A Lady's Vanishing Choices (26 page)

“Oh, nothing. Just a stray thought.” In a deliberately casual tone he suggested, “Then again, perhaps you could have comforted the dear, wealthy, widowed Lord Rivton.” He glanced away, allowing his words to register. “One never knows what life shall bring. Perhaps you still may have the opportunity to do so.”

Chapter 31

Festooned in flowers of every description, Bethany intended the mansion to hold a festive air. Stroter Hall had met her high expectations. The delicate fragrance of so many blooms perfumed the ballroom. Removing a wilted leaf from an arrangement, she stepped back to observe the whole.

She surveyed the entire space, all the way to the vaulted ceilings where candles in crystal chandeliers blazed with light. Flames flickered, washing down the walls, the velvet hangings, and reflected on the polished floor of the ballroom. Candelabras graced every conceivable mantle, table, and shelf around the area, plus several chambers in the mansion.

The ladies withdrawing room had been designated, and all was in readiness to receive the guests. Everything appeared to be in order, yet still a stirring of foreboding shuddered through her. She drew a deep breath and nervously straightened her skirts.

Royce brushed her arm. Startled, she jerked away and glanced over her shoulder. “Royce, you frightened me.”

“Not my intention, I assure you.”

Bethany lowered her voice nearly to a whisper. “Has the trap been set?”

He gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Of course. No need for concern. Nothing shall go amiss.”

She leaned against him and looked over her shoulder into his face. “Everything is lovely, but I have a horrible feeling about tonight.”

His eyes widened. “Soldiers are mingling with the guests. Naturally out of uniform. If I find it necessary to step away from your side for any reason, Hopkins is on guard. He’s always at the edge of the crowd with you in his line of sight.” Royce grimaced. “Since you and I are the hosts, it may prove more difficult than I imagined for you to remain constantly by my side. However, you are to keep your eyes on me whenever I’m not within arm’s reach.”

“I understand.”
Little does he know how I rely on his strength and his wisdom
.
He is my anchor tonight.
“And, Royce, thank you. You make me feel safe.” She patted his hand on her shoulder. Lifting her head, she caught him by the fingers and led him into the wide entrance to the ballroom. “I hear the rumble of carriages. Let’s greet our guests.”

She swallowed to still the panic forming in her chest when the hallway began to overflow with the neighborhood gentry, friends, and perhaps foes as well. Torches lit the entrance to the mansion where lords and ladies continued to climb out of carriages and swarm inside.

Bethany straightened her spine and clung to Royce’s arm
.
For several long minutes, Royce and Bethany stood to the left of the entrance greeting guests. Finally, only a few people remained in the line waiting to be received, and she sighed with relief. At the last moment, a jovial looking gentleman with brushy eyebrows accompanied by his wife strode into the ballroom.

“Uncle Felix,” Eleanor squealed and hurried forward to throw herself into his arms. She linked arms with him and his wife. “Uncle Felix, this is Lord and Lady Rivton. This is my uncle, Sir Felix Dimsworthy, my mother’s brother. He’s in the diplomatic corps, you know,” Eleanor boasted, with a wide smile on her lips and her eyes alight with pride. “And my Aunt Madeline, of course.”

Royce and Bethany greeted the couple. With a measuring glance at the newcomers, Royce nodded. “Welcome to our little gathering. An introduction of my new bride to the neighborhood.”

Sir Dimsworthy raised his quizzing glass and inspected Bethany from head to foot. “Thought the little chit lived in the neighborhood most of her life.”

Royce’s tone became frigid. “Certainly, but not as my wife.”

“No offense intended. Merely seen the chit all through these last several years,” Sir Dimsworthy apologized.

“Of course. Please excuse us.” Royce nodded his head in acceptance and drew Bethany into his arms, guiding her out onto the floor.

He smiled into her eyes. “Everything is going splendidly. I’m proud of my beautiful wife.”

She dipped her head. “Thank you, kind sir.”

Royce circled the floor with her several rounds. “Stay close by when I display the ring. I heard some of the guests chattering about the whole affair, wishing to catch a glimpse of the evidence.”

“As we planned,” Bethany said. “Our goal to fill the hall with the curious has been granted. I believe everyone and his cousin is in attendance.”

“Indeed.”

