Lord Stanley said nothing, though his jaw tightened visibly.
Then he rose and began questioning the footmen and staff tersely, who looked at one another in varying degrees of shock and dismay.
Another death beneath their roof.
‘As instructed, my lord, we escorted Lord Bainbridge to his wife’s room and—’ Holden began under Stanley’s curt questioning. ‘We only left him briefly when Mr Payne attempted to escape, and we were obliged to assist in restraining him.’
Stanley’s expression darkened.
‘You mean to tell me Lord Bainbridge was left unattended?’
‘We did not consider him a suspect, my lord,’ Holden admitted. ‘And we...’
He faltered beneath Lord Stanley’s glare.
Nearby, Lady Bainbridge continued sobbing noisily into her handkerchief whilst Mrs Wilberforce attempted to soothe her.
‘There, there, dearest. I am sure matters shall resolve themselves. He is in a... better place now...’
Lady Bainbridge gave another broken sob.
‘What will become of me? What if I must return to my parents’ home?’
She clung to Mrs Wilberforce almost childishly.
At a helpless look from Mrs Wilberforce, Charlotte stepped forward.
‘I am certain Lord Bainbridge will have provided for you, my lady. But can you tell us precisely what occurred?’
Lady Bainbridge swallowed shakily.
‘He came into my room speaking of an old jewellery box. He discovered letters hidden beneath a false bottom—letters I hadno notion existed—and said he meant to show them to you, my lord.’
She dabbed frantically at her eyes.
‘Then I stepped away briefly to refresh myself before returning downstairs to join the ladies. And when I came out again...’
Her voice cracked.
‘...he was lying there.’
‘What sort of letters were they?’ Lord Stanley asked.
‘I do not know.’ Lady Bainbridge looked genuinely bewildered.
‘Did you see anyone else nearby?’
‘Only Mrs Wilberforce coming from the morning room after I screamed.’
Mrs Wilberforce nodded immediately.
‘Yes. I heard a dreadful thud followed by screaming. When I stepped out, Lord Bainbridge was already lying at the foot of the stairs, and Lady Bainbridge was standing at the top. No one else was there.’
Lady Bainbridge seized Charlotte’s hand so tightly it hurt.
‘I know how this appears, but I swear I did not push him. Why would I?’
She looked utterly terrified.
