A Study in Murder (Victorian Book Club Mystery 1)

Through her fuzzy brain, she agreed with William’s assessment. “True. Most times they seemed like genuine friends, and other times, like when Mrs. Miles berated Lady Carlisle for selling her jewels, I felt as though she thoroughly disliked the woman.”

He nodded slowly. “As I said. An unusual friendship.”

“Whatever is going on in here?” Aunt Margaret smirked at Amy and William, both slouched on the sofa in the drawing room, two empty glasses and a partially filled brandy bottle on the table in front of them.

William made to stan

d and didn’t quite make it, which made Amy even more sure she would not take any more brandy—if even William was having a problem standing. After struggling for a few minutes, William managed to remain upright. He bowed in Aunt Margaret’s direction. “Good day, my lady.”

Then he burped.

Amy giggled.

Aunt Margaret regarded them both with narrowed eyes. “I believe you two are … soused.” She burst out laughing.

“I am not drunk,” Amy said, although she wasn’t quite sure the words that came out of her mouth actually voiced that thought.

William waved to the chair across from the sofa, barely missing Amy’s head. “Won’t you join us, Lady Margaret?” His legs seemed to give out, and he landed back on the sofa, a surprised expression on his face.

Her aunt placed her hands on her hips. “I think the two of you have had enough of whatever it is you have been doing and drinking.”

The front door closed, and within seconds Michael entered the drawing room. “What’s this I heard from Mr. Stevens that the police were here again? Are you still getting into trouble?”

Amy and William looked at each other and burst into laughter. No matter how hard she tried, Amy could not control the giggles that had overtaken her. Tears ran down her cheeks, and she swiped at them.

Aunt Margaret walked over to her and reached out her hand. “Oh, dear, I believe it’s time for you to retire for the day. Whatever this is all about, you can tell us tomorrow.”

“No, no. You must hear what we did.” Amy hiccupped.

Michael crossed his arms over his chest. “I am very interested to hear why the police were here yet again, and why my sister is alone with a man, with no chaperone, and a near-empty bottle of brandy between them.” He glared at William.

“I agree, my lord,” William managed to get out without too much difficulty. She noted he didn’t try to stand again. “I should not have allowed your sister to imbibe.”

“Indeed.”

Amy poked William in the arm. “Tell them.” She was afraid to attempt to put the story into words. She was feeling more and more unlike herself.

William related the tale, beginning with Mrs. Miles’s arrival and including all that followed. Amy smiled at him, grateful as always for his assistance.

After comments of surprise, and in Michael’s case, even admiration, Aunt Margaret took Amy’s arm. “All right, dear girl. Now it is time to sleep this off.”

William managed to climb to his feet with the help of the back of the chair. “I will be off as well.”

“Wait. I will walk you to the door,” Amy said.

With Michael and Aunt Margaret staring after them, William and Amy made it to the front door with as much dignity as possible. Mr. Stevens tried his best to control his smile at the sight of the two of them.

As the butler opened the door, William turned to her. He took Amy’s hand. “My dear Lady Amy. I will be forever grateful that you did not get shot today.”

“Thank you.” She swayed slightly, and William gripped her arms.

He stared into her eyes as if seeing something there he’d never seen before.

“What?”

He pulled her close and cautiously lowered his head and kissed her. A slight touching of lips. When she just stared at him wide-eyed, he kissed her again, this time with a bit more feeling.

Her insides turned to mush, and she clung to his arms to keep from sliding to the floor. William pulled back and rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks.