Chapter Twelve
April 24, 1820
That morning, Mary chose to have tea and toast in her bedchamber. She and Bright were no closer to solving this case than they’d been when they’d discovered the body of the deceased, and it was beginning to grate.
“Why so glum, sweeting?” her husband asked as he came out from behind the painted silk privacy screen after doing the necessary and then attending to morning ablutions. “All will be well, you’ll see.”
As much as she tried not to glance at him in all his naked glory, she failed miserably, and as she held the teacup between both hands and let the gentle warmth of it soak into her skin, she roved an appreciative gaze over his person.
Even though he was nearly three and forty, his form was still quite pleasing and lean. His belly might be a bit softer than it was when she’d met him, but it in no way detracted from the hard chest or the sculpted abdomen, and if there was now a sprinkling of gray hair mixed with the brown, it only made him more distinguished. Then her gaze slipped downward to his semi-erect shaft, and she made a sound of appreciation, for he was quite satisfying in all things carnal.
“I hope you’re right,” she finally said as she met his gaze, where amusement danced in the brown depths. “The case is frustrating.”
“Indeed, it is. Do you need a distraction?” he asked in a low voice as he padded over the floor to retrieve a pair of small pants. “We were thwarted from utilizing the hedge maze last evening.”
Heat went into her cheeks, but she took a sip of tea before answering. Mercy, but he was quite potent. “I rather doubt we have the time right now, as much as I would adore indulging you.” Last night when they’d retired after having dinner in this room, they’d simply spent time together in bed, talking of things that didn’t pertain to the case. She’d fallen asleep with his arms around her.
A grunt was his answer as he donned the small pants then a pair of buff-colored breeches. “Is the case the only thing that is bothering you?”
“No.” She frowned while he shoved his arms into the sleeves of a lawn shirt then smoothed it down over his torso. With a stifled sigh, she shook her head. “I am also despairing of seeing Henry wed.”
“Well, according to Lord Titterford, the nuptial ceremony will occur tomorrow morning regardless of whether we have solved the case or not.” Bright cast about for a waistcoat then finally pulled one from a drawer in the bureau. “He practically demanded it of me last night because he grows weary of having so many people underfoot.”
“I can’t say that I blame him for that, but if we rush to judgment and accuse the wrong person, it will be a disaster.”
“That is what I told him.” Once he’d donned the light brown velvet waistcoat, he yanked at the laces behind his back and tied them off before she could assist him.
“Mmm.” There was something about seeing him in half-dress like that that made her want to eat him up. “What will happen once the ceremony goes off and the house party winds to a close in a few days?”
He shrugged. “Then we will lose any advantage we might have had. The killer will slip from our grasp, and if we do solve the case in days, we might not be able to find the perpetrator again, for they could flee.”
“Even more disturbing with the advent of Kendrick’s interrupted torture—or perhaps attempted murder—if the person does slip our grasp, what is to say they won’t come after Robert or Kendrick again later?”
“It’s entirely possible, of course, which is why we need to puzzle this out now.”
Mary shook her head. “Why does it seem so impossible?”
“Because you are a person who can’t fathom being so angry that you would kill.” He drifted close and hugged her to him.
She rested her cheek against his belly while setting her teacup on the saucer that lay on the table. “How is it that Edwin could have been so disagreeable to everyone merely because he’d been rejected by a woman?”
“Love is a powerful motivator.” He stood slightly back and cupped her cheek while she peered up at him. “Yes, Priscilla loves Henry. She might not have wanted the same with Edwin, but he should have walked away with dignity and honor when she told him she was through.” Bright shrugged. “That didn’t give him permission to keep on. Now whether his actions after that caused him to have a run in with the wrong people or whether his actions in the past prompted the murder, we don’t know. Once we figure that out, we will have a clear picture and can make our decision.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” With another sigh, Mary rose to her feet. “What are your plans for today?” She crossed the room, and the skirts of her morning gown trailed behind her. When she reached the window, she pushed the glass panel open a bit to encourage fresh, cool air into the room. “At least the sun is shining. Far too often, England is gloomy in the spring.”
