Chapter Six
Later that night
Gabriel stretched his arms up over his head, for the day had been quite a long one.
No doubt dinner had been a dismal affair, but he and Mary hadn’t attended. Instead, they’d taken their meals on trays in the morning room merely to avoid the guests and their questions, as well as to go over notes and a schedule for other interviews.
Already, the case was puzzling. Now that they’d managed to clear a good portion of the house party members, he could really start concentrating on those who seemed to have animosity toward Edwin Rightenour. Unfortunately, that number grew steadily with each interview he and Mary conducted, and what was even more unfortunate was the fact that his son and Pricilla were firmly in the mire.
Could Henry have truly killed the other man in a fit of rage after discovering the relationship his intended had had with Edwin? As a father, he didn’t want to believe that, but facts couldn’t be ignored and until he had firm proof, he would try to keep an open mind.
As the longcase clock in the corner struck the seven o’clock hour, he yawned. Mary had gone to check on the children, since they would be put to bed within the next hour, and she hadn’t had time to see them much today what with all the interviews. They’d both called an end to the investigation and would resume tomorrow morning. Knowing that, Gabriel left the room as he tucked his notebook into the interior pocket of his jacket. He needed to stretch his legs and have a bit of exercise after being confined for the bulk of the day.
On the second level, he went by the billiards room, where a group of young men were intensely involved in a game, one of whom was Henry. Jovial laughter and good-natured insults drifted from the room, and Gabriel paused at the doorway to peer in. His son appeared in an uplifted mood as he joked with his fellows, which immediately set his mind at ease. The young earl was one of the players, and Mr. Forsythe was also there, watching the balls roll on the felt-lined table, clearly in the hunt to be the next player.
Satisfied Henry wasn’t in crisis, Gabriel continued his indoor walk, for he didn’t wish to disturb the men. Passing the drawing room, he peeked inside. It was full of house party guests enjoying spirits and wine, and a small group of them played charades, much to the laughter of the other participants. His brother was among the guests included, as was Pricilla’s father. Oddly enough, Robert Rightenour was one of the players, and for a man who’d just lost his brother that morning, he didn’t appear all that broken about it.
Curious.
Intending to go up to his bedchamber to relax for the evening, at the stairs, he met his sister-in-law coming down. “Ah, Vivian,” he said to the Viscountess of Stanwick. “What a delight to see you this evening.” But when he peered closer at her as she gained the floor, he frowned, for her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy as if she’d been crying. Her blonde hair, though in an upswept style, was a tad dull, not as shiny as it usually was, and a general state of exhaustion clung to her person. “Did you enjoy dinner?”
“Oh, I didn’t come down, for my stomach has been rather upset recently, but I’m going to order some tea and toast in a bit.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Currently, I’m hunting for my daughter. The girl hasn’t checked in with me, and I fear she’ll get up to scandal soon if I don’t keep a strong hand on her.”
Well, his niece did come from parents who were no strangers to scandal…
“I’m sure that’s not the case. No doubt she’s with some of the ladies from the bridal party, doing nothing more shocking than gossiping over embroidery, which I believe they’re doing in the library.” Or so he remembered from his last glance at the schedule everyone received upon arriving at the house party.
“That relieves my mind. Thank you.” One of her hands drifted to her belly. Was she even conscious that she did that?
“You are quite welcome.” Gabriel grinned, and then keeping his brother’s concerns in mind, he offered his crooked arm to the viscountess. “Might I have a private word, Vivian?” It was easy to see the secret she tried to hide from his brother, but his question was why.
“Of course.” Surprise lined her face, but wariness shadowed her eyes. “What do you wish to speak about? Is all well?”
“As well as can be expected.” When she put her fingers in the crook of his elbow, he patted her hand and slowly led her toward the dining room, which would be empty at this time of night.
“Oh. Have you found the killer of that poor young man from this morning? Francis told me about the murder. I was appalled.”
“No, it’s not about that.” He kept his own counsel, but couldn’t help his smirk of amusement. Why was she going to the trouble to hide what was obvious to him? Another few steps took them into the dining room, which had been cleaned and put back to rights after the evening meal had concluded. Titterford’s staff was quite efficient.
“Oh? Then what?” Her mouth turned down in a frown. “It’s not one of my children, is it?”
“No, no, put your mind at ease.” He showed her into one of the high-backed wooden chairs. “However, I spoke with Francis recently. He is quite worried about you, nearly beside himself, so I must ask. Is all well with your health?”
“Yes, mostly.” Except she wouldn’t meet his gaze. Every now and then, she pressed a forefinger to her upper lip, another confirmation that his suspicions were correct.
