****
Magnolia’s heart thumped madly. What was Kenelm saying? Second plan? She dipped her lips. She’d missed the exact details of the plan because she’d been convincing her father to allow her to join the party visiting Odell. Only Kenelm’s involvement had persuaded her overprotective father. But if he discovered the plot and her involvement, she’d never be allowed out of his sight again.
Kenelm grabbed her hand and stroked her knuckles. His palm was smooth, untainted by physical labor. “Do not worry. My staff is fully aware of the details and no valuables will leave the castle.”
“What if the thieves fail to take the bait?”
Justin supplied the answer. “Then we’ll fake a theft.”
Kenelm narrowed his eyes as if perturbed, but when he looked at her his facial expression softened. Was he trying to assist Justin or was he trying to win her over? And what about this second plan? He still hadn’t revealed the details.
“The constable will be required to investigate, but presumably he will be wary. He wouldn’t want to implicate his employer.”
She bit her lip. “And you believe the constable’s master will be amongst us?” This meant the thief was someone she knew. Very disconcerting.
Justin answered, “We do. And if not then the constable will desire to leave to question his employer and we’ll follow him.”
“I see you’ve thought of everything.” Justin’s brown eyes darkened. Her heart skipped a beat. She’d noticed him looking at her more of late. It probably meant he was frustrated with her. He was forever chastising her about something. Lately the rebuke revolved around Sir Kennaway. She should never have told him their secret. Justin had every right to be concerned. Her moment of weakness could cost her her freedom.
Kenelm released her and leaned back. “The only problem with the plan is convincing the constable his boss is the culprit. Why would someone in a place of authority steal so openly?”
Kenelm had voiced her concern. The thieves may indeed plan to steal but as in the past, wouldn’t they map out the home and then return for their prize? Having them steal right under everyone’s nose seemed highly unlikely.
Justin narrowed his eyes, as he often did when thinking through a dilemma. She waited for his brilliance even as she wondered at the closeness she felt growing between them. Was it one-sided? It must be. His thoughts only lay with one person—Hesper. Magnolia would do well to remember that.
“You voice an interesting point. We will need the thieves to believe the mostly priceless items will be moved soon, so they don’t have the time to return and retrieve them.”
She sucked on her lower lip. “But how do we know which item they will consider most valuable? The Thornton painting had no monetary value, at least that we could find.”
“Perhaps we should imply that the entire collection will be moved.”
Kenelm tapped his chin and added, “And we can say that it is only being displayed for this event.”
She didn’t like Justin and Kenelm’s plan. It wasn’t well-organized or conceived. Likely they’d made the trip and would be no wiser as to the individual pulling the constables strings. But what else could they do? After sharing her secret with Kenelm she was honor bound to follow through with some kind of plan. If only she’d kept her mouth shut. Why did she let jealousy of Hesper get her in such trouble?
The landau shuddered to a halt. A servant in black and yellow livery opened the door and stepped back, chest puffed outward. Kenelm disembarked and approached the steps of the castle without a second glance. She fought a measure of irritation as she clasped the servant’s hand and disembarked without the knight’s aid. Justin had been stuck behind her. Next time she would plan the seating arrangements more accordingly. A gentleman should always go first and assist his lady. Had Sir Kennaway been on the high seas so long that he’d forgotten basic customs? What would Father think? He considered gentlemanly actions of the utmost importance.
The servant bowed low. When he didn’t rise, she cleared her throat. He peeked upward through lengthy, thick black lashes. His lips twisted into a playful smile and he winked. She blinked. Was the fellow flirting with her?
Kenelm returned. His lips twisted into a frown. “Evander, stand up. There is no need to overdo your chivalry.”
The guest rose to his full height and she leaned back. Strands of gray intermingled with jet black hair, creating a distinguished look. Weathered, tanned skin surrounded dark blue eyes that seem to twinkle with veiled merriment.
