‘You didn’t think to mention this before?’ Luc demanded.
‘Why no. I had quite forgotten it because I had asked my cousin whether the man had uttered threats and should be refused admission if he called again, and he said there was absolutely nothing to worry about and he had the matter perfectly in hand and the, er, claimant, knew he would get his legacy in due course.’
I could see that Luc was not entirely satisfied, but I couldn’t see why an illegitimate twig from the family tree should want to murder the man who was sorting out his inheritance for him.
‘I must speak to my father as soon as possible,’ Adrien said, back to looking merely harassed.
‘Who inherits the title?’ Luc asked bluntly. ‘It is not your father, is it?’
‘No.’ Adrien seemed to find that a relief and, I suppose, it certainly removed a strong motive. ‘My Uncle Frederick. He is not –’
‘What?’ I asked when he fell silent.
‘Er – I can hear the doctor.’ Adrien opened the door and retreated into the hall.
Luc raised an eyebrow. ‘That young man has one of the most transparent faces I have ever encountered. He is going to have to learn to dissemble if he wants a political career. I wonder what it is about Uncle Frederick that causes him such unease.’
‘You don’t know the family well?’
He shook his head. ‘The old Viscount, the father of Tillingham, and Adrien’s eldest uncle, was very active in politics, I believe. None of his other sons showed any interest and seemed to prefer country life, but Henry – ’ He jerked his head towards the study, ‘– He took after the old man. I don’t think I have ever encountered any of t
he others. I’m surprised to hear that one of them was at a Palace function, frankly.’
‘Adrien said, They all were, so I suppose other family members are in Town.’ Luc nodded, but I was not certain he was actually listening to me. ‘Do you suspect Adrien?’ I asked bluntly and saw from his reaction that must have been what he was brooding about.
‘No,’ Luc said, and smiled as he paused with his hand on the door. ‘For a moment, I wondered, because he is a relative and there is a title and presumably lands and money in play now, but unless my judgment is wildly astray, I simply cannot see him throwing away this position. He needs employment and a situation where he can make contacts and advance himself if he is to marry Miss McNeil.’
But he will be loyal to his family and perhaps one of them is the killer, I thought, pausing in the doorway. Even his father.
I knew better than to offer an opinion in the presence of the magistrate, Coroner or the doctor and they were not going to comment on the crime in front of a lady. But, fortunately, they were all talking in the hallway, so I stayed hidden behind the half-open door and jotted notes.
‘There are no wounds other than that single stab to the heart.’ I assumed that was the doctor speaking.
‘Impossible to see how it could be anything but murder.’
I frowned, puzzled: that voice sounded familiar.
‘I will hold the inquest in three days’ time,’ said another man. Clearly the Coroner. ‘I believe that there is a room of suitable size at The Moon and Sixpence inn: that will be nearest. I assume there is adequate time to allow you to continue your examination in more detail, Doctor Harris? Mr Prescott, you, the butler and any other servants and witnesses that Sir William here deems necessary, will receive summonses to attend. This house will remain staffed?’
Wonderful! I should have put a name to the second voice immediately. It was General Sir William Abernathy, a very senior magistrate and an old acquaintance from my very first journey back in time.
‘Yes, sir.’ Adrien sounded subdued but competent. ‘I shall attend here daily to manage affairs until I know the wishes of my uncle, Doctor Frederick Prescott, who is the heir. He a Fellow of a Cambridge college and is not in good health. This will be a considerable shock to him.’
‘To everyone, I would imagine,’ the Coroner said tartly. ‘Very well. Constable, see that the body is delivered to Doctor Harris in a respectful and decent manner and as rapidly as may be. I shall await the outcome of your further enquiries with interest, Sir William. Good day to you.’
The front door opened and closed, but I stayed where I was while the constable announced that he was going to fetch an undertaker with a temporary coffin shell and a decent cart and there was a brisk argument when Adrien insisted on a closed vehicle.
When he had finally gone, Adrien having won the point, I looked out. ‘Sir William, good morning.’
‘Why, Miss Lawrence.’ He looked surprised, as well he might. ‘I would say a pleasure, but under the circumstances, perhaps not.’
‘No, it is very sad.’ We shook hands and I decided some explanation was necessary as he was under the impression that I was a distant cousin of the family from Boston, America, a ruse to cover any slips I might make in this time. ‘I am staying with Lady Radcliffe again for a few weeks.’
‘I see.’ The one-armed ex-soldier gave me a look that plainly said he was not certain exactly what to make of me in general and my presence at a murder scene in particular.
‘I accompanied Lord Radcliffe in case any female servants were distressed,’ I said demurely, attempting to look as though nothing else would have dragged me over the threshold.
As Sir William had previously encountered me covered in blood (someone else’s) in the aftermath of rescuing a kidnapped girl, it was apparent he was not entirely convinced. Then he smiled. Thinly, it is true, but it seemed genuine. ‘I am about to question the staff. Perhaps you could accompany me, Miss Lawrence. A lady’s presence may reassure the nervous ones.’