Death in the Setting Sun by Deryn Lake Read Free Book Online

and two glasses.
    “May I join you?” she asked.
    John had risen to his feet and bowed. Now he said, “It would be a pleasure, Madam.”
    “I wondered if you might be discussing something.”
    The Magistrate turned his head in her direction. “Only daughters, my love.”
    Elizabeth pulled a face. “Daughters indeed. The little cat is out with her maid, gone to visit a female friend. I only pray that they don’t get into any mischief.”
    Sir John laughed his tuneful laugh. “Might as well hope that the moon turns black. Anyway, enough of her. We’ll bore our guest. What news from you, Mr. Rawlings?”
    It was an odd thing but John, who had no intention of so doing, suddenly found himself telling the Magistrate about the late intruder in the garden.
    Sir John listened in total silence, as did his wife. Eventually he said, “So this creature took off when he realised you were watching?”
    “Yes. But what puzzles me is his motive. Why stand so silently and stare at my house? What could he hope to gain?”
    “Perhaps it was someone from the streets looking for somewhere to sleep.” This from Elizabeth.
    Oddly, John found this comforting. “I hadn’t thought of that,” he said. “Do you know, you’re probably right. So it was nothing sinister after all.”
    But for all that as he hired a hackney coach to take him home and dismounted in Nassau Street, he looked over his shoulder, full of sudden dread.
    A coach was approaching and as it turned in from Gerrard Street he saw the familiar figure of Irish Tom on the box. Making a bow, John opened the door and pulled down the step and was rewarded with Emilia’s spectacular smile.
    “Oh, John, I didn’t think you were going out. Have you had a good time?”
    “Yes, I dined with the Magistrate and his wife. And what about you? How did the rehearsal go?”
    “Excellently.” He could smell wine on her breath and smiled to himself. “But you’ll never guess what.”
    “What?”
    “Lady Theydon has managed it. She has persuaded Princess Amelia that the masque is to take place at Gunnersbury Park. In fact, the Princess is going to keep her Christmas there and is despatching servants tomorrow to heat the place up.”
    John opened the front door, feeling the warm air from the hall come to greet him. “But how will this affect you? And Michael O’Callaghan, come to that?” Emilia’s small face took on a slightly worried look. “Ah, that is where you come in.”
    “Me?” said John, helping her off with her cloak, then removing his greatcoat.
    “Yes, you.”
    He took her hand. “Come into the library. Let’s have a drink before we retire. Wine is good in moderation for pregnant women.”
    Her guilty expression made him chuckle to himself. “Perhaps I shouldn’t. I have had three glasses tonight.”
    “Well, one more won’t hurt you.”
    He poured two glasses of claret then returned to his chair by the fire. “Now, how do I come into the grand design?”
    Emilia smiled, a fraction nervously. “Priscilla has invited me to stay at Gunnersbury. Just for four days during which time she will rehearse as frequently as possible. Mr. O’Callaghan has also been invited. On the fourth day we will perform for the Princess. Oh, John, do say I can go.”
    “Well, of course you can. You have given enough of your time not to drop out now. When is this to be?”
    “We, that is Mr. O’Callaghan and myself, are to arrive at Gunnersbury on the eighteenth. We will perform for the Princess on the twenty-second and then you and I can travel back in time for Christmas.” She looked so appealing, her face taking on the childlike look that had always so attracted him.
    “And when do the full court go to Gunnersbury?”
    “Some time next week. When the servants have got the place habitable.”
    “How nice, to walk in when everything is warm and comfortable I mean.”
    Emilia sipped her wine. “Well, you do.”
    John laughed. “You’re right, of course. I have a very