She blinked. It took her a few moments to turn her head. “I just can’t believe it,” she breathed, her voice hoarse from crying. “What monster would do such a thing? Daddy was so beloved, so popular in the community.”
“Do you need anything? Can we get you a glass of water or… or…” I stumbled, not sure what to say to someone when their parent had been brutally murdered.
“I’m afraid all food and drink taste like cardboard to me now.” Her fingers gripped the edge of her chair. “I’m only staying on at Baddesley because the police want me to remain nearby while they hunt for Daddy’s killer. Plus, Daddy would want me to attend the memorial service today.”
“If you need anything, please let us know.” I slid away to leave her in peace, but she reached out with a cold hand to grip my arm.
“You were the one who found his body,” she replied in her soft voice.
“That’s right.” At that moment, I was glad I’d found him first and Christina might be spared seeing her beloved father with that horrid expression.
“And you had those ugly words scrawled across your door?”
“Yes, but I believe they were meant for my roommate, not me. She was…”draping herself all over your father like a common strumpet, in the Jane Austen vernacular, and he lapped it up like the creep he was.But that wasn’t something I should say to his grieving daughter, so I settled for, “…friendlier with your father than I was.”
“And she is okay?” Christina dabbed at her eyes. “I’d hate to think this foul person is threatening others.”
“She’s fine. Cynthia had one of her security team guarding the bedroom door all night. No one else will get hurt, and the police are doing everything they can to bring the killer to justice.”
“I don’t know what I shall do now,” Christina said, her eyes glazing over. “I know Daddy would want me to continue his legacy in Austen scholarship, but I don’t know how I should manage when every bonnet and book reminds me of him. If only I had someone to help me, but I’m all alone.”
I thought of Christina and Alice kissing in the darkened courtyard. “I hope you have friends who can support you. Someone you love who maybe you haven’t been able to spend time with.”
Her face blanked. “I don’t know what—”
“Christine, are these two bothering you?” David dropped into the seat next to her. He collected her hands in his and shot me a frown. “Please don’t speak about the incident. Christina has had enough trauma to last a lifetime. She doesn’t need to keep reliving it.”
“I swear I didn’t say anything—” I protested, not wanting him to think I was delighting in recounting the gory details.
“I’m fine, David. Really.”
“Come with me. I’ve saved you a comfortable seat at the front of the room.” Christina’s eyes flicked to Alice, but she allowed David to help her to her feet. I hoped that in time, she’d be able to fully embrace who she was and be open about her relationship, but I guessed the day after her father’s murder was not the day.
“Poor girl,” I whispered to Quoth. “She looks to be in shock. I cannot even imagine what she must be going through.”
“Me neither. Even if the man was horrible, she loved him dearly, and my heart goes out to her.”
The poetry reading began. I couldn’t help but notice that David looked to our corner every few moments, a disapproving expression on his face. He really didn’t like us speaking with Christina. I assumed it was just his protectiveness, but during one of the breaks between performers, Cynthia and two of her friends leaned over and asked Christina about her father, and he didn’t stop them.
Is he worried that I’ll reveal details about the murder? And that Christina might figure out who actually did it?
No, that’s insane. He’s just an insecure boy trying to look out for his friend.
Or is he?
When David’s turn came, he read an ardent and passionate love poem, his voice rising with the meter as he locked eyes with Christina. Every word in the poem he spoke to her.
Well, that’s obvious. He’s clearly smitten with her, and he must’ve planned this poem as a way to declare his love. But considering what just happened, his efforts are a bit crass!I had the feeling his annoyance at us had more to do with his wanting to keep Christina’s mind on the poetry.
When the reading was finished, Christina wandered to the back of the room for another cup of tea. “Did you enjoy the poems?” I asked her. David was already running down the aisle, his face expectant like a puppy.
“I’m afraid I didn’t hear a word of it,” she said. Behind her, David’s shoulders sagged. “I’m so upset by Daddy’s death, it all went in one ear and other the other.”
I smiled despite myself.Probably for the best. She probably doesn’t need to be forced into coming out to David on today of all days.“That’s to be expected. It really was brave of you to come to the reading today after everything that happened.”
David plastered on a brave face and joined our group. “Come with me, Christina, I’ll escort you to the memorial. Cynthia will want to speak to you before it begins—”
“No, thank you,” she said. “I think I’ll freshen up in my room.”
