To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection

by Lindsay Downs

  At a gallop, they started for the castle until Robert veered down the path leading to the derelict cottage. With a wave, he sent his wife, under the protection of Glenn, off with a promise to meet up when the family was settled.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kristina was pleased Robert had gone along with her recommendation that she meet privately with Reverend Wallace. As he had so aptly put it, “My dear you are less threatening than either Glenn or myself thusly you might be able to obtain the information we seek”.

  With a final wave to her husband, she turned Daisy and followed Glenn back to the castle. As when they’d headed out Glenn led her on the same route back except this time, at her urging, when possible they galloped as time was of the essence.

  Riding into the courtyard by the stable she glanced around for the mounting step as a groom stepped out. Easily she guided Daisy over to it and waited for the young man to come up. With a glance over her shoulder, she saw Glenn waylay Seamus and heard her husband’s friend inform the man their plans. With ease, she slid off her horse’s back then stepped over to them.

  “I’ll also have several extra grooms go with you,” Seamus said.

  “Please make sure you leave at least one available as my escort,” Kristina requested.

  “Yes, m’ lady, Glenn has already explained what you’ll be doing. I couldn’t help but notice Daisy seems a bit sweated from her run, so with your permission I’ll have Flower saddled. Don’t fret about her as she has the same sweet disposition as Daisy.”

  “Thank you and I’m ready to depart soon as I hope to meet up with Reverend Wallace before he reaches his house,” she declared.

  “M’ lady, I do pray this is quickly enough for you,” Seamus announced. He then guided her to the mounting steps she’d vacated moments ago.

  “Yes and thank you for being so speedy,” she replied. She settled herself on the saddle and her foot in the stirrup. With a glanced around to see if the groom was ready and smiled on seeing him ride up.

  “M’ lady, I go by Moore and it’s an honour to act as your escort. No one told me why or where we’re going,” the young lad said.

  “While His Lordship is aiding a family in great distress we will be riding to town in the hopes of finding Reverend Wallace before he reaches his house. Several questions need answering. When we meet up with him you need to stay a little behind. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, m’ lady.”

  After leaving the castle Kristina glanced over to Moore then with a tap of her heel sent Flower into a canter. As much as she wanted to gallop the horse, she didn’t wish to risk getting the mare into a lather as it would appear suspicious. Turning onto the road into town, they maintained the pace until arriving at the outskirts of Tynburm, where they slowed to a sedate walk.

  While she wound her way down the main street Kristina noticed many of the residents were smiling and giving her nods. Even a few gentlemen doffed their caps and bowed. This was different than the last time when most of the people wore sour looks and barely glanced to her or Robert. Then she realized why the change, jobs were being had at the castle and word had spread the new viscount would be repairing lodgings.

  “Excuse me but when was, if ever, the last time the castle put on a party for the residents of the district?”

  “M’ lady, I’ve been with the castle for the past two years and during that time I can’t recall any instance of the Viscount having a highland games.”

  “Thank you,” she said. The reverend’s dogcart came into view at the far end of the street.

  Watching for the people walking across the road, Kristina carefully made her way to the man. As she got closer, she brought Flower to a halt in such a way as to make the minister do the same with the horse pulling his small wagon.

  “Reverend Wallace, what a pleasure to see you again. It’s such a lovely day for a ride, isn’t it?”

  “Yes it is, Lady Markson. I was out visiting several of my sick and elderly parishioners. Where might His Lordship be? I would have thought he would have accompanied you.”

  “No, I wanted to see what the dress shop had for materials. I’m in need of a few new gowns so he decided to remain at the castle.”

  “I can understand completely. Before my wife passed, God rest her soul, I would do the same. Hide in the rectory, that is.”

  Now she had another tiny piece of the puzzle about the man.

  “Reverend, I was going to fortify myself with a cup of tea. I see a lovely looking pastry shop right here. Would you care to join me? My groom can watch our horse.”

  Kristina studied Wallace as he contemplated her invitation. That’s when she noticed a slight shaking in his hands. Was there something about the place that made him uncomfortable?

  “Yes, I’d love a cup and one of the owners’ scones. She makes the lightest ones in the district.” He pointed out before climbing down from the cart.

  Since there wasn’t a mounting block available Kristina used the sidewalk to dismount then handed the reins over to Moore.

  “I’ll send out a cup for you also.”

  “Thank you, m’ lady,” Moore said.

  With the door held open by Reverend Wallace, she stepped across the threshold and breathed in the heavenly scents of fresh baked pastries. Kristina glanced back to found the minister standing with his hand still on the latch and the door open.

  “If you’d be more comfortable going someplace else I understand,” she suggested.

  “No, no. It’s just that I haven’t been here in many years and wanted to take it all in. Being a widower I tend to have tea at home.”

  Kristina surveyed the small shop, looking for the proprietor.

  “The bell rang. Surely our entrance was heard by someone,” she told the minister.

  That’s when she heard voices coming from the back but wasn’t able to make out what was being said. The curtain was pulled partially back revealing a man. She saw enough to recognize him as the person seemingly having an argument with the minister at the mine. A moment later a plump, rosy-cheeked woman stepped into the room.