“I merely wished to make my act convincing.”
“Your act? What are you doing here, Evander? And dressed in the garb of my servants?”
The fellow shrugged. “I received your note about the party and trying to trap a thief. India is comfortable, but I needed to make a trip home and I thought I might be of some use to you.” He winked.
Had Kenelm known about Evander and yet tried to hide it? But why? Perhaps he thought they would disapprove. Likely he was correct.
Justin fisted his hands at his sides. She couldn’t blame him for being angry. She shared with Kenelm because she believed he would keep their secret and now he’d gone and shared it with someone who had been halfway around the world! Who else had he told?
Justin moved forward, his voice low. “I don’t know the meaning of this, but if you wish to act as a servant then perhaps you should carry our bags inside.”
“Evander would be delighted to do so. Wouldn’t you, old chap?”
“I live to serve.” He bowed and sauntered to the back of the landau. Anyone with eyes would be able to tell the man wasn’t a servant. He moved with elegance and grace as if raised in the aristocracy.
Kenelm locked arms with her and she forced herself to be amicable. “Come with me, Miss Quinn. I’ll escort you to the library while Evander delivers our bags. We have much to discuss.”
Indeed, they did. If she was brave enough she would confront Kenelm on his treachery. How would she ever keep this part of her life from her father if everyone in London knew of it?
****
Justin ignored the servant’s flirting with Magnolia. He even kept his anger in check when Kenelm escorted Magnolia inside the castle. But now his head was ready to rupture.
The servant had settled on a settee and laid his arm behind Magnolia. He lifted a strand of her mahogany hair and twirled it around his finger, bringing it to his nose and inhaling. Justin fisted his hands and scooted to the edge of his seat. The Chinese silk fabric assisted with his progress, but what did he care about such things? The Evander character was way too familiar with Magnolia.
Kenelm frowned. “Evander, do stop touching Miss Quinn.”
Evander smirked as he pulled his hand to his lap. He crossed his legs at the ankles and slouched even further. How could the fellow be so relaxed?
Kenelm sighed. “I’d like you to meet Evander Hudson, Baron of—”
“Kenelm, we shall not mention titles here.”
Justin fought illness. Humble as well as titled. He would never win.
“Evander is an old chum of mine. He has been away for a number of years. He is the most obnoxious man I’ve ever met—”
Hudson guffawed.
“—and he’s agreed to assist us.”
“Ah.” Now Justin understood why Kenelm was so sure his servant could watch everyone in attendance without fear, because not only had the act been prearranged, but the fellow was of the aristocracy only he’d been away so long no one would remember. He’d know how to blend or be open to those in attendance. He could overhear conversations they would not. It wouldn’t hurt that the fellow seemed to be lacking in certain social graces. Perhaps that would be an advantage.
“I have. If it gives me an opportunity to gather information on the high and mighty and flirt with women as beautiful as Miss Quinn, I’m all for it.” He winked and Magnolia’s cheeks flushed.
Did she enjoy his attentions? Perhaps he’d been going about things all wrong. Maybe his love was l
ooking for boldness and his timidity had put her off.
“So when does the fun begin? These stiff shirts are too uncomfortable for my taste.”
“Evander has been living in India for some time. He is unaccustomed to playing the part he was born to.”
“Yes, and the Indians know how to dress. Light and airy silk fabrics are infinitely more comfortable than stiff English clothing.”
“Well you are a servant now so learn to love it.”
“Indeed I shall.”
The wicked glint in Evander’s eyes sent a shiver along Justin’s spine. Perhaps the gent would enjoy his part a little too much.
Chapter Five: The Plan Is Afoot
The guests would arrive at the castle over a three-day span. When all were in attendance the artwork would be displayed. Until then they would socialize amongst themselves. Hopefully they would find the constable’s master soon and she could go back to her own life where Father worried about her ability to find a husband and she worried about getting Justin to notice her.
