Rules of Murder

7/28/2019 Rules of Murder

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2013 by DeAnna Julie Dodson

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division o

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Printed in the United States o America

All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any orm or by any meansor example, electronic, photocopy,

recordingwithout the prior written permission o the publisher. The only exception

is brie quotations in printed reviews.

Library o Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Deering, Julianna.

Rules o murder / Julianna Deering.

pages cm. (A Drew Farthering Mystery)

Summary: In this cozy mystery set in the early 1930s English countryside,

a party at Drew Fartherings country estate proves deadly, Farthering and a

clever debutante guest try to catch the killer beore he claims another victim

Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-0-7642-1095-2 (pbk.)

1. MurderInvestigationFiction. 2. EnglandFiction. I. Title.

PS3554.O3414R85 2013813 .54dc23 2013008961

Scripture quotations are rom the King James Version o the Bible.

This is a work o historical reconstruction; the appearances o certain historical gures

are thereore inevitable. All other characters, however, are products o the authors

imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover design by Faceout Studio

Cover illustration by John Mattos

Author is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


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To the One who makes

all things new


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7

On

Farthering Place stood, as it always had, deep in the grove o

oaks at the end o a long curving drive, hal hidden rom

the main road and prying eyes. Nestled in the Hampshire

countryside, the old manor house exuded respectability andpermanence rather than great beauty, but it had a certain pleas-

ing symmetry that saved it rom outright stodginess. Even now,

when it was little more than a looming shadow in the darkness,

it had a dignied grace o line. Perhaps more so now. Now the

lights that would have illuminated any ill-considered behavior

had been extinguished and even the heartiest o the revelers had

stumbled into a bed o some description.A midnight-blue 1932 Rolls Royce slowed to a stop as it turned

into the drive. Behind the wheel, Drew Farthering took a moment

to look over the grounds, bracing himsel beore going down

to the house. Beore going home. Judging by the number o

cars in the drive, his absence hadnt prevented Constance rom

throwing one o her weekend bashes. He hadnt told anyone

to expect him.

Motionless, he surveyed the scene awhile longer. Then he

nudged the gure sprawled, sleeping, in the seat next to him.


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Were here. He didnt know why he whispered.

His companion struggled into a more dignied posture and

raked one hand through his sandy hair, making it stick up morethan it already did.

Still there, is she, Drew? he asked through a yawn, and

Drew nodded gravely.

Fartherings still there, Nick. Always there.

In another moment they were at the ront door and then

inside the dimly lit entry hall. Dennison was prompt to answer

the bell. As always, he was perectly groomed and suitably grave,

his only concession to the lateness o the hour being the robe

and slippers that had supplanted his usual ormal attire. Some-

how he made even those look dignied and utterly appropriate.

We werent told to expect you, sir. Do come out o the damp.

He took Drews hat, and Drew seized his hand. How are

you, Denny? Youre looking grand.Very well, sir, thank you. I trust Nicholas has remembered

his place with you.

Nick grinned.

In the middle o whatever mischie Ive made is his usual

place, Drew said. He never orgets that.

Nick threw his arm around the butlers shoulders and gave

them a strong squeeze.Propriety, Dennison reproved.

Great to see you, Dad, Nick said, his spirits undampened.

How is the old place?

Much less secure since youve arrived, I can assure you.

The two young men laughed.

Good old Denny, Drew said. Farthering wouldnt be home

without you.

Nick picked up the bags they had brought in rom the car. Ill

haul these up to our rooms, shall I, Dad? You go back to bed.


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JuliAnnA Deering

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Dennison turned to Drew, displaying a rare expression o

discomort as he cleared his throat. As I said, sir, we werent

told to expect you. Madam has her guests in or the weekendand

And youve had to put someone in Nicks room. Never mind.

He can kip on the divan in my study, cant you, Nick?

Nick grinned. Its not just my room, is it, Dad?

I regret to say, sir, but Madam

Shes put someone in my room. Drews expression grew

cool. And may I ask

Dennison? Whats that noise down there?

Drew looked up to the top o the graceully curved stairway.

Constance Farthering Parker squinted down at him, straining

to see without the glasses she was too vain to wear.

The masters come home, madam, Dennison inormed her.

She clutched her pink satin wrapper more closely aroundher tall rame and, with majestic hauteur, swept down to the

entryway. In her middle ties she still managed to look young

and rather pretty in the right light.

