Quick, Amanda by Late for the Wedding Read Free Book Online Page A

shop she and her
    niece, Emeline, had operated and proceeded to smash every statue
    in sight. She had thought at first that he was a madman, but then
    she had seen the chilling intelligence in his eyes and realized that
    he knew precisely what he was about. Somehow that had only made
    him seem all the more menacing.
    Calm yourself," she said to the maid. She fingered the silver
    pendant at her throat and spoke in the low, soothing tones that she
    used when she wished to induce a light mesmeric trance. Look at
    me. There is no need to be afraid. All is well. No need to be afraid.
    There is nothing to fear."
    The girl blinked once or twice and tore her anxious gaze away
    from Tobias's implacable face. She stared at the pendant.
    What is your name?" Lavinia asked gently.
    Nell. My name is Nell, ma'am."
    Very good, Nell. Now, where is the staircase that leads to the
    roof?"
    At the end of the hall, ma'am. But Drum has instructed the staff
    not to go up onto the roof. He's afraid someone might fall. The wall
    is very low, you see."
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    I understand." Out of the corner of her eye, Lavinia saw Tobias
    move off down the hall, heading toward the staircase. She was about
    to follow, but she paused for one last question. Do you know all of
    the members of the household staff, Nell?"
    Yes, ma'am. We all come from the village or one of the farms."
    The girl was talking freely now. There was no need to hold her
    attention with the pendant. Lavinia stopped manipulating the necklace.
    The maid blinked again and raised her eyes to meet Lavinia's.
    Are you acquainted with a maid who is somewhat taller than your
    self and perhaps a few years older? She has very bright blond hair.
    Lots of heavy corkscrew curls. This evening she wore a large cap
    trimmed with a blue ribbon. It looked new and it had a brim that
    was much wider than yours."
    A new cap with a blue ribbon?" Nell seized on what was evidently
    the most important aspect of the description. No, ma'am. If one of
    us was lucky enough to get a new cap, we'd all know about it, I can
    tell ye that much."
    Are any of your companions tall and blond?"
    Well, Annie's tall but her hair is dark. Betty's got yellow hair but
    she's shorter than me." The girl's features knotted with concentration. I can't think of anyone quite like
    the girl you described."
    I see. Thank you, Nell. You've been very helpful."
    Yes, ma'am." Nell gave a tiny curtsy and cast an uncertain glance
    down the hall at Tobias, who was opening a door. She swallowed
    uneasily. Will sir be wanting to ask more questions?"
    Don't be alarmed. If he wants to talk to you again, I will be sure
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    to accompany him."
    Nell looked relieved. Thank ye, ma'am."
    Lavinia went swiftly down the corridor. By the time she got to the
    staircase door, Tobias had already disappeared.
    Lacking a candle, she was obliged to feel her way up the narrow
    flight of steps. But when she reached the top, the door was open.
    She stepped out into the moonlight and saw Tobias at the low
    wall. He was looking down into the gardens. She walked toward
    him.
    Is that the place where Fullerton fell?" she asked.
    Yes, I think so. There are marks in the dirt on the wall here. Do
    you see them?"
    He raised the candle to angle the light across the barrier. There
    were several smears in the dust, soot, and grime that caked the
    stone. They certainly appeared to be traces left by a man grasping
    desperately to keep himself from plummeting to a certain death. A
    chill went through her.
    Yes," she whispered. I see."
    It would appear that the woman lured him up onto the roof.
    Tobias paced deliberately along the wall. You said Fullerton was
    quite drunk. He would no doubt have been unsteady on his feet. It
    would not have required much strength to topple him over the edge,
    merely careful timing."
    I know that for some reason