“Well, Francis is quite concerned about you. Ever since the two of you reconciled, I have the feeling he’s been more solicitous, more gentlemanly toward you.”
“He has.” Finally, she raised her gaze to Gabriel’s. “It is almost as if the past year or so has been a second honeymoon phase. All our indiscretions from the past have been talked about and forgiven. And if I can admit a secret?” When he nodded, she continued. “I’ve fallen back in love with him.”
“That is splendid news. I’m happy for you both.”
“Why is Francis concerned, though?”
“He says you’ve been emotional yet distant, won’t talk to him. In fact, he’s taking the withdrawal rather badly.” One of Gabriel’s eyebrows rose. “Do you have an explanation for that?”
“I…” She sighed and clasped her hands in her lap.
“Ah, Vivian, it’s quite all right, you know.” He gently patted her shoulder then pulled out a chair and sat facing her with their knees almost touching. “I’m not a detective for nothing, my dear. Unless I miss my guess, he’s fretting that there’s trouble in your relationship, even after he’s made strides to behave.” Of course, he suspected the real reason, but he wanted to give her time to say it for herself.
“Oh.” A blush went through her cheeks. “It’s nothing like that. He’s been lovely, and I’ve behaved horribly with him out of fear, I think.”
“Ah.” Gabriel nodded. “I have my suspicions. Shall I voice them aloud, then?”
“No.” The viscountess shook her head. “There is no need, and please don’t say anything to Francis. It’s embarrassing enough.”
Would she not say it? “And?”
“You are no doubt correct. I am with child.” As she held his gaze, tears filled her eyes. “I am much too old, and we already have two children who are grown!”
“That doesn’t matter, and you are not too old. You are around Mary’s age.” He laid a hand on her knee. “But the news is wonderful!” Gabriel went as far as taking her hand and then kissing the back. “Uh, it is Francis’ yes?”
“Of course it is!” The confirmation was quite tearful, and she sniffled as those drops fell to her cheeks. Gratefully, she accepted the handkerchief he offered. “I stopped trysting with the grooms and footmen once Francis and I reconciled. I just assumed I was too advanced in age. Then, a few months ago, I started feeling unwell, but I remembered the symptoms. How can I tell him?” She dabbed at her eyes with the linen square. “We had planned to travel, the older children are just starting their adult lives, our daughter is in her second Season…”
“Vivian, look at me.” When she did, a few more tears fell to her cheeks. “Just tell him. If Francis is truly a changed man, he will welcome this news as he will do with the babe when it arrives.”
“Do you truly think so?” Hope glimmered in the depths of her eyes.
“I do.” Gabriel nodded. “Tell him soon, else he’ll go out of his mind with worry. And congratulations. I’m happy for you.”
“I will.” The viscountess nodded. “Good luck to you and Mary in your investigation. She truly is a wonderful match for you. It seems that Henry has grown into a fine young man in your shadow.”
His chest swelled with pride. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” When the viscountess stood, Gabriel scrambled to his feet. “Relax, my lady, and enjoy this time with Francis. I think you will find that the task of being a parent has changed sharply since the last time you did it.”
“If nothing else, this pregnancy will prove interesting.” Out of character for her, Vivian gave him a hug before moving to the door. “In the event you wondered, Gabriel, you are doing a wonderful job with your own new family.”
Heat sneaked up the back of his neck. “Thank you. It’s a welcome challenge.”
She nodded. “I shall seek out my husband now.”
“I’m glad for you.” With a grin, he followed her from the room. The knowledge that his hunch had been correct also helped to lift his spirits. Before he could make his way toward the stairs, Viscount Titterford caught him up in the corridor from the drawing room.
“Inspector, a word, if you please?” Worry lined the older man’s face, and it appeared he’d aged ten years since this morning.
“Of course.” Gabriel waited for the other man near the staircase. “I trust you’ve made plans to postpone the wedding? It’s in everyone’s best interests.”
“I have talked it over with my wife and daughter, but the expense of it, Inspector… ”
“But imagine the gossip and reputations ruined if someone in your wedding party is found guilty of being a murderer?” Gabriel shook his head. Would the man be so stubborn as to hope the ceremony went through on the morrow? “Let my wife and I go through the process of investigation, and then when we have everything in hand, the wedding can take place.”
For long moments, the viscount remained silent. His expression crumpled into defeat. “You are correct, of course you are. I can’t, in good conscience, marry off my only daughter with a murder hanging over our heads.”