We werent expecting you, pet.

So I hear, Drew replied, touching his lips to the rouged

cheek she oered. I hadnt realized reservations were required.

O course not. Its just weve nowhere to put you andshe peered at Nick, who beamed at her over Drews shoulder

and young Dennison.

I thought wed agreed my room was o-limits, Mother.

Especially ater the last time.

Now, pet, Honoria couldnt help it i she was ill.

Perhaps she wouldnt have been ill i shed stopped at some-

thing less than a quart o gin that night.

Nick snickered and then, under Constances glare, coughed

decorously.


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And just who have you put in my room this time? Drew

pressed.

A riend o Masons. Constance looked down and then upat him again, her eyes wide with innocence. Really, Ellison, we

didnt know you were coming this weekend, and well be ull

up with guests ater tomorrow.

Drew scowled. His mother was the only one who called him

Ellison. No one else dared.

I suppose, as usual, my wishes werent to be considered.

Now, pet, really. Couldnt you?

Youd think, with all the rooms in this house, you might have

put him somewhere other than my room. Thats not asking too

much, is it, in view o

In view o the act that you are lord o the manor and Im

only living here on your charity?

Her voice cracked with sudden anger, and Drew resisted theurge to snap back at her.

In view o the act that it is my room, I was going to say,

Mother. Who is it anyway?

I told you, a riend o Masons. Again she looked away.

Who?

Hes only staying the weekend.

Who is it?It doesnt matter, she said with a deant lit o her chin,

and Drew turned to the butler.

Who is it, Denny?

A certain Mr. Lincoln, sir, Dennison said in his most im-

personal tone.

Lincoln! Drew stared at his mother in disbelie. By Harry,

Ill not have him in my house, let alone my own room.

He took the steps two at a time, dea to his mothers demands

that he come back and collect himsel. Hed heard what was said


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about his mother and Lincoln two years ago in Monte Carlo.

He wasnt about to let that sort o thing go on in his own home,

right under his stepathers nose.He pushed open the door to his room, and a shat o light

rom the hall ell across the heavy our-poster bed. He could

see Lincoln clearly as he slepttall, powerully built, his blond

hair slicked back to show his broad aristocratic orehead. An

ostentatious ruby ring gleamed on his right hand. Drew hated

him cordially and regretted ever having been introduced to him.

He strode to the bedside, took hold o the muscular arm that

lay over the sheet, and dragged Lincoln out onto the Persian rug.

Sputtering and cursing, Lincoln sprang to his eet, but Drew

didnt give him a chance to protest.

Collect your things, Drew said, his voice tight and low. I

want you out in ve minutes.

Look here, FartheringFive minutes and not an instant longer.

Lincoln took a step toward Drew, who only eyed him with

cool disdain.

Drew, please. Mason Parker came into the room, bringing

with him his usual air o calm sensibility. Im sure Mr. Lincoln

meant nothing o the kind.

Seeing Mason, Lincolns expression abruptly turned romanger to good-natured bewilderment. I think weve had rather

a misunderstanding

Hardly! Drew spat.

He is our houseguest ater all, Drew, Mason said. I trust

you will treat him as such.

But, sir, Drew protested, his consideration or his stepather

wrestling with his anger. This man

Drew. Mason put his arm around his stepsons shoulders

and took him aside. Your mother told me what youve heard


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about Monte Carlo, and I can assure you none o it is true. Mr.

Lincoln and I have some business dealings to attend to, and

I asked him to stay the weekend with the others. I hope thatdoesnt inconvenience you too much.

Drew pressed his lips together and quickly counted ten. Sir,

listen to me. He lowered his voice, seeing Nick and Dennison

and Constance were clustered in the doorway looking on. I

dont like to see you deceived, especially in your own

Drew! His stepather was as close to being angry as Drew

had ever seen him, though he too kept his voice low. Dont

lets quarrel now. I reuse to listen to idle gossip and trust you

will do the same. You o course have the right to eject rom

your home anyone you do not wish to entertain. But I hope, or

your mothers sake and mine, that you will remember yoursel

and manage a little hospitality while Mr. Lincoln is our guest.

Please.Drew counted ten once more, this time letting each number

squirm and simmer beore passing on to the next.

I want my room back, he said at last. And Nicks.

Mason smiled and turned to Lincoln. Sorry about the mis-

understanding.