“Speaking of cousins, Eleanor’s cousin Freddy isn’t here. I would have thought he’d have made a point to put in an appearance.”

“I’ve not clapped eyes on the fellow, either. Does it matter?”

She shrugged. “I merely question his absence. I expected him to arrive with Eleanor and her family. His father is here, but Freddy didn’t come with him either.”

“You know for a fact Freddy isn’t Joliet’s brother. You’ve known him for years. Besides that, it’s very hard to suspect that fribble of murder.” Royce gritted his teeth. “He likes cats, you know.”

“What has that to say to anything?”

He grimaced. “It’s just one of his quirks, that’s all.”

“Well, we did want everyone to appear so Abby could have the opportunity to take a look,” she added in a subdued voice. “Even Freddy.”

“Just so.”

A nagging sense of unease continued to haunt her. Had this gathering been a colossal mistake? She hoped not and glanced around the room, checking and probing for anything out of place that may have contributed to her sense of urgency.

“It’s very hard not knowing whom to trust. One never knows what drives another person.” With a rueful smile, she said, “I wish I could have persuaded Maggie to attend the ball. She claimed she had nothing to wear.”

He chuckled and she grinned.

“She squawked about it not being fit and proper.” Her grin lingered after she lowered her lashes.

“You place a great deal of reliance on Maggie and her judgments, don’t you?”

She nodded. “Maggie has a bucket full of wisdom and common sense. She’s also an excellent judge of character.” Leaning closer, Bethany whispered, “She thought you were top-of-the-trees, a grand and trustworthy gentleman. I didn’t believe her then.”

He wiggled his brows at her before growing serious again. “Wise heads grow on older people. She lightened the dark spots in your life. I’m thankful.”

“She certainly did.”

One of the servants motioned to Royce. He glanced at the footman, then towards the back of the house. “Bethany, something needs my attention. You stay close to Hopkins. He’s by the balcony doors.”

“I intend to slip away to the ladies’ withdrawing room.”

Royce gave Hopkins a signal to approach and waited. “I want you to remain at the bottom of the stairs with the door to the withdrawing room well in your sight.”

Hopkins nodded.

Bethany’s cheeks burned, but she headed for the stairs with Hopkins in her wake.
The insensitive pig. Why didn’t he announce my intentions to the entire assembly?
She kept her eyes lowered and started to climb the steps.

“Bethany, wait,” Linda called. With her hem caught out of the way, she started up the stairs. “I should have said, Lady Rivton. Excuse my manners. I am so thrilled and excited I forget.” She continued to babble without pausing for breath. “Laurent said he had a surprise for me. He talked to papa about announcing our betrothal in the papers. Making it official. Perhaps the answer is to be my surprise.”

Bethany sucked in a little breath.
Because I don’t care for Laurent is no reason for Linda not to find happiness.
“If you’re pleased, I’m thrilled for you.”

“I’m ecstatic. A handsome gentleman, always so charming, and he asked for my hand in marriage. Why wouldn’t I be delighted beyond belief?”

On the way down, Eleanor passed them with a frown and a swish of her skirts. Bethany rolled her eyes. Eleanor would never consider a fencing master as a possible mate. Why should she begrudge Laurent to Linda?

After a brief sojourn in the ladies’ withdrawing room, Bethany and Linda descended the stairs together. Bethany surveyed the area and watched Hopkins maneuver to the edge of the crowd. She rewarded Hopkins’ vigilance with a smile when she met his glance across the room.

“I must find Laurent. I shall see you later,” Linda said and strolled away.

Ignoring the instructions to stay near Hopkins, Bethany stepped to the floor and moved towards John. As she approached, she touched his elbow. “Where is Royce? Do you know what he’s about?”

“I’m on the point of stationing the soldiers to guard the ring. He’ll be here shortly to place the evidence in position. If not, I’ll go in search of him.”

Anticipation, overlaid with a chill of apprehension, washed over her. The moment for victory or defeat had arrived. She rolled her lips inward for a second before murmuring, “Thank you.”

“Find Hopkins and stick to him until I return,” John admonished.

“Of course,” she nodded and surveyed the room. Finding Hopkins at the French doors, she strolled in that direction. After being detained by a guest here and there, when she reached the spot where she’d last seen Hopkins, he had disappeared. She gazed around, searching all the places he might find convenient to keep an eye on the proceeding.

