“No, Father didn’t care for me to go about, singing.He was annoyed by it.I had a governess who taught me to paint and to embroider.Anything that was quiet.I did learn to ride.That was my favorite part of each day, getting to ride my horse across the countryside.”
“I didn’t realize.Do you miss it?”Matthew frowned.“We could get you a horse.”
“The reason I loved it was because of the freedom it gave me.Before, I was constantly restricted.I was being molded to become the perfect wife to some ducal heir.But here I have so much to enjoy.I can sing to my heart’s content and meet new people, and well, just be free to be myself.I don’t need a horse to escape anymore.”
Elizabeth sucked in a sharp breath.Stella’s casual mention of how she had been groomed to be Robert’s wife sent an unexpected wave of grief through her chest.Their broken betrothal was the reason that Robert was dead.Not for the first time, Elizabeth imagined that if Robert had never met her, he would be alive.He would be married to this sunny, darling girl sitting on the floor.Would they have been happy?
There was no use dwelling on themight-have-beens.She gazed over at her son, who sat across the room, setting up his regiments in neat rows.He was the product of her love affair with Robert, and she would forever be grateful for him.Glancing over at Matthew, she found him staring at her with a piercing look that said he understood the train of her thoughts.Elizabeth’s hope that her grief hadn’t shown on her face was further squashed when Stella scrambled to her feet and came to sit next to her.
“Matthew told me about what happened to your fiancé.You must hate me.”
Elizabeth looked into Stella’s wide, sad eyes.The girl was as much of a victim of her parentage as Matthew.“No.No, I do not hate either of you.”She looked over at Matthew.“I can’t blame you for what happened.In fact, I have often blamed myself.If Robert had never met me, he would still be alive.”
Stella grasped her hand.“No, you must not think that.I don’t yet understand much about how life unfolds.But it seems that you would be missing an important part of yours if you had never fallen in love.”Stella gestured to where Robert played with his army across the room.
Elizabeth had difficulty swallowing around the lump in her throat.
“The only one to blame is our father.He was the one who shot the Duke of Hartwick that day.”Matthew’s voice was rough with anger.
“You are right.And whoever shot Robert to shut him up.One day, I will find out who, and I will get my retribution.”Her chest expanded with anger at the unfairness of life.There had been no need for anyone to die that day.Men and their stupid pride.Equally to blame was the way these men protected each other.Even when they knew it was wrong.When someone was dangerous, like the current Viscount Griffen.Her nostrils flared as she pushed out a frustrated breath.
Across from her, Matthew grinned, wide and toothy.“Is it terrible that I find your fierce need for revenge very attractive?”
Elizabeth was so shocked by his grin that she didn’t even try to stifle the chuckle that escaped her lips.
From next to her, Stella laughed out loud.“On that note, I will leave you two alone.I need to go to rehearsal.”
Elizabeth tore her gaze from Matthew.“Can I come with you?Would it be all right to ask the other girls some questions about the night of Mary Beth’s murder?Perhaps there are some clues to why she went outside.Of how she may have known him?”
Stella glanced at her brother.Matthew stood.“Yes, I think that is a good idea.”
Elizabeth walked over to Robert.“Come darling, let’s go downstairs to the kitchen for your supper.”
“All right.Can I bring my horse?”
“Yes.Just one, though.Let’s put the rest back into the bag.”She turned to Matthew and Stella.“I will meet you in the theater shortly.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Matthew strode intothe theater with Stella at his side.Lizzie was right; he should have questioned the other girls already.He had spoken briefly to Mrs.Langley about Mary Beth and gathered that she had been young, but talented.She had lived with three other girls in a boarding house down the street.Mary Beth had been in her costume when they found her body.How had Jonas lured her outside to the alley?He had been at the Blue Angel that night, but Matthew had thrown him out before he even reached the gaming rooms.How would he have made contact with Mary Beth?Perhaps he knew the girl already?Is that what had led Jonas to the Blue Angel?
The dancers were all on stage, stretching and practicing dance steps.Matthew approached Mrs.Langley.“Anne, could I speak with the girls before you start rehearsal?”
“Sure, boss.What about?”
The door to the theater opened and he glanced back as Lizzie walked in.He gestured for her to come closer.“Ms.Harper and I have some questions about the night of Mary Beth’s murder.We are trying to figure out why she was attacked.”
“Such a shame that was.Been warning the girls to be extra careful and to stick together.”
“Ms.Harper, this is Mrs.Langley, my theater manager.Miss Harper is the editor of thePiccadilly Pressand a neighbor of Mary Beth’s family.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.Langley.”
“Same to you.”Mrs.Langley glanced over at him with a knowing gleam in her eye.“You are a right pretty lady.You ever been on the stage?”
Lizzie blushed.“Oh no.I think I would have terrible stage fright.”
“Newspaper lady, huh?Must be smart then.You writing a story about Mary Beth’s murder?”
