A Houseparty to Die For (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 5) Page 7

  “Ladies, would you mind having your tea here as these seem to be interesting. You will understand when you read them.”

  “Justin, considering your expression, I believe we shall,” Julia replied.

  Escorting Prudence to the settee from earlier, he waited until everyone was settled before retaking his same seat. He passed the first note over to Prudence. Once she’d read and handed it to Ida, Justin continued to distribute them with her reading them first. Finally, after several minutes when they had all studied them, he looked to everyone.

  “Yes, the words are the same, only the penmanship is different. It’s as if one individual wrote the first and the others copied it. Regrettably, it’s impossible to figure out who the initial writer is,” Nash stated.

  “Excuse me, but it’s not. I believe Lady Lara wrote the first one then passed hers along for others to copy,” Prudence told the group.

  “Why do you believe that, daughter?” her father asked.

  “It’s the way she phrased a few of the sentences. The other eve when she and a few others were attempting to raise my ire, she used one of them. Justin, if I could have hers, please.”

  After receiving the requested sheet, she reread it before glancing up to him with a smile on her lips. “Justin, it is with regret my parents and I must leave the house party on the morrow.”

  “I don’t understand. Why would that trigger your alert? Oh, wait. Now I know why. Yesterday at the picnic, Lady Phoebe insisted on referring to me by my Christian name even though permission hadn’t been given to her.”

  “Yes, and that’s how she along with Lara and Anna referred to you. They suspected I had developed feelings for you and thought by calling you by your first name I would become angry, which I didn’t I should point out,” Prudence explained to everyone

  A knock on the door interrupted any further discussion as Justin saw Leland waiting to be allowed in carrying even more pieces of paper.

  “Come in so we may see who else wishes to depart,” Justin directed to the man.

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  After accepting the sheets Justin nodded, dismissing the butler. Quickly he skimmed through them.

  “At least these are differently worded, but all the writers are expressing their regrets at the death of Lady Anna and that they will also depart tomorrow. I find it interesting that these, for the most part, were penned by chaperones not the younger guests as with the first group,” Justin said.

  Justin knew at the rate guests were sending their regrets and leaving, within the next two days everyone would be gone. His only question was what damage would this do to him? For that answer he knew two people who could answer that question.

  “Nash and Miles, with the death of the young lady at a house party I was giving, how will the ton react to me when I return to London in the fall?”

  “For my part I’ll contact the duke and duchess, I know they will offer their support,” Nash stated.

  “And I will make sure everyone knows you are doing everything possible to find the murderer, but they need to be patient,” Miles added.

  Then-

  “The countess and I know you are and will continue to do everything possible to bring the person to justice. This letter we found might be of an assistance in that hunt,” Earl of Harl announced then entered with the countess at his side bringing the gentlemen to their feet.

  Stepping over to the obviously grieving parents, Justin offered the countess his arm and with the earl following, led her to a divan. When they were settled Justin accepted the note. Opening it, he slowly read:

  Mother and father,

  If you are reading this, then you know I’ve been murdered.

  Lady Prudence, as for the individual who slashed your portrait of Lord Justin, it was done under the direction of Phoebe by Lord Kelly.

  He told me if I told anyone, something drastic might happen to me.

  Your loving daughter

  Anna

  Justin clenched his hands and felt his nails dig into his palms. Bolting out of his chair, he stormed to the middle of the room then turned back.

  “Nash, Marquis of Renfield, Lord Matthew, I command you to hunt down Lord Kelly and forcibly, if necessary, bring him here,” Justin ordered.

  “Yes, Justin, Earl of Rosewood. We’ll return shortly.”

  “Earl, Countess, do you wish to be here when we confront the young man?” Justin asked.

  “I’m afraid not. I might wish to strangle the idiot when I see him,” the earl uttered.

  With a bow, Justin watched them slowly shuffle out. He knew the next few days would be very hard on them. In the morning he would offer one of his carriages to them for their daughter’s body to be taken home.

  Chapter Ten

  “Ida, considering how Justin sent Nash and Matt off after Kelly, it would be for the best if we weren’t here when they returned,” Prudence whispered, then stood and smiled down to her friend.

  “I agree,” Ida replied.

  Prudence found it interesting neither mother expressed their desire not to witness the interrogation the man would be receiving. With curtsies to the mothers and her father, Prudence gave Justin a smile then, with Ida at her side, swept from the office.

  Turning down the family wing, Prudence glanced over to Ida, who seemed deep in thought.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “I’m sorry. I was trying to remember if Lord Kelly had sent one of the letters about leaving. To the best of my knowledge he didn’t,” Ida said.

  “On that you’re correct. If he had and with what Lady Anna wrote it would make him appear guilty, that is if he knew of the letter. And here we are,” Prudence stated then swept into their suite with Ida at her heels.

  “Ladies, are you ready to change for bed?” Holly inquired.

  “I don’t believe so. It seems a new development in the murder of Lady Anna came to light a short while ago. There is a possibility we might need to return to His Lordship’s office. If nothing comes of it, in about an hour we will be,” Prudence uttered.