The cool liquid touched her lips as she hid behind the waxy fern.
Over the last couple of days, Evander Hudson had worked magic. The men eyed him with hatred and disdain while the woman sought him out. He covertly flirted with them all, including her. She still wasn’t sure he was necessary. But when the artwork was revealed, he might hear a key bit of information and then it would all be worth it.
Magnolia moved a frond aside. Currently, Evander serviced the crowd. Women pinched his bum as he passed, but he didn’t flinch. Men came close to knocking him over or spilling his drink tray, but he carried on with a smile.
Moist air struck her exposed neckline and she remained still.
“He’s doing a good job.”
She relaxed at Justin’s voice. “He is.”
“Everyone hates him.”
“Not the women.”
“Hmm, true. Hopefully Roskin is controlled by a man.”
“Why? A properly wooed woman might reveal her plan to steal.”
“But a man is a much more jealous sort and might reveal his plan to his friends to show he is the better.”
She faced the crowd. “I beg to differ.” In fact, watching Hesper flirt with Justin had made her jealousy rise and she’d contemplated murder on several occasions.
The candles flickered as a back door opened. Shadows danced along the wall and Justin stepped in front of her. Overprotective as always.
“Sorry I’m late. I fear that there has been a bit of a washout on the road. There will be no one else arriving or leaving for some time.”
A collective gasp raced around the room. That hadn’t been part of the plan, had it? And if so how had Kenelm managed to have the road blocked?
“I can hear your mind whirling. This was not our doing; however, it does play into our hands.”
“But not if the puppet master is elsewhere. Roskin will not be able to leave to seek his employer.”
Constable Emmett Roskin approached the newcomer. “The road is washed away, you say?”
“I do. I’m afraid the rain has created a terrible mess. But I’m sure that Sir Kennaway will gladly offer shelter for the duration of our plight.”
Kenelm stepped forward. “But of course. The rooms have been prepared. We shall dance the nights away and then retire to our rooms and sleep until noon. Everyone must feel free to stay as long as necessary.”
Magnolia narrowed her eyes, but she couldn’t quite place the newcomer.
Justin gasped. “As I live and breathe. Who invited him?”
“Him, who?” She tiptoed. Why was everyone stepping before her?
“You don’t want to see.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Perhaps I do.”
“I’m telling you otherwise.”
Magnolia ignored Justin and slipped through the thickening crowd toward the door. Her throat tightened. Liam Filbee removed Hesper Rotherham’s fur-trimmed pelisse, revealing a high-waisted lavender gown with delicate lace about the hem and neckline. Suddenly Magnolia felt dowdy in her plain pale green gown with the typical English waistline and her white elbow-length gloves. Not even knowing her hair contained sprigs of ivy could improve her mood.
She whispered, “Who invited them? I did not.”
Kenelm approached the soggy couple. “Welcome. I’m so glad you could make it.”
Magnolia groaned. How did Kenelm know Liam? Surely he didn’t suspect Liam or Hesper of being Roskin’s employer? However, if it was Hesper…
“That is an interesting expression. Care to share your thoughts?”
Justin knew her too well.
“I do care. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I need a moment.”
Once the announcement of the closed road was over and everyone was assured of safety for the night, most of the partygoers turned their attention back to the festivities. Some danced, some conversed, and others ate. Evander Hudson didn’t seem to be moving. It was as if he was in a trance—a trance that included eyeing Hesper.
She flipped her hair and exposed her bare shoulder. Before long every man in the room would be watching her. Such a pity that her physical appearance outshone those with inner beauty.
Magnolia headed for the outdoor courtyard. The night air was filled with fragrance. Freesia, forsythia, and tuberoses were just beginning to bloom. Cold marble statues glared at her from their pedestals. Dark clouds drifted over the moon and she shuddered. More rain would come. She would be forced to remain in a house with Hesper for an entire fortnight. If she could gouge out her eyes, perhaps the pain would distract her from the ache in her heart.
