Did she feel the connection, too? Was she just as shocked that an attraction had formed so quickly?
“Mr Bellham muttered a few other words last night, but I thought they were naught but the ramblings of a dying man.”
Disappointment flared. What had he expected? That she would stare into his eyes and say she wanted to kiss him, too? That she might suggest they partake in enjoyable pursuits to become better acquainted?
“What sort of words?”
She shook her head. “You will laugh.”
“I won’t.”
“Strawberry.”
“Strawberry?”
“See, I knew you would find it ridiculous.”
Hugo shrugged. “I merely wished to clarify what I heard.” He paused. “Have you any thoughts on the matter?”
She explained her observations, explained that every lady had something on their person that might have prompted Mr Bellham to offer the clue. “I think we can discount your mother, but we must not assume the other ladies are too weak to drive a blade into a man’s chest.”
“No, and while Northcott had ample opportunity to commit the crime, he has no motive that we know about.” A peer would need a damn good reason to murder a man. “You said Bellham mumbled other words.”
“Yes, but I cannot decide if he said jewels or Judas.”
“Judas would suggest a betrayal. Is there any better motive for murder?” Miss Mason-Jones had suffered for Bellham’s disloyalty, and there was nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned.
She glanced at the door once again. “Perhaps he meant jewels. Yesterday, Miss Harper wore a ruby brooch in the shape of a strawberry.”
Yes, he could imagine the spiteful wildcat exacting revenge on anyone who dared cross her path. “Though I loathe the fact we’re not observing a respectful day of mourning, we must do as you suggest and use the festive season as an excuse to probe further.” Bertie didn’t give a fig for propriety, but he would want his murderer brought to justice.
Hearing a whisper of conversation and the drum of footsteps descending the stairs, Hugo stood. “The other guests appear to have found the courage to venture from their bedchambers. I shall check on Bellham, and then we’re to distribute alms to the poor though I suggest only a few of us attempt the trek into the village.” He offered his hand and brought her to her feet. “Perhaps you’d like to ride out with me again.”
“I should like that very much, but one of us must remain here if we’ve any hope of learning anything from those who stay behind.”
An unexpected sense of desperation took hold. “There’ll be plenty of time to question them later this evening. After a few glasses of sherry, the ladies will be more forthcoming.” And over a bottle of port, Northcott’s opinions might flow a little more freely. “I expect Miss Harper will insist on coming into Upavon to demonstrate her skill in the saddle.”
“In that case, you should be firm in your decision regarding who should go. News of Mr Bellham’s murder might rouse fear amongst those in the village.”
“Sir Ellis will have alerted the coroner, and we should expect him at any time. News will spread quickly throughout the area then.”
“Hugo?” His mother’s voice captured his attention.
He stepped away from Miss Bennett just as his mother came gliding into the room.
Penelope de Wold looked different this morning. When it came to daywear, she preferred dull browns and muted purples. Yet today she wore turquoise sarcenet which greatly enhanced the hue of her vivid blue eyes. Gabrielle had fashioned the countess’ dark hair into an elegant coiffure that defined the jaw. The wisps of grey at her temples added an air of sophistication to the style.
“You look rather lively this morning, Mother.” Hugo may have been mistaken, but her spirits seemed lifted despite the tragic death of poor Bellham.
She patted her hair. “Oh, Gabrielle kept pestering about trying a new style from Paris. After the trauma of last night, I merely sought to appease the girl.”
“And you thought to apply rouge to your cheeks, too?”
His mother shook her head. “Give Gabrielle carte blanche with one’s appearance, and she takes liberties.”
“Turquoise suits you, Lady Denham,” Miss Bennett said. “Your complexion is positively glowing.”
“Such trifles are not the concern of mature ladies, Miss Bennett, but during trying times one must assume the appearance of cool equanimity.”