Page 28 of A Moveable Feast
Third Cousin Desmond did not kill Lord Alfred,” I declared.
“Do you want to run after them?” James asked. “Tell Inspector McGregor?”
I nearly did let myself chase whatever police wagon had taken away Cousin Desmond, but I stopped. Neither Inspector McGregor nor a magistrate would be interested in my thoughts at this moment, and I had no evidence that could clear Cousin Desmon’s name. My idea that he couldn’t have done it would be dismissed.
No, sensitive Desmond might have to spend a night in Bow Street or even Newgate, though Lord Babcock, if he could, would prevent that.
Desmond was now second in line for the marquessate. If he disliked his older brother as much as Mrs. Morgan said he did, he might not, in theory, stop at anything to become the marquess himself. A magistrate and a high court judge might believe that.
“No,” I said. “I will have to do this another way. Any chance your dad’s delivery wagon is about? I must trundle all our goods back to Mount Street. The sooner, the better, I think.”
James touched his cap. “Right away, Mrs. H.”
He sprang away with the enthusiasm of youth, leaving me pondering as I walked back to the Babcock house.
The news of Desmond’s arrest had reached the kitchen by the time I arrived.
“I never liked him,” Mary said darkly. “He was always cruel to the young master. Calling him a bastard, and all.”
Mrs. Morgan had said the opposite, that Lord Alfred had taunted Third Cousin Demond. I couldn’t be certain which was the truth. A bit of both, I supposed.
If Cousin Desmond had believed the tale that Lord Alfred was illegitimate, that might make Desmond’s motive to kill Lord Alfred even stronger in the eyes of the law. Lord Babcock had apparently been satisfied that Alfred had sprung from his seed, but rumor was a powerful thing.
Tess and I had nearly finished bundling away our things—I had no leisure to sit in a corner and ruminate—when Lady Cynthia entered the kitchen.
“Can you take another pot of tea to Margaret?” she asked. “She is beside herself now that her beloved Desmond’s been arrested so quickly after she lost her brother.”
Lady Cynthia spoke briskly, as though she was becoming rather fed up with the traumatic events in this house. She obviously pitied Lady Margaret, however. Hence the order of tea.
“Of course,” I said. “Tell her not to worry. I don’t believe her cousin did it.”
Cynthia studied me in relief. “I’m happy to hear you say that. Margaret doesn’t need more trouble. I don’t think Desmond did it either. He’s a bit of a weed.”
“Perhaps you ought to go home now,” I told her kindly. “There’s not much more you can do.”
“I’d love to, but I’ll stay on.” Cynthia heaved a resigned sigh. “McGregor dismissed the other guests, who have all fled. Lord Babcock has shut himself into his study, not wanting to see anyone but his valet. Auntie is already storming home. Apparently, she is annoyed she was in a house where a murder was committed and has no intention of staying any longer.”
As Mrs. Bywater could be trying on her best days, I thought perhaps it was better for Lord Babcock’s family if she went.
“I’ll have the tea ready in a trice and bring it up,” I told Cynthia, then leaned to whisper to her. “Make certain no one eats or drinks anything I haven’t prepared, and eat nothing that has been left unattended for even a moment.”
Cynthia’s eyes went wide. “Do you think the poisoner will strike again? Do they mean to kill everyone in the house?”
“We can sincerely hope not. But please monitor the food and drink after I’m gone.”
“That I will. Good Lord.”
“Thank you.” I returned to my usual tones. “Have you seen Mrs. Seabrook at all?” The housekeeper had been notably absent since announcing Lord Alfred’s death.
“She’s rushing about, clucking, because the upstairs rooms have been left in such a state. She’s busy chivvying the maids to put them to rights.”
I imagined Mrs. Seabrook gave orders like a general in battle. “Up you go. I’ll bring the tray.”
“You are too good for us, Mrs. H.”
I accepted the compliment with modesty, as usual. Cynthia grinned at me then took herself away.
James thumped down the outside stairs and knocked on the door to announce the cart was ready. Tess brightened when she saw him, and Jane and Mary did as well, though for different reasons. The kitchen maids were no doubt noting that James was quite handsome.
