Read Online Murder Has No Class by Rebecca Kent - Free Book Online Page A

prove to be no exception. Besides, now that her curiosity had been aroused, she had to admit she would like to find out more about the case. It intrigued her, and if by chance a miscarriage of justice had occurred, then she just might be able to help James Stalham rest in peace.

    The dinner bell had already rung when Meredith received the word that Stuart Hamilton awaited her presence in the library. Miffed that she would be late for the meal, and therefore would have to endure a cold supper—something she detested—she was not in a good frame of mind when she entered the library.
    Hamilton stood by the fireplace, his hands behind his back, his gaze on the flickering flames leaping up the chimney. He turned as she closed the door, and regarded her with a grave expression.
    “It has come to my notice,” he said, without even bothering to greet her, “that Pratt is in trouble again.”
    Meredith raised her eyebrows. “Good evening, Mr. Hamilton. May I ask, how did you find out about the incident with Mr. Platt ?”
    If Hamilton had noticed her emphasis on her assistant’s correct name, he gave no sign. “Miss Montrose informed me of it.”
    Meredith tightened her lips. Of course. She might have known. Sylvia Montrose wasted no time in running to Hamilton any time she could find an excuse. “I wonder how Miss Montrose knew enough about the situation to feel confident in passing it along to you.”
    “Apparently she heard it from one of the students.” He tilted his head to one side. “I’ve had a word with Pratt, and he has given me his sworn oath that he will have nothing more to do with the student in question.”
    Meredith moved over to the nearest chair and sat down. “I’m afraid that neither Mr. Platt nor Miss Westchester seems able to honor their promises.”
    “So I’ve noticed.”
    Hamilton walked over to the window, and Meredith watched him with a frown. He seemed ill at ease, most unusual for him, since his confidence and assurance usually bordered on arrogance.
    “Is something wrong?” she asked tentatively. “Apart from the fact that I have an impetuous assistant who seems bent on causing a great deal of trouble, I mean.”
    Hamilton turned to face her. “I’m sorry that he is proving to be such a nuisance.”
    Meredith folded her hands in her lap. “Roger Platt is far more than a nuisance. He refuses to obey my demands that he stay away from the young ladies of this establishment. He apparently fails to realize the effect this kind of behavior could have on their reputations, and possibly even their future lives. The students of Bellehaven are my responsibility, and I simply will not put up with this situation any longer. I must insist that you replace him at once.”
    Hamilton patted the top pocket of his waistcoat and drew out a cigar. He sniffed it, rolled it in his fingers, then, apparently changing his mind, replaced it in his pocket. “I understand your concerns, Meredith, but I ask you to reconsider. I’ve acted quite sternly with the young man, and I believe he now understands the gravity of his situation. I beseech you to give him one last chance.”
    Meredith let out her breath on a puff of resentment. “I have given that incorrigible young man far too many chances. I fail to see how one more can produce a miracle.”
    Hamilton moved toward her, with a purposeful expression that thoroughly unnerved her. “Meredith, I have something to tell you. Something I should have mentioned before, but I was hoping to confirm everything before I revealed what I know.”
    Wary now, she watched his face. As always, his gaze on her put her at a disadvantage. Her heart sped up until she felt as though he would surely see it beating against her chest. She dropped her chin, waiting with shortened breath to hear what he had to say.
    He was almost upon her before he halted. She kept her gaze firmly on his highly polished boots, her shoulders braced against the rapid pulsing of blood through her