“The physical evidence contradicts him,” Kendra said. “Lady Westford’s injuries are consistent with someone who fell backward. That’s not the norm. People leap. They jump. They may even dive. But they don’t do itbackward. And they sure as hell don’t twist around mid-flight so they land on their back.”
Lord Westford blinked. Kendra wasn’t sure if it was a reaction to the new narrative regarding his wife’s death or the fact that she’d used the wordhell. Ladies did not curse.
She went on, “Dr. Munroe is going to take the body for a more thorough examination.”
“Absolutely not!” Westford huffed. “I shall not have my wife removed from this premises and dragged about like a . . . a sack of potatoes.”
The Duke looked at the anatomist. “Would it be possible to conduct your examination here, Dr. Munroe?”
“It would have to be a visual examination, but yes.”
Lord Westford’s jaw tightened. “Dr. Thornton is an esteemed physician and has already shared his findings. Why should I consent to this?”
“Because it is the wish of Her Majesty,” the Duke reminded him coolly. He drew out his pocket watch. “The hour grows late. I think the best course of action is for Dr. Munroe to stay and examine the body whilst we continue our inquiry at the theater. Do you have any objection to that, my lord?”
Kendra could see that the earl had plenty of objections, but once again Queen Charlotte’s name was enough to silence him. He pressed his lips together in an angry line.
“Very well, Your Grace,” he finally conceded. “But I want him to make quick work of it. I am expected elsewhere.”
“I’ll assist you,” Sam offered, earning a slight smile from Munroe.
“Thank you, Mr. Kelly.”
Lord Westford’s expression was stony. “Pentagross will show you out, Your Grace.” With that, he turned on his heel and headed toward the door.
Kendra followed him. “I actually have a few questions for you, my lord.”
“I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
“Are you familiar with the Bowden Theater?”
He stopped and turned to stare at her. She returned his regard and waited. After a moment, he blew out a breath. “I’ve attended a few performances there.”
I, not we.“Your wife didn’t go with you?”
“My wife and I did not share the same interests. She was, if you must know, a blue-stocking. She preferred attending lectures and seminars, when she wasn’t with Her Majesty.”
“We were at a few of the same lectures,” the Duke said, approaching. “She was a delightful lady, and, as I didn’t say this before, my condolences for your loss, my lord.”
Lord Westford acknowledged the Duke’s sympathy with a brusque nod.
Kendra asked, “Do you know why your wife went to the Bowden Theater on Saturday? Mr. Parker said that Lady Westford was distressed when she went there.”
“I didn’t tell you that—”
“No.” She leveled a hard glance at the Bow Street Runner as he rushed over. “I heard it secondhand. Do you deny it?”
Parker frowned, taken aback. “Well, ah, no. Of course not. A few actresses told me that Lady Westford was distraught. That’s why I thought she . . . may have . . .” He shot a sidelong look at Lord Westford and fell silent.
Lord Westford scowled. “I do not know why Grace was at the theater. Now, I—”
“Just a few more questions,” Kendra interrupted. “When was the last time you saw your wife?”
The earl’s eyes narrowed, but he replied, “Thursday morning. I was coming in from riding, and she was leaving.”
“What time?”
“Eleven. Maybe a little later. I don’t know. I didn’t look at the clock.”