“Or anytime, really?” Teasing threaded through his voice. He shot her a grin that had flutters moving through her lower belly. “I’ve planned to go to the Rightenour estate to have a chat with the twins’ uncle.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“Lady Parsington admitted that the uncle secretly lusted after the viscount title. Now, if that has been an overriding desire, it could very well be that the uncle killed Edwin, and that Robert might be next, because then, once the viscount dies, the title would pass to his brother.”
Mary gasped. “Would he really kill his grown nephews merely for a title?”
“If he thought that Robert would vote against his father’s wishes in the Lords? Absolutely, yes, and you heard Mr. Forsythe yesterday. If it is true that the Rightenours are holding conservative but the twins were not, that could present a large enough motivation to preserve what they feel is an inherited way of life.”
“That is true as well.” She frowned. “It’s a good idea to split our day. We’ll divide and conquer the remainder of the suspect list. I’d like to question a young woman who is a friend of Priscilla’s. ”
“Why?”
“Apparently, she was engaged to a man who was friends with the twins, and the earl. His name was Stuart.” Which was odd, for Robert hadn’t mentioned the man, and neither had Mr. Forsythe. “Something isn’t ringing true.”
“Indeed.” Her husband nodded as he scooped his socks off the floor. “I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ll wager everything hinges on that friendship, which everyone wishes to deny or downplay.”
“Are you thinking the rings connect them?”
“Yes, that, but I feel it deep in my soul there is a deeper matter at play. Something that either embarrassed or shamed the lot of them so they don’t want to talk about it, and from what we’ve learned, Prinny was somehow involved.” A frown curved his sensual lips down as he shook his head. “I can write to Bow Street and have them do a bit of research, but that will only add precious days to the investigation that we don’t have, and I don’t wish to ride to London and leave you here in the event something happens…”
Mary’s chest tightened. Knots of worry pulled in her belly. “I know.” She nodded. “We’ll solve this. We always do. Just be vigilant while you are away.”
“Of course. You do the same.” Bright closed the distance between. Easily, he tugged her into his arms, and they spent the next few moments indulging in tender kisses.
Eventually, she pulled out of his embrace. “I must dress for the day. After I check on the children, I’ll find Miss Applegate.”
He sank onto the trunk at the end of the bed and drew one of his boots toward him. “Try not to worry, sweeting. This will be over before we know it, and we can return to our lives in London with the knowledge that Henry is safely wed, ready to start his honeymoon.”
“It will prove a beautiful nuptial ceremony.” Still feeling conflicted, Mary went over to him and then bussed his cheek. “Good luck.”
A couple of hours later, Mary tracked Miss Applegate to the ballroom. She and some of the other ladies were putting the finishing touches about it for the celebration ball tomorrow night. It would officially conclude the wedding celebrations, but the house party would continue for a few days more until the bridal couple left for their brief wedding trip to Brighton.
As she came into the room, she rested her gaze on the pretty lady with strawberry-blonde hair who was perhaps a couple of years older than Priscilla. Not yet thirty but fast approaching unless she missed her guess. “Ah, Miss Applegate? If I could have a word, please?” Since the soon-to-be bride was there as well, fussing with floral arrangements, Mary might as well use the time to talk with her again. “You, too, Priscilla.”
“Of course, Mrs. Bright.” Miss Applegate joined her at a row of delicate chairs along one of the walls. They had gilt-painted legs and light blue brocade upholstery. Priscilla sat on one side of the other woman while Mary tugged out a chair, arranged it so that it faced both girls, and then sat.
She pulled her notebook from her reticule. “Miss Applegate, I was told you were engaged to a young man who was friends with not only the Rightenour twins but also the new Earl of Kendrick. Is that correct?”
“Oh, yes.” Her big doe eyes filled with a sheen of tears. “I was engaged to Stuart Caperton for three years, but we had to wait for marriage until he could make something of himself.”
Mary nodded. “What were his intentions with that?”
She clasped her hands together. “He wished to own a counting house, for he had an affinity with numbers.” Her sweet smile was a bit watery. “Unfortunately, none of that was realized. A year after he left Cambridge, there was a bit of trouble which saw him sent to Newgate where he died.”
