Lady Mary’s shoulders curved. “That does present a problem.”
The Havenstones returned. “Miss Smith, Lord Preston has asked to speak to you,” Lord Havenstone said.
Katherine chewed on her lower lip and gave Henry a worried look.
“If you aren’t guilty, you have nothing to worry about.” Lady Havenstone looked down her nose at Katherine. “The magistrate seems a most civilized man.”
“Of course.” Katherine straightened. “I will go to him at once.” And with chin high, she strode from the room.
Henry’s gaze lingered on the empty doorway.
“…tonight.”
“Hmm.” He blinked and turned to Lady Mary. “What was that?”
She stepped closer. “I said if everyone is to leave tomorrow, we need to think of a way to trap the killer tonight.”
He squinted at her. “Might one ask exactly how we are to do that?”
She stared into her cup. “I’ll think of something.”
Silence fell between them. Mr. Smith laughed uproariously at something Mr. Ryder said. Miss Walker attempted to rally others to another game. Mr. Withers tried to explain the curative effects of colchicine on gout to Lord Havenstone.
Henry tried to think of the most polite way to phrase his question. “If it were such a simple matter to contrive a trap for our killer, would we not have thought of it already?”
Lady Mary glared at him over her spectacles. “Before, we were not properly motivated.” She turned and made her way to one end of a settee.
Henry went to the window and looked out over the gardens. They had feared for their lives before. He thought that was more than enough motivation. But right now, his thoughts were more concerned with another consequence of everyone leaving tomorrow.
He thought he was sure of Katherine’s feelings, but unfortunately they meant little next to her father’s. He eyed Mr. Smith. He was a genial man. He cared for his daughter, but like many, thought her welfare best taken care of by a man of wealth. Henry understood his point of view.
But Henry was an attorney. He argued and persuaded for a living. Perhaps it was time he made his argument to the man himself.
He waited until Mr. Ryder had left to sit near Lady Mary before approaching Mr. Smith. “May I speak with you, sir?”
Mr. Smith blinked. “That sounds serious.”
“It is to me.” Henry gestured toward the casement doors. “May we speak on the terrace?” He ignored the curious looks they were garnering. He had to handle this carefully, like it was the most important negotiation of his career.
Mr. Smith heaved himself up from his chair and led the way outside. Once the doors were closed, he spun on Henry. “You’re not going to accuse me of killing Perrin, too, are you?”
Henry fell back a step. “What? No, of course not.” And thank God they no longer suspected him. That could make this situation only more awkward.
“Then what is this about?” Mr. Smith asked. Traces of blood still stained the stone floor, and he frowned down at it.
The window by the lily of the valley opened an inch. Henry waited, staring at Lady Mary through the glass until she took thehint and wandered back to her seat. “I wished to speak with you regarding your daughter.” He clasped his hands behind his back.
“What about her?” Smith drew his eyebrows together. “Is something amiss?”
“That depends on one’s point of view.” He inhaled sharply. “You had hoped to marry her to Lord Perrin, and I understand you are now looking at another possible match.”
Smith rubbed his jaw. “She has been out in society for several years. I don’t want to waste any more of her time.”
Henry nodded. “You have been looking for a husband who would not only make her a good match but one who is financially advantageous to you, have you not?”
Smith huffed. “Your tone leads me to believe you think those two goals are mutually exclusive. I can assure you, based on the two happy marriages of my other daughters, that it is not.”
“I believe you.” Henry wanted to pace, release some of his nervous energy, but he forced himself to remain still. “But what if it did come down between your daughter’s happiness and your wealth? Which is the most pressing concern of yours?”
