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that Mr. Stalbridge actually murdered Fiona Risby.”

    “I’m sorry to say that there was some speculation to that effect.”

    “What? Why would he do such a thing? What possible motive could he have had?”

    Emma looked at her very directly. “There was talk that Mr. Stalbridge discovered Fiona in the arms of another man.”

    A little shiver went through Louisa. “Surely you didn’t believe he murdered her?”

    “My dear, if there is one thing that I learned in the course of my travels, it is that any man or woman, regardless of social background or degree of civilization, may be driven to murder under certain circumstances.” Emma met her eyes in a very somber look. “The only question is which circumstances will motivate a particular individual.”

    Louisa swallowed hard. “I cannot quarrel with you regarding that conclusion.”
    Emma’s face softened. “My apologies. I never meant—”

    “There is no need to apologize. You are right, Emma. Nevertheless, I think it is safe to say that Mr. Stalbridge did not murder Fiona Risby.”

    “What makes you so sure of that?” Emma sounded genuinely curious.

    “Surely if he had killed her he would not be searching for the real murderer.”

    “It has been a little over a year since he lost his fiancée,” Emma said quietly. “Mr. Stalbridge is no doubt in the market for a new one, but the old gossip will likely complicate the business. Under normal circumstances, he could look for a bride among the most distinguished families in Society. As I told you, the Stalbridges can claim a very distinguished lineage, and now that their fortunes have been repaired they hold an unassailable position in Society. However—”

    Emma stopped and gave a tiny shrug.

    Louisa got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. “I understand what you are saying. Many of the best families will surely hesitate before marrying off a daughter to a gentleman who is rumored to have murdered a woman.”

    “Even if they don’t believe that gossip, they will be quite hesitant to allow a daughter to become engaged to a gentleman who is said to have jilted his first fiancée. What if he does it again? Concerned parents will be wary of subjecting a daughter to that sort of social humiliation.”

    “In other words, whether he is guilty of jilting Fiona or of killing her, he has a strong incentive to make it appear that she was murdered by someone else,” Louisa concluded.

    “He would need persuasive evidence, but if he succeeds, Society will conclude that he is innocent. He
    would then be free to marry any of the wealthy heiresses who will no doubt be cast before him by their extremely enthusiastic parents.”

    8

    Elwin Hastings looked across the desk at his bride of two months. He knew himself to be the envy of many men. Dressed in a fashionable green gown, her honey-brown hair piled high in an elaborate coiffure that required the attentions of a hairdresser every morning, Lilly was nothing short of beautiful.

    It was all he could do not to pick up the heavy crystal vase on his desk and hurl it at her silly, brainless head.

    “Next time you will show me the guest list before you instruct Crompton to send out the invitations,” he commanded. “Is that understood?”

    “Yes, of course.” Lilly clamped her hands together very tightly in her lap. Resentment flared in her eyes. “But you told me that Crompton knew who was to be invited to the ball. You said your secretary is aware of precisely how things are to be done in this household when it comes to social affairs and that I am to leave everything in his hands.”

    “I will speak with Crompton immediately and inform him that Anthony Stalbridge is to be removed from all future guest lists,” Elwin said.

    “I don’t understand why you are so angry that he attended our ball. Mr. Stalbridge is from a very prominent family. He is the nephew of the Earl of Oakbrook. Indeed, there is even speculation that he might