  “I’m sorry to not have greeted you when you came in but I was in the kitchen taking pastries from the oven,” the woman said calmly. She gave a curtsey to Kristina and a scowl to Reverend Wallace. Something about the woman’s behavior made Kristina sense dishonesty.

  “We’d love a pot of tea and several of those heavenly scones. Also, my groom would like a cup and scone,” Kristina ordered.

  “Please take a seat and I’ll bring it out straight away,” the woman declared. Kristina watched as the woman went back through the curtain again exposing the person hiding behind it.

  “Thank you,” she replied.

  Kristina positioned herself at a table so she could see the back of the shop.

  When the woman returned carrying a tray Kristina was finally able to get a good look at the man. Now, she knew it would be possible to create a good sketch to see if someone could recognize him. As the Reverend relaxed with his cup of tea, Kristina knew this would give her the opportunity to question him.

  “Reverend, how receptive would the people be to a highland gathering? We’d have games for all ages, local businesses could sell their wares and have several food tents. We could even open it up to tinkers and tradesmen from neighboring districts,” she suggested.

  “Considering what has happened over the past few years I feel many would welcome the idea. Doing something like that would let everyone know you and Lord Markson care.”

  “Marvelous. Of course I’ll need to discuss my suggestion with His Lordship but I’m sure he will agree.”

  With that resolved Kristina made a point of keeping the rest of the conversation light and about the people in the district. She was pleased to hear everyone was happy Lord Markson had taken an active interest in making sure the cottages were repaired. Finally, with their tea finished, she bid Reverend good day and went to the dressmaker.

  Entering the shop, she met a competent look
ing woman and two assistants. Kristina immediately requested a sketchpad and pencil. Sitting in a cushioned chair, she quickly drew the man she’d seen at the tea shop. She next turned her attention to the material laid out on several tables. She did recognize the traditional Black Watch pattern. After being measured for a riding outfit from it, she returned to where Moore waited with the horses.

  Using the sidewalk to mount Flower, they started for the castle. One thought dwelled in her mind. Who could this mystery person be, as he appeared about five and twenty? She wondered if Hamish, Mrs. Fairbairn or possibly Glenn might know who he was.

  Riding into the courtyard Kristina was happy to see Robert rushing down the front stair to her. After being lifted down she wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing his lips down to hers. After a gentle pleasing taste of him, she separated from her husband.

  “Darling, we need to talk with all the senior staff and Glenn as I’ve uncovered several interesting and disturbing facts which need clarification.”

  “Only if you promise to finish what you just started,” he exclaimed.

  “Of course.”

  She waited while Seamus was told to join them in Robert’s office then she let her husband guide her into the castle. At the front door, he told Hamish to have Mrs. Fairbairn join them and bring Glenn along.

  Once everyone had arrived, Kristina turned to Robert who dipped his head for her to inform everyone what she’d learned while in town.

  “Earlier this afternoon Glenn, His Lordship and I watched as the Reverend Wallace talked with a man. Unfortunately, they were too far away to hear the conversation and the other person’s face was turned away. However, he did wear a distinctive shirt and coat. Later, I saw the same person talking with the owner’s wife of the Thistle Tea Room. Cutting to the chase, later I was able to draw him.” She paused and from a pocket in her riding habit withdrew the sheet of paper then continued. “I’m going to pass this around to see if any of you recognize him. What I ask is, you wait until everyone has had a chance to look at the sketch.” With that said she handed the paper to Glenn, the nearest to her.

  As it made its way around to everyone, she knew this individual was known to the staff by the gasp from the housekeeper and seeing wide-eyed expressions coming from the men. Once the paper was returned to Kristina, she then handed it to Robert.

  “I would gather from all your reactions on seeing the rendering you know who it is?”

  “Yes, m’ lady, and I think I speak for us all when I say it’s a much younger version of Reverend Wallace. I believe this is a drawing of his bastard son born to Mrs. Wimpleton who, with her husband, own the tea room you mentioned. The woman disappeared but according to her mother went to visit relatives in Ireland. When she came back she married Mr. Wimpleton and together they opened the bakery which later became also a tea room,” Mrs. Fairbairn told Kristina.

  “And over the years it was learned the boy came to hate not only the English but Scots as well. Even to the point of speaking out in favour of the French, which many Irish support. I’d not, and neither would any here, be surprised if he was giving them the gold which was mined by like-minded Irishmen,” Hamish added.

  “Are you all in agreement with these statements?” Robert interjected.

  Kristina watched as the staff looked to each.

  “Yes we are, m’ lord and lady. We also promise not to say anything of what you told us or we learned until permission is given,” Seamus, quiet until now, declared.

  “I know I speak for Lord Markson when I say thank you. This man has to condemn himself and trust me he will, the only thing is when and how. I doubt he’ll make his presence well known in town so that shouldn’t be a worry. Now, return to your duties but Hamish would you please bring tea for three to my sitting room,” Kristina requested. She held Glenn back with a hand on his arm.

  “I’ll see to it at once, m’ lady.” The butler bowed then went to collect the tray from the kitchen.

