Chapter Twenty-Two
Lady Mary
The magistrate was not pleased that I had discovered another body. “What was your relationship with Mr. Hicks?” Sir Kelsey asked, his eyebrows drawn close together. There was no mention of anything as light-hearted as our wager, no more natural deference to the aunt of a duke.
“I had none, other than a couple conversations after Mr. Trent had died.” I had taken possession of the desk chair in the ground floor office, and I stared across the desk at the magistrate now, fingers laced across my abdomen.
He shifted on the small guest chair. “And why would you speak to him at all? You said you didn’t know Mr. Trent.”
“I didn’t, but I’d hoped Mr. Hicks might be able to tell me why his employer wanted to contact me.” I pressed my lips together. And I was still no closer to answering that question. It must have something to do with Trent’s murder.
“I see.” The magistrate’s tone suggested the opposite.
He glared at me with suspicion, and for the first time I was happy that Mr. Ryder had insisted upon accompanying me to the factory.
If I’d only had my servant along, I suspected that Sir Kelsey would try to lay the blame for Hicks’s death on me.
Ryder crossed one long leg over the other. He was leaning against the corner of the desk, idly turning his hat in his hands. He’d also insisted on being present when the authorities questioned me.
“Do you have an estimate for time of death?” he asked Sir Kelsey.
“Looks like it happened sometime last night.”
Ryder inclined his head to me. “When I assume Lady Mary was home with multiple witnesses.”
I’d thought Ryder knew me better than to assume that, but as it happened to be true, I let his statement pass without comment. “You don’t truly suspect me of killing the man, do you?”
“Of course, I don’t think you stabbed him, Lady Mary.” The magistrate rubbed his eye. “But I do think you know more than you’re saying.”
A pulse started to pound behind my temple. “You’ve dismissed my theories before this. I assume you will now credit the idea that a file killed Mr. Trent, as well.”
“I could hardly do otherwise. Besides, the coroner, Mr. Hall, confirmed that the characteristics of the wound matched that of a file.” A runner trotted down the stairs and whispered something in the magistrate’s ear.
He nodded before turning back to me. “Now, have you anything more to add to your statement?”
“Nothing but gossip, and I know how you detest that.” I rose. Southey jumped to his feet and shook, his bell tinkling.
I shouldn’t be so waspish with the magistrate. After all, he had taken my theory about the murder weapon to his coroner, even if he had dismissed it to my face. But there was another body. Another man violently taken from this world. I hoped I could be forgiven for my ill temper.
Ryder took my elbow. “If Lady Mary recalls anything of import, she will contact you immediately. Yes?”
“Yes,” I bit out.
“Right then.” Sir Kelsey nodded, dismissing us. “Have a good day.”
I marched to the carriage. “I’m beginning to fear for our entire justice system if that is the caliber of man engaged to serve it.”
“He’s only trying to do his job,” Ryder said mildly. He handed me into the coach, then lifted Southey inside. “Are you returning home, or is there someone else you wish to accuse of murder?”
That didn’t deserve a response. I leaned forward and shut the door.
Ryder jumped out of the way.
I poked my head out the open window. “I am returning home. That man questioned us all right into my teatime.” I paused. I supposed I should invite Ryder to join in my repast. After all, his afternoon had been ruined, as well. “You’re welcome to join me.”
“Thank you for the invitation, but I have other plans.” He tapped the brim of his hat with his walking stick. “Lady Mary, it is always an adventure.”
I leaned back as Ernest aimed the carriage for home. My stomach twisted, and I didn’t think it was from hunger.
It wasn’t discovering a body, either, although that was always unpleasant.
It wasn’t realizing that my main suspect in Trent’s murder had been murdered himself.
I had wanted to be able to eliminate a suspect, but not in that manner.
It was the fact that I might hold some responsibility for his death that made me queasy.
I should have laid out all my theories about the murders to Sir Kelsey.
I’d let my pride override my decency. When I returned home, I would write up everything I’d discovered about the murders, the facts and the guesses, and send it to the magistrate.
He could dismiss it. He could deride me to his fellow magistrates.
But he would have the information. What he did with it would be on his head.
Southey hopped up on the bench seat next to me.
I dug my fingers into his fur. What were my theories now that Hicks was dead?
I dismissed the idea that Hicks had killed Trent and another murderer had stabbed him.
With the same tool used in both murders, I had to assume they were done by the same hand.
There were plenty of files lying about the factory’s offices, so this murder could have been a spur of the moment killing instead of premeditated.
A chill worked down my spine. Someone was running about London who had no problem plunging a blade into those who angered him. Someone I most likely knew.
I let Southey lay half of his body on my lap. Jane wouldn’t be happy with the dog hair she would have to brush out of my gown, but his weight felt soothing. Too many unanswered questions swirled through my mind to be at ease.
And the silliest one of all resounded loudest.
What the devil were Mr. Ryder’s plans for the night in his new blue coat?