“Bethany.” A voice she didn’t recognize called to her from outside. “Bethany, it’s me, Laurent.”

A shock of alarm raced through her. She froze and stared at him, not trusting him for an instant. He stood in the shadows on the balcony, his face barely discernable in the dark. Light from the ballroom struck only his trouser clad legs and shiny boots.

He motioned for her to come outside. Where was Royce? Even John or Hopkins would do
.
She hesitated and glanced over her shoulder. When Linda had first introduced him, and he’d gazed into her eyes, an unreasonable distrust had formed in her mind. His look had been unfathomable, something she couldn’t fight or defend. An eerie sensation, much like invisible fingers of evil, hovered round her.

Troubled, she moved slightly toward the door and shook her head. “I’m thirsty. I was on my way to the refreshment table.”

He stepped a littler nearer and coaxed, “It’s Linda. She complained of feeling faint. She needs you.”

Concerned, Bethany peered around the corner of the door, not venturing fully outside. She’d promised Royce. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she immediately spied Linda collapsed on the balcony floor. Bethany rushed out to her fallen friend and leaned over. Pain exploded in her head. Blackness washed over her in waves until she succumbed and knew no more.

“Quick, take her out of here,” Laurent charged Freddy with a sense of urgency. “Don’t linger. The way out won’t stay clear long.”

“Do you take me for a flat?” Freddy snapped.

Laurent snorted, “Any time now for the last several months.”

His accomplice spit out an acid rejoinder. “Best you know, I saved the day. I did away with that Hopkins bloke. Stabbed him in the back and rolled him into the bushes. He’s been watching over her like a hawk hungry for a fluffy chick. Without me, this fling would likely bring us all to a bad pass, and don’t you forget it.”

Laurent sent him a scorching glare. “Rivton has the ring displayed. His grand scheme, no doubt. Wait until you hear the commotion before you take her through the gate. The distraction should draw everyone’s attention.” Laurent watched while his accomplice struggled down the steps into the grounds and disappeared into the night with his burden.

Laurent smiled. Joliet was finally his again.
I shall be completely restored, once we leave this curst place. If she cooperates, I shall take her home where we belong. If not, small matter.
With that thought,
the emptiness in his soul seemed to ease
.
He drew a deep breath and rapidly vanished in the opposite direction.

Chapter 32

Royce had the evidence in his pocket. It was time for the display. Where was Bethany? He frowned and gazed around the room. His instructions had been very clear. She must remain indoors and stay close to him at all times. Nothing would please him more than Bethany paying heed to his words. Why couldn’t she follow a simple request? He brushed aside the fact he’d stated his terms in the form of an order.

He strode over to the table readied for the display. Curling his fingers into fists, he exhaled a long breath. It was now or never. Everything was riding on the display. No room for error.

Moisture dewed his upper lip while he fought for calm. Tense with concern and seething expectations, he steadied his hand when he reached into his jacket. Milling guests watched, edging nearer for a closer look while he carefully deposited the ring on a square of velvet in the center of the table.

Nodding to the two guards standing beside the exhibit, he stepped back to speak to John. “Where is Bethany? I don’t see her.” Alarm crept into his voice. “I told her to keep her eyes on me.”

“Relax. You were out of the room for a spell. And I’m certain Hopkins has her in his sight,” John soothed. “Still, you may safely leave the display to the guards. It’s to be hoped the culprit will give himself away. Or someone may recognize the jewelry and point us to who possessed it, when and where. At any rate, I shall be here to keep a close eye on the guests.”

With a nod, Royce turned away. He supposed some small emergency had claimed her attention. Still, she deserved a tongue-lashing for adding to his anxiety.
It’s a good thing she isn’t here. I might explode all over her.

At that moment, a scream erupted from the back of the ballroom. A distraught maid ran from the balcony through the French doors. She screamed again and began to babble, “A lady, all dead like.”

Royce hurried though the doors and discovered Linda unconscious, curled on the floor. He glanced over his shoulder at John and said, “Find Bethany. Linda will need her help.”

Laurent shouldered his way through the crowd. “I’m her fiancé. Please let me through.” He knelt beside her, opposite Royce, and clasped one of her hands. “Linda, open your eyes for me.”