Not at all. Not at all. Id no idea I was putting anyone out,

Lincoln said, his smile sheepish. Bit embarrassing and all that.I hope youll let bygones be bygones and stay with us or the

party. Dennison will see you have another room.

Thank you, Mr. Parker. Lincoln put a robe over his silk

pajamas. No harm done.

Mason patted Constances hand. There, my dear. No harm

done.

Im so glad, darling, she said, her expression meek and

worshipul as she clung to his arm. Good night, Mr. Lincoln.

Mrs. Parker, Lincoln said with a ormal bow.


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Mason led Constance away, and Dennison came into the

room to gather Lincolns things.

This way, sir, he said ater a moment. Its just throughthose doors and up the stairs.

Drew was standing near the door, his arms olded across

his chest, begrudging every minute the other man spent in his

room.

Good night, Farthering, Lincoln said as he ollowed Denni-

son out into the hallway, the knowing nastiness in his expression

belying his mild words. Should be a charming weekend, eh?

Charming, Drew replied, managing a cool, brittle smile o

his own. So good to have you. You must come again sometime.

Lincoln walked away, chuckling to himsel, and Drew slammed

the door behind him, making the old leaded windows rattle in

their rames.

Steady on, old man, Nick said, and then he grinned. Noplace like home, eh?

Drew could only laugh.

Drew had breakast out on the terrace with his stepather

the next morning. It was sweetly June, balmy and green, but the

mist still clung to the ground in wisps. It hadnt yet burned othe rolling meadow behind the house, and last nights revelers

hadnt yet let their beds.

He smiled over at Mason. The old boy looked the perect

picture o comortable middle agethinning on top, thickening

in the middle, kindly laugh lines at the corners o his uncriti-

cal eyesa middle age that asked nothing but tranquility and

graciousness.

I apologize or last night, sir, Drew said, spooning honey

into his tea. But I hadnt expected o all people


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Dont lets go into that again, Mason said briskly. Tell me,

how was the seaside? You and young Nick look in top orm.

I hope I wont sound too spoilt and all, but Im beginning tond it rather a bore. All they do is sit and drink and gossip about

the latest scandal. That is when theyre not stirring one up.

And, it goes without saying, you young chaps never get into

any deviltry yourselves.

Drew answered his stepathers indulgent grin with a shrug

and a mischievous smile o his own.

Cant say Nick and I havent got up to a prank or two, sir.

Just now and again.

Mason laughed. And no young lady youve wanted to bring

home?

What, out o that lot? Drew made a ace.

What about Colonel Saxonbys daughter? Mason oered.

Or that Pomphrey-Hughes girl? She seems to like you. Surelythere must be some decent girls in society.

Drew stirred more honey into his tea. O course there are.

I just havent been introduced to them yet. Still, or a dance or

a drink or a day on the beach, theres nobody can touch them.

But when I get serious about a girl, Id rather it was one who

hadnt already strolled round the corner with all o my riends.

Mason looked away, and Drew cleared his throat.Im sorry, sir. He rattled his teacup back into the saucer.

I do tend to ramble on when I get talking. Truly, the coast was

very nice. Beautiul weather. The sea was lovely, and Bunny, you

remember Bunny, sir

Please dont.

Sir?

Dont talk airy pleasantries to me. Heaven knows Ive enough

o that as it is. People talk to me or hours and say absolutely

nothing.


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Sir

And must it always be sir, Drew? Ive been married to your

mother or more than ten years now. Must it always be sir?Drew shited in his chair.

I suppose I never knew what else I should call you, he

said, making his tone light. I always thought Mr. Parker a bit

Victorian and Mason rather cheeky. What do you suggest?

I wouldnt presume to ask you to call me Father, knowing

how you eel about your own. And I know Ive not been much

o a ather to you as it is. Dennisons seen to you all this while. I

dont know, my boy. I suppose its just that sir seems so distant.

Drew gave him a small, warm smile.

I it is, I dont mean it to be. Youre one o the nest men

I know, and Ive more respect or you than just about anyone

else in the world.

He knew as he said it that hed lied, but it was a lie o kind-ness. He couldnt really respect anyone who let Constance walk

over him as Mason did, but Drew did have a tremendous liking

or him all the same.

