“And I have no will,” she added. “Not that I have any possessions to leave to anyone anyway.”
“We probably should see about that,” mused Giles. “Just in case.”
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Yes, we probably should. I need to know the two books I own will go to a good home.”
There was a general chuckle at her dry comment.
“I can say that such an event would cause a great deal of confusion…” Gabriel offered. “Wolfbridge would be once again without a Lady…does that make it more vulnerable?”
Giles shook his head. “Not really, but it could be a major distraction, and I’m still leaning toward that as a reason.”
“Hmm.” Royce narrowed his eyes. “Enough of a distraction to take your mind off Fivetrees?” He paused. “Or the blackmail threats?”
Giles was silent for a few moments, deep in thought. “I can certainly say that both those things are possible…”
“The Baron ceased his pursuit of me once he knew about the situation with Wolfbridge,” commented Gwyneth. “Does that take him off the list of possible perpetrators?”
“I don’t want to take anyone off that list at the moment,” answered Royce. “There’s Baxter Fairhurst to consider. And Gylbart, although I’d probably rank him very low. We’ve not seen the man, and other than his association with Fairhurst and Randschen, there’s nothing to indicate he’s involved in the shooting…”
“I would agree,” said Evan. “The facts of the shooting itself would lead me to suppose it was someone who had a familiarity with the surroundings. He was in the perfect place to hit anyone near the ballroom windows.”
“So someone at the fête?” She glanced at him.
He shrugged…then winced. “Ow. I forgot.” He shook his head. “This is all conjecture, I’m afraid.”
Giles sighed. “We found nothing in the wood. The ground was trampled, but that’s not uncommon, and there were no boot prints or hoof prints with a cracked horseshoe or anything so beloved of those who write mysteries. In addition, the rain had soaked everything thoroughly.”
“It would have been too much to hope for,” complained Jeremy. “No, our man is a bit too clever for that sort of clue. But he also doesn’t know who he’s dealing with if he thinks he can shoot one of us and get away with it.”
Evan yawned. “I agree. We must discover who it was and then take him back into the woods. Where we all can explain to him the error of his ways.”
“Then turn over the remains to the authorities?” grinned Gabriel.
Jeremy grinned. “If there’s enough left.” He paused. “I have to say though, that if all this is a plot to upset the apple cart here at Wolfbridge, then whoever is behind it doesn’t know any of us very well. Especially Giles.”
Gwyneth nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. Giles is pretty much unflappable.”
“Exactly.” Evan rubbed his arm. “And I’m thinking it’s time for me to head upstairs. The brandy is relaxing me and my shoulder’s itching.”
“Come on then.” Gabriel was at his side in an instant.
Gwyneth rose. “I’ll help. It’s been a lengthy day.”
“Agreed.” Jeremy and Giles nodded, as Royce tossed back the last of his brandy.
Gwyneth watched as Gabriel gently helped Evan to his feet, and took his weight as the liquor relaxed muscles that had been tense for too long.
Bidding the others goodnight, the three of them carefully ascended the stairs, and managed to get Evan safely tucked into his own bed. Gabriel replaced the dressings with calm and practised moves, pronouncing himself pleased with the healing process, and grinning at the slight snore that greeted his comments.
“I think he’s set for the night,” he said to Gwyneth as she finished straightening the quilt over Evan.
“I think so too,” she sighed, coming to Gabriel’s side and putting her arms around him. “You are a wonderful nurse, Gabriel.”
He hugged her back. “I cannot stand to see anyone suffering,” he admitted.
Daringly she stood on tiptoe and kissed his chin. “Walk me to my room, please?”
He looked down at her, his green eyes alight, his soft blonde hair a halo in the low light of the single candle. “Yes. Yes, I’d like that. Especially tonight.”