For a woman whose fiancé perished while in prison, she was terribly nonchalant about it. But then, she’d had ample time to square with it. “How long was he in prison?”
Miss Applegate shrugged. “Just over a year.”
Mary frowned. “How long ago was this?”
“Oh, a few years ago now, but I’ve never forgotten him.”
“Of course not. He still holds your heart, I’ll wager.”
“He does.” More tears welled in the woman’s eyes. “I miss him so much.”
“If you don’t mind, tell me how he ended up in Newgate.” She could hardly breathe, for she felt she was growing closer to the truth of how Edwin died.
“I…” With a sigh, Miss Applegate clutched at Priscilla’s hand. “He and his friends apparently broke into Carlton House and stole something quite valuable that would embarrass the Regent, and Prinny didn’t take kindly to that. The five of them were immediately taken to task.” She frowned and looked at something past Mary’s shoulder as if remembering. “He’d written to me from Newgate, and many times in his letters, Stuart swore it wasn’t his fault. He never touched the painting, and the prank hadn’t been his idea; he merely didn’t have the courage to tell the others he didn’t want to do it.” She brushed a tear from her cheek. “But then he co ntracted pneumonia in prison and never healed from it.”
“I’m so sorry.” Mary leaned forward to pat the woman’s knee. “Who were the other young men involved?”
“The Rightenour twins, of course, and the now Earl of Kendrick.”
At that point, Priscilla joined the conversation. “And Mr. Forsythe.”
“Oh, yes, I’d nearly forgotten about him,” Miss Applegate said with a nod. “I don’t think they meant to cause harm or scandal.”
Mary bit back her urge to respond, for it wouldn’t add anything to the discussion. “Were all the boys also friends of Henry’s?” She directed the question to Priscilla.
“Not close friends. They are a couple of years older than him.” She bit her bottom lip. “From what Henry has told me, the boys went through London society to various events and clubs as a way of discovering what they wished to do in life.”
“Ah, I see.”
Priscilla continued. “The twins, Stuart, and Mr. Forsythe left university two years before Henry and Lord Kendrick. I was, uh, close to Edwin at the time and remember when that scandal broke. One night, when he’d had a bit too much to drink, he admitted to me that the prank they pulled on Prinny was his and Robert’s idea. The others only went along with it out of boredom.”
“Yet they were punished together.” Mary scribbled furiously in her notebook.
Miss Applegate snorted. “Of course you would assume that, but when they were caught, Edwin blamed everything on Kendrick and the two others.”
How interesting, yet how clarifying at the same time. “Ah, so then Lord Kendrick, Mr. Forsythe, and Mr. Caperton were sent to Newgate. What happened to the twins?”
Priscilla shrugged. “We never knew. One day the scandal broke, and the next, the boys were sent to their father’s country estate as punishment, banished from being in London for a year, which allowed me a natural break from Edwin, and freedom after that.”
So that was how she’d ended her relationship with the deceased. “I see.” Mary nodded. “What happened directly following the twins’ release? And why aren’t the others still in prison?”
“Well, Patricia married Robert during that time. Kendrick was released shortly after the twins. I remember because he attended a recital I participated in.” Priscilla shrugged. “No one seems to know why, and it was all very hushed up.”
Miss Applegate nodded. “That’s true. He was back in society rather quickly after the scandal happened. His father was a powerful earl in the Lords at the time. No doubt coin exchanged hands.” A hint of anger shadowed her eyes, but it didn’t last long. Sadness and resignation replaced it. “When we think of it like that, Stuart never had a chance. Though his father was a gentleman, he didn’t have deep coffers like the twins’ father or Kendrick’s.”
Priscilla nodded. “Edwin was quite the braggart about it when he and Robert were allowed to return to London society. Family dinners were insufferable.”
Emotional silence built between them, before Miss Applegate broke it.
“Stuart died, of course a year after that, but I’m afraid I don’t know what happened with Mr. Forsythe. He wasn’t someone who Stuart enjoyed being around. I think he was friends with Edwin more.” She sniffled. “I lived for Stuart’s letters, and now, I don’t even have those to look forward to.”