  “If you’ll join Robbie and me, I have several things I wish to discuss, one which will astound you and my husband.”

  “It would be my pleasure,” Glenn said.

  Chapter Twelve

  Robert was happy Ethan hadn’t returned from London with the information regarding Reverend Wallace and how he came into possession of sealing wax and foolscap from a shop there. Three days ago he, Glenn and several grooms had helped move the family of five from their death trap to the former estate manager’s cottage. It came as no surprise when several of the new kitchen help arrived with food for the family. They’d even thought to bring things for the two year old, something he’d have never thought of. He suspected Kristina had her hand in that.

  The next day, in a shirt and trousers borrowed from Glenn, he and several men had gathered at the house. By lunch all that remained was a pile of wood, some useable but most not. Even the roof was burned.

  Yesterday, with invaluable help from carpenters along with their apprentices, they had framed the main part of the new cottage. Today, while they worked on the back rooms Robert and a few others planned to start with the siding. He’d chosen wooden planks instead of stone since the building would go up faster, and hopefully be warmer in the winter.

  Robert’s only regret was not spending time with Kristina but from what she’d said over dinner the night before she was busy herself. Admitting she was a marginally decent seamstress, she let him know she’d be assisting with putting together work dresses for the newly hired maids. Much to his amazement she was also working with Mrs. Fairbairn and Cook on the idea for a highland party. She even accepted his recommendation to hold off until the current situation involving the gold smuggling had been resolved.

  As he hammered in the last hand-wrought nail into the board, the whining of a horse in the distance got his attention. Carefully looking over his shoulder, considering he was on a rickety ladder fifteen feet above the ground, the sight he saw almost made him lose his grip. Kristina, along with Seamus at the reins, were in a wagon coming his way.

  He shook his head. What on earth is she doing here? Granted, he hadn’t ask her to stay away, but neither did he expect her to stop by.

  Stepping over to the well he dipped his hands into the bucket of water then peered around for something to dry them on. Not seeing anything, he used the seat of his pants as the cart rolled into the yard.

  “M’ lady, Seamus, what brings you out on such a fine afternoon?” he asked.

  “You, m’ lord. Yesterday when you returned to the castle, you had the look of a starving person. Later over dinner, you attacked your meal only as a feral dog might. I knew then you’d not taken time for luncheon and suspected none of those working with you had. Today, after you left to come here I relayed my suspicions to Cook and she agreed. I shall make sure that while you and the men are working on the cottages you will be fed.”

  Robert couldn’t tell if she was giving him a scolding or caring for him, he suspected the latter though. Whichever it was he didn’t matter as he heard his stomach growl letting him know it needed food. Glancing to the back of the wagon, he saw several baskets and a medium sized cask.

  “Will you be joining us?”

  “It would be my honour, but there is still a great deal I need to do at the castle. Now, have several of the men put together a table so the food may be spread out. Once that’s done you may assist in moving the baskets there. As for the cask it would best be set at the end. We also brought pewter tankards as I know how you men are with delicate glassware,” Kristina teased.

  When he heard the men laugh at her comment, Robert wanted to growl, but at who he wasn’t sure-his wife or those working with him. He finally decided it wasn’t worth the wrath which might befall his head when he returned later to her and the castle. Instead, he offered her a bow.

  “Then, I would suggest you and Seamus remain in the wagon while we put a table together as it might be safer.”

  Once several planks were laid across sawhorses he lifted Kristina fro
m the carriage seat and set her on the ground.

  “Pat, get someone to help you grab the keg and place it on the far end,” Robert told one of the men.

  From the heavy weight of the baskets he realized Cook had packed a lot of food. Now his worry, if he along with the others ate their fill would they want to nap or would they continue working. Robert silently hoped the latter, since there were many other cottages in need of repair.

  “Now, if you will give me a few minutes to set everything out I would appreciate it,” Kristina announced.

  Robert was amazed how quickly the workers responded to her command. He was glad to see the men were respectful of his wife.

  “Now, if you’ll excuse me I shall return to the castle as I don’t wish to stifle the men’s enthusiasm when it comes to talking around the table. I’m sure there will be language spoken, even by you, a lady shouldn’t hear.”

  “On that you are most likely correct as we’ve all partaken of our fair share of swearing so far, especially when a hammer hits a thumb,” Robert replied. He escorted her back to the wagon where Seamus waited.

  After lifting her up onto the seat, he glanced back to the table and the men. He was happy to see they’d started eating. As a viscount the men should have waited until he had his food. With this it showed him he’s not a lord but a worker like them, first and foremost.

  “I’d best let you get back and eat otherwise, from the looks of it there might only be crumbs left,” she teased.

  “Tonight, my dear, I’ll be home in time for dinner. I might even have the opportunity to bathe and dress to your liking.”

  Accepting her head bob Robert waited until they had departed and slowly made their way up the path to the road. Only then did he return to the men standing around the table enjoying the food and drink she’d brought. He selected a beef sandwich and bit heartedly into it. A second later, he reached for a tankard filled with local ale and drank heavily to quench the fire in his mouth. Several of the workers laughed at his discomfort.