Linda moaned and her eyes fluttered open. Before she could say a word, Royce’s attention was caught by a servant.

“Milord,” the footman announced in alarmed tones. “Lady Rivton is nowhere to be found. We searched everywhere.”

Royce bounded to his feet, frantic with fear and rage. “Get Hopkins. Gather everyone, all the servants, and every single person here. At once.” He ran back into the ballroom and scanned the entire area. “Sara, where is Hopkins? He’s supposed to watch after Bethany.”

A servant answered. “No one has seen him, milord.”

“Find him.” His voice had darkened with the need to subdue his emotions. He must remain calm.

“Certainly, milord.”

“What a coil—simply devilish.” John shook his head. “Let’s organize and not go off like a loose cannon.”

“You’re right, of course.” Royce blinked and looked down, his features stiff with control. “The blasted ring is gone too. That means the killer was in this room, under our damn noses.”

He turned an accusing gaze on the hapless guard who should have secured the ring. “Where were you when the ring disappeared?”

“Milord,” he stuttered. “I was here the whole while. What with the scream and all, I only took my eyes off it for a second.”

“John, round up all of your soldiers and have them guard the doors.” Royce stepped into the middle of the room where couples were milling about, chattering and peering around.

Royce raised his voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, please give me your attention.” He paused to gather his composure. “My wife has disappeared.”

The buzz of conversation increased. “I have several Bow Street Runners present and some of the renowned Horse Guards as well. They will be taking your statements. Anything you may recall concerning Lady Rivton could prove helpful. Try to remember where you saw her last, how long ago, and with whom. Your answers could prove extremely important. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Another scream ripped through the hallway. Royce broke into a run toward the back of the house. A distraught maid pointed a trembling finger at the floor in the pantry. Stuffed into the confined space on his side, Luke Stanshaw lay in a pool of blood.

Royce let out a savage oath and quickly knelt beside John’s servant, checking his pulse. “He’s alive. Let’s get him out of here.”

He grabbed Luke’s shoulders while a footman took his feet. With Stanshaw deposited on a bench in the kitchen, Royce directed the other servants, “One of you fetch the doctor and bring the housekeeper.”

Chaotic activity stirred behind Royce at his bidding. Before long, the doctor dashed into the room and bent over Luke’s prone form. Grave concern shook Royce. Another mistake. This man had been assigned to guard Abigail. She was the only person able to identify Joliet’s brother.

“Step back. I’ll see to him.” The doctor pulled his patient’s shirt loose and examined the wound. “By the looks of the hole in him, it appears he’s been punctured with a knife.”

Grimly he cleaned the wound, shook some basilicum powders on the spot, and bandaged his handiwork.

Royce stood over the doctor. “How is he?”

The doctor shook his head. “Not so stout, milord. Pretty well burned to the socket, I’d say.”

John hurried over. “Royce, the girl, Abby, has been found as well. She’s been stabbed, but she’s still alive.”

Royce sprang up and hurried behind John. When they reached the storeroom, the door stood open. Abby lay on the floor with the housekeeper beside her, staunching the flow of blood barely oozing from her shoulder.

The girl moaned and Royce turned to where she lay. The housekeeper moved aside to allow Royce to lean over Abby.

Everything had gone horribly wrong. Why had he allowed this dangerous nonsense? They were dealing with a deranged killer. So anxious he could hardly speak, still he barked out, “Do you know what happened to my wife?”

Abby moaned and shook her head. “Louis, he done killed me.”

Her eyes rolled back in her head and her chest ceased to move
.
He let out a savage oath. No, she can’t be dead. She’s the only one who can identify Louis. He’s the killer, the one after Bethany.

The plumpish housekeeper pushed her way to his side. “Here, milord. Go on with you. I’ll see to things here.” She knelt beside the girl again.

His insides burned with regret and rage while he concentrated on his next move. “If we catch the thief, perhaps he, or she, may lead us to Bethany. We must demand the gentlemen submit to a search. It’ll kick up a dust, but the ladies should all empty their reticules as well.”

“That’s a dashed ticklish business. Devilish situation,” John spat out.

“Indeed, but I have no qualms about doing so, if I find Bethany.” Royce entered the ballroom and immediately called for attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. Besides my wife being taken, it has been discovered that one of our faithful servants has been gravely wounded, and another murdered as well.”

