Page 22 of Solving Sophronia

She sighed. “I heard.”

“When is the last time you saw Jane Duffin?”

“Monday evening. Jane arranged my hair for dinner.”

“At what time?”

She tipped her head, squinting. “I suppose it was around five o’clock. I attended dinner at Helen Rothschild’s.”

“And Miss Rothschild can confirm this?”

“Of course. As can Lady Lorene and Lady Priscilla. We always take dinner together before a ball.”

The detective made a note. “And you did not see Miss Duffin after dinner?”

“No. My friends and I dressed at the Rothschilds’ and went directly to the Hamptons’ ball.”

Sophie was certain Charlotte’s account was true. The Darling Debs always arrived at a ball en masse.

“What time did you leave the ball?” Detective Graham asked, taking a seat across from Miss Grey.

“Two thirty yesterday morning, I believe. And Jane was not here when I returned. I was quite put out at having a chambermaid help me undress.”

“I imagine it was very difficult,” Detective Graham muttered as he wrote in his notebook. He looked up. “And you returned directly home from the Hamptons’?”

Charlotte studied her fingernails. “Yes.”

Sophie followed the detective’s example, writing down the times in her notebook. A record of the chronology was a very intelligent idea. She wished she’d thought of it herself.

“Can anyone verify your presence at the ball, Miss Grey?” Detective Graham asked.

“Everyone. I wore a very fashion-forward gown and danced the waltz twice with Lord Meredith.” She gave a shrug and a pleased smile. “I’m certain it is all anyone is talking about.”

“And did you not wonder what had become of your lady’s maid?” the detective asked. “Did you make no inquiries?”

“I assumed she ran off.” Charlotte shook her head. “You know how unreliable servants can be.”

Sergeant Lester’s good-natured face seemed to darken as he watched Charlotte.

A hot wave of shame swept over Sophie as she listened to the conversation and watched the men’s reactions. Did they assume Sophie possessed the same self-important prejudices just because she and Charlotte had both been born into high Society?I am not like this.She kept her face turned down toward her notebook as her cheeks burned.Am I?She was different; she knew she was. Sophie glanced up at the two men, willing them to see she was more than the Earl of Mather’s spoiled daughter.

Detective Graham continued writing in his notebook. “And your parents?”

“They ate dinner at home, I presume. They were already at the Hamptons’ when I arrived. Surely you do not thinktheyknow anything about Jane’s death?”

Detective Graham looked up but didn’t respond to Charlotte’s question. His expression did not reveal his thoughts. “Sergeant, you will verify Miss Grey’s alibi, won’t you? And those of her parents?”

Sergeant Lester nodded, writing in his own notebook. “Yes, sir.”

“Alibi?” Charlotte gave an offended scowl. “Certainly I am not under suspicion.”

“Did you notice anything different about Miss Duffin recently?” Detective Graham asked. “Was she acting peculiar in any way?”

“I didn’t notice.”

“Can you think of anyone who might have wished her harm?”

“I’m sure I don’t know. The servants’ private lives are their own.” She rose. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Detective. I have an outing to prepare for and no lady’s maid to assist with my presentation.”

---