Chapter Four #2
“Yes.” He nodded. “However, once the wedding breakfast concludes and the guests leave, I’ll need to question you. From what you’ve hinted about, the last meeting between you and Danforth might prove damning, but I want our talk kept quiet and private. It’s not ideal, but it can’t be helped.”
“I understand.” She bit her bottom lip for she missed the easy camaraderie between them, the loving touches and glances. “You still wish to marry me?”
“I do. As of yet, I have no reason not to.” He took one of her hands in his, and she nearly cried out from the touch.
“Finding the body or knowing that he might have been a would-be suitor doesn’t detract from what I currently feel for you.
If more information comes to light to damage that, then we shall go from there. ”
Of course, in her brain, that explanation made sense, but her heart ached because he acted like the investigator instead of a soon-to-be groom. “Are you wondering if you are about to take an alleged murderess, then?”
“Life isn’t guaranteed on anything.” He squeezed her fingers as he held her gaze. “However, I know you, and I know you wouldn’t have done this. Made his life miserable for a time, sure.” When he chuckled and she didn’t join in on the mirth, he sighed. “But if you did, I need to know.”
“It might affect your ability to attract clients if your wife was accused…”
“Stop that. We will puzzle everything out.”
“All right.” Still, tears welled in her eyes. With a sniffle, she tried to compose herself. It simply wouldn’t do to ruin her complexion or stain her gown with tears. “Should we examine the body before the coroner arrives?”
“Yes, right.” But his eyes were clouded by confusion and consternation.
The fact that he didn’t grin at her spoke volumes, and worked to squeeze at her heart.
He moved closer to the body and Caroline followed, careful to keep her slippers and hem away from the damp ground.
“Good thing I wore my gloves.” Kneeling on his good leg, he meticulously went through the man’s clothing while she stood a bit back.
“Does anything stand out to you?”
“There is some sort of dirt or grit in the folds of his cravat and beneath his collar.” Leaning over him, Felix picked at Danforth’s clothing. “Also, he has a shallow scratch on his right cheek surrounded by a bit of redness.”
“From being battered by the sea?”
“Could be. I’m not certain and will need to ponder.”
“What else?”
“There is a slim flask in an interior pocket.” After removing the cork, he took a sniff.
“Whiskey.” Recorking it, he replaced it in the pocket.
“He wears a signet ring bearing a coat of arms, no doubt of his family. Also in the pocket are tickets to a theatre play two nights hence in London, so clearly he hadn’t expected to remain in Brighton long.
” Then, from a waistcoat pocket, he removed a small box covered in blue linen.
Upon opening it, he grunted. “And here’s a ring box with what I’m amusing is an engagement ring in emerald.
” After putting that into his own pocket, no doubt due to its value, he moved on to the hidden pocket in the back of the tailcoat.
“And there’s a pistol that hasn’t been fired. ”
What the devil did Danforth need with a pistol and an engagement ring?
She cleared her throat. “Is that all?”
“Seems so.” As he spoke, Felix moved to Danforth’s feet.
He patted the man’s lower legs. “Wait. There is something here.” As she watched in horrified fascination, Felix put a few fingers inside one of Danforth’s shoes and procured a folded slip of paper.
“It’s a bit damaged, but perhaps the ink hasn’t yet faded. ”
“Interesting. Can you read it?”
“It’s wet, of course.” Carefully he unfolded it and spread the paper out over the dead man’s chest. “’He’s here but will leave for Town in two days. Stay vigilant.’”
What did that mean? She frowned. “Was the note meant for him?”
“I couldn’t say.”
“Did he intend to give it to someone?”
“I don’t know.”
Icy fingers of fear twisted down her spine. “What does any of it mean?”
“I’m not certain yet. He folded the paper then tucked it into his glove against his palm.
“I just can’t believe Lord Danforth was here and invited as a guest to my wedding.
” Caroline shook her head. “It’s a ridiculous notion.
” Surely, he hadn’t come to cause trouble or even scandal.
Her gaze skittered to the body. With his sharp jawline and dark hair that was usually in a popular style, Danforth certainly knew how gain the attention of ladies of the ton.
There was never a time when his name wasn’t linked to a new lady’s name.
Too bad it was his horrible soul and attitude that made him unpalatable. At least to her.
“Perhaps he was courting a lady, as indicated by the ring in his pocket.” Felix shrugged. “Weddings are notorious for making a man wish for romance in his own life. It’s entirely possible he wished to propose to another guest today.”
“I suppose.” But she never thought he was much of a romantic.
Once he struggled to his feet, he dusted his gloved hands together then brushed at the debris that clung to his breeches.
“You should go inside. I’d hate for your gown to be ruined simply due to this fellow washing ashore.
” He shook his head. “Your parents would have my head, and they already aren’t that fond of me. ”
“I’m sorry. I’d hoped that they would have warmed toward you during our engagement period.
” Even more terrible was the fact they were nice to his face each time he came over to have dinner with them or join them for other family time.
“I’ve had years to become accustomed to how my parents behave.
You shouldn’t have to be treated like that. ”
“Ha.” His chuckle sent shivers of need down her spine. “Clearly, you don’t understand my relationship with my own mother. She is the veritable queen of condescension, criticism, and guilt.”
“Then I suppose even in this we are equals since our respective parents don’t agree with our choice of spouse.” That was a rather dim view of things, but it was the truth.
Once more, Felix took her hand. He squeezed her fingers. “The opinions of others don’t matter to us. We know what is best for us.”
“Let us hope so.” Caroline nodded. “It is quite windy down here at the shore. I don’t wish for my hair to come apart.”
“I’ll join you as soon as the coroner comes to claim the body. After that, I’ll dress for the ceremony. Then you and I will go over to your parents’ townhouse.”
“Hopefully, you won’t need to wait long.” She pulled her hand from his, and he didn’t attempt to prevent her. Neither did he try to kiss her. The absence of that usual affection left an ache in her heart.
“We shall see.”
She nodded and blinked away yet another round of tears.
Perhaps his sister would be awake to talk with, for Caroline desperately needed the counsel of someone who might understand.
As she headed toward the cottage, she fretted over her immediate future.
Once Felix demanded the whole story about her and Danforth, would he change his mind about them as a couple?
Oh, why did this have to happen today? Well, she refused to let that horrible man ruin what was supposed to be the most beautiful day of her life.