“I’d be annoyed, too, if someone altered a routine I’d practiced.” Violet’s matter-of-fact empathy seemed to calm the other. “Was that why you broke her looking glass?”
“For months, I’d been frustrated by her selfishness—and yesterday I gave in to my feelings. But it was a fit of pique, nothing more. On this, I swear.”
“Where were you last evening, Miss Ashe?” Kent said.
“I was indisposed.” Above the dark collar of her dress, Ashe’s throat rippled. “It had been a long day, with travel and the performance. I had dinner on a tray in my room.”
“Can anyone vouch for that fact?”
“I am anartist, sir. Not a harlot like Monique de Brouet.” Her voice quivered with outrage. “Unlike her, I do not entertain guests in my room.”
“I was referring to a maid or any other servant who might have seen you,” Kent said patiently.
“Oh.” Some of the wind left her sails. “Miss Billings did provide me with a maid… Mary, I think her name was. She helped me get ready for bed.”
As Kent scribbled in his notebook, Her Grace cut in. “Why do you call Monique a harlot?”
“Because she is… or was, rather.” Ashe cleared her throat. “Everyone knew she had lovers.”
“Do you know the identities of these lovers?” Kent said.
An invisible vise gripped Richard’s insides.By Jove, don’t let her say Wick…
“Monique was discreet,” Ashe said grudgingly. “Although she didn’t name names, she was constantly showing off this gewgaw or that, bragging that it came from some wealthy admirer. Her dressing room was bursting at the seams with gentlemen.”
Pencil poised, Kent said, “Do you recognize any of them here at the party?”
“I had better things to do than pay attention to Monique’s adoring hordes,” Ashe said with a sniff. “All I know is that she played fast and loose with her virtue.”
“What about enemies?” Richard spoke up. “Did Madame de Brouet have any?”
“With the way she conducted her life, I would be surprised if she didn’t,” the juggler said righteously. “If you wish to know particulars, ask that maid of hers, Jeanne. That one was the gargoyle at the gates, guarding all her mistress’ dirty secrets.”
“We’ll speak to her,” Kent said. “Thank you for your time, Miss Ashe.”
After the performer’s departure, he turned to the group. “What do you think?”
“She sounded like she was telling the truth,” Violet said.
“I can speak to the maid, Mary, to verify Miss Ashe’s alibi,” the duchess offered.
Kent nodded. “Good idea, Emma. You have a way with interviewing staff.”
Her Grace beamed, and Strathaven murmured, “I’ll go with you, pet.”
“I want to help too,” Violet said.
“You’ve done enough, Vi,” Kent said firmly. “Thank you for the help with Miss Ashe. We can handle the rest.”
“ButAmbrose—”
“I’ll escort Miss Kent back to her room, if I may,” Richard intervened.
Kent’s gaze thinned. Although Richard lacked the ability to read women, he had no problems understanding masculine communication. A silent exchange passed between him and Kent.
The twitching muscle in Kent’s jaw warned,Harm my sister, and I’ll string you up.
My intentions are honorable,Richard’s jerk of the chin affirmed.You have my word.
