Chapter Five
Brighton, England
Damnation, but why is the clergyman running so behind?
Felix’s nerves felt strung too tight as he stood in the drawing room of the townhouse Caroline’s parents’ had rented for the event.
After the coroner for Brighton had come to take Danforth’s body to the morgue, Felix had gone inside to have a clean up and then submit to his valet’s demands in being styled for the nuptial ceremony.
It had only been a mild distraction, for his brain still whirred regarding the murder as well as what Caroline had told him.
Why was she so upset about Danforth’s death other than she knew the man? Of course they had probably traveled in the same societal circles with her father being a viscount, but just how close was she to him?
Deliberately shoving the thoughts away, he attempted to focus on the present. As he roved his gaze about the room, a tiny sigh of contentment left his throat, for it had been decorated rather stunningly and resembled a bower found in a fairytale.
Riots of summer blooms and flowers resided in large urns and vases set about the room.
Swags of flowers, including pink and white roses, had been placed above the open windows as well as the double doors.
A sea breeze with a hint of salt on the air came into the room through those windows to slightly stir the draperies.
Floral swags along with ivy decorated the fireplace mantel along with swaths of white tulle and white satin ribbon.
The fresh, summertime scents of the flowers wafted through the room while rented chairs had been brought in and set up in rows, their delicate, gilt-painted legs glimmering in the morning sunlight that poured into the room.
Then thoughts of the murdered man intruded, temporarily chasing away the peacefulness and anticipation of his upcoming nuptials.
Since Lord Ballard had tapped him to investigate the case, his nerves were on edge about everything—Caroline knowing the man, perhaps beyond socially, her mother’s letter opener jammed in Danforth’s neck, the fact he’d roomed with Andrew…
Fuck. He would have to scrutinize all the guests as well as Caroline’s family. If her parents didn’t already hate him, they certainly would once he began questioning them.
“Do remember to smile today of all days, Kourier.”
The sound of his friend’s voice did prompt a grin.
Turning, he nodded at Gabriel Bright who came toward him with a hand outstretched.
“Thank you for coming, Inspector.” He and Bright worked for Bow Street but at different times.
By the time the inspector had retired, Felix’s career was rising, but they had been friends for years.
“Of course I wouldn’t miss your wedding.” He gestured toward the chairs with his chin. “Mary and I wish you both the best in this new endeavor.”
“I appreciate the support.” Felix shook the proffered hand.
“There’s little of it here, I’m afraid. Caro’s family still hasn’t warmed to me.
” As he spoke, his gaze went to her parents, who stood at the opposite end of the room near the open double doors chatting with various guests.
Based on their stiff and awkward body language, there was tension between them.
About what, he couldn’t say. “But despite that, I’m marrying Caro anyway. ”
“A man of integrity and courage.” Bright nodded with a cheeky grin. “Don’t let them intimidate you.”
“I won’t.” Then he glanced at Andrew. He laughed and joked with some of his fellows without an apparent care in the world.
Another glance at Caroline’s sister, Debra, showed that she wasn’t best pleased that Caro was marrying before her.
The romance she’d bragged about last summer at the house party hadn’t come to fruition as she’d thought, which meant the young miss was still on the Marriage Mart.
It was deuced odd watching them in a different light, though.
“Did you hear about the body that washed ashore this morning?”
“I did. It’s quite the hottest gossip going just now. Things like murder don’t happen in Brighton.” One of Bright’s eyebrows rose in question. “Are you working the case?”
“Lord Ballard asked me to since he’ll be in London tomorrow.” Felix shrugged. “He’s the magistrate for the area.”
“And you agreed even though you’re set to marry in mere moments?” Surprise threaded through Bright’s voice.
“I did.”
“Why?”
“Apparently Caroline knew Danforth before societal acquaintances.”
“Ah.” Slowly, the inspector nodded. “Then you’re duty-bound to clear her name.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, of course.” Quickly and quietly, he told his friend about the letter opener. “If there is a plot afoot in the Ives family, I need to know.”
“Well, it’s the beginning of the investigation, but it does sound a bit twisted.
” Bright blew out a breath. “Just make certain that you won’t damage your new marriage by poking about or giving the whole of your concentration to the case.
