Page 45 of Murder in Matrimony
“The thing itself isn’t bad at all.” Kitty swallowed as if trying to find a way to make the information sound palatable. “The problem arises as it relates to your mother.”
“Mymother?” Oliver was truly perplexed, his eyebrows forming peaks at the fringe of his shaggy brown hair.
“Perhaps I had better explain it,” started Amelia. “There is no easy way to say it, Kitty.”
“Say what?” he begged. “Please, come out with it.”
“I write under the pseudonym of Lady Agony. I have authored the column for two years.”
“You’reLady Agony?” Oliver blinked.
“Yes.”
He sat silently for a moment, then looked to Kitty for confirmation. She nodded, and he contemplated the information. A smile began to reach across his face until it changed his entire visage from perplexed scholar to amused friend. “I don’t mind telling you that I admire Lady Agony’s letters. They’re smart, and I appreciate nothing better than good writing.”
Amelia felt herself smiling, too. “Thank you, Oliver. That means a good deal coming from you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?” he asked.
“The fewer people who know my identity, the better,” Ameliaexplained. “It’s the nature of the column, I’m afraid. I thought to tell you eventually.”
“Your mother, however, has found out the truth.” Kitty frowned.
“Really? I cannot imagine how.”
“It is a long story,” Kitty warned.
“I am good with long stories,” said Oliver, settling in next to her.
Kitty proceeded to relay the information. She told him a clue was first dropped when the ruby necklace was stolen, and bent on revenge, Lady Hamsted had followed Lady Agony’s column anxiously for the reveal. When none came, and Lady Agony told readers she would be keeping the Mayfair Marauder’s identity a secret, she determined to find out Lady Agony’s identity. It was easy enough to do when she began with those who knew the people involved in finding the stolen ruby. Only six people knew of its removal from the house, seven including Detective Collings. If Lady Agony knew the identity of the thief, she certainly knew about the theft of the ruby. It had to be Amelia. She was the only woman who fit the description.
“There is one other,” said Oliver.
“Who?” Kitty and Amelia asked in unison.
“First.” He tossed his shaggy hair, which perpetually dipped below his eyebrows. “You know who stole the jewels in Mayfair?”
“Yes,” said Amelia.
He nodded, but did not ask for a name. “And you know for certain it is my mother’s handkerchief, Kitty?”
“Quite certain,” Kitty answered.
He considered the problem.
At least, Amelia thought that’s what he was doing. His brown eyes bounced from her to Kitty to the newspaper to the bookshelf.
“Oliver?” Kitty pressed.
Oliver stood abruptly. “I have figured it out, although as the rightful authoress, Lady Amesbury, you may not be satisfied with the solution. I assure you, however, only one way to solve the problem exists, and I have it.”
“Do not keep us in suspense, Oliver,” Kitty chastised. “Tell us!”
“I must inform my mother I am Lady Agony.” Oliver stuck out his chest a little as he pronounced the pseudonym.
Amelia looked at Kitty, and Kitty looked at Amelia. Amelia placed her hand over her mouth to cover a laugh.
“Of all the worst times to tell a joke, Oliver.” Kitty was incensed. “Humor doesn’t become you.”