The chatter swelled to a roar. Royce held up his hand for silence. “Please remain calm. I had a crucial piece of evidence in the murder of that poor girl, Mary, on display. I wanted each of you to view the item and see if any of you might have seen it before.” Royce paused. “It too has been stolen.”

An instant hush fell and seemed to suck all the air from the room. Frightened people glanced at one another.

“I regret finding it necessary to request you gentlemen empty your pockets, and, ladies, please display everything inside of your reticules. I’m not impugning anyone’s honor. I’m simply trying to protect everyone from wild speculation. Please have patience.”

His own patience at an end, he strode over to the door. With a strangled oath, Royce demanded, “John, you head up things at the hall. The rest of the servants and the villagers are going to search for my wife. Let every man jack of you take a section and start the hunt. My secretary, Charles, will assign the areas to each group.”

Royce spied the butler and demanded, “Bring Littleton to my library. I’ll question him personally.”

When Littleton marched into the room, Royce raised his brows. He allowed his features to stiffen into a threatening mask. “Let’s forego the niceties. I’ll come straight to the point. What have you done with Bethany?”

“Are you as daft as my tart of a niece?” Arthur’s face reddened and his eyes gleamed with malice. “Now that you’ve married her against my wishes, I’m no longer responsible for her wild actions.”

“Indeed, you are no longer in charge of her or her property. All is in my keeping.”

Arthur chortled. “Fine job you’ve done of it so far, losing the little bitch first thing.”

Rage flashed through Royce like lightning splitting the atmosphere during a storm. With intended menace in every movement, he stepped closer to Arthur and growled, “Keep your foul mouth off of my wife or I’ll shut it for you. Now sit yourself down and listen.”

He waited until Arthur subsided and dropped into a chair. “You are to empty your pockets onto the desk.”

“What’s this?” Arthur blustered.

“All the gentlemen are required to display the contents of their pockets. You’re no different.”

Arthur glared from beneath his lowered brows. “I didn’t take the ring. Why would I?”

“Why not? I’m certain you’ve feathered your nest with Bethany’s funds for years.”

Arthur fished every item out of his pockets and with careful deliberation thumped each piece down on the desk. His face purpled with rage, and he curled his hands into fists with impotent fury. “Everything should have been mine,” he bellowed. “I’ve given the best years of my life caring for that little . . . chit and her property,” he lamented. “I’ve been like a father to her and this is my reward.”

Royce stiffened. “If you really received your just reward, you’d wind up in Hell with your back broken. Repayment for some of the hell you dished out to a helpless child.”

“Ha. That over-proud little bitch deserved every lash she received.”

“I won’t warn you again.” Royce narrowed his eyes and deepened his voice to a threatening level.

Arthur tried for control. “She is old-headed. Always has been older than her few years, thinking and scheming against her betters and stubborn to the point beyond reason.”

“You’re not her better,” Royce countered. “With your treatment of her, what did you expect?”

Arthur raved. “I expected her to give in, to obey. I didn’t kill the little bitch. For that, you should be thankful.”

Royce bolted out of his chair, and without holding back, punched Arthur in the mouth. “You were warned. You’d better hope and pray she is unharmed. If I find you had anything to do with her disappearance or the attempts on her life, you shall be held accountable. You are under suspicion by the Bow Street Runners even as we speak.”

Arthur swiped at the blood trickling out of his nose and sputtered through his split lip, “I’ve done nothing. I resent your implications I acted otherwise.” He waved his hand towards his possessions. “As even you can plainly see. No ring.” He continued to rave. “I’ll gladly leave Birdelwood Estates and that little defiant . . .,” his voice trailed to a halt. He hesitated, cast a belligerent glare at Royce, and spewed, “In your clumsy hands.”

“A wise decision to keep your filthily mouth off my wife. But you are not free to go without the inventory and the records down to the last bucket on the home farm. And not
your
records, but the set you required Bethany to keep,” he continued, “in her hand writing, I might add.”

Arthur nodded, too furious to speak.

Royce narrowed his lids. “I intend to join the search for my wife. When the guests are allowed to leave, a guard and my man, Wilks, shall accompany you. Wilks is responsible for taking a new inventory. I expect you to fully cooperate. Be warned.”

He quit the room, slamming the door behind him.