Danforth won’t get any deader if you choose to enjoy a honeymoon period. ”
Felix nodded. “While I understand that, the killer might get away. You and I both know justice must be served.”
“Not on the altar of love and your future.” Bright’s expression was dead serious. “Especially when this is something you have wanted for a long time.” When Felix remained silent, the inspector continued. “You deserve every happiness, my friend. And if I may offer you a bit of pre-wedding advice?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t hold someone’s past against them. You and I both know that the people we were years ago are not the people we are now, and that circumstances compelled us to make certain choices.”
“I know that.” He nodded. “It’s just…”
“I understand, perhaps more than you can know.” Bright flicked his gaze to her parents across the room. “Your bride is quite beautiful, and you are a fortunate man. Enjoy your day, Kourier.” Then he clapped a hand to Felix’s shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze. “Talk more at the breakfast.”
“Right.” What his friend had said made sense. Now to apply it to the next few days without wrecking what he was trying to build.
As the inspector moved to take a seat beside his wife, and Mary gave him a wave and a smile, Felix locked eyes with Caroline as she waited with her parents.
She was still pale and her eyes were wide, but her gown was as fresh as if she’d just donned it instead of visiting a crime scene not a couple of hours earlier.
When she spoke with her mother as the drawing room filled with guests, he turned again to the windows.
The wedding breakfast would be served on the beach.
Already, the rented tables were set up and dressed with linens.
Sun winked on china, crystal, and silverware, and with the backdrop of the sea, it was gorgeous, with room for guests who didn’t attend the ceremony.
A bevy of servants had been hired for the event.
It seemed the viscount spent much coin on this wedding.
Perhaps he was relieved Caro would finally be off his hands
Bah. What do I care if her parents don’t like me? I love Caro and that’s all that matters.
No matter how polite or congenial he’d been to his soon to be in-laws, they hadn’t fully accepted that he was good enough for her. There was nothing he could do about that, for he was only who he was.
Then his thoughts scattered when the clergyman finally entered the room followed by a younger man who carried a leatherbound book.
Caroline’s parents immediately led them both through the crush, no doubt giving him final instructions.
With a huff, Felix straightened his spine.
He tightened his grip on the ivory head of his cane—the one he used for formal occasions—and then went along the side of the room to collect his bride.
“Are you ready, sweeting?” he asked in a whisper to not startle her.
When she trained those big blue eyes on his face, all his concerns faded, for his future was contained in those pools. “I am.” She nodded, but she wasn’t her usual bubbly, forthright self. “Are you? No misgivings?”
“None.” At least not in this moment. He took one of her hands. “Let’s introduce ourselves to the clergyman.”
“Right.” Uncharacteristically quiet, she walked beside him, which was worrying enough, for usually she’d tell him not to boss her or that they would be ready to start the ceremony when she said.
A frown tugged at the corners of his mouth.
What the devil ailed her? There was no time to inquire, for they’d reached the top of the room near the fireplace where the clergyman and Caroline’s parents stood talking.
When he cleared his throat, the three of them peered at him.
“I’m Major Kourier and this is Miss Ives, the nuptial couple. ”
“Ah, lovely. I am Mr. Phillips. That is my clerk, Mr. Barton.” The short man with an excellent head of thick graying brown hair gestured to the tall, thin man. “He’ll help you sign the registry. If you are ready to start?”
He nodded. “We are.” The sooner the better, truly. Then he encompassed Caroline’s parents in his gaze. “If you’ll find your seats? I’d like to wed your daughter.” Once he had the full responsibility of her and the right to see her cared for, both could buggar off.
Caroline nodded to her parents. “I’ll see you after, all right?”
The viscountess patted her cheek. “You are certain this is what you want, darling?”
“Of course. The major is everything I have ever wished for in a husband.” She glanced at him, and this time her smile was brilliant. “I can’t wait to speak my vows.”
He relaxed by increments while her parents found chairs within the crowd of assembled guests as Mr. Phillips told the assemblage they were ready to begin the ceremony. Leaning toward her, Felix whispered, “You are nearly mine.” Though his heart beat wildly, he felt oddly calm.