I expect you are the closest thing to a son Ill ever have,

Mason said, and Ive a great deal o aection or you. I realize

weve never been all that close, but I should like us to be riends

i that suits you.Drew knew only too well how living with Constance could

be. He remembered when Mason had courted his mother. Hed

been recently widowed and there had been no children, no am-

ily save a young niece living somewhere in Americano one to

ll the empty space in his lie.

Id be more than honored, sir, Drew said nally, and Mason

gave his shoulder a squeeze.

Its good to have you home again, my boy. The old place

just isnt the same without you.


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I daresay Ive livened things up a bit. I am sorry.

Well, never mind. It doesnt matter now. But I wish you

wouldnt have such wrong ideas about your mother. You knowhow people love to gossip, especially those with little else to

occupy them.

One o the hazards o being in society, Drew agreed, but

this time his smile had a touch o bitterness in it. I just cant

bear to see her hurt you, sir.

I trust her.

Silent or a moment, Drew watched a pair o robins hopping

in and out o a owering rhododendron.

Well, I shant make any more scenes with your guests, he

said at last. I youre certain theyre yourguests.

Thats good o you. Rushord will be in later today, and you

can see or yoursel.

Very well then. Ill just have a pleasant time and play guest inmy own home. It might be un. Drew waved away the plate o

eggs his stepather oered him and took another piece o toast

instead. Yes, it will be a change rom drinking and dancing

and strolling on the beach. Here, we can drink and dance and

stroll in the garden. He sighed in exaggerated contentment.

Ah, variety is the spice o lie.

Perhaps you should come into business with me, Masonsuggested. Farlinord is doing some excellent things with ren-

ing that might interest you. Could revolutionize the industry. And

weve redone the directors ofces. You should come have a look.

Drew laughed. Ill do that, certainly, but I think Im ar too

young yet to work or sport and not nearly that desperate. Oh,

I say, he added, sobering, I read about McCutcheon in the

news last week. He was in research, wasnt he?

Mason nodded. Bad business, that. Such a young man, as

well. He knew his way round a laboratory, though, and I cant


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imagine him making that sort o mistake. Not a man o his

experience. It wasnt a pretty way to go.

Did he have amily?Mason shook his head. No one in the world, it seems. Very

sad.

I expect he was part o the new developments you were tell-

ing me about, Drew said. Anything especially good?

I dont know, Mason admitted. He said he was on the

verge o something big. Then again, he always said that. I never

really saw anything come o it. Shame, really. He showed such

promise.

Well, I remember precious little o my chemistry classes,

but Id not mind seeing what you do out at Farlinord. Perhaps I

could help your little revolution. Still, not this weekend. I think

Id like to mingle with some new people or a bit. Maybe Ill

nd that girl you were asking ater.Mason stood up and tucked the morning paper under his

arm. That reminds me. My niece, Madeline, and some riends

o hers rom America will be driving down rom London or

a ew days. Perhaps one o them will suit. It would be a great

avor to me i youd show them about the place a bit.

Drew raised his teacup in a toast. We aim to please.

Once Mason had gone, Drew sat alone at the table until, see-ing sturdy Mrs. Devon hovering at the terrace door, he stood up.

Morning, Mrs. D. You havent come or the breakast things,

have you?

I youve done, Mr. Drew, she said, scurrying out with a tray.

Whats happened to Ivy?

Nothing at all, love, Mrs. Devon said as she began stacking

dirty plates. I told her Id clear away this morning. I wanted to

make sure you had everything you wanted, your rst morning

back and all.


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Yes, lovely, Mrs. D. Youre a wonder with the eggs as always.

Nickll be sorry he slept in.

Oh no, sir. The scamp was in the kitchen beore dawn,snatching bangers right rom the skillet barely cooked through,

i you please, and then out the door or the Lord knows what

mischie.

Yes, the Lord and the Lord only, Drew said with a laugh,

and then a sudden clatter rom the ront o the house made

them both jump. That was never Nick.

Drew hurried to the terrace railing and looked down over

the ront lawn. Coming up the drive with three girls crammed

inside was a little roadster meant at best to seat two. The car

lurched, making the girls giggle and shriek almost loud enough

to cover the sound o the sputtering motor. About ty eet

urther, the engine died and then kicked back into lie amidst

the jeers o the passengers and the drivers hal-growled cursing.Why a woman could never be trusted behind the wheel o an

automobile, Drew didnt know, but he was certain it was true

nonetheless. When the car slowed to a stop, he went round to

the ront o the house and down the steps.

