“I see.” A troubled look filled Marsdale’s eyes. He glanced away briefly, as though gazing toward the horizon. When he turned to her next, the emotion was gone, as though it had never existed. “Thank you for the update, Mrs. Croft. I won’t keep you any longer.”
“Please, you mustn’t be so formal.” She gave him a mischievous smirk and whispered, “After all, we did kiss.”
“Only as a means to an end,” he reminded her gently. “I recommend we never speak of it again.”
“Nevertheless, I must insist you call me Samantha. Especially since Adrian considers you family.”
“Very well then, but only if he will allow it.” Thestatement echoed the one he’d made when she’d told him of the plan to catch Clive Newton and what it entailed.
“If you’re free for dinner tomorrow evening we can ask him.” She was sure Adrian would love a chance to catch up with his friend.
He bowed his head. “I’d enjoy that tremendously. What time should I be there?”
“Does seven o’clock suit?”
“It’s perfect.” They parted ways and she continued her progress.
A maid admitted her when she reached Orendel House and apologized for the butler not arriving to do so. From what Samantha gathered, he was presently being interviewed by Adrian in the earl’s study.
“Can you please tell my husband I’m here?” Samantha asked while she removed her bonnet.
“I’ve been asked not to interrupt until the interview is over. If you don’t mind, I’d rather wait to inform him until then.” When Samantha told her this was fine, the maid gestured toward the parlor. “My mistress is waiting in there with her children. Perhaps you’d care to join them?”
Samantha inclined her head and walked to the parlor door, gave it a quick courtesy knock, and entered. Lady Orendel, a robust woman with reddish hair who appeared to be near her fiftieth year, reclined on a divan. Her children, two daughters between the ages of twelve and sixteen, sat on the sofa while her son, a boy who looked to be no more thanfive, sat cross-legged on the floor, his gaze fixed on the carpet.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion,” Samantha said. Everyone’s attention gradually shifted toward her, a question on all their faces. “We’ve not been formally introduced. I’m Samantha Croft. My husband is…um… Forgive me. Please accept my sincerest condolences.”
Lady Orendel dabbed at her eyes with what looked like a very damp handkerchief. “Thank you.”
Her daughters, the younger with a vacant look about her, the older still wearing the shocked expression that must have imprinted itself upon her face when she’d first been informed of her sister’s death, said nothing. Neither did their brother, who just went back to staring at the carpet.
Samantha’s heart hurt from the weight of loss pushing down on the room. It was stifling, yet so completely understandable it surprised her they weren’t all screaming in pain. None looked remotely willing to speak of what had occurred, for which she could not blame them.
Deciding a different approach might be better, she took a step forward, keenly observing every detail that might prove relevant. A curious painting of a man standing next to a peacock drew her attention. “They’re remarkable birds, you know.”
“What?”
Samantha sent a glance over her shoulder and saw that it was the daughter with the vacant gaze who’dspoken. Something flickered there now – a sliver of interest – a hint at more than an empty shell.
“Their tail feathers can reach up to six feet in length. I’ve always wanted to see one in person.”
“Grandpapa loved them. That’s him in the painting.”
“Have you ever had your portrait painted?” Samantha asked, a bit easier since she’d gained a response. The young lady shook her head. “Me neither. I can’t imagine having to sit still for hours on end while an artist captured my likeness. I daresay I’d hate every second.”
The young lady gave a faint smile but added nothing further. Samantha sent the painting a final look. “The man who raised me has an aviary full of lovebirds, parakeets, and budgies. No peacocks though.”
“Hmm…”
The door opened and a man who looked very butlerish in appearance directed his attention toward his mistress. “If you’re ready, my lady, Mr. Croft would like to speak with you next.” To Samantha he said, “You’re welcome to join them.”
“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay here a while longer.” Samantha waited until the butler and Lady Orendel were gone, then said, “May I ask what your names are?”
The young lady who’d spoken earlier responded once more, her voice a little livelier now. “I’m Violet, this is my sister, Theodora, and that’s Robert.”
“And what do you enjoy doing for sport?”
“I like to read,” Violet said. “We all do. Especially Eleanor. She…” Violet squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head while Theodora and Robert both stared at her in frozen silence.
