“Did you know Perrin invited her back?” Katherine asked. “He still wanted her company. It was the lady who refused.”
“That is a lie.” Miss Walker’s voice was devoid of emotion. Her gaze was so hateful, Katherine fell a step back. “Perrin was a smart man. He didn’t repeat his mistakes.”
Nothing Katherine knew of Perrin’s character supported that assertion. “Where were you before lunch yesterday?”
From the way Miss Walker narrowed her eyes, Katherine knew the woman understood what she was asking. But Miss Walker didn’t bother to answer. She turned on her heel and strode for the house.
Even though the sun was warm, a shiver worked its way down Katherine’s spine. “Now do you believe me?”
Henry turned to face her, his expression dark. “Believe what? That it is foolish to provoke that woman? Yes, I believe that.”
Katherine frowned. “No, that Miss Walker is a good suspect to Perrin’s murder.”
Henry looked over her head at the path Miss Walker had taken. “I believe she may have wanted to kill Perrin. That she’s vicious enough to attempt it. But you’re forgetting something.”
Katherine pursed her lips, thinking. Finally, she shrugged. “What? What am I forgetting?”
“It wasn’t only Perrin the killer murdered. It was Mr. Taylor, as well. And to overcome a man and stab him to death takes a strength even Miss Walker in a rage doesn’t possess.”
Katherine wasn’t so sure about that. How much strength did it take to plunge a knife into a person’s chest? She had no way to test it, but there must have been cases where women had stabbed men to death in the past.
No, the question of strength wasn’t what bothered Katherine. It was the fact that Mr. Taylor had been killed at all. Perrin, she could understand. He had been an obnoxious bully, one who had toyed with Miss Walker’s emotions, at least from Miss Walker’s viewpoint. But Mr. Taylor and she had barely spoken two words to each other.
What did the two men have in common that had sentenced them both to death?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lady Mary
“It’s none ofyour business!” The voice was loud, even through the closed door. I hurried forward, holding my walking stick above the ground until I reached the rear sitting room. “This house isn’t a prison,” the same voice roared as I opened the door. “I can go where I will.”
Lord Havenstone stood by the sideboard, gesturing wildly to Mr. Smith, a bit of his drink sloshing over the rim of his glass.
Mr. Smith crossed his arms over his protruding stomach. “I say it is my business. Two men have been murdered and now you’re sneaking about. I want to know why you were on that staircase. Hiding another bit of incriminating evidence?”
“Gentlemen.” I gave my voice its most authoritative tone. “What is this argument concerning? We are just about to enjoy another fine meal prepared by Cook Clem. All this fighting isn’t conducive to the appetite.”
Havenstone flushed. “I beg everyone’s pardon.” He bowed slightly to the room, which included every guest except Miss Walker. “But I will not allow such insults to my character to go unanswered.”
I found a seat that gave me a good view of the action. I sat on the edge of the cushion, resting my hands on the head of my walking stick. “Which insults are those?”
Mr. Ryder sighed. “Mr. Smith is accusing Lord Havenstone of going where he shouldn’t in the manor. He seems to think it indicates some guilt on the baron’s part.”
Havenstone lifted his chin. “It is still quite muddy in parts outside. I need exercise. So I’ve walked about the house once or twice. What is it to anyone else?”
Mr. Smith poked a finger toward Havenstone’s chest, not making contact, I noticed. “It’s suspicious, is what it is. And don’t think I won’t be telling Constable Adams about it next time I see him.”
“Tell him what?” Havenstone huffed. “That I’ve taken a daily constitutional going up and down some staircases? Yes, tell him that. See how much he cares.”
Mr. Smith’s face reddened. “He’ll care if I want him to care.”
“Yes, because your money will buy you anything.” Miss Walker stood behind a settee, gripping the back.
I frowned, annoyed she had slipped in without my notice.
“You are free with your accusations, Mr. Smith,” she said, emphasizingmister. “I wonder if it is to divert suspicion from your own behavior.”
Mr. Ryder raised a hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need for acrimony. We are to remain together for the foreseeable future. We should remain pleasant, if possible.”
