Murder at Locke Abbey (9 page)

“Keep proving men like me wrong and on
e day, they will.” He began putting the brain back into the skull.

“I assume you checked for head injuries first?” Thea asked.

“Oh yes, nothing there, not even old injuries.”

“Then it was definitely a natural death.”

“As unusual as it was, yes, quite natural.”

“Please be sure to say
as much to Mrs Lanning, would you? I explained it but I’m sure having it confirmed will ease her mind further.”

“Of course.
Feel free to get away if you’ve places to be.”

Cole
saw the doctor shoot a look in his direction. “Please, don’t feel you have to leave on my account,” he told Thea.

“We have what we came for,” Thea smiled. “We know beyond a shadow of a doubt what
killed him, I see no reason to remain. Thank you, Doctor.”

“My pleasure, my dear.”

“Come, Mr Cole, our business is done.”

He saw little need to keep arguing and truth be told, he was glad to leave this room.

***

Being a woman, Thea wasn’t allowed to attend Mr Lanning’s funeral, and Cole opted not to either, believing that
he was of more use helping her find Mrs Garwood’s killer.

When they returned to the
house, Lord Copley was charming some of the ladies over a game of croquet on the lawn. Cole dismissed himself to check on Mrs Lanning, and Thea stayed with her father. As play continued, he held himself a little aloof from the group, so that he and Thea could talk more freely.

“Have you discovered anything?” she asked.

“Nothing concrete but I have begun forming suspicions,” he answered.

“Oh?”

“I stayed at the breakfast table until everyone had come and gone; I don’t think I’ve ever drunk so much coffee.”

“Papa!” She knew he liked to draw things out and tease her, but it annoyed Thea no end.

“I have no firm basis for this but I believe Mrs Cole and Mr Garwood are having an affair.”

Thea turned to him in shock.

“Surely they would not be so obvious in
her
husband’s house and after
his
wife’s death.”

“They weren’t obvious,” Copley assured her.
“In fact I’m basing my assertion on the fact that they hardly ever interact.”

“That’s a little farfetched, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps but in case you hadn’t noticed, Selena Cole is an incorrigible flirt. She has played up to every man here, including me, and even those gentlemen who are much older than she. The only gentleman that she is not coquettish with are her husband and Mr Garwood.”

“You’ve observed her and Mr Cole together?”

“This morning at breakfast, after you left. As I said however, I have absolutely no proof, only suspicions.”

Thea knew that her father’s intuition was worth listening to, even if she didn’t understand it.

“Assuming you are correct, I’m not sure how it helps.”

“It could give Garwood motive to kill his wife.”

“Yes but he has an alibi; he was never alone after his wife retired to bed. I suppose he could have paid someone else to do the deed, but who? And how did they get into and out of the
house again?”

“Both good questions,” Lord Copley agreed.

“Have you learned anything else?”

“Small
tidbits.”

It was his turn to play then, so he stepped away to play his shot, then returned to Thea.

“What else have you observed?” she asked.

“
Mrs Buchan appears to dislike her sister in law, Lady Buchan, immensely. Lady Eleanor, Lord Grady’s daughter, has a great deal of interest in both Lord Buchan’s son and Cole, although I believe Cole is her preference. Emily Small seems to harbour an affection for a boy from a neighbouring family; when it was mentioned that the boy’s parents, Lord and Lady Reynolds, would be at the séance this evening, she became very flushed. She also claims a great deal of affection for Selena Cole, but I believe that is a lie.”

“Why would she lie about it?”

“I think that once this ordeal is over, she would like to stay on at the house, probably to be near the neighbour’s boy. She is showering Selena with praise and affection, but Selena is rather fickle and spiteful in her judgements, and Emily appears to be using every ounce of self-restraint not to tell her how she really feels. Lady Small appears to be doing everything she can to dissuade her daughter from pursuing the friendship, but she seems unaware that Emily is smitten with the neighbour.”

“The Smalls are friends of Mr Cole Sr. aren’t they?”

“They are.”

“Then it’s not entirely surprising they don’t like his new wife, especially if they were fond of his first wife.”

“What about you, my dear, how were your enquiries?”

“Mr Lanning did die of natural causes, which does nothing to help us discover who among those here is a murderer.”

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, my dear. Try to relax and enjoy yourself a little.”

“I am relaxed, Papa, and I like nothing more than a puzzle, so I am enjoying myself.”

Copley shook his head. “If you say so.”

“Have you learned anything new about the father, Beau, as he likes to be called?”

“Not much, why?”

“Observing him at breakfast this morning, I got the impression that there is more wrong with him than simply old age.”

“You think he has an illness?” her father asked.

“I do. I wanted to ask the doctor about it but he was in the middle of the procedure when we arrived, and Cole didn’t have a very strong stomach so I thought it best not to dawdle.”

