’d need to work on if he valued his life and sharing a bed with her.

  “Now behave yourself,” she said.

  “My apology, dearest wife. I shall be more careful in the future,” he replied.

  When he saw her sweet smile, he knew he was forgiven. He waited until she’d gained the first floor, turned about and marched out to the stables.

  Once inside, he examined the condition. He’d already inspected, on approach, the exterior and was happy everything seemed well cared for. With a cursory inspection of the inside, he found it was kept as well as the outside.

  “At least money was well spent here.”

  “M’ lord, forgive me for not greeting you when you entered,” an elderly man called out. Robert watched as the speaker hobbled down the main aisle.

  As the light filtering in through the windows struck the man, Robert slowly recognized something vaguely familiar about him.

  “My heavens, Seamus, is that you?” Robert called out as he rushed forward to meet his former riding instructor.

  “Yes, m’ lord, tis I,” he replied, accepting Robert’s handshake.

  “What happened to you or don’t I want to know? Granted it’s been years but the last time I was here you were quite spritely.”

  “You can lay the blame not at His Lordship but that horrible beast he insisted on keeping. I kept telling the late viscount the monster of a horse would kill someone someday and he came close to doing that to me. Damn near stove in my chest and if I’d not been quicker on my feet he would have. Got my hip instead and broke it. I was laid up almost six months before I could get back to work. Your father being the man he was made sure I was kept on and got my wages.”

  Robert knew the animal Seamus was referring to, Brutus. The name fit him perfectly. Except his father, the only other person who could, or would, get near him was the old stable master, who obviously had died or was put out to pasture.

  “So, have you
selected an appropriate mount for me or am I going to do it myself?”

  “Yes, m’ lord, and one whom I’m sure you will get along with quite well. If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to his stall.”

  What he found interesting Seamus’ words were more a command than a request. This told Robert one very important point, he’d have to give the horse a good brushing, then saddle and bridle the animal himself. Not that there wasn’t a groom available as he saw several working to clean stalls. This was what Seamus had always expected of Robert and now being the viscount nothing had changed.

  Shortening his stride to match that of his old mentor, he followed the man down the center aisle. This gave Robert a chance to look into the stalls at the horses that were perfectly groomed and munching on fresh hay. His selection of one of the mares for Kristina would be difficult. Then, knowing and having faith in Seamus, the man would help with choosing the proper mount.

  “Ah, here we are, the perfect horse for you,” Seamus announced bringing Robert out of his thoughts.

  With a glance into the massive stall in the corner, drinking from a water bucket, stood the largest purest black horse he’d ever seen. If Robert didn’t know better, this monster could have been Brutus, which he knew had died. Glancing down at the stall door, he saw the name Julius.

  “Yes, his sire was your father’s beast but unlike him this one is as gentle as the other had been mean. Now, here you go and I’ll have a groom bring you a saddle and bridle,” Seamus declared.

  Accepting a medium stiff brush Robert glanced to Seamus. “While I’m taking care of Julius, which mare would you recommend for Lady Markson?”

  “I think Daisy would be a good choice for m’ lady. She’s easy going with a soft mouth and responds well with only a flick of the rein,” Seamus said with a toothy grin.

  “Sounds perfect and I expect you’ll want her to take care of Daisy also?”

  “Of course not, m’ lord. That’s not a job for a lady. I’ll have one of the grooms brush and tack her up. Will Her Ladyship be coming here?”

  With a chuckle at the vision of Kristina brushing a horse he grabbed the saddle from the stall door.

  “No I told my wife I’d meet her in the courtyard,” Robert said.

  “Good. I’ll have Daisy set to go in a few minutes. She only needs to be tacked up,” Seamus spoke. Robert watched the man depart then he finished taking care of his horse.

  A few minutes later, Robert and Julius, with a groom leading Daisy, entered the forecourt as Kristina stepped from the house.

  “M’ lord, I’ve never seen a horse as dark or large as that beast. I’m glad you selected one more befitting me,” Kristina uttered. He studied the graceful sway of her hips as she swept down the granite steps and strolled up to her mount.

  “To be honest I had no choice in selecting either. It seems my old mentor and riding instructor picked him for me. Seamus, as he goes by, knew this mount would be perfect for you. Her name is Daisy and is highly trained of that you can be assured,” Robert explained.

  “She is beautiful,” she said stroking Daisy’s nose.

  “Then might I suggest we see how she goes,” he said from behind her before spinning her about, settling his hands on her waist and easily lifting her onto the saddle. He made sure she was settled then returned to his horse, mounted and together they departed the forecourt.

  Chapter Three

  “Darling, were you able to see any of the cottages during your brief albeit frightening moments on the parapet?” Robert then guided them onto a path through the forest.

  “Um no. Everything happened so quickly and with your assistance we retreated back in. Why?” She brought her mare up alongside his beast.

  He held his silence for a few minutes while collecting his thoughts. He’d had a chance to see the ones he was referring to and had become greatly disturbed. The only reason he’d waited until now, he needed to inspect the ledgers first to confirm his hunch. That was when he knew his suspicions had ground.