The driver waved, smiling up at him with wide blue eyes and

a coquettish tilt to her bobbed blond head. Were here, she

called in a high, babyish voice that was a world away rom theone she used or cursing.

Welcome to Farthering Place, Miss Parker, he said with

polite reserve as he opened the car door or her.

All three o the girls giggled, but the dark-haired one in the

middle looked switly away, pretending to look or something

in her handbag. Realizing his error, Drew walked around the

car and opened the passenger door.

Miss Parker, he repeated, reaching over to take the bru-

nettes hand.


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She surprised him with an impish grin, a rm grip, and an

intelligent pair o eyes that just happened to be the color o

periwinkles. Youve ound me out at last.Hey, you ound me out, too! protested the girl to her let,

the one Drew had unthinkingly crowded even urther into the

corner o the seat when he had reached over to Madeline.

A thousand pardons, he said, smiling at the diminutive

redhead and bringing her to her eet with ourishing gallantry.

He helped Madeline out next. The blonde at the wheel merely

sat smiling at Drew, thrusting out her hand once he had released

Madelines.

Dont orget baby, she cooed.

Have they named baby yet? he asked, putting his hands

contemplatively behind his back. Or shall we simply put Baby

Girl Horwitz on your place card at dinner tonight?

The other girls giggled again. With a knowing grin on herred lips, the blonde slid over to his side o the car and got to

her eet, putting her arm through his.

Its Brower. Muriel. But you can call me Baby Girl. How

ever do you drive these cars on the wrong side and everything?

And, yes, Id love you to show me the grounds.

The little redhead rolled her eyes. Oh, brother.

Charmed, Miss Brower, Im sure, Drew said, smoothlydisengaging her arm as he turned to the other girls. And your

other riend, Miss Parker?

Carrie Holland is the one you nearly crushed.

Think nothing o it, the redhead said with a grin.

He ound the grin inectious and gave her one o his own.

Miss Holland, a pleasure.

Muriel sidled up next to him and took his arm once more.

Now you can show me your castle, sweetie, and we can go

rom there.


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20

Perhaps we can arrange or the three o you to see the place

ater youve got settled in, Drew said as he again disengaged

himsel. For now, Id best etch someone to take up your lug-gage and

Uncle Mason!

Madeline hurried up the stone steps to give her uncle a warm

hug.

Madeline, dear, how lovely to see you again. Mason drew

her close to give her a ond kiss on the cheek. And how nice to

have your riends.

Ater another swit round o introductions, they all went into

the house. Following behind everyone else, Drew couldnt help

stealing another glance at Madeline Parker. She was tall, only

three or our inches below his own six eet, graceully slender

and delightully eminine. Hed seen the photograph on Masons

deska gawky beanpole o a girl, pirouetting on the beach inAtlantic City and smiling hugely. There was a world o dierence

between twelve and twenty-two, no denying that.

Perhaps there was hope or the weekend ater all.


19/46

21

Two

uncle Mason immediately entrusted Madeline and her

riends to the capable Mrs. Devon, and soon the girls

ound themselves settled into a trio o rooms at the sunny

south wing o the house. Madeline thought hers was particu-larly lovely with its wide bay window and huge our-poster bed

draped in pale blue damask. It managed to be opulent and rich

and yet light and airy all at once. She could hardly wait until

it came time to nestle under the heavy coverlet and ne linen

sheets like a princess in a airy tale.

Imagine, Muriel groused as she barged through the con-

necting door rom the room she had been given, a copy oSilverScreen under her arm. The three o us and only one bathroom.

Is your room any better than mine?

Madeline had been kneeling on the window seat, looking

through the mullioned windows and admiring the lush rose

gardens, but now she unolded her long legs and swung around

to sit on the edge o the seat and scowled at her riend.

The maid, a girl called Anna, looked up rom her task o

transerring Madelines delicate lingerie rom a suitcase to a

bureau. Is there a problem, miss?


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22

Dont you mind her, honey, Carrie told her, a hint o South

Carolina drawl showing through. Some people wouldnt be

happy in the governors mansion.Yes, miss, Anna said, and she stood up. Ill see your things

are unpacked ater luncheon has been served.

Were lucky there isnt just one bathroom or the whole

oor, Madeline observed once the girl was gone. Its not like

these old places were originally built with them, you know.

