Page 40 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
Taking a deep breath, she attempted to make herself appear serene. No matter how scattered her thoughts, a lady always presented an attitude of calm. She’d had enough years of practise.
Henry looked from her to Lance and back again but, whatever he believed, he said nothing. She had no more time to give the matter consideration, for the captain launched promptly into his questioning.
What were her recollections of entering the cabin in which they’d found Claudette?
Was the maid of upright character?
Was she in the habit of becoming friendly with strangers?
Had Cecile ever heard her talk of a gentleman friend on board?
‘Are you sure this is an appropriate line of questioning?’ Lance, now appearing fully recovered, stood at full height, towering over the captain.
Captain Rocha fixed Lance with an uncompromising stare. ‘This maid, she was wearing Miss di Cavour’s jewels and robe. She was dressing herself for a visitor, I think; inviting them to the luxurious suite she was generously permitted to use. What sort of woman does this, do you imagine?’
‘Now, just hold on.’ Lance’s tone became harder. ‘Even if such a thing were true, it doesn’t make murder permissible.’
The captain raised an eyebrow. ‘I speak as I see. Lord McCaulay’s wife had not time to collect proper references. I do not blame her for the caliber of woman she employed as her maid.’
‘This is outrageous!’ Henry stepped forward. It was rare for her brother to lose his temper.
Cecile felt a surge of pride but she needed to add her own voice. ‘Your insinuations are clear, Captain Rocha, and I’m both offended and angered. Rather than seeking to discredit the victim of this hideous crime, I should like to know what you intend to do to find the murderer!’
The captain pursed his lips. ‘If you are unwilling to answer more questions, I can do little more to help. It seems nothing was taken, so we are not dealing with a thief. I say this was a lovers’ tryst gone awry. Perhaps both Senhora Fonseca and this maid encountered the same man. If so, he may be a danger, but only to women who seek company rather than keeping safely alone in their rooms.’
‘Well, really!’ A flash of anger, searing hot, swept through Cecile.
‘A search of the ship is likely to be fruitless—since there is no bloodstained clothing to find, nor stolen property to recover. Our man likes to strangle. I do not like to mention such things before a lady, but the men in this room may be more familiar with my allusion. In the act of passion, it is not so uncommon for women to enjoy a rough hand…’
‘That’s enough!’
‘You’re way out of line!’
Henry and Lance’s protests were immediate.
Cecile covered her ears with her hands. She’d no notion of falling into a faint, but the captain’s assumptions were detestable.
Captain Rocha presented his palm. ‘I do not argue. I am captain, and I tell you what shall be. Because I wish no more trouble, no one will be permitted on deck after ten in the evening. I shall instruct the night-watchmen to look for anything suspicious, but it is the responsibility of the women to guard themselves. For Lady McCaulay, I offer my sympathies that she is now without a servant. This I can help with, since we have maids among our staff who can wait on those who do not bring their own. I shall arrange what is necessary. All else, I leave to the Brazilian police—who may do as they wish when we arrive in port.’
With that, he turned on his heel, leaving Cecile, Henry and Lance to their indignation.
Henry clenched his fists. ‘So we’re supposed to wait, knowing that no woman on this ship is safe.’
Lance placed his hand on Henry’s shoulder. ‘I’ll take look-out again tonight, on the upper deck. This predator is too close for comfort. Our only chance, I’d say, is to catch him in the attempt.’
Henry’s expression was grim. ‘I’ll join you once Maud is asleep. With two of us standing directly outside on the deck, if that villain shows his face, he’ll be sorry.’
Cecile looked from one to the other. She’d little doubt that Lance could handle a gun, but her brother had always foresworn bloodsports. What if the murderer was also armed? ‘Henry, you don’t know what sort of man this is. Think of the danger!’
‘More dangerous to do nothing, and it’s my duty to ensure no harm comes to you. Mr. Robinson will have my back, and I’ll have his.’ Henry touched her cheek. ‘Just remember to do as I’ve asked. Go nowhere alone.’