Would she have been angry enough to kill Edwin if she thought he was directly responsible for her fiancé’s death? That would certainly summon enough rage to drive a tuning fork into someone’s chest.
As the young ladies clasped hands in support, Mary wrote a few notes.
“Why didn’t any of these three with privilege help your fiancé get released from prison?”
“The sad fact is, no one truly cares about people who don’t have titles, who aren’t from the beau monde .”
“And what of Mr. Forsythe? Did he serve a full sentence?” This was all very confusing.
“I don’t know. After Stuart’s death, I’m afraid I didn’t go out into society that often. This wedding is one of the only events I’ve attended.”
Priscilla snorted. “I haven’t attended it yet either, remember.”
Mary allowed a small smile at the sarcasm. “Did either of you hear how Mr. Forsythe got out of prison?” When they both shook their heads, she said, “Perhaps he was embarrassed and didn’t like to talk about it.”
“Honestly, Mrs. Bright, I didn’t know Mr. Forsythe was in Town until he showed up at the house party.” Miss Applegate frowned. “I don’t care for him much. He makes me feel ill-at-ease.”
“I can appreciate that.” She looked at Priscilla. “Was he not invited?”
Priscilla frowned. “I’m not sure, but I can ask my mother. Our families know each other through parents and grandparents, and he did spend time with the twins, but I would have thought Robert’s mother would have forbid that after the scandal.”
“Do you know if Robert ever exchanged letters or talked to Mr. Forsythe at a club after the incident? ”
“Again, I’m not sure. Until I met Henry, my life revolved around keeping my skills sharp on the piano and touring in that regard.”
They were only running in circles now. “Well, thank you both. This has been most helpful, so I’ll let you return to decorating.” When she stood, she offered a smile to Priscilla. “Not long now, hmm?”
“It’s finally going to happen.” The young lady blushed and tittered. “I’m excited.”
“You are going to be a lovely bride, Priscilla. It will be a wonderful ceremony tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Bright.”
Mary nodded. “Thank you, Miss Applegate. I hope you will soon find another man worthy of your heart.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” The other lady grinned. “For the moment, I’ll remember Stuart.”
Relieved that the interview with the ladies was over, Mary wandered back upstairs. She wanted the solitude and quiet of the morning room to go over her notes, so that when Bright returned from his own errand, she could inform him clearly about what she’d discovered or rather suspected. Still, it was a puzzle that was missing a piece.
Except, upon arriving in that room, her gaze landed on Henry, who sat at the table with a cup of tea and a copy of The Times in his hand.
“Oh, hullo Henry,” she said as she approached the table. “If I’m disturbing you, I’ll leave.”
“Mary! No, of course not.” He launched to his feet, and threw down the newspaper at the same time. “Please, come and keep me company. Shall I pour you a cuppa?”
She smiled. “That would be lovely. Thank you.” In that, he was much like his father. Pulling out the chair next to his, she sat down. Seconds later, Henry took a clean teacup from the tray, poured what was probably lukewarm amber liquid into the porcelain vessel, and then pushed it and the saucer in her direction. “You are quite sweet.”
“I try.” When he seated himself, he gathered the newspaper and folded it into messy squares. “I’m surprised Papa isn’t with you.”
“Oh, he is interviewing the twins’ uncle. No doubt he’ll return soon.” When she took a sip, she didn’t mind the tepid tea. “Are you happy that you will wed Priscilla tomorrow morning?”
“I am. Then she can stop fretting about it.” A long-suffering sigh came from him. “I just worry that we shouldn’t do this while the murder investigation is still open.” He frowned, and the gesture made the delicate skin at the corners of his eyes crinkle. “It seems wrong somehow, to celebrate such a happy occasion when this same house just saw such sadness. ”
“Isn’t that how life is, though?” Poor thing. She laid her hand atop his that rested on the table. “Enjoying the good in our lives despite the bad that is happening around us doesn’t mean we don’t care or that we don’t empathize. It just means that we think better when there is something to look forward to, when we spend time with the people who mean the most to us. Because that…that family…that love is what matters most in this world.”
A slow grin curved his mouth. In that moment, he strongly resembled his father. “I appreciate that so much. Of course I’ve been wanting nothing more than to marry Priscilla, but something in my gut said that it isn’t fair to Robert, her brother-in-law since he just lost his brother.”