And whats wrong with these rooms? Carrie demanded.

They look just like rooms in an old manor house should. Velvet

drapes and ussy old wallpaper and carved urniture thats been

here just hundreds o years. I love my room. And did you see

the view down toward the woods over there? Its just dreamy.

Ill tell you whats dreamy, Muriel conded to Madeline.

That cousin o yours. Mr. Farthering.

Carrie breathed a little ooh o agreement.Madeline laughed. Muriel always latched on to the best-

looking man at hand. This time, though, Madeline didnt eel

like letting her have everything her own way. Besides the thick

dark hair and arresting gray eyes, besides the undeniably hand-

some ace, there was something about Drew Farthering that was

worth more than a second look.

Oh, is he attractive? I didnt notice.You didnt notice, Muriel muttered, smirking.

Besides, Madeline said, hes not actually my cousin, you

know. Uncle Masons only his stepather.

Why didnt you ever tell us about him beore? Carrie asked.

I never met him till now.

Muriel arched one nely penciled brow and lit a cigarette. Id

say i there was any man I was glad was not my cousin, it would

be that one. Hes adorable. Whats it they call him? Drew?

Madeline nodded. Short or Andrew, I think. But his rst


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JuliAnnA Deering

23

name is something else, some stodgy amily name he doesnt

like.

Drews ne by me, Muriel said. Adorable Drew. A realEnglish gentleman and all that.

Hes probably like all the men, here and at home, Mad-

eline said with an airy wave o one hand. Full o hot air and

applesauce.

Whos on the cover this time? Carrie asked, snatching Muri-

els magazine. Oh, Lucy Lucette. Theyll put anybody on there.

Aint that the truth, Muriel said. I hear dear Lucy will do

anything to get her name in the paper.

Shes got a new picture coming out, doesnt she? The Soiled

Dove?

No, they shelved that one cause they couldnt get a backer.

This is something about a cage. Muriel reclaimed the magazine

and ipped through the pages until she ound what she wanted.Anabellas Gilded Cage. Sounds decadent.

Shaking her head, Madeline went to the wardrobe, took out one

o the evening gowns hanging there, and draped it over the bed.

Carrie oohed again and ran her hand over the pale green

satin. Thats not the one rom Giselles, is it? Oh, you didnt!

I did.

I thought you said it was tooI changed my mind.

Muriel came over to inspect the garment in question. Pretty

sporty, i you ask me. A little out o your league, isnt it, doll?

She held it up against hersel, dousing it in cigarette smoke as

she did. Now, on me it would be trez chick. And would the

boys come running.

Tres chic, Madeline corrected, taking the shimmering cre-

ation rom her. And why not on me? Uncle Mason had Madame

Giselle create it especially or me, ater all.


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Dont get me wrong, Madeline, honey, Muriel said. Youve

got the stu all right. But youre more the organdy type. She

clasped her hands in ront o hersel and somehow managedto look demure. White organdy with little pued sleeves and

a bunch o violets at the waist.

Maybe orty years ago, Madeline protested with a laugh,

and she held the daring gown up beore her refected image,

wondering what Aunt Ruth would think to see her in it. It is

pretty, isnt it?

Pretty enough to make our Adorable Drew orget his stuy

English manners and sweep you o your eet. Muriel grinned.

Unless I get to him rst.

The poor kid, Carrie said.

Lunch was served, buet style, on the terrace. Madeline hadhoped she and her riends would meet more o her uncles guests,

but besides the three girls, only a ew others had come to the

table. The rest, having breakasted late, had evidently decided

to orgo the noon repast in avor o a hearty meal at teatime.

Your uncle is meeting with his business partners or the

aternoon, Drew told her, and my mother has gone out driv-

ing and to the shops in Winchester with Mrs. Chesterton andMrs. Laney.

Oh, I had hoped to meet her right away.

She should be in well beore the party tonight. He picked up

a plate or her at the serving table, and she couldnt help notic-

ing how nice his hands were, perectly groomed but not overly

ussylike his clothes, stylish but unselconsciously masculine.

Would you care or kidneys? he asked. Veal? Hashed

meat?

She hesitated or a moment, uncertain what sort o meat


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would be in the hash and revolted by the thought o eating

kidneys. The veal, please, she said nally. And some o that

delicious-looking bread and cheese.Excellent choice, he said as he put some meat on her plate.

