“A week ago, someone tried to murder Rosie.”
At Emma’s declaration, Rosie observed the reactions of her new relatives. Papa had warned Mr. Theale and Mr. James not to speak of the matter for their own good, and apparently the men had taken his caution to heart. The ladies appeared shocked by the news. The dowager and Miss Eloisa gasped, Miss Sybil’s hand flew to her mouth, and Mrs. James’ face drained of color.
“Goodness,” Lady Charlotte whispered. “You are unharmed, I hope?”
Having rehearsed the story with her papa, Rosie knew what to say. “I was fortunate that my driver chased off the attacker.”
“How brave you are!” Miss Eloisa’s sapphire eyes were unblinkingly wide. “I’m certain I wouldn’t have half your composure under such circumstances.”
“She wouldn’t need the composure if she’d practiced more caution.” Recovering from her shock, Mrs. James said with cold hauteur, “A lady has no business traipsing about at night. She’s lucky the groom chased the shooter away.”
“Hold up.” This came from Violet, whose tawny gaze had honed in upon Mrs. James’ face. “How did you know this happened at night? No one has mentioned when the attack occurred.”
Tell-tale red appeared on Mrs. James’ sharp cheekbones. “I… I just assumed… that is, don’t most attacks happen in the evening?”
“And how did you know I was shot at?” Rosie said. “I didn’t specify the method of attack.”
Mrs. James’ tongue touched her upper lip. “I just thought that cutthroats used firearms…”
“I find the accuracy of your assumptions fascinating,” Emma said.
Drawing herself up, Mrs. James glared at the room at large. “Are you accusingmeof trying to harm Lady Daltry?”
“No, ma’am,” Thea said in her gentle yet resolute way, “but in order to protect Rosie, we must talk to all those who would benefit from her death.”
“Well, Inever.” Mrs. James shot up, the jet beads on her bodice quivering. “I refuse to stay and be subjected to these insults!”
“We are merely discussing facts.” Emma’s eyes had a shrewd gleam. “If you know about the attack from another source—for instance, your stepson, who my brother has also interviewed—then you need only say so. While my brother asked Mr. James to keep the details private, it wouldn’t be a crime if your stepson shared them with you.”
“Why would Alastair share a private matter with me?” Mrs. James’ gaze shifted left and right. “As I said, my assumptions were guesses, nothing more. I had nothing to do with the attack on Lady Daltry. Good day.”
She swept out, leaving the room in silence.
“Well,thatwas awkward.” Miss Eloisa tittered. “The lady doth protest, as they say. You don’t suppose Aunt Antonia is involved in any way?”
“Hush, Eloisa,” Lady Charlotte said, a handkerchief knotted in her hands. “Now is not the time for your wit. This is a serious matter, and we must put our heads together to help Rosie.”
“But, Aunt Charlotte… aren’t we suspects too?” Miss Sybil said timorously.
“Oh, dear.” The dowager’s gaze went to Rosie. “I suppose you are right.”
Rosie didn’t want to lose the newly won goodwill. Besides, now that the ladies had warmed toward her, she thought they were rather nice. And they were her new relations, after all.
She glanced at Em, who lifted her chin slightly as if to say,We’ll follow your lead.
Rosie made her decision. “We mean no insult, Lady Charlotte. We’re merely trying to get to the bottom of this situation.”
“I quite understand,” the dowager said. “And I wish to help.”
“In that case, can you think of anything that might point us to a particular suspect?”
Lady Charlotte clenched her handkerchief, her expression torn.
“I’ll say it since no one else will. Peter has the most to gain,” Eloisa declared. “He’s forever short of funds, and now with the estate on his hands, he’s sunk unless he gets the inheritance.”
“That’s unfair,” Sybil protested. “Peter is no murderer. He’s a kind and gentle man.”
“You’re far too charitable.” Snorting, Eloisa turned to Rosie. “Peter has cried on all of our shoulders, and Sybil’s the only one who feels sorry for him. Then again, she’s a soft touch for hopeless cases.”