“You are a lovely young man. I have no doubt in my mind you will make Priscilla wonderfully happy.”
“I hope so.” Ruddy color went up his neck. “I try to ask myself what Papa would do, and then I do that… most of the time.”
She couldn’t help her laugh. “You will be happy to know that after talking with your bride-to-be earlier, I’m convinced that she is innocent in the murder.”
“That’s wonderful!” He looked at her with puppy eyes. “And me? Am I cleared as well?”
“You are. I am satisfied that though you are friends with the twins, you have a better head on your shoulders than they did. Also, your heart is good; you couldn’t have killed Edwin.”
“I don’t know about that.” Slowly, he shook his head. “I didn’t think much of Edwin, mostly because he wouldn’t leave Priscilla alone, but also because I didn’t trust him.”
“Oh? Why not?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t care for his reckless attitude. Ever since that stupid scandal where he and his friends stole a painting of Prinny’s, I’ve tried to keep my distance from them.”
Now that was interesting. “What sort of painting?”
“I guess it was an image of the Regent sans clothing.” A snort of laughter escaped him. “Edwin and his friends were lauded heroes in some of the clubs that cater to the younger set, but the Regent wasn’t best pleased, so he tossed their arses in Newgate.”
“But the twins were released straightaway, at least according to Miss Applegate. Her fiancé wrote her that.”
Henry nodded. “That’s what the rumor was which went around Cambridge the following term. I didn’t pay much attention because I wanted high marks to make Papa proud, but whatever the fallout was following the theft and the Newgate scandal, I have a feeling none of them put it behind them.”
“I shall ponder that theory. Thank you.” On a whim, Mary pulled the signet ring from her reticule. “Do you recognize this? I found it in the parlor.”
“Yes.” He nodded. “All of them have one.”
“Why?”
His shrug only lifted on shoulder. “Some sort of brotherhood. I remember Kendrick once saying it meant secrets couldn’t be broken and neither could trust.”
“Because of that scandal with the Regent?”
“I don’t think so. They knew each other from years before. Perhaps it was a pact. I’m sorry I can’t help you further.”
“Don’t worry about that. You have given me plenty to work with.”
“You know, Henry, if you grow bored with your apprenticeship, I will gladly teach you how to be a detective.”
Both of them glanced at Bright as he came into the room.
“I think, Papa, that I shall be quite happy in the vocation I’ve chosen.” But the young man beamed.
Gabriel came over. He bussed her forehead. “Have you two had a good chat?”
“Very fruitful indeed.” She rose to her feet, which prompted Henry to scramble to his as well. “Finished with your interview?”
“I am. The uncle is naught but a harmless critic, more concerned about his dying brother than taking up the title. Now that it will pass to Robert, he is more relaxed about things, regardless if Robert votes against what his father would have done.”
“Well, at least that’s a step in the right direction.” She lifted onto her toes and dropped a kiss on Henry’s cheek. “I’m proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. You never wavered, never let the dreck distract you, so I know you’ll be a fine husband and an even finer solicitor or barrister.”
“Thank you, Mary. I appreciate that.” His eyes sparkled. “And Papa, behave yourself this afternoon, but if you want time alone, remember, the west side of the hedge maze is always in shade and is not visible from any point of the manor.” Then he winked.
A ruddy flush colored Bright’s cheeks. “I’ll bear that in mind. See you at dinner, yeah?”
Then he escorted her from the room.
Mary smiled. “You were right. I believe everything will come out right as rain soon.”
“Perhaps I should go away more often.” He grabbed one of her hands and threaded their fingers together. “You discovered a new angle?”
“I might have.” Quickly, she told him what she’d found out and then handed him her notebook. “It might all come down to Kendrick wanting revenge on the twins, or even Robert turning against Edwin, who was the instigator. Whatever the case, all those young men are involved. We just need to find out how. ”
“Well, I have no better partner in this than you, Mrs. Bright.”
She brought his hand to her lips and kissed the back. “Such gammon, Inspector. Fancy an early luncheon before we study our notes?”