“Good man, Titterford.” Gabriel clapped a hand to the other man’s shoulders. “Go ahead and reschedule everything for three days hence. It will give the ladies hope, and a second wind. Obviously, I can’t guarantee I’ll have it solved by then, but I’ll be close, especially if the killer is one of your guests. And if they feel comfortable enough that they think they’ll get away with it.”
“I appreciate that, Inspector.” The viscount shook his hand. “I’d best inform the viscountess, but she’ll be happy with the additional planning, I’ll wager.” But there was a plea in the other man’s eyes. “Any progress?”
“Not much.” He shook his head. “We’ve gotten through many interviews and have cleared a couple of handfuls of guests. Of course, we’ll continue in the morning, but this is a process of elimination. Please keep the parlor off limits, even to the servants, in the event Mary and I need to have another look ‘round at the scene of the crime.”
The viscount nodded. “I’ll put the word out. Whatever you need, Inspector.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel huffed out a breath. “While I have you here, does your daughter enjoy a happy, stable union?”
An odd sort of expression crossed the viscount’s face. “I wouldn’t know about that. It’s not a topic which comes up for discussion.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded. “Have you ever witnessed Robert acting particularly aggressive or jealous toward his brother?”
“I don’t know that I have paid that much attention. Most of the time I’m shut up in my study if I’m not in the Lords. But he always wanted the title, thought Edwin would muck it up.” Yet the viscount wouldn’t meet Gabriel’s eyes. “He’s had a few tiffs with my daughter, but it happens in a marriage. But that is between my daughter and her husband.”
“Right. One last question, and it might be too forward, but where were you today a few hours before tea?”
A shocked gasp issued from the other man. “You don’t think I offed the boy, do you?” When Gabriel did nothing except raise an eyebrow, the viscount blustered. “I was in my study.”
“Did anyone see you in there? ”
“Of course not.”
No time to beat around the proverbial bush, so Gabriel went straight to the heart of the matter. “How did you feel about Edwin continually pestering Priscilla about giving him a second chance with a romance? Or so the gossip is going in this house.”
After more blustering, the viscount seemed to collapse into himself. His shoulders sagged. “It’s true. That damned rake kept sniffing ‘round her skirts, even after she announced her engagement in London. He simply wouldn’t go away!” The older man shook his head. “I never wanted that man for her. Not that I didn’t think she wouldn’t make a lovely viscountess someday, but he was a bounder, plain enough. And I suspect he ruined her years ago, though she never said a word.”
Gabriel felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. No wonder Henry had entered into an argument with her if he’d also just discovered the history and she hadn’t previously told him. “Well, I thank you for the information. I’m sure this is unsavory all the way ‘round, but as I said before, I’ll get to the bottom of it.” Unfortunately, this meant Viscount Titterford had enough motive to kill Edwin Rightenour, and no one could verify his alibi.
One more person to add to the suspect list.
The viscount held a hand to his head. “Do it quickly, Inspector. I want these people out of my house so I can have a return of peace. All this noise is detrimental to learning…” He walked away, still muttering about the young people of today, and how scandalous everything was, especially having a dead body in one’s parlor.
Damn, this day has been draining.
As a wave of exhaustion crashed into him, Gabriel climbed the stairs to the third level. Each step down the corridor felt as if he were weighed down with lead. Finally, he reached his bedchamber, but as soon as he opened the door, all of that fell away, for the first thing his tired gaze landed on was Mary in the middle of the large four-poster bed with a child on either side of her as she read them a story from a book of fairytales.
His heart squeezed and he put a hand to his heart. This was what was important in life, and he needed to remember that coming home to his family was what erased the horrors he worked through on a daily basis.
“What a cheerful thing to see at the end of a very long day,” he said around a lump of emotion sitting in his throat.
“Papa!” Cassandra’s whole face lit with excitement upon seeing him. “I missed you.” As if he’d been gone for years, she scrambled to her feet on the bed, picked her way over Mary and Charlie and then vaulted off the bed and into his arms, to hug him tightly about the neck. “It is good to have you here. ”
“What a welcome.” He bussed the girl on her cheek then teased her by tugging on the end of her platinum blond braid. “What have you been up to, poppet?”
“Playing. Running. Jumping. There is so much to do here,” she said with a wide smile, and his heart squeezed again, for when they’d first found the girl, she didn’t like to interact with anyone aside him.
Mary glanced at him. She greeted him with a wide smile and sparkling eyes that reflected exhaustion and happiness. “Good evening. I’d wondered what had become of you.”
He softly closed the door behind him as he held Cassandra with one arm. “I spoke a bit to Vivian. She has some rather interesting news that I hope she’ll share in a few days. Then I was singled out by Viscount Titterford, but I have convinced him that postponing the wedding for three days is good for his family and will allow us time to investigate further.”