Now, which o the cheeses would you preer? Red Leicester?

Wensleydale? Cheddar?

The Lancashire. A pleasant-looking young man with sandy

hair came up beside them, and ater tucking his paperbacked

novel under his arm, helped himsel to a large serving o a pale

yellow cheese. I I were three years marooned on a desert island,

Miss Parker, this would be what I craved the most.

She stared at him or a moment, wondering i he had lost his

mind, and then she laughed. Treasure Island! Oh, then I must

have some o that.

Drew shook his head and served her a portion o the cheese

in question, along with a slice o hearty brown bread. I re-gret, Miss Parker, that I cannot present to you Mr. Stevensons

illustrious Ben Gunn. At the moment, all we have available is

the equally unbalanced Nick Dennison. Mr. Dennison, Miss

Madeline Parker.

Nick took Madelines outstretched hand and made a ourish-

ing bow over it. Delighted, Miss Parker. And, beore you ask,

yes, the indomitable Dennison who serves as butler to FartheringPlace has the honor o being my ather.

He smiled as he said it, but there was a hint o a challenge

in his hazel eyes. He was waiting or her reaction. So, evidently,

was Drew Farthering.

Its always a pleasure to meet a literary man, she said,

squeezing his hand, and his smile warmed in return.

Is that Stevenson youre reading now? she asked.

This? Oh no. Nick began helping himsel to a variety o

the hot dishes. Do you like mysteries, Miss Parker?


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26

Dont tell anyone, she said, lowering her voice, but I love

them.

Capital! Nick showed her the book he carried: The Foot-steps at the Lock. Have you read any Ronald Knox? Ive only

just started this one.

I havent heard o him, Madeline admitted.

Some priest chappie turned mystery writer. I just got through

The Three Taps. He tells a ripping tale, Father Knox. Hes even

got a list he calls his Ten Commandments about what one

should and shouldnt put into a proper detective story. I think

hes jolly right, too.

Madeline took the book rom him, examining it. Do you

read, Mr. Farthering?

I manage to make out most o the words, Drew said as he

handed the plate to her and began lling his own.

Madeline pursed her lips, ghting a smile. I mean, do youread mysteries? Have you read anything by Knox?

He considered or a moment as he cut a slice o bread. The

First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment

of Women?

She tried to look severe but managed only to laugh. Not

John Knox. Ronald Knox. Do you never say anything meant to

be taken seriously?On the contrary, he said, Im quite a serious person.

Monumentally solemn, Nick put in, reclaiming his book

and tucking it into his coat pocket.

Dare I say grim? Drew asked, his expression thoughtul.

I think you may go so ar as grim, Nick said, provided

you do not venture past that and on to moribund.

There, Drew told Madeline in triumph. What would such

a dour ellow be doing reading so rivolous a thing as a mystery

novel?


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27

Nick looked at Madeline and tapped the side o his nose

knowingly, saying in a loud stage whisper, I have it on the best

o authorities that Mr. Farthering has a complete set o Doylein his study, several o Mrs. Christies novels in his gol bag, and

a stack o books by that Sayers woman in the boot o his car.

I wont hear such outright alsehood! Drew protested. Ive

only got Murder on the Links in my gol bag. The rest o the

Christies and all o the Sayerses are up in my study now, too.

Oh, how wonderul! Madeline exclaimed. I love Lord

Peter. I was just sure Harriet would break down and marry him

at the end oStrong Poison.

Well, dont despair, Drew said. Ive heard Miss Vane is to

return in Lord Peters new adventure, so all matrimonial hope

is not lost.

Shall we sit down? Nick asked. I believe Miss Parkers

riends are missing her.Let me introduce you to them, Mr. Dennison, Madeline

said.

Yes, do that, Drew told her, a hint o distraction in his

voice. The butler was standing portentously at the terrace door,

obviously waiting to speak to him. I youll both excuse me,

Ill be back in a moment.

Madeline watched him as he went to coner with Dennison.You and Mr. Farthering have known each other or a long

time, havent you? she asked Nick.

All our lives. My mother was parlormaid here when I was

born. When she died, Drews ather was good enough to put

me in the nursery with Drew and provide or me to be sent on

to school with him up through Oxord. I can never repay either

o them. I know my ather will never leave here, and I suppose

Ill be around, as well.