The Spencer jacket was no match for the chill winds. She pulled the folds tighter, closed her eyes, and counted to ten. There had to be a better way to deal with the turn of events. She would insist that Kenelm secure passage home for Liam and Hesper. If she admitted to having feelings for him she was sure he would comply. That was why he’d come to her home in the first place. Father had meant to find her an appropriate suitor so that she would settle down.
She sucked her lip. But was it worth it? Could she throw away her freedom forever just to avoid Hesper for fourteen days? Perhaps she should consider her options a bit longer. Not to mention that Kenelm would be hard-pressed to believe her. He’d noted her feelings for Justin from the beginning.
A scream pierced her ears. Magnolia turned.
“It was horrifying! So horrifying!” The screamer buried her head into the chest of Fortescue Cunning.
The clouds drifted away and the moon’s bright light struck the tiled courtyard. Magnolia squinted. It was rare to see Cunning without his cohort, Eudora. Not only did they look alike but they stuck together as if sewn into the same costume. Was that Eudora crying upon his shoulder? She didn’t think so. The hair coloring was off.
Magnolia covered her mouth. It couldn’t be! What was this world coming to? Phebe Joysey! How had she been invited to the soiree? There must have been some kind of mistake. Kenelm and Justin had invited all the wrong people. No one in attendance thus far could possibly be controlling Constable Roskin. The intelligence and cunning required was lacking.
Lights flickered behind the drape-covered windows. People spilled into the courtyard.
Kenelm held up his hands. “Calm down. There is no need to panic. The good constable is here. I’m sure that all this will be resolved posthaste.”
Roskin stepped forward. Powder from a fresh baked pastry coated his lips, but he didn’t seem to notice. “Sir Kennaway is right. I shall have everything under control soon enough. Now if everyone will step back inside and stay far from the murder scene. I believe I have some questions to ask.”
Murder? Had she heard correctly?
Chapter Six: Murder at Odell
Evander Hudson lay on his stomach with a knife protruding from his back. Blood pooled on the tiles beneath him.
Justin flashed a concerned expression at Kenelm but he seemed transfixed. This had not been part of the plan,
at least not a part they had discussed. His chest tightened. The constable would know that the murder was a fake as soon as he studied the body. What would that mean for their weekend of discovery? He sucked in a breath of air.
It was faked, wasn’t it?
Roskin drew closer and Kenelm stepped before him. “Wait a moment. The doctor has been sent for. I don’t think we should touch the victim yet.”
“But I only wish to confirm his death.”
“And the doctor shall do just that.” Kenelm clapped. “Ah, here he is.”
A man no more than four-feet five in stature and carrying a black bag on his forearm sauntered forward and bent on one knobby knee. He groaned as if arthritis made the task difficult. Was this the physician that Kenelm said would assist with Magnolia’s injury in the landau? If so, then he approved. It wouldn’t do to have a young man look after his lady.
The physician’s hands shook violently as he examined the wound and placed his face to Evander’s mouth.
Shakily, he rose. “This man is alive. I need help carrying him to my suite.”
Justin took the first step and Kenelm followed. Liam and Fortescue remained at arm’s length. Others in attendance like Sir Reynold D’Amore, who had been invited because of his lost portrait, and Corin Dalton, who had lost a Chinese urn, both stayed back. Perhaps they didn’t wish to ruin their attire with the blood of a servant.
Evander was heavy and it took a great amount of strength to roll him over, lift him, and haul him to the physician’s quarters. By the time they reached the room, Justin was thoroughly winded. Once inside they stretched Evander upon a wooden slab.
The door closed on the gawking spectators and Evander sat upright, jerked the knife from his back, and groaned in false agony.
He allowed his lips to droop. What was happening? Evander wasn’t dead? Well Justin had believed it fake, but why?
The Case of the Puppet Constable (A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery Book 2) Page 4