  Yes, his bride had noticed a lack of staff whereas he’d not, which he should have. It was the larger picture that had him the most concerned, being the farms and tenants. All he could hope, though, was the distillery was still profitable and, according to his man of business, it was. A gentle slap on his forearm brought him out of his rumination.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m waiting for an explanation,” she demanded.

  “You’re familiar with the conditions of the tenant cottages at your father’s estate and some at mine. Unfortunately, I was able to get a quick glance at a few when I rescued you and we’re going to see them now. According to the ledgers, everything is in excellent condition but I happened to notice several buildings that weren’t. These we’re going to see and make sure things are set to rights. With the cold coming in a few months I can’t have my people not properly sheltered.”

  “I agree with you. Shouldn’t we though hurry along as I’m comfortable with Daisy and can handle a nice little trot.”

  Robert waited until Kristina rode a little ahead of him before tapping his heels gently to the sides of Julius. He knew it would only take a few of the massive beasts’ strides to come even with her. With a smiling glance to her, he did his best to keep pace with her but to his surprise she waved him forward.

  “It’s too much for you to hold him back and I can handle this little mare. Why don’t you go on ahead and we’ll be along,” she called out over the sound of the horses’ hooves pounding the ground.

  “If you feel comfortable then I will. However, if I remember correctly there’s a fork in the trail a little ahead. I’ll wait for you there. Then, from that spot, it’s only a very short distance to the cottages. I feel it would be best if we entered the area at a walk.”

  Rounding a curve, he glanced over his shoulder to see if his wife was still insight. Seeing she wasn’t, which didn’t bother him, he touched his heels again to the sides of his horse taking him into a comfortable, controlled canter. As the split in the path came into view, he gently reined back Julius to a walk then halted him at the right fork.

  In the distance he heard Kristina, but not at a trot. If he didn’t miss his guess she’d set Daisy into a canter also.

  That’s why she wanted me to go ahead so she would be able to test the mare out at her leisure.

  He then heard a change in the sound as his bride brought Daisy down to a trot just as she came into view. Her bright smile told him how much she’d enjoyed the ride. He waited until she brought the mare to a stop beside him. He proceeded to grab her about the waist and drew her to him. Next he settled his lips over hers and kissed her deeply.

  “That’s a wonderful way to greet me. We should ride separately more often,” Kristina told him.

  “Yes, and did you enjoy your little canter?” He grinned on seeing her cheeks pink ever so slightly.

  “Oh you. I hadn’t planned on doing it but she was handling the trot so comfortably I wanted to feel how her canter was. It’s so smooth I can’t believe it. Seamus truly did select the perfect horse for me.”

  “I knew he would. Let’s continue on but at a walk as the cottages are just ahead. I don’t think it would do to scare the people especially if there are small children around. Another thing which worries me is the reception we’ll get if the houses are in bad shape.”

  Robert knew, or at least suspected, the tenants would respect his title but maybe not him as a man, which suddenly concerned him. Then, he realized there was one question he’d not asked of Hamish or Mrs. Fairbairn—when was the last time the late viscount or his brother had visited. He, himself, hadn’t been here for over ten years and a lot had changed.

  “Kristina, before we go meet the families mayhap you could answer a question. In the letters you had a chance to read, did you find when the last time my father or brother visited?”

  “Yes, and pray forgive me for not saying anything about that sooner. It seems the late viscount hasn’t ventured here for at least fiv
e years while your brother hadn’t in even a longer time.”

  “Then, I’d say our welcome might not be greeted with smiles and cheers of joy if, as I suppose, the cottage conditions are as I believe.”

  “Let’s be off then,” she announced with a tap of her crop to Daisy’s side.

  In less than a stride, Robert was beside her as they rounded a curve in the path that opened onto a large field. From what he was able to tell, it grew either wheat or rye. Both he knew were important for the distillery. Together they continued along the border headed to three cottages, all with roofs he was able to tell without closer examination needed repair.

  In the distance, he could hear a man and woman’s voice. He couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but from the rise in tone, he guessed they were arguing. About what would be answered shortly or so he hoped.

  “My dear, be prepared for a hostile reception,” he told Kristina softly, receiving a nod in response.

  Riding out from the hidden protection of the bushes lining the field, Robert guided Julius toward the group of speakers. He was pleased Kristina was beside him. Halting several yards from the group of workers, he glanced around then back to them.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself as it’s been years since last here,” Robert said.

  “Aye wee Robbie that not be necessary for at least I remember you from our younger days.”

  It took a moment before Robert recognized the speaker. Glenn. Robert hadn’t seen him in years. Bolting off the back of his beast, Robert marched up, grabbed the man in a hug then tried to lift him off the ground, which brought the others to laughter.

  “Good heavens you’ve put on a few stone since I was last here. Now come and let me introduce you to my lovely bride,” he said.

  “Of course, but it would seem we’ll have to separate her from the womenfolk and children.” Glenn pointed to what he was talking about.

  Robert saw Kristina sitting on a rough-hewn bench with several women joining her. What made the picture so perfect, on her lap she had two little ones.