  “If it has to do with Lord Kelly, a while ago when I went to the kitchen, I saw him sneaking out carrying saddlebags. I thought all of this very strange and until now it slipped my mind. Pray forgive me,” Holly pleaded.

  “Lord Justin might still wish to speak with you.” Prudence turned to Ida, “We should return to the office immediately and tell them this. Holly, you should come along as well,” she declared.

  Not waiting for an answer from her friend, Prudence grabbed Ida by the arm then with the maid following, made their way back to the others. At the door she instructed Holly to wait until called for then the two stepped in to surprised friends and parents.

  “We’re sorry for bursting in, but from our maid, Holly, we learned Lord Kelly might have slunk away.”

  “That’s why we couldn’t find him then,” Nash declared.

  “Is the maid in the corridor?” Justin demanded.

  “She is, and not until I mentioned about the murder did she remember seeing him,” Prudence said.

  Retaking her seat from earlier, she noticed a smile coming to her from Justin before he looked to the door.

  “Holly, please come in,” Justin called out.

  “M’ lords and ladies,” the maid said, then curtsied.

  “What do you recall, and about when did you see Lord Kelly?” Justin commanded.

  “It was while dinner was being served. I’d gone down to have mine, and that’s when I saw him. Having learned from Leland some of the guests had planned on leaving, I didn’t give it any consideration, not privy as to how he arrived.”

  Prudence thought over the maid’s words only to realize it did make sense. Of course, she and her mother had arrived late in the afternoon so there was no way of knowing how Kelly had or when.

  “You may return to your duties, and no you’re not in trouble so put that idea out of your mind,” Justin told Holly.

  “Thank you, m’ lord.”
<
br />   Once the maid left Prudence turned to Justin, noticing a frown on his face.

  “Justin, do you know how skilled a rider he is?”

  “He’s not as accomplished as Nash, Matt, or I. Kelly can sit to a canter but not take fences.”

  “I noticed him several times out for a ride on Rotten Row and saw fear several times in his eyes. For him to take a horse and ride away in the night doesn’t seem to fit,” Nash added.

  “And he picked the perfect time to do that with all the stable staff having their meal. We need to find out if he did take one and which,” Justin stated.

  “I’ll go, as I want to look in on my beast. But I’m curious as to why Sawyer hasn’t come and told you of a missing horse,” Matt offered.

  Prudence also found it interesting the stable master hadn’t said anything. Was it possible with all the horses from the guests having one go missing could easily have gone unnoticed. Glancing over to Justin, she was about to mention this fact when Leland stepped into the doorway.

  “M’ lord, Sawyer needs to speak with you.”

  “Have him come in.”

  Now we might get an answer. Prudence studied the stable master as he entered. She couldn’t help but notice he seemed tense and nervous. Could it be…

  “M’ lord, I apologize for this untimely interruption. A few minutes ago, I found one of your horses missing. We, with assistance from several of the coachmen, were doing a final check on all the horses when the man noticed one of his in a stall. As you know, all the coach horses are being kept in the smaller riding ring. When we checked there, we saw the count was off. By my count, the only one which shouldn’t be here is Sullivan as he’s pastured at night.”

  Now Prudence knew something was definitely amiss. From the subtle nod she saw Justin give Sawyer, she knew the man had lied about where his beast was. If she’d hazard a guess, Sullivan was on his way to London with Tom in the saddle. She wondered why?

  “Were you able to determine which horse is missing?” Prudence asked.

  “Yes, m’ lady. It is one of the gentler geldings.”

  “You’re dismissed. Make sure the horse is returned to the others,” Justin stated.

  “At once, m’ lord.”

  With Sawyer gone, Prudence could feel the events of the day catching up to her. She tried to stifle a yawn but was caught by Justin.

  “My dear, I believe your little action is exactly what we’re all feeling. Might I suggest we retire for the evening as I’m sure tomorrow will be very busy not to mention interesting,” Justin pronounced.

  ****

  From the top stoop, Justin watched as several carriages were loaded with guests’ trunks. Already, fifteen had left, most very early in the morning. With these, he knew most of those who’d been invited to the house party would be gone.

  The first to depart had been the Earl and Countess of Harl with a separate carriage of Justin’s carrying Anna’s body. That had been sad, and he’d renewed his promise to bring the killer to justice. Already, Nash and Matt had sent letters to certain people in London and several ports along the coast. This, as had been explained to him, had been done in case Kelly tried to escape by boat.

  With a resigned sigh, he stepped into the mansion and made his way to the family dining room. This was where he’d meet with his friends, Prudence, Ida, and their parents. There they could continue to plan on how to continue the search as to how the body had been put in the maze. To that end Justin had two footmen as guards at its entrance as a precaution to keep the curious out.

  “Morning,” he announced, stepping in.

  After receiving either nods, from those eating, or greetings, he stepped over to the sidebar and made his selections. Taking the seat at the head of the table, he was happy Prudence sat on his right with Ida beside her. At the far end was Julia talking with Augusta.

  Nash, Matt, and their wives along with Miles were on both sides of the table enjoying their meal.