“I’ll see what I can discover.”

“
Thank you. Has anyone said when the mystic is arriving?”

He checked his pocket
watch. “Should be another hour or two, before afternoon tea.”

“And you said there was to be a séance this evening?”

“Yes, after dinner.”

“I believe I shall enjoy that.”

“You’re smiling,” he noted. “I rather thought her presence would anger you, I know you think them all thieves and charlatans.”

“Indeed they are, but you know
that I enjoy a good illusion.”

“You enjoy figuring out how they are done.”

“Yes, so this evening should be very entertaining.”

They shared a smile.

“So, what are your plans now?” he asked.

I
intend to measure Mrs Garwood’s room, and her neighbour’s, just to make sure that there are no secret chambers. Evans has a tape measure we can use.”

“Well, I hope you find something. Even after twenty five years working alongside your mother, I cannot figure this puzzle out
at all.”

“Nor me,” Thea grinned. “But I am enjoying the challenge.”

“I’ll stay here, see if I can ingratiate myself with the ladies a little more.”

“Do you really think they can help?”

“I think it unlikely they did this, few women murder, even fewer violently, but women are more observant than they are often credited for, and they do love to gossip.”

“And in this situation, I will agree, that might be a good thing.” She knew she didn’t have to ask him to be cautious about what they told him; h
e was very well aware that in the absence of facts, people often filled in the blanks, usually incorrectly.

***

Madame Davina certainly played her part well. She alighted from her coach wrapped in a red velvet cloak, trimmed with fur, her hair pinned up from her face yet still seeming wild and unkempt, and her left wrist jangled with charm bracelets.

Before any introductions had been made, she clutched her breast and looked fearful.

“There has been great tragedy here,” she wailed, in a thickly accented voice. Thea couldn’t be sure but it sounded like at attempt at a Russian or Slovakian accent, certainly an attempt at something Eastern European.

A gentleman, her companion, quickly made his way to her side.

“Are you all right, Madam?”

She appeared to swoon slightly but her companion kept her on her feet,
as she raised a hand to her forehead.

“I will be fine,” she told him, then turned to the assembled crowd that had come out to meet her.

Everyone seemed to be here, all eager to catch a glimpse of the mystic. Only ‘Beau’ and Mrs Lanning were absent.

“I apologise. When entering old houses or places of very recent suffering, sometimes I am overwhelmed by the spirits. It will pass as I become used to their presence.”

Thea looked around those gathered, and noticed that around two thirds appeared delighted with Madame Davina’s display. The remaining third were sceptical, like her, and a few even appeared angry.

“I’m so sorry, Madam, can I help in any way?” Selena descended the six steps to greet the mystic.

“Perhaps a thimble of brandy?”

“Oh, yes,
certainly. Follow me.” Selena took Madam Davina’s arm and guided her inside, her companion following behind as the carriage driver unloaded some rather colourful trunks. “We’re so pleased you could come, Madam, things here are getting quite out of hand and we are grateful for any assistance you can offer.”

“I will do what I can,” she replied, but it sounded more like, ‘I
vil do vot I ken.’

The crowd parted for them, most people practically gaping as they passed, then Madam Davina stopped abruptly by the door.

“There is ee-vil here,” she said with feeling, and even managed to send a shiver up Thea’s spine. “So much pain! So much death! Oh!”

“She needs to sit down,” madam’s companion said.

“Yes, of course, of course, come, Madam.”

As they headed inside, almost everyone followed them, except for Thea and Cole.

“I’ll say this for her, she’s a damn good actress,” Thea conceded. “She even sent a shiver up
my
spine.”

“I’m glad you said that,” h
e grinned. “I was feeling a touch foolish.”

After a hearty drink, Madame Davina (no last name) and her companion, who was eventually introduced as Philip Platt, went to their
suite of rooms to rest and meditate. They had been given a suite much like Thea and her father, but no maids were allowed to disturb Madam Davina, or enter her bedroom at all. Apparently, it upset the spirits and prevented the madam from communing with them.

She would not be joining everyone for dinner as she needed to relax and reach a
transcendental state before the séance, which was scheduled for after dinner. All meals were to be served in her room and all guests must knock before entering.

“More likely, she wants to keep an air of mystery about her,” Lord Copley said as Cole shared tea with him and his daughter.

Cole nodded his agreement. “It would be harder to believe the ordinary capable of the extraordinary.”

“I don’t understand,” Thea frowned. “No one can talk with dead people, no matter how bad their accent is.”

“Even you admitted she spooked you,” Cole reminded her.

Thea rolled her eyes, but he suspected she was upset at being thought gullible.

“Admit it,” Cole coaxed. “Had she alighted from that carriage with a thick cockney accent, her words would have affected you far less, am I right?”

“I suppose. It is all part of her act.”

