part0018

“ I ’m sure it’s all a misunderstanding, Evie.” Bicky stepped forward to stand between Evie and the Sergeant, his good hand placed in the small of his back.

Sergeant Newbury took out a notebook. “Begging your pardon, Your Grace. I am here to carry out the police inquiries we spoke of yesterday. If I could please see each and every one of you separately.”

“Well, what do you propose we do?” the Dowager asked. “March out of the library to go stand out in the hall?”

Bicky said, “Larkin.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Please show the Sergeant to the drawing room. That way, and if need be, we could all illustrate clearly where we were at the time of the shooting.”

Larkin bowed his head slightly. “Very well, Your Grace.” Turning to the Sergeant, he gestured to the door. “Please follow me.”

After settling the Sergeant in the drawing room, Larkin returned. “The Sergeant wishes to speak with Viscount Maison.”

Charles stood up and, straightening his jacket, said, “Wish me luck.” He strode off, his manner somber yet full of valor.

A murmur made its way around the library.

“Good Lord,” Tom exclaimed. “You’d think he was being led to the gallows.”

“This is highly unusual,” Evie said. “I don’t blame anyone for feeling so on edge. It’s hard to ignore the air of guilt and suspicion hovering in the air.” Pouring another cup of coffee, she sat down.

The Dowager drew everyone’s attention with nothing more than the sweep of her eyes around the room. “Isn’t anyone going to comment on my remarkable piece of news?”

Bicky rang the bell and asked the under butler to organize someone to call on Hainsley Hall. “I would like a clear account. Gather as many facts as you can, please.”

“I see,” the Dowager harrumphed. “You refuse to take my word.”

“With all due respect, mama. You provided a sketch of the events.”

“But you didn’t ask for more information,” the Dowager pleaded. “I would have thought everything I said would be self-explanatory, but it seems you need a black and white picture with bright colors thrown in. Of course, I’ll be only too happy to oblige.”

Everyone in the room shifted and settled in for ‘Act Two’.

Tom said, “If I’d known this would happen, I would have sold tickets at the door.”

Unfortunately, Bicky sat within hearing. He exchanged a roll of the eyes look with Evie which reminded her of his opinions about Americans grasping every opportunity to make money.

To clarify his feelings, the Duke remarked, “Tom, you must give me private lessons on the art of entrepreneurship.”

Before the Dowager could begin, Larkin appeared and called, “The Sergeant will now interview Lord Chambers.”

Matthew adjusted his tie. “How do I look? I feel as though I’m about to interview for a position.”

As he strode out, Viscount Maison entered the library and patted him on the back. “Good luck, old chap.”

Everyone talked at once, asking Charles about the interview and expressing their surprise at how quickly it had gone for him.

“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to divulge any details,” Charles informed them. “The Sergeant wishes to receive personal perspectives and would prefer it if the information remained undiluted. You should all relax. He only had a few questions. Nothing too arduous.”

After a moment’s silence, the Dowager said, “May I be permitted to continue.”

“By all means, mama. You have our full attention.”

The Dowager gave a firm nod and continued her tale. “As I was saying, Miss Wainscot came close to losing her life.” The Dowager paused for effect. “It appears Miss Wainscot had been lured by Evangeline Parker to Marceline’s Salon de Beaute.” Another pause followed. Then, the Dowager’s voice lowered and filled with intrigue as she asked, “What do you all think of that?”

“Preposterous,” Bicky thundered.

The room fell silent and everyone looked toward Evie.

Evie smiled as she remembered Bicky had been confined to his room at the time. “Actually, Bicky, the Duchess is quite correct… sort of. I did invite Miss Wainscot to take advantage of an appointment I had made at Marceline’s Salon de Beaute.” Evie made a point of lifting her chin. “But, I wish to be perfectly clear about this. I did not lure her.”

“There, mama. Are you quite satisfied?” Bicky asked.

The Dowager looked confused. “It’s not me she has to convince, but rather the authorities, the judge and the jury.”

“Nonsense,” Bicky said. “I’m sure this is nothing but a misunderstanding.”

“Is it? But you have yet to hear the rest of the evidence against Evangeline Parker.” The Dowager drew in a breath. “Upon subjecting herself to the beauty treatment, poor Miss Wainscot remained ignorant of what would happen next.” The Dowager gave a sorrowful sigh. “Such a bright and beautiful girl in her full bloom, nipped in the bud by the nefarious machinations of a devious woman intent on clearing all obstacles from her path to her second matrimonial conquest.”

Tom looked at Evie and murmured, “Is that so?”

“Not you too,” Evie murmured back.

Tom grinned. “Haven’t you heard? Majority rules and mob mentality prevails over all truth.”

“If you are quite finished Mr. Winchester,” the Dowager said, “I would like to resume my account of this creature’s wicked assault on one of our own.”

At this point, Evie couldn’t tell if the Dowager wanted to have fun at her expense or if she really meant what she said.

“Miss Wainscot now lies in the throes of agony, trying to overcome the damage caused to her by the products used on her delicate complexion. The girl has been disfigured by an attack of hives. All her prospects have been dashed. She is now a monster and will, most likely and forever more, live in the shadows of what might have been.”

“Mama, I am sure you exaggerate,” Bicky said. “Perhaps Miss Wainscot suffered a reaction.”