"I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were still discussing him."
Looking up from her needlework, Cecilia threw Jessamine a disgusted look, drawing an answering smile from her aunt.
"I found the gentleman's behavior quite odd," Cecilia explained, "particularly for a man who is reputed to be so languid."
"Cecilia, my love, have your wits gone a-begging? This is Sir James Branstoke we're speaking of. What could he possibly have done to arouse your suspicions? Sir James Branstoke is one of the most polite and courteous men of this generation."
"I don't say he isn't. But that is precisely the point. Don't you see? He istooperfect. It's—it's unnatural, that's what it is."
"Cecilia, I'm surprised at you," chastised Lady Meriton.
Her niece fidgeted. "I suspect he is merely acting to cover something else."
"And what would that be?"
"I don't know," she admitted. She pursed her lips, sliding a glance at her aunt. "But I am beginning to suspect some involvement on his part in Mr. Waddley's death."
"Sir James!" Lady Meriton swiftly rose from her seat by the desk and crossed to her niece's side, laying a cool hand on her brow. "You do not feel feverish. Odd. I was certain you must be to suggest such a thing."
Cecilia captured her aunt's wrist. "Jessamine. There has to be some logical explanation to the gentleman's attentions. Heaven knows I've worked hard enough to present an image of undesirability with a coterie of illnesses. There is no reason for a man of Sir James's ilk to pay the slightest attention to me." Her grip on her aunt's arm loosened; then fell away.
Surreptitiously, Lady Meriton began massaging that maltreated member. "I'll own it is odd. But he has always been a unique man, a style unto himself.”
"Well, I hope he doesn't intend to adopt me as his latest flirt. It could be difficult then to make acquaintances in Randolph's crowd. From my observation, they operate in different orbs."
"Very true! Though the-odd thing about Sir James is that he is readily accepted everywhere—and by every group and type of people. Around politicos, those interested in furthering the arts and letters, the science-minded—why, even the evangelicals! On the list of prospective guests for mama's upcoming house party, he was among the first names she wrote!"
"What house party?"
Lady Meriton sighed. "I knew you were not attending me at breakfast this morning. I told you last night I received a long letter from Mother. Instead of coming to London this season, the long and short of it is they wish London to come to them. She and father are planning a three-day house party culminating in a large ball to which the world, it appears, is to be invited."
"At Oastley Hall?"
"Where else? There are to be at least thirty to forty people for the first two nights, and I would fain not guess at the numbers for the ball."
"Gracious!"
"Most of the invitations went out yesterday. Mama left a few gaps in her invitation list that she wishes me to fill based on who is new and interesting this season. A harder request I've never had."
"May I see the list?"
"Good gracious, yes. And if you can offer any suggestions, I'll certainly be appreciative. It appears the list is short on younger single men. I don't believe the young women on this list would appreciate the aged roués who number as father's friends."
Cecilia studied the list in silence for a moment; then, a broad grin showed small pearl-white teeth. "This is a perfect opportunity for us to do a little more investigation."
"I don't trust that look in your eyes, Cecilia. What deviltry are you planning?"
"No deviltry, just an opportunity to bring together a group of possible suspects and do a little eavesdropping and snooping. Oh, don't look at me like that, Jessamine. Last evening I realized I need to become better acquainted with Randolph's cronies. But how can I do so under normal social circumstances? A house party where we are all thrown together is perfect! We shall round out Grand mama's list with friends of Randolph's."
"Do you think they'd come?"
"Naturally. If not for the company—though the Duke of Houghton still carries a certain cachet—then at least for the opportunity to drink endless amounts of Oastley ale."
"I don't believe it was ever mama's intention to invite Randolph's friends. She thinks they're all as ramshackle as Randolph and therefore bad influences upon him."
"They are. But if there are people she doesn't want to be invited, she should tell you or do the entire list herself."
Lady Meriton looked doubtful. Cecilia took one of her hands in both of hers. "Look, I've realized that until this week, I never saw any hope of discovering my husband's murderer. All my talk over the last few months has been merely a means of aiding my recovery from the shock of Mr. Waddley's death. I know that. Now, to suddenly be confronted with a possible avenue for investigation is a miracle! I can't let it go to waste, can I? Besides, what harm can it do to invite Randolph's friends? It would be far more volatile to invite my father!"