“Exactly,” her father agreed. “And the more time she spends around others, the more likely it is she will slip up and reveal the truth.”

“So she’s hiding because she doesn’t trust herself to keep her act up?”

“Essentially,” Copley agreed. “It also ‘others’ her, makes her something separate and unknown. She may be a fraud, but she is a very good fraud.”

“We’ll see,” Thea said with determination.

“How did you fair measuring the rooms?” Copley asked.

“We measured everything twice, from wall to wall, door to wall, door to door
and even allowing a wide margin of error, there could not possibly be a hidden compartment wider than four inches.”

“Not even wide enough for an infant,” Copley agreed. “Are you upset?”

“Determined,” she answered. “Besides, I would probably have been disappointed if the answer had been so simple.”

“Do you have any further ideas?” Copley asked.

“I plan to visit the doctor to discuss the other deaths with him. Being a medical man, he might have noticed something the casual observer didn’t, or perhaps didn’t recognise the significance. I shall also arrange to speak with the constable and magistrate. If all that proves fruitless, I shall talk to the servants. Will you talk to Mary’s family for me?” She looked to her father. “If she had any secrets, they might know and you’re better at talking to people than I am.”

“Of course, I’ll go and see them tomorrow,” he agreed.

“Thank you. We also need to see what we can discover about the deceased’s heirs.”

“To discover who benefited from their deaths?” Cole
inquired.

“Exactly. Greed isn’t an uncommon reason for murder. Of course, Mary Potter had few possessions and
no wealth, but it did occur to me that perhaps she was with child.”

Cole almost dropped his cup at her forthright and matter of fact statement. His step-mother would have swooned at even the implication that an unmarried woman might be with child.

“She apparently had dreams of a wealthy gentleman falling for her charms,” Thea continued, unaware of his reaction. Her father had noticed however, and was trying to hide a smile. “She wanted a rich man to whisk her away from her life of drudgery. It’s possible that she was murdered to prevent a scandal resulting from such a tryst.”

“Are you suggesting she tried to blackmail a guest?” Cole queried.

“It’s possible, but only speculation at the moment. Unfortunately all our theories are speculation at this point; we have little proof of anything yet.”

“At least we know Mr Lanning’s death was natural. Is it possible that Mary’s death had nothing to do with Mrs Garwood’s?”

“Possible but unlikely, that would mean you have two murderers in the house.”

“A discomforting thought indeed,” Cole agreed.

“If we don’t have anything new to follow after that, I’ll go over everything again.”

“I’ll discover what I can from the guests,” Lord Copley added. “Between us, we should
find something useful.”

“I hope so,” Thea agreed.
“I think I’m going to go through Mary’s belongings again before dinner. Something about those advertisements for passage to America is bothering me.”

Both gentlemen stood up when she did.

“I will escort you to dinner again,” Cole said.

“Thank you.” S
he blushed and looked away, almost scurrying from the room.

“I
do believe my daughter is smitten,” Lord Copley said once the door was closed. The gentlemen resumed their seats.

“What exactly g
ave you that idea, her rushing from my presence, or her refusal to look me in the eye?” It was half said in jest but there was also some truth there too.

“She’s worried her feelings aren’t returned,” Copley explained.

“I’d be grateful for any advice or insights you can give me.”

“Thea is a brave and competent young woman but in matters of the heart, she is a novice, and very wary of being hurt and making a fool of herself.”

“I can understand that but unless she lets me know that my attentions are welcome, I… well, I’m not one to press these matters.”

“And that is a credit to your character, Sir,” Copley praised. “
However, you don’t know Thea as I do. Allowing you to assist with her investigations is the biggest compliment she can pay you, and proves the high regard she holds of you. If she did not hold you in high esteem, she would have refused to allow you to help her.”

Cole sighed. “It might be easier if she show
ed her regard with a dance, like other young ladies.”

Copley laughed. “I’m sure it would but while
she has many talents, dancing is not one of them. By the end of the dance, you would believe she disliked you immensely.”

“It’s good to know there are some things she can't do well.”

“I can understand that sentiment,” he nodded. “I have no idea if she will do this but you may have noticed how proud a girl she is.”

“I have, and it is not without reason; she
is
gifted.”

“True, but she is also only human. Her pride makes it difficult for her to admit her shortcomings
to others. When she tried to do so as a child, often down playing her talents as well to try and be accepted by other children, many thought she was patronising them. As a result, she hardened her heart and now, never likes to show weakness, unless it is to her immediate family. Should she entrust such information to you, it will be a sign of her deep affection and faith in you.”

“Thank you.”

“My final suggestion is, be upfront. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Thea is forthright and when she wants to know something, she asks, with rarely a thought to her company or propriety. She also isn’t good at picking up on social cues so if you have something to say, even something delicate, don’t couch it in euphemisms or hints; she won’t thank you for it.”

