It was almost endearing, the moralist’s attempt to civilize this crowd. Fortunately for my purposes, no one paid him any mind.
“Ha!” Havenstone leaned forward, into Mr. Smith’s space. “It’s about time someone challenged you. Do you think none of us know how you hated Perrin? All you care about is money, and the earl swindled a profit away from you. You are most likely accusing me to deflect from your own guilt.”
Mr. Smith clenched his hands into fists.
Katherine jumped to her feet and hurried to her father. She took his arm and tugged him away from Havenstone. “Their words don’t matter, Father. Anyone who knows you knows that would be ridiculous.”
“The same could be said for me.” Havenstone jerked his thumb to his chest. “And for everyone in this room. But someone killed Perrin.”
“And Taylor.” Henry arched an eyebrow. “Everyone seems to forget about him.”
It was a bit sad. I rubbed my finger on the bridge of my nose. Even in death, social status mattered.
“Well, it wasn’t me.” Mr. Smith patted Katherine’s hand. “Perrin was a right sot, and I’ll admit I was angry with him, but I was also prepared. A shipping company had previously expressed an interest in my parcel of land. They want to build a dock near the source of the local ores. I’d put them off because I’d already reached an oral agreement with Perrin to exchange the land. Once Perrin died, and after the roads cleared, I sent a note to the company’s agent in London. They still want my land. I’ll make a tidy profit off the sale.”
“But you didn’t know that at the time of Perrin’s death,” Bertram said slowly, his eyebrows drawing together.
“I saw no reason that wouldn’t be the case.” Mr. Smith poured himself a small glass of wine. “The company’s interest wouldn’t have evaporated so quickly.”
“Of course not.” Katherine glared at Miss Walker. “Besides, the fact that someone took the time to gather the poison indicates to me that the killer thought about this murder for some time. It wasn’t the action of someone momentarily angered by the earl. It feels more like the action of someone who’d had years of resentment building.”
“How dare—”
“Ladies.” Mr. Ryder stood. “I realize this is a frightening time, but resorting to insults doesn’t help the situation. Let’s all of us remember that two men are dead. Our time would be better spent praying for their souls rather than bickering among ourselves.”
An uncomfortable silence descended. He was right, of course, but it was hardly something we wanted to be reminded of. I sniffed. And besides, the information I was gathering from the insults of the angry guests was invaluable.
“Dinner is served.” The butler stood in the adjoining doorway to the dining room. “Clem has prepared pheasant breasta l’orangefor tonight’s meal.”
Regardless of how much I wanted this bickering to continue, the idea of what Cook Clem would do with that dish had me and everyone else hopping to our feet and making for the dining room.
The meal started with a lovely onion soup, surprisingly earthy flavors rolling over my tongue for such a delicate broth. It was difficult not to give all my attention to the bowl before me. But I persevered.
“How was your ride today?” I asked the Havenstones.
Lady Havenstone lifted her chin, her turned-up nose looking judgmental. “Perrin does have some lovely land. We rode along the cliffs. It’s hard to believe just days ago a raging storm was coming from the Atlantic Ocean. The channel looked so peaceful today.”
“Perrin did keep an adequate stable,” Lord Havenstone admitted. “It was an enjoyable afternoon.”
“Yes, I’ve spoken with the stable master.” Henry set his spoon in his empty bowl. “He cares for the horses greatly and runs the stables like a tight ship. It’s surprising that he let one of the saddles become worn to the point a girth snapped mid-ride at a previous house party.”
Katherine beamed at the attorney, his comment obviously meeting with her approval.
From the scowl that appeared on Miss Walker’s face, I thought I understood why.
Lady Havenstone sat back. “When did that occur? I noticed no wear on my saddle.”
“It was months ago,” Miss Walker said tersely. “And I’m certain the stable master learned from his past mistake after that woman fell.”
Lady Havenstone blanched. “I thought in that at least we would be safe.” She turned to her husband. “You should have checked the equipment before we rode. I have no tonic for a broken neck.”
“It was perfectly safe,” he assured her.
“Yes, I’m certain it wasn’t negligence on the stable master’s part.” Katherine leaned back so the footman could remove her bowl and replace it with a plate.
The scents of orange and thyme teased my nose. “I agree. You’ve ridden twice now here. You must have noted how orderly the stables are. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
Lady Havenstone blinked. “Twice? We’ve only ridden the once, today.”
