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

you have yet to explain you are
    convinced this was murder," she said quietly. But I have seen nothing yet that indicates it could not have
    been an accident."
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    What of the tall, blond maid?"
    She hesitated. Nell could not think of anyone who matched my
    description," she admitted.
    He paused at that and looked at her. In the candlelight, his face
    had a decidedly sinister aspect. She could understand Nell's reaction. If one were not well acquainted
    with Tobias when he was on
    the hunt, she thought, one would be strongly inclined to run for
    one's life.
    One of the guests, perhaps," he said slowly. Dressed in a costume
    that she wore to the ball earlier this evening?"
    She summoned up the brief glimpse she'd had of Fullerton's
    female companion. I do not think it was a costume that any of
    Beaumont's guests would have worn to a ball. It was too ordinary,
    too realistic, if you see what I mean. The materials were not fine
    enough for any of the ladies here tonight. The gown was fashioned
    of a dull, sturdy fabric. The shoes, stockings, and apron looked very
    much like those worn by Beaumont's chambermaids."
    Not a costume, then, but a true disguise," he said slowly.
    Tobias, I think it is time you told me precisely what is going on."
    He said nothing for a moment, resuming his prowl of the rooftop
    instead. She knew that he was looking for other signs of what had
    taken place here a short time ago. She feared that he would attempt
    to avoid her question.
    But when he reached the far corner he began to speak.
    I have told you that during the war I conducted several confidential inquiries for the Crown on behalf of
    my friend Lord
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    Crackenburne."
    Yes, yes, I know that you were a spy, sir. Pray get to the meat of
    the matter."
    I prefer to avoid the term spy when discussing my former profession." He leaned down to take a closer
    look at something he saw in
    the dust. It has such unsavory connotations."
    I am well aware that the profession is not considered a proper
    career for a gentleman. But there is no need for either of us to mince
    words when we are alone like this. Indeed, you were a spy. I was
    obliged to engage in trade in order to survive in Rome. Neither of us
    possesses the sort of past one would wish to have made common
    knowledge in elevated social circles. But that is hardly important at
    the moment. Continue with your tale."
    He straightened and stood gazing out into the night. Bloody hell,
    Lavinia, I am not even sure where to start."
    Why don't you begin by telling me why you took that ring from
    Fullerton's night table."
    Ah, you noticed that, did you?" Tobias smiled a little. Very observant. You are making great progress
    in acquiring the skills of your
    new profession. Yes, I took the damned ring."
    Why? You are no thief, sir."
    He reached into his pocket and took out the ring. For a moment
    he examined it in the light of the candle. Even if I were inclined
    toward thievery, I would not have willingly pinched this particular
    bit of jewelry. I took it because I am quite certain that it was left
    there for me to find."
    Ice melted slowly down her spine.
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    She walked to where he stood and looked at the ring on his
    palm. In the flickering candlelight she could make out a miniature
    gold coffin. Tobias opened the lid with the edge of one finger. A
    ghastly little death's-head stared up at her from a bed of crossed
    bones.
    A memento-mori ring," she said, frowning slightly. They were
    quite popular in past eras, although why anyone would want to be
    constantly reminded of the inevitability of death is beyond me."
    Three years ago, an aging countess, a wealthy widow, and two
    gentlemen of means died in a series of what appeared to be accidents and suicides. One afternoon I
    chanced