The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy by Regina Jeffers Read Free Book Online

Cousin Samuel’s belongings. According to Mr. Peiffer, certain items have been designated for the Antiquarian Society.” Darcy eyed the entranceway. When he and Elizabeth had called at Woodvine the previous day, the hall had been draped in the late afternoon shadows. On this day, he observed the unusual placement of many of Samuel Darcy’s most bizarre treasures, specifically several carved Gorgons along the top of a magnificent grandfather clock. The Gorgons were certainly not items to his liking or taste.
    Elizabeth chimed in, “We have procured a list.” From her reticule, she retrieved the page Mr. Peiffer had provided them earlier.
    Darcy had never considered her acting ability, but his wife was a natural. Or perhaps she had a mind for larceny. An expert thief required a quick mind for improvisation. The thought brought a light chuckle. “We would prefer to start in Samuel’s study,” he instructed.
    Elizabeth added, “Perhaps, we might commission a room or two.” She unfolded the list and glanced at it. “As we uncover each of the items to be donated, we could place them in the designated room to separate them from the remaining effects of the late Mr. Darcy.”
    Mrs. Ridgeway’s frown spoke of disapproval, but she nodded her agreement. Darcy interjected, “We might also consider separating Samuel’s treasures from Egypt from those he secured in China and those from Africa. Lady Cynthia could choose which she prefers from her uncle’s memories.”
    The housekeeper motioned one of the maids forward. She whispered instructions and sent the girl on her way. “I will have everything arranged whenever you are prepared to move Mr. Samuel’s discoveries.” She sighed deeply, “It is hard to imagine that Mr. Samuel will not be returning from an afternoon walk or a ride across his land. The staff and I have been at sixes and sevens as to what role we will play in the estate’s future. Several expect to lose their positions.”
    â€œHow long have you been with the late Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth inquired sympathetically.
    â€œNot quite seven years,” the lady confided. “We met on a ship returning from America. I had just lost the late Mr. Ridgeway some three years prior, and I knew not what I would do when I returned to England. I am thankful Mr. Samuel showed me a great kindness.”
    â€œI recall Samuel’s excursion to America. It was less than a year after my father’s passing,” Darcy explained. “Both my sister and I felt bereft of my cousin’s counsel and his company, but we understood he had business that he had neglected while attending our family, and we had lives to set aright. We parted sadly, but with hope.”
    â€œMr. Samuel was an excellent employer,” Mrs. Ridgeway asserted. “Now, if you will follow me, I will show you the Master’s study.”
    Within minutes, Darcy and Elizabeth were alone. Trying to take it all in, Elizabeth turned in a circle. “Mr. Darcy, if I ever complain about your need for order, remind me of this room.”
    Darcy assumed the seat behind his cousin’s desk. “Do not permit the clutter to deceive you. Samuel Darcy had a brilliant mind.”
    Elizabeth seated herself before the desk. As she removed her bonnet and gloves, she said, “I would expect nothing less from a Darcy.” She retrieved the correspondence from a nearby tray. “Where do we begin?”
    Darcy reached for the foolscap on the corner of Samuel’s desk. As he sharpened a pen, he said, “I think it best we list what we know and what we have yet to discover. Those lists should determine how we proceed.”
    For the next few minutes, they summarized the information they had learned from Mrs. Ridgeway, Mr. Peiffer, and Mr. Stowbridge. Unfortunately, the list was very short. “Not very promising,” Elizabeth noted as she read over his