Rosemary Stevens by Murder in the Pleasure Gardens Read Free Book Online Page B

tray with a clatter. “What did you say?”
    “When you gave me the evening off last night, I attended Vauxhall, just as you had said you planned to do. I went with Rumbelow, the underbutler—”
    “Yes, yes, I know who your friends are. Get to the point, man.”
    “We were standing in front of the Cascade, waiting for the exhibition to begin. Rumbelow began telling me how fig-leaves boiled in water were best for removing stains from silk handkerchiefs. When I pulled my handkerchief out to show him how much better spirits of turpentine are to achieve cleanliness, the silk slipped from my fingers. Then the wind picked up the material and I, er, had to chase the handkerchief. Rumbelow thought my predicament humourous.”
    “All right, so you ended up behind the Cascade when the murder took place. Who did it?”
    Robinson shook his head. “I do not know. I heard a popping noise, but thought it was part of the exhibition. The only thing I saw back there was a soldier and his ladyfriend. He was holding a gun.”
    “Good God. Never say that is what you told Mr. Lavender?”
    Robinson looked down his nose at me. “Was I to lie?”
    I groaned out loud. Then it occurred to me that Robinson had been the “member of the Nobility” Molly had referred to as having seen her and Lieutenant Nevill. Of course she would think Robinson a peer, dressed as he was in my fine cast-offs and with his haughty demeanor. This would be funny if the situation were not so serious.
    “No, you were not to lie. But, Robinson, think hard. Was there no one else?”
    “No, sir. Except the drunken man employed to operate the Cascade. Why?”
    “Because the soldier is a friend of mine, Lieutenant Nevill. He was to participate in a duel this morning with the deceased. I was to act as his second.”
    “A duel?” Robinson’s eyes shone. He loves drama and a good gossip. In fact, I am surprised he had not already heard of the duel.
    “Obviously there is no need for it now. Furthermore, the young lady he was with is a friend of Miss Lavender’s and, in fact, lives with her at the Haven of Hope.”
    “Dear me,” Robinson said.
    I raised my right eyebrow severely. “Do not take that tone in regards to Miss Lavender. She is a fine female, one worthy of your respect. And she is lovely, in addition to having a fine character. You should not judge her ill because she flaunts some of Society’s conventions. Recollect that she is not a member of the Beau Monde , but of the middle classes.”
    “ I remember, sir. Do you?”
    I frowned. “Just what is that remark supposed to mean?”
    “You do seem to enjoy Miss Lavender’s company. I do not think it will serve, sir.”
    “You do not think what will serve?” I demanded.
    “Falling in love with Miss Lavender.”
    My heart performed an odd thump. “Of all the impertinence! I am not in love with Miss Lavender. Now go downstairs and have Ned and Ted help you bring the water for my bath. I have no wish to speak to you further. And find out from your league of butlers, maids, and footmen friends where Nevill is being held. I am certain London is talking of nothing else this morning.”
    “Yes, sir,” Robinson said. Then, with a back as stiff as a tree trunk, he exited the room, closing the door none too quietly.
    You may be wondering why I put up with such nonsense. Well, all I can tell you is that Robinson has been with me for some years now. He has a high moral character I admire, he is intelligent and loyal, has a remarkable sense of style, and excels in his duties. Naturally, I would not want him to know I feel this way, so pray do not tell him. He is haughty enough as it is.
    While Chakkri slept peacefully—he knew breakfast would be forthcoming—I contemplated the valet’s involvement in the events of last night.
    Robinson had given a statement to Mr. Lavender. Of all the coincidences in the world, why did my very own valet have to stumble upon the scene of the crime? How would his statement