Charlie huffed loudly. The boy was quite the thespian already with his Drury Lane antics. “You interrupted the story, Papa,” he said with a mock-frown. “At the good part. With the dragon.”
“Pardon me, then,” he said and grinned. After setting Cassandra onto the bed, he cleared his throat. “Allow me a moment to get more comfortable.” There was nothing like spending time with his little family. It always amazed him how much he missed then while on a case.
“Ah, good.” Mary nodded. “At least Titterford gave us a bit of time.” She turned a page of the book. “Do you want to sit with us for the end of the story? It seems Cassandra and Charlie weren’t quite ready for sleep tonight, so I said I’d read to them in an effort to encourage them to calm.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, we just need the comfort of a story where the hero conquers the villain and gives us hope.” With a smile, he stripped down to his shirt and breeches.
“Are you like the knight in the story, Papa?” Cassandra wanted to know.
“He isn’t,” Charlie interrupted. “He doesn’t have a sword.”
Before the children could squabble, Gabriel joined them on the bed, snuggled in next to Mary then put an arm about Cassandra’s shoulders, pulling her close. “A hero doesn’t need a sword to be courageous or save those in trouble. He only needs a kind and decent heart.”
“Well, bully for that,” Charlie groused with a pout. “When I’m a hero, I’ll have a sword.”
Mary tsked her tongue. “Remember when we talked about how gentlemen don’t use the word ‘bully’ because it’s vulgar? ”
The boy emitted a long-suffering sigh. He fussed with his long sleep shirt. “I don’t feel like being proper all the time.”
“None of us do, my boy,” Gabriel added with a grin, “but the ladies rather think we can do better, so we must behave for them.”
In short order, Mary went back to reading from the book, and at the end of the tale, Charlie cheered while Cassandra said she wanted to marry a prince and have her own happily ever after.
Over my dead body will I let my daughter marry a degenerate prince!
Since the children were not remotely tired, they chattered about their day, what they did outside, who got lost in the hedge maze, who cast up their accounts on the lawn during croquet, who didn’t work their sums properly in the schoolroom, and then Cassandra said something that gave Gabriel pause.
“Nanny Louise said there was a dead body in the house.” She pinned him with a blue-eyed stare that had him loosening his cravat. “Is that true?”
“Uh…” Quickly, he looked at Mary, who shrugged.
“She’s old enough, and both Cassandra and Charlie have seen things most children never would in a lifetime.”
“Right.” He nodded as he met the little girl’s gaze. “Yes, someone died this morning in the house. Now, your mother and I are working to solve the puzzle of who killed the man.”
“Because you are a hero, right Papa?” Charlie wanted to know with round brown eyes with expectation reflected in them.
The faith of these three people in him was damned humbling. “Yes, Charlie, and because it’s the right thing to do.”
Cassandra nodded. She resembled an angel in the white night dress with its frills and white ribbons. “You are good at that.” She took his hand and laid hers atop it. “Nanny Louise also said that one of the maids is in trouble.”
“Oh?” Mary frowned as she closed the book. “Why?”
The girl shrugged. “I don’t know, but one of the other governesses said it was because she couldn’t tell which twin was which now she’ll be turned out.”
Bloody hell.
“I think the whole lot of you have active imaginations, and I’m happy about that.” Gabriel left the bed and then picked Cassandra up. He went around the other side of the bed and held out his other arm for Charlie. “But now it’s time for you monkeys to go to sleep. I’ll tuck you in myself, and you’ll each get one question while I do it.” Every night, they were both so curious about everything that the questions started to interfere with their bedtime. He’d had to limit it and make them truly think about what they wanted to ask.
Mary slipped from the bed. She lifted Charlie into Gabriel’s arms. “I appreciate that. Perhaps once you return, we can discuss what you learned this evening, and plan out our day tomorrow, among other things?”
“That sounds lovely.” He winked, and when she smiled, interest shivered along his shaft. “Tell your mama goodnight.”
Cassandra smiled. “Good night, Mama.”
Not to be outdone, Charlie waved. “I love you, Mama.”
“I love you too, Mama,” the little girl said with a smirk at her brother.
“Bully for that. I love her more,” the boy said.
Gabriel briefly rolled his eyes heavenward. “Come along, you two.”
“I love you both the same,” Mary reassured them as she opened the door for him. “As well as you, Inspector,” she added with a surreptitious caress to his backside as he moved into the corridor.
Oh, God. With a backward glance at her, he grinned. It would be an eternity before he got back to his wife, and whatever wicked things she had in mind.