Page 41 of A Body, A Baron, and Miss Mifford
“He will,” Emily was certain, “Freddie said he’s never seen him so besotted.”
Eudora flushed again, delighted by this piece of gossip.
“I imagine that once the snow thaws and we can leave, Lord Delaney will take up residence at his home in Henfield. It’s only a short carriage ride to Plumpton when the roads are good. You’ll be close enough to visit often but not so close that Mama will call every day. And you’ll have to spend time at his seat in Bloomsbury, but Oxford is said to be beautiful, so we’ll all visit. Oh, isn’t it exciting!”
Eudora, who had only just learned that the baron owned a home nearby, was a little startled to hear that Emily was now expecting her to live in it. When she wasn’t in residence in Oxford, that is. It was hard for Eudora to imagine herself married to and living with Lord Delaney when it still had not yet sunk in that they had kissed.
Emily, perhaps sensing that her matrimonial plans—which were worthy of Mrs Mifford herself—were overwhelming her sister, gave a small giggle.
“Forgive me, I’ve turned into one of those married ladies who do nothing but plot and plan other people’s marriages.”
“At least you’ve an awareness of the affliction,” Eudora replied before adding, “Please don’t tell the others about this.”
By the others, she meant Mary, who was tenacious once she got an idea into her head.
“Oh, they’re all far too distracted by the murder to bother with matchmaking,” Emily answered glibly.
“Do they seem any closer to discovering the suspect?” Eudora asked, attempting to sound nonchalant. It was not her desire to solve a murder that was at stake now; it was Lady Albermay’s very life—murder was a hangable offence.
“Freddie said that Ivo is keeping tight-lipped about it all,” Emily answered, much to Eudora’s relief.
“We might never discover who did it,” Eudora shrugged. “Perhaps it will be one of those mysteries which is never solved. Now, enjoyable though I find your company, Emily; I really am quite tired and would like to go to bed.”
“Yes, Freddie will send out a search party if I don’t return soon,” Emily agreed, not at all put out to be so unceremoniously ejected. “Good night, Eudora. I expect your dreams will be very sweet.”
With a wink unbecoming of a marchioness, Emily took her leave.
Once she was gone, Eudora changed quickly into her night-rail and crawled under the blankets, delighted to discover that the chambermaid had left a foot warmer under the covers. Despite her wish to relive her every moment with Lord Delaney, it was Lady Albermay who played on her mind as she drifted off to sleep.
She just can’t be guilty, Eudora thought. Something had to come up to change the course of the investigation.
And the next morning, something did.
“There you are,” Lord Delaney called as Eudora came down the stairs for breakfast. He strode across the entrance hall to meet her at the bottom step.
“Whatever’s the matter?” Eudora whispered, painfully conscious of his hand on her elbow.
“One of the maids has gone missing,” Robert replied, “They found a pool of blood in her bedroom. We think there’s been another murder, Eudora.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE DISAPPEARANCE—ANDpossible murder—of a maid occupied the house guests so fully that Rob felt quite confident that he could sit beside Eudora at breakfast, without anyone passing comment.
He had spent the night longing to be near her and could not endure being separated from her a moment longer.
“Which maid is missing?” Eudora whispered to him once the footman had disappeared to fetch their food.
The only descriptor Robert could think of for the missing maid was buxom—for this was what Higgins had called her when he had imparted the news. Rob was momentarily silent as he searched his inner lexicon for any other word to describe the girl. He knew little of the female of the species, but even he knew that ladies were never keen on men pointing out another woman’s physical endowments.
To his surprise, Eudora giggled as she noted the discomfort on his face.
“From the look on your face, my lord, I can hazard a guess,” she continued, her eyes dancing. “How strange; I can’t see how Mable might be connected to the murder?”
Robert blinked as he recalled the conversation he had overheard between the unidentified female and Lord Albermay just the day before. The same thought must have occurred to Eudora, for her mouth opened in an “o” of inspiration.
“Mable was the person you heard arguing with Lord Albermay,” Eudora exclaimed, breathless. “Tell me, exactly, what it was you overheard.”
Rob wracked his brain, trying to recall what he’d heard. He had always thought himself the type of chap who was good under pressure, but as Eudora waited for his reply, he became suddenly terrified that he might disappoint her.