  A short while later, once everyone had finished Justin with his friends, Prudence, and Ida made their way to the maze.

  “How do you wish to proceed?” Nash asked.

  “As you know where the body was found, why don’t you go there and search for a way someone could get in. We’ll do the same from the outside,” Justin directed.

  “I’ve a question. How far in was Anna? The reason I’m asking is, the killer could have entered from another part and carried her in to where she was found,” Prudence asked.

  Hearing what she said, Justin knew she had an excellent point.

  “In the center, lying next to a stone bench. I believe we should search the entire perimeter. That way we won’t leave anything unseen. Nash, we’ll need your eyes as well. Now, let’s divide into groups and start the hunt. With your permission ladies, am I allowed to have Prudence and Ida join me?”

  “Yes, as I have it on excellent authority Ida will look out for her friend,” Amelia declared.

  Several hours later as he checked the last possible way someone could have gained access, and with no success, Justin led Prudence and Ida back to the front of the maze.

  “From the looks on your faces, I’m guessing you had the same bad luck as we did?” Justin stated.

  Accepting nods from them, he offered Prudence his arm and led everyone back to the mansion. As they got closer, he noticed the mothers had taken seats at a table on the veranda with Miles.

  “Justin, would you mind arranging for a landau later? The dressmaker told me yesterday she’d be receiving new fashion plates today. I was hoping to look them over as it might improve my mood from this unsuccessful morning,” Prudence requested.

  “Not at all. Would you mind if I joined you?” Justin inquired

  “Yes, we would. They would most greatly as Amelia and I plan to go along to help in the selection, if there is one to be made,” Jessica declared.

  “As you wish. Then, I’ll hide out in my office and with the other men continue to try to learn how the body ended up in the maze.”

  “I wish you luck with that. Now, I wonder why our mothers and my father are enjoying the morning air?” Ida said.

  “Possibly because if I’m not mistaken, they are waiting for us before beginning to partake of the noon meal. I’m suspecting more of the guests have departed to the point where we might be the only ones here,” Amelia uttered.

  “And I don’t know about any of you, but I’m not leaving until my dearest friend, Prudence, helps me learn more about painting,” Ida declared.

  “The same for me as I’m sure His Lordship wouldn’t appreciate a half finished portrait,” Prudence added.

  And with luck you won’t my dear at least until it’s time to visit London when Parliament is seated and the Small Season starts.

  “I would appreciate that greatly Lady Prudence. Do you know how much longer until you allow me to see it?”

  “When we return from the village I might have a chance to work on it for several hours before dressing for the evening. This time and until it’s complete, I’ll be able to work either in the suite or parlor. That is, if you promise not to sneak a look when I’m not around,” Prudence declared.

  “So be it. Now, shall we dine?” Justin said, as he guided Prudence up the granite steps then over to where the parents awaited them.

  “From the sadness in your eyes, you haven’t had any luck,” Julia stated.

  “On that point, fair lady, you are correct. I’m gathering with the three of you out here and luncheon set out more guests have departed?”

  “Yes, except for those of us here, they all left, expressing their regrets, and they hope you find the murderer soon,” Augusta said.

  “We hope for that also. First, though, we need to find Lord Kelly and learn why he snuck away in the middle of the night,” Nash stated.

  “Now, shall we dine as it seems a few ladies wish to return to the village, and I’ve a carriage to order up.” Justin paused and turned to Prudence. “Would two of the clock give you significa
nt time to look at the plates?”

  “That will be perfect as I’m sure, as with I, the other ladies will wish to change into different dresses.”

  Something told Justin, considering the grins and coy looks from the ladies, this little trip was more about finding a gown which would and could silence him on seeing Prudence in it.

  Chapter Eleven

  After seeing the ladies off, Justin joined the men in his office. Marching in, he thought about pouring himself a whiskey but thought better of it. Right now, the last thing he needed was even a slightly foggy mind as there was still a murderer to apprehend.

  Taking a seat behind his desk, he studied Nash and Matt as they were talking quietly between themselves. This gave him a chance to address another point with Miles.

  “Sir, I’ve reason to believe that your daughter might be seeking to find the perfect gown to wear when I offer for her. Am I not correct?”

  “That is the impression I also received from my wife when I spoke with her after luncheon.”

  “With all the guests having left, shall we still wait for a few more days, or would this eve be appropriate?” Justin inquired.

  “Don’t you need to go to the village and get the ring?” Matt said.

  Justin glanced over to him and Nash, to see them grinning back at him. Opening the middle drawer of the desk, he brought out a blue box and lifted the top, bringing the men forward to get a closer look.

  “You mean this one? When Tom returned from London I sent him to collect it, praying it would be ready.”

  “It’s perfect, and she’ll not be expecting to see one looking like a rose. Your jeweler is wonderful. Mayhap I should have him create a bauble for Julia to commemorate the betrothal,” Miles stated.

  With the ring returned to the drawer, Justin looked over to Nash.

  “Do you have any idea when you’ll hear back from your people?”

  “With luck, sometime in the next day or so. They are very skilled in searching out people who don’t wish to be found. As for the contacts along the coast it might take a little longer.”