Read Online A Clandestine Courtship by Allison Lane - Free Book Online Page B

predictably bawdy as guests relieved themselves one by one in the chamber pot, but James remained silent, assessing each man as he recalled what he knew of him.
    Isaac, former friend and local magistrate. Had he investigated any of John’s questionable activities? John would have retaliated, which might have forced Isaac into an escalating battle. Or John may have persecuted Isaac solely because he had been James’s friend.
    Sir Richard Redfield, whose son was the neighborhood scamp. He had seen parents go to incredible lengths to protect their children. Had John threatened the boy in reprisal for a prank?
    Sir Maxwell Granger, a staid, unimaginative baronet, whose estate was older even than Ridgeway. Sir Maxwell was excessively proud of its history, and frequently compared it to others – always in his own favor. Had he made disparaging remarks about Ridgeway that John had taken as personal insults? Ridgeway’s deterioration made it likely. But would that lead to murder?
    Lord Holcolme and his cousin Edward. James knew little of either, but Edward was about his own age, so he would have known John in London, and perhaps also at Oxford.
    Colonel Davis, still hale, though he must be seventy. His son had been stationed in India when James first arrived, though they had only spoken twice. Now the man was serving on the Peninsula. But he could imagine no conflict between the colonel and John – unless the rumors were true that John was involved in smuggling. Many smugglers aided French spies, infuriating every military man in the country.
    The new vicar, who was oddly outspoken for a man of the cloth.
    The doctor, two solicitors, and half a dozen young people he could not place – friends of Northrup, he supposed. They would have been children on his last visit.
    His eyes finally rested on his host. Northrup had also been in India, though they had not met there. Did that hold any significance? Northrup was the one man who was truly innocent of murder, yet he was the most hostile man in the room. His eyes hardened whenever he glanced at James. Only the presence of others kept his teeth unbared. Was Northrup another who was reacting to his looks? But that made little sense. Northrup had been abroad for years. Even virulent hatred should have dissipated. Did his remain, or was it new?
    Perhaps he had only recently learned of some serious offense. He might look askance on John’s affair with Mary. Or was there a worse crime that had struck directly at Northrup’s family?
     * * * *
    “I really must talk with you privately,” James murmured to Mary once the gentlemen reached the drawing room. She was settling the older guests at card tables. Most of the younger ones had repaired to the music room for informal dancing.
    Irritation flashed across her face. “If you are offering for one of my sisters, talk to Northrup.”
    “I am not interested in either of your sisters, and Northrup cannot help me. He’s been gone nearly as long as I have. Surely you can spare me five minutes. No one will miss you. They are engrossed in cards.”
    “Persistent, aren’t you?” She sighed, but led the way to a small sitting room.
    He shut the door firmly behind them. “Do you have to treat me like a pariah?” He regretted the question the moment the words burst out.
    “Am I neglecting my guests so you can complain because I’m not falling at your feet in adoration?”
    “No. I am trying to find my brother’s killer,” he said bluntly. “But it isn’t easy. He accumulated enemies the way Shelford collects driving records.” Shelford was a noted Corinthian who spent much of his life racing.
    “Why come to me? Squire Church is conducting the investigation.”
    “I know. I already spoke with him, but he is satisfied to let the matter go.”
    “Without evidence, what would you suggest he do?”
    He shrugged. “Maybe he is right, and the killer came from elsewhere. I have men checking that possibility. But I don’t believe he ever