Page 31 of A Murder in Mayfair
“Of course not. But Dodson already suspects. He will ask, Nicky. You must have an alibi. Where the devil were you?”
"Get out."
I held his gaze, my own anger simmering beneath the surface. But there was nothing more to be done now, not while he was in this drunken state.
Without another word, I turned and strode out, the weight of the conversation pressing heavily upon me. It was only after I climbed back in my carriage, I could admit the truth. I’d handled that rather badly.
The carriage ride back to Grosvenor Square was a quiet one, though my mind was anything but still. Nicky’s defiance still echoed in my ears, his anger, his indignation. It was a rare thing to see my brother so affected.
Unsettled as I was, I should have returned home so I could get back my bearings. But I needed to discuss what had just happened with someone. Not Mother. I didn’t want to inflict that pain on her. The last thing she wanted to hear was that Nicky had taken to the bottle. It would bring back horrendous memories of our father when he’d taken out his drunken rages on her. The only other logical person was Lady Rosalynd. She had to have returned home by now.
After descending from the carriage in front of my residence, I made my way to Rosehaven House. It was not a long walk—just across Grosvenor Square. I was frostily received by their butler. No wonder, I’d arrived in all my dirt. I hadn’t even stopped to shave. Pursing his lips, he stepped aside to allow me entry.
“I’d like to see Lady Rosalynd.”
“Is she expecting Your Grace?”
“No.”
“Very well. If you would follow me.”
I thought he’d show me to the sitting room where we’d met before. But to my surprise, I soon found myself outside what turned out to be the drawing room. As the doors opened, the scent of tea and freshly baked goods filled the air. The Rosehaven clan had gathered for tea. It appeared to be a rather harmonious scene. The well-behaved children were quietly enjoying their refreshments and treats.
“His Grace, the Duke of Steele, milady,” the butler said while tossing a rather superior air toward me.
Well, that would teach me to show up uninvited and unshaven.
“Your Grace,” Lady Rosalynd gracefully rose to her feet and curtsied. “What a pleasant surprise!”
It was nothing of the kind. We’d agreed to behave circumspectly. And yet, here I was, tossing all discretion to the wind.
“Lady Rosalynd.” I bowed. “My apologies for arriving without an invitation. I thought it vital to discuss a recent turn of events.”
Thankfully, she didn’t question my statement. Just the opposite, she answered me warmly. “Yes, of course. May I suggest we enjoy our tea first? I hope you don’t mind. Having missed my luncheon, I’m feeling rather peckish.”
“No, of course not.” What else could I say?
Once I took a seat and was presented with a cup of tea, I found several pairs of eyes staring at me.
“You know Cosmos.” She pointed to her brother.
“Yes, of course.”
“Steele,” Cosmos murmured through a mouthful of scone.
“But you haven’t met the rest of my family.”
“I haven’t had the pleasure, no.”
“Chrissie, come and make your curtsy to His Grace.”
A young woman, her hair the color of rose gold, came up and curtsied.
“My sister, Chrysanthemum,” Rosalynd explained, “We call her Chrissie. She’s making her debut this season.”
Coming to my feet, I bowed. “I’m honored to make your acquaintance, Lady Chrysanthemum.”
“Your Grace.” Lady Chrysanthemum offered a graceful curtsy before returning to her seat.
