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“A few days back. But the earl does not appear to be in the physical state to battle with someone of Rowan’s prowess and stature. No, I am not sure he would be viable as a suspect.” Abram leaned forward, resting his head on his palm. “Otherwise, there is no one. I am likely the only one who ever argued with him. I am afraid I was his greatest adversary, the poor bastard.” An ache formed in Abram’s chest.

He was the reason for Rowan being far from Irish shores these last months. If he had gone home, none of this would have happened. This was his fault. While he had never endeavored to find a murderer before now, there was nothing that would keep him from finding the bloody slaughterer responsible.

A flash of Rowan’s smashed face and mangled body came to fore in his mind. There was no doubt he’d experienced a horrible death. Someone would have to answer for it.

“Who was the last person to see him, outside of the earl?”

“I cannot be sure. I rose early—the day you saw me in the park, do you recall? I made a habit of having a walk at dawn. He never accompanied me.” Abram left off the part about his hopes of spotting Orris astride her steed. He could scarcely think of any better way to start the day.

“And the night before? Had he been acting strange in any way?” Samuel leaned against the windowsill, his back pressed to the window.

Abram leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on his knees. “Not that I can recall. He was anxious to return home. Restless, I should say. He was fond of my family, loyal to a fault to my father, and rather devoted to the country. One could not ask for a better countryman.”

“Hmm, I wonder whether there would have been any clues in his belongings. Can you search his things? You would be looking for anything linking him to scandal or intrigue.”

“I can. The constables were checking to see if anything was taken. The room had been tossed, but nothing of value appeared to be missing.”

“I would look again. I can have a man come to aid you in the search if that would be helpful.”

“I shall take any help I may have.”

“You may want to stay with someone… just in case they return. I can advocate for your lodging at Gray Manor. Only if you can promise to maintain your presumed identity with my mother-in-law. We would not want to draw the killer to her home. And she will not want any hint of scandal around her young ladies. I should not appreciate it, either.”

“I would not want to be an imposition,” Abram said. A flit of concern for Orris trickled through his chest. If something were to happen to her… “On second thought, I can move to another location? The Grays should not be part of this ordeal.”

“I would agree, but I think this will prevent Orris from trekking out during the evening hours. I cannot very well lock her in her room.”

“I would not recommend such an extreme. Although I am sure she would find a way to escape, based on what I know of her,” Abram said, letting out his first laugh since finding Rowan’s body.

“Quite so.” Samuel shook his head, then walked to the door of the room. “I shall send someone the moment I return and have Dorchester provide a valet to check in on you. Until then, take care. There is every reason to believe there is a murderer with his sights set on you.”

As unbelievable as it sounded, Abram realized his immediate future was, indeed, at risk.

Chapter Seventeen

“Lovely of you to join us this afternoon. Please give my regards to your parents,” Mama said, calling after the last of the potential suitors who had left for the afternoon. Her pineapple-yellow-colored gown swirled at her feet when she turned to face them.

Violetta had promised herself for two dances at the next ball already to some lord or another. She was brimming with excitement, while Orris had watched and sulked for the better part of three hours.

The squeal Violetta let out as soon as the main doorway was sealed was near apoplectic. “Sister, I shall be married by the end of the season. How could you just sit there? Weddings are delightful, are they not?” With every movement, she wafted the rose-oil scent she wore in the air.

Orris waved her fingers, unsure whether Violetta had even heard what any of the boring men had said. She was convinced all the girl could see was a dress resembling a cake and the opportunity to dance off into something akin to a prison sentence with those droll tuft hunters. “It is as you say, Vi. Weddings are delightful,” she finally said in a tone drenched in sarcasm.

Violetta was not to be deterred. “I won’t let you ruin it for me, Orris.” She laughed.

“Violetta is right, dearest. You shall meet someone one day who will give you such delight. Until then, please do not dampen your sister’s enthusiasm. Now, the dresses are here. We must try them on,” Mama said, moving to stand between the two couches in front of the fireplace. Before she left, she turned to gaze at the portrait now hanging above the mantel. “We are a fine family. I anticipate it will grow larger, and one day, maybe children will fill these hallways.”

When she looked back at Orris and Violetta, tears filled her eyes. As sour as Orris was on most things related to courtship, her mother’s delight in growing her family as she had always dreamed pricked at the ice formed around her heart. Mama deserved happiness, and after the loss of their papa, for a time, it had been in short supply.

“One day, Mama,” Orris said, even if she realized in her heart that the men of the ton were not the type she should like to wed. All save one…

“Now, let us make haste. Should an alteration be required, we would like to have them done in advance of the balls. Come, ladies,” Mama said, turning to leave the room.

Before they could, Samuel filled the doorway with his brawn. “Mama Seraphine, good. I am glad to have caught you before you retired.”

“‘Retired?’ Samuel, are you well? It is two in the afternoon. We have not even had our tea.” Mama laughed, extending her hands in front of him.

Samuel grasped them and brought them to his lips. “Right, I have been working a bit too much as of late and have my hours confused.” He apologized before letting her hands go. “Where are my wife and Cousin Gladys?”