Chapter Twenty-Five #2
I nodded. “Miss Rogerson has no one to confirm she was abed at the time of Trent’s murder,” I continued. “Trent’s wife was also having an affair, and with the man Trent was suing. One Mr. Driscoll Gray, the manufacturer of tin cans.”
Marcus loosed a low whistle. “Consorting with the enemy. That is daring of Mrs. Trent.”
“Both claim the other as their alibi for the early morning of Mr. Trent’s murder.” I tapped my finger on the desk. “I have yet to find any evidence to contradict that assertion.”
“A double motive for Mr. Gray. Love and money.” Marcus rubbed his chin. “That makes him a strong prospect.”
I pursed my lips. “Indeed. And then there is the brother-in-law, George Platt. He was unhappy with Trent for insulting his sister’s honor by seeking the affections of another.
He is also frequently short of funds, and Trent might have grown tired of assisting him.
Platt claims to have been patronizing various taverns and hells the night of Trent’s murder, with his friend, Mr. Randall, but they had both been drinking.
Randall may easily have lost sight of his friend. ”
“Friends never make for good alibis,” Marcus agreed. “Too willing to lie for each other. Understandably.”
“Agreed. Fenton Hicks, unfortunately, had been the man I would have placed a wager upon as being guilty, but as he was stabbed in the same manner, I think I can safely take him off my suspect list.”
Marcus rubbed his eyebrow. “I don’t like how close you are to this. It is becoming too dangerous.”
I dipped my chin and stared at him over my spectacles. I’d perfected this maneuver on my nephew through the years when he had to be reminded that his title and familial connection didn’t convey authority over me.
He held my gaze for an impressive amount of time before groaning. “I almost wish your husband and father had left you no money. It would make you ever so much easier to manage.”
I had no doubt. But as I’d practically raised the boy and knew him well, I also knew he didn’t truly mean the sentiment.
“One interesting tidbit, Mr. Hicks brought a tin of food home that had escaped intended destruction. It was made the same week of the batch that killed those sailors.” I looked for a place to keep the golf equipment.
I decided to just rest it against the wall.
Bernard and the others would be using it soon enough.
His forehead furrowed. “Is that significant?”
“I’m not certain.” I led my nephew out of the Great Room and down the hall to my office.
“But I find it interesting. And for the second murder, everyone says they were home in bed alone. Except for Peg. We haven’t asked her yet.
” It really was unfair that Trent and Hicks had to be killed in the dead of night.
If I were ever to commit a crime, I now knew just when to do it.
We’d just settled ourselves at my desk when there was a knock at the door.
Mrs. Combes, one of my club’s original members, stood in the entrance. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I wanted to add this to your lost box.” She held up an antique gauntlet, the metal squeaking. “I found it in the Music Room, of all places.”
“Dare I ask?” Marcus rose, shaking his head.
“Not unless you want a lengthy explainer.” I stood and rounded the desk. “Marcus, have you met Mrs. Combes? Mrs. Combes, His Grace, the Duke of Montague.”
A curtsy and bow were exchanged. “We have met before,” Mrs. Combes said, patting her hair. The fair locks were still untouched by gray, but delicate wrinkles lined her face. “The duke might not remember it, however. My husband is the captain of the Persephone.”
I’d forgotten that Mrs. Combes’s husband worked for the shipping line Marcus owned. “He’s leaving for the Caribbean soon, isn’t he?”
“He sets sail in a week,” Mrs. Combes said.
“I won’t see him for three months.” She gave Marcus a look full of faux disapproval.
“I would hold some animosity for you but for the fact my husband takes such pleasure in his job. After leaving the Royal Navy, he despaired of ever finding his footing, but your company has given him a renewed purpose.”
“I am gratified to hear it.” Marcus crossed his arms. “But that three-month sail time might be cut down quite soon. With these new steam-propelled vessels crossing the Atlantic, I fear my fleet of clippers will soon be obsolete.”
If a new technology threatened my nephew’s profits, I had no doubt he would soon integrate it into his business.
“Now if you ladies will excuse me, I must be going.” Marcus pulled his gloves from the pocket of his coat. “Remember, Aunt May, you need only ask and I’ll assist you in any way necessary.” With an elegant leg of farewell, he disappeared out the door.
Mrs. Combes loosed a gusty breath. “I love my husband, but if that man were unmarried, there isn’t much I wouldn’t do to catch his notice.”
“That man is also my nephew.” Wrinkling my nose, I took the gauntlet and dropped it in the lost box in my closet. “Please keep such thoughts to yourself.”
She flushed. “Of course, Lady Mary.”
Remembering that I shouldn’t be so peevish, I gave the woman a warm smile. “Thank you for bringing me the gauntlet.” I reseated myself. “With the workmanship put into it, someone will be missing it soon.”
After she left, I pulled my order list for my club from my desk for review, but my mind didn’t want to concentrate on the task at hand.
I couldn’t help but feel that this investigation was like the errant gauntlet. Intricate, weighty, and leaving me with the feeling that something was most definitely missing.