Read Online Death Comes to Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd - Free Book Online Page A

open for Lucy and the major to pass through. “Do you really believe you can find out who did this?”
    Major Kurland looked down at Lucy. “Miss Harrington and I are becoming rather accomplished at discovering murderers. If we can’t bring this off, I doubt anyone can.”
    After bidding Dr. Fletcher a subdued good-bye, Lucy allowed the major to accompany her back to the carriage and then suddenly stopped.
    â€œCould we walk for a while?”
    â€œIf you wish.” He gestured at his damaged leg. “I doubt I can make it the whole way home, but I will do my best.” He shouted to Reg. “Wait for me in the village square.”
    â€œAll right, sir.”
    The carriage moved off. It was a cloudy day, but there was no hint of rain as they walked together down the narrow country road toward the center of Kurland St. Mary.
    â€œSo what shall we do now?” Lucy asked.
    â€œOur best to discover a murderer.” He sighed. “What an appalling thing to happen on Andrew’s wedding day.”
    â€œPerhaps we should start by listing those who might have wished Mrs. Chingford dead, or at least might have become involved in an argument with her, resulting in an untimely fall,” Lucy said. “One would assume that if it had been an accident , then someone would have come forward by now, or at least remained with the body and raised the alarm.”
    â€œYou’d be surprised how people behave in such situations. Even if it was an accident, the person might not even have realized Mrs. Chingford had fallen so badly. They might have gone on their way, thinking they’d taught her a lesson.”
    â€œBut now we all know she is dead.”
    â€œAnd whoever did it might be too frightened to confess or might have left the wedding immediately afterward and returned home, none the wiser.”
    Lucy glanced up. “You have a very jaundiced view of people’s morals, Major.”
    â€œI was in the army. I know all too well that civilized behavior is a very thin veneer. It doesn’t take much to make otherwise perfectly decent men behave like savages.”
    They continued for a moment in silence, the only sound the tap of the major’s cane on the hardened mud.
    Lucy considered as she walked. “Dorothea Chingford seemed at odds with her mother, Mrs. Fielding disliked her immensely, as did Mr. Stanford’s sister and Mrs. Green, and . . .”
    â€œAnd you. Don’t forget to put yourself on that list. Has it occurred to you that as you found the body, gossip might assume you are the guilty party?”
    Lucy stopped walking to meet his level gaze. “You know I wouldn’t have killed her.”
    â€œYes, but I’m not everyone. You also had a very good reason to dislike her. No woman likes to be replaced.”
    â€œYou are quite wrong about that, sir. I cannot begrudge my father another chance at happiness and would never stand in the way of him acquiring a new wife.” She hesitated. “In truth, I would be delighted to relinquish his care into another woman’s hands, just not into Mrs. Chingford’s.”
    â€œOthers might not believe that,” he said flatly.
    â€œYou truly believe I might be implicated in Mrs. Chingford’s death?”
    â€œI would almost guarantee it, Miss Harrington.” He hesitated. “If you feel threatened in any way, please be assured that I will stand your friend.”
    â€œI appreciate that, Major, but I doubt I will have need of you.” She continued walking, and after a moment he joined her. “As far as I know, everyone considers Mrs. Chingford’s death a tragic accident rather than a murder.”
    â€œThen let’s hope it remains that way,” he muttered as they reached the village square. “Now, how can we keep the wedding guests here in Kurland St. Mary so we can investigate this matter properly?”
    â€œI had a thought about that.” Lucy