“I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, but must confess I haven’t found much evidence that he had better instincts,” Georgina said, holding a flowery teacup to her lips. “But I must say I’m surprised that he remembered how much I liked the Rubens.”
“Will Gerard be very rich, Mama?” Leonora asked, taking a scone from the plate.
“Yes, my dear.” Mama dabbed at her eyes with a wisp of lace. “I hate change, it’s most upsetting. Harrison would wish me to set his house in order. Gerard has so much to deal with, I’m sure he will appreciate it, especially if he plans to lease or sell it.” Her black skirts rustled purposefully as she rose to examine a cabinet of china against the wall behind them “These all need to be taken out and thoroughly cleaned.” She shook her head. “The whole house is sadly neglected.” She wheeled around. “Harriett, you must stay and assist me.”
“I?” Harriett asked, surprised, but secretly pleased.
“I’ll discuss it with Gerard and your father, first of course. I’m sure they will agree. Your sister must fulfill her social engagements, but as you …” she took a deep breath, raising her brows “… have no such commitments, you can spend a week or two here with me.”
She must find Gerard; he seemed cut adrift from them all. Not that he’d wish to deal with the disgruntled guests muttering amongst themselves. She stood. “I think I’ll take a walk.”
She found Gerard sitting on the garden wall, his bowed head in his hands. He looked up as she approached.
“I never expected it, Harry.”
“I know.” She sat beside him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“I imagine the drawing room is buzzing with speculation,” he said, absently patting her hand.
“You might say that. But really, who cares?”
He banged a fist against his thigh. “One thing, it’s made me all the more determined to catch his murderer.”
A shiver passed through her. “Do you have any idea who did this terrible thing?”
His blue eyes darkened with pain. “Whether I do or not doesn’t concern you, young Harry.”
She wished he saw her as a grown woman. It was perverse, he certainly had no trouble viewing Leonora that way and she was younger. If only Mama had agreed to the Cossack silk evening gown with the plunging neckline. “I want to help.”
“You can, by keeping silent about what you saw.”
“But—”
Humor flickered in his sad eyes. “Or will I have to kiss you again?”
“Gerard, really!” Harriet’s pulse picked up at the thought, if only he really meant it. “Can’t you tell me?”
He shook his head. “It could place you in danger.”
“That’s nonsense. How could it?”
“Harrison’s murderer might still be close by.”
Rubbing at the shivery feeling on her arms, Harriett jumped up. “To be safe I need to know more, surely, especially now I’m to stay here with Mother while she restores order to the house.”
“You’re staying on?” He frowned. “Your father offered to assist where he could. But you…here…” He shook his head. “I’m not sure I like it.”
“Please tell me what you know, Gerard. Father….”
“Hallo, you two!” Leonora tripped across the lawns in her ivory muslin trimmed with lavender, shading her face from the sun with a lacy lavender parasol.
Gerard turned to Harriett. “It might be safer if you do know. Seeing as you’re so impetuous, and will no doubt go poking about on your own, meet me tonight at eleven. I’ll be at the stables. If you can’t come, I’ll understand. And if you see anyone about, go back to your bedroom and stay there. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Leonora stood poised at the top of the marble steps flanked by huge stone urns. She pouted. “I’m so excessively bored. What talk proves so interesting?”
“Pretty girls should never be bored.” Gerard leapt up to take her hand and assist her down the steps. “Are you to stay here next week also?”
Leonora raised her gown high enough to reveal her lavender half boot. “I’m leaving with my aunt tomorrow. I have social engagements in London.”
