Page 26 of Charlotte's Story
Lady Catherine waved a hand toward the violinist so he could take a break, and Lizzy settled in on the bench and began pluckingDeck the Halls. Darcy’s phone rang, so he gave his aunt an apologetic look, mouthed, “Business,” and left the table to answer.
“That was kind of you to invite us to dinner,” I said, echoing William’s earlier line because I couldn’t think of anything better to say.
“I’m always happy to have Firth over. He appreciates the worth of genuine distinction.”
“Yes, he’s good about that,” I said. “Always bending over backward to help people.”
“I’m not sure how far my spine would allow it, but I’d do whatever I can,” William said, completely serious. “But if you’ll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”
Lady Catherine waved him off.
William walked by me on his way, and one second my dessert was there, and the next, it was replaced with his plate of fruitcake. He made the switch with clinical precision, as if he’d rehearsed the gesture in his head.
I met William’s eyes, and he gave me the smallest smile before disappearing down the hall. Did he realize I didn’t like hazelnuts? He must’ve noticed my pause. Or the way I messed with the plate without taking a bite. Of course he had. He noticed not just what people said, but what they didn’t.
His kindness didn’t come wrapped in words—it came in fruitcake.
Warmth flickered in my chest, unexpected and entirely uninvited. I shoved it down hard and reached for my water. Did William really need to use the bathroom or had that been an excuse to help me? Or maybe he was giving me an opportunity to have some one-on-one time with Lady Catherine. Actually, probably not that one since he refused to consider the possibility of her guilt. Either way, I needed to take advantage of these few precious minutes alone.
I tried again with another question. “I’m curious why Firth had to postpone our honeymoon last night. Was everything okay?”
She stiffened. “Oh yes, that. It was nothing of consequence.”
There was definitely something off about her reaction. And if it had been something so insignificant, why had she postponed our honeymoon? If she hadn’t done that, William and I wouldn’t be caught up in this whole mess. I brushed aside my irritation. “Do you remember anything about Dahlia? I heard from someone in town that she was seen coming into Rosings Park not that many days ago.”
Lady Catherine waved off my question with a fan that appeared in her hand. “It was nothing. She probably came to take part in the ornament donation.”
I chewed my lip. Tessa had mentioned an ornament that had been at the scene of the crime. Were the two related? “Did William participate in the drive as well? Or did you send him home with one that night?”
“Firth? No. He didn’t take anything home with him.” She gestured toward the Christmas tree. “You’re welcome to look over there. It has some of the same types of ornaments we’re using in the donation.”
William returned, putting an end to my questioning.
“Where will you two be staying tonight?” Lady Catherine asked. “Considering how close to your house the murder happened, I imagine it might not be safe to stay there.”
“Yes, I’m not sure where we’ll stay tonight.” William’s worried gaze fell on me.
“You’re welcome to stay here if you’d like. I can have a guest room prepared for you.”
“Why, that’s absolutely—”
“We couldn’t impose,” I said quickly before William could accept.Okaa-sanwould’ve called it bad manners to refuse a host’s kindness. My upbringing agreed, but my gut said no. He might not suspect Lady Catherine, but I wouldn’t take her off my list until she was proven innocent. And after that last mysterious comment about the townspeople regretting not designating her as the star lighter… I didn’t trust her one bit.
“Of course, I’m sure you’ll want privacy, being newlyweds.”
William’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again like he was flipping through the pages of a manuscript that didn’t cover this situation. His cheeks flushed pink. “That would be… customary,” he said finally, voice tight with uncertainty.
I pressed my lips together. If that was the best way to get her to drop the subject, then so be it. She didn’t need to know about our arrangement.
Darcy finished his phone call, but instead of returning to the table, he joined Lizzy at the piano.
Our small group fell silent for a moment, and Lady Catherine turned to watch Lizzy and Darcy, a furrow forming between her brows. I’d never heard anything about it, but judging by the way she watched Lizzy—or the way she watched Darcy watch Lizzy—I was starting to suspect that she didn’t approve of Lizzy as a potential match for her nephew.
“I’m going to admire your lovely room.” I climbed to my feet and started a slow turn around the room, leaving William and Lady Catherine alone.
“We all should,” she said, her gaze not leaving her nephew. “The room is far too lovely not to be admired.”
Tall windows framed in heavy drapes let in the evening light, and a large fireplace burned gently. Even the flames knew better than to get out of hand. On one side of the room sat the gleaming black piano and the Christmas tree, and on the other side a few embroidered footstools and high-backed matching chairs filled the space.
