Page 89 of A Slight Problem with the Wedding
“Havers,” Julius prompted, “I can see you have your suspicions. Care to share them with us? I also have ideas I wish to share with you. But you go first.”
He thought Havers would insist on first learning what Julius had to impart, but he did not and proceeded to recount his findings. “We’ve ruled out Allendale. His alibi holds. We have also ruled out the Earl of Easton’s business acquaintances. They can all substantiate where they were at the time the murder was committed.”
“Have you ruled out my aunt because she was in Windsor at the time?” Gory asked.
“She would like us to do so, but no. She has been at the top of my suspect list all along and remains so despite her apparent alibi. Most murders are committed by people who knew their victim. A disenchanted husband or wife is often the culprit. Divorce is out of the question, so that leaves few options for getting rid of an unwanted spouse.”
“Or a niece who stands in the way of a large inheritance,” Julius muttered.
Havers nodded.
“Has Mayfield been helping Lady Easton out?” Julius asked. “He seems to have his hand in every pie. Gory and I noticed his calling card on a salver when we called upon Lady Gregoria’s betrothed earlier today…former betrothed.”
“Your Bayswater visit.” He turned to Gory. “Yes, I know about it. I’m glad you’ve called the wedding off. Keep away from Allendale. He’s a questionable sort.”
“Questionable?” She stared at Havers in confusion.
“He has a weak moral compass. Outwardly a gentleman, and that outward appearance is very important to him, especially since it keeps him in good standing with his rich uncle. But he is also one who believes the world owes him more and he has every right to claim his spoils. His frustration in not getting what he wants runs deep. He did not have a hand in your uncle’s murder, but I think it is only because someone else got to him first.”
Gory cast Julius a meaningful glance before returning her attention to Havers. “Lord Thorne came to the same conclusion. Consider me warned. I will have nothing to do with him from now on, but I do feel quite foolish to have been so taken in by him.”
“No, my lady,” Havers said, his tone quite gentle. “You have been kind and trusting. That is a strength in you and not a fault, as I am sure Lord Thorne will agree.”
She blushed to acknowledge the compliment. “Where does this leave us now, Mr. Havers?”
“Well, we will have to do a bit more investigative work to draw in all the bad players.”
“Can you dupe the solicitor, Reginald Mayfield, into providing the proof needed to arrest Lady Gregoria’s aunt?” Julius asked.
“Doubtful. The man is greedy and would betray his own grandmother to save himself. But he’s also wily and no fool. He will never admit to being an accomplice to murder. This also assumes he was involved in the murder. I am not convinced of it yet. He considers himself more of a factotum, a middleman who facilitates exchanges of funds without asking any questions.”
Gory frowned. “Even if he was not at the scene when the crime was committed, he must have suspected what was about to happen. And I think we are now running out of time because my aunt and her accomplices are becoming more desperate to silence me. This is the second attempt on my life that has been thwarted. A third cannot be far behind. And if that big man your constables just hauled out of here was not the one who expertly laced me into my wedding gown, then who did? We must take action to draw out the remaining culprits.”
“Oh, Gory. I do not like that look in your eyes.” Julius’s heart began to race. “Do not even think to put yourself out as a lure.”
“But–”
“No, you need to stay hidden and close to me.”
Havers agreed with him. “We will track down the others and take them into custody. Once we have them here, we can easily play one against the other, offering clemency to the one who confesses first. You will be amazed how quickly they will betray each other.”
“You think there is more than one accomplice? But finding them could take days,” Gory insisted. “If they have run off, you may never find them. Meanwhile, my uncle’s funeral is to be held the day after tomorrow. Is it not ironic? What was to be my wedding day is now a day of mourning. I suppose it is apt. Let me go to the funeral and stir things up.”
Julius growled softly. “You were purposely disinvited. Your aunt does not want you there.”
“I was merely encouraged not to attend,” she insisted.
“Strongly encouraged to keep away,” Julius reminded her.
“And you think this will stop me? She won’t dare make a scene if you are with me, especially if we pull up in Ambrose’s carriage with the Huntsford ducal crest emblazoned on it.”
“And then what? I walk away and give your aunt’s accomplices the opportunity to harm you?”
She was giving him a stubborn look again.
“I would not really be alone because Mr. Barrow and Mr. Havers will have their best men close by to guard me.”
Julius growled again. “Out of the question, Gory. Do you realize how easy it is for someone to slip up behind you and stick a knife into your ribs?”