“Thank you, Sir, I shall consider everything you’ve said.” He had another question and wondered how to phrase it without insulting Copley.

“I can see you have something else on your mind.”

“You’re very observant.”

“I try. I’m also used to brutal honesty, so whatever you have to say, you won’t offend me.”

“Very well
… I was wondering, your wife, if Athena takes after her… well, what about Society? Does her attitude not cause you problems?”

“In my experience, people’
s beliefs cover a very broad spectrum, from the very conservative to very liberal, from open minded, to those closed to all suggestions of change. However, it has also been my experience that many beliefs and opinions are also surprisingly flexible. There are a few who are put off by what they call my wife’s abrasive nature, although I view that as a failing with them, not her. Most either forgive her faux pas, probably helped by our wealth and rank, and some even appreciate and enjoy her honesty. As for society, if you can gain admittance to Almack’s then you should be fine. Luckily one of the former lady patronesses is the Countess of Jersey, who’s opinion is often still sought and respected. She is the senior partner in Child’s bank and very hands on with regard its running. She appreciates brave and intelligent women, and I’m sure she would approve of you and Thea, just as she heartily approves of Thea’s mother.”

***

The Cole’s closest neighbours, Lord and Lady Reynolds, as well as their eldest son, Michael, were also in attendance this evening. Lord and Lady Buchan and their in laws, Mr and Mrs Buchan, had declined to take part in the evening’s events, although their children were in attendance, and appearing rather excited by what was to come.

Thea was only mildly surprised when Philip Platt joined the party for drinks and dinner; someone had to discover what had been going on and since her knowledge was supposed to come from ‘beyond the grave’
, Madame Davina could hardly ask.

Mr Platt was subtle though, never asking any direct questions about why they had called on Madam’s services, or what had been going on in the house.

“Something troubling you?” Cole asked, appearing at her side in the parlour.

She had been watching
Mr Platt like a hawk minded its prey, but his seeming lack of interest in the goings on was frustrating her.

“I expected him to ask about recent events but so far, he hasn’t said anything about what’s been happening.”

“He may not,” Cole agreed. “But look where he’s standing.”

He was standing behind the couch where Cole’s step-mother and Mrs Dale were seated.
The small pug seemed desperate to leave her mistresses’ lap, probably to join Thea, but Mrs Cole held him tightly.

“I don’t understand.”
Thea frowned.

“He’s supposed to be chatting to Lord and Lady Buchan but he isn’t interacting with them very much.”

“They also aren’t telling him about recent events, I’ve found a reason to move close three times; they are discussing France.”

“Perhaps, but what are Selena and Mrs Dale discussing?” Cole asked her.

Thea had no idea, she hadn’t paid any attention to their conversation.

“You think they’re discussing the deaths?”

“I do. He hasn’t stood more than ten paces from that sofa since he entered this room.”

“He would need exceptional hearing though, wouldn’t he?”

“Or careful training.”

“How can we prove this is how Madame Davina is getting her information?” Thea asked.

“I’m going to look out of the window in a moment, remaining within ear shot of Mr Platt and doing my best to appear pensive. Approach me in a few moments and we will try to plant some incorrect information in his mind.”

“What kind of information?”

“By the time you approach, I will have thought of something.”

Cole went to stand by the window and
after waiting a few moments, Thea made her way over.

“Cole, are you quite all right?” she asked. Her acting abilities were minimal, so she could only hope that she was believable.

“I’m sorry?” he said, turning to her.

“Are you all right? You seem very pensive.”

Cole sighed. “I don’t know, I… This has all knocked me for a loop.”

“I, uh, I can see why.”

“I’m not sure you can, you see, well, my mother died in that room, Mrs Garwood’s room. Natural causes; illness took her and Mrs Garwood’s demise is simply an unfortunate coincidence but…”

“But what?”

“What if it’s real?” he asked. “What if she’s still here, trying to communicate?”

“I don’t know.” His acting was so good, she was tempted to believe his words. “What would she want to communicate?”

He turned away. “We fought, before her death, we fought and I left. By the time news reached me of her illness, I wasn’t able to return in time. I want to know if she suffered and… if she forgives me. I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

“Oh, Cole…” was he acting or not? If this was true, how did she comfort him, especially since she wasn’t
even certain that there was a God or an afterlife. As heretic as that seemed, she believed in science. One day the existence of a God might be proved but until then, she couldn’t in all good conscience tell him that his mother had gone to a better place.

She laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”

Cole gave her a small smile and rested his hand over hers. His skin was dry and warm but the most shocking thing was the tingle his touch sent up her arm and seemingly, to her loins. She suddenly felt the need to fidget but was wary of pulling away since, as unknown as these sensation were, they were very pleasurable.