Oh, really?


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28

Nick nodded. Mr. Padgett, the estate manager, is letting me

apprentice with him as it were. Totting up the bills, collecting

rents, that sort o thing. Once he decides to chuck it all in, Illbe next in line. Its the least I can do or the old place, and ne

use or my business studies, eh?

And Mr. Farthering?

Joyous tidings, Drew said, hurrying back up to them.

Denny inorms me that Minerva is now a happy mother made.

Huzzah! Nick cried. Sound the trumpets and let the welkin

ring! I had some sausages or her this morning and was wonder-

ing where she had got to.

Minerva? Madeline looked rom one to the other o them,

wondering who this Minerva might be and why Dennison had

brought this news particularly to Drew.

Minerva, Drew inormed her, is Farthering Places resi-

dent eline.A cat? Madeline laughed. Dennison seemed awully seri-

ous when he brought you the news.

He was. Most grave.

Shes all right, isnt she?

Oh yes, Drew said, adding one last spoonul o green peas

to his plate. Shes thriving, as are her ve little ones.

Then what was he so concerned about?It seems she gave birth in the cupboard in my dressing room.

Oh dear, said Nick.

Madeline looked at him and then at Drew. Is that so awul?

Im araid, to Denny, its no less than a tragedy, Drew said.

It seems Minerva decided there was nothing more suitable in

which to swaddle her newborns than my new cheviot trousers.

Shame, Nick murmured, popping a bit o cheese into his

mouth.

Yes, it seems so, Drew agreed, especially since I told him


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29

hes not to move her o them or now. Youd think Id suggested

something reprehensiblemurder or treason o some variety.

Nick nodded solemnly. Or serving the Rothschild with thesh course.

Well, come on then. Drew took Madelines arm and turned

her toward the table. Lunch is getting cold, and your riends

have too long been spared the pleasure o meeting young Mr.

Dennison.

Jolly nice to have some new girls about or the estivities and

all. Nick shited his plate to his let hand and used his right to

smooth back his hair. Oh, I say, Miss Parker, do either o your

riends read mysteries?

Madeline laughed. Only Silver Screen.

The party that evening was lavish and suitably chic. Suavegentlemen in dinner jackets and black ties went to dinner in the

company o elegant ladies dressed in diaphanous gowns cut to

show o daring backs and bold dcolletage. Ater the sumptuous

meal came an oering o drinks and dancing in the ballroom,

which evidently had once been a medieval great hall. This was to

be ollowed by an extravagant display o reworks on the ront

lawn. Although Madeline had attended a great many societyunctions since her debut our years beore, some o them stag-

geringly gaudy in their ostentatiousness, none o them had been

as opulent and grand as this. It would be the perect evening i

Drew werent so busy with all the other guests and i she could

escape the attentions o that odious David Lincoln.

He had introduced himsel to her, bold, almost smug, and

now, or the second time this evening, he held her crushed

against him. She would be glad when this dance came at last

to an end. He reeked o liquor and stale cigarette smoke, and


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30

his way o holding her too close and sliding his hand with just

a shade too much amiliarity down her bare back made her

wish she had been more modest in her choice o evening gowns.Maybe Muriel was right and she was more o an organdy girl

ater all.

She glanced around or a means o escape and saw Drew in

the middle o the room with none other than Muriel hersel

clinging to his arm, looking up into his ace with guileless blue

eyes, no doubt cooing over what a big, strong man he was. He

was looking uncomortable, obviously planning his own escape,

and Madeline couldnt help a silent giggle.

What is it, Miss Parker? Lincoln asked, holding her even

closer.

What? Oh, Im sorry. Really, its nothing. Just, um She

glanced up at him and then away. Im getting a little warm

with everyone packed in like this. Do you think you could getme something to drink?

O course, he said, his smile suave and insinuating. I

Im going to leave a lady breathless, Id rather it be when were

alone.

He let her with a bow at the ar end o the room. Once his

back was to her, she slipped into the hallway.

As i Id ever be alone with you.She looked around, trying to gain her bearings. This wasnt

one o the grand hallways leading to the other wings o the

house. It was just a small one, still paneled in rich mahogany

and oored with plush carpet, still grand in everything but scale.

Surely there was some little out-o-the-way place she could nd

here, a library or a sitting room maybe, until Lincoln was other-

wise occupied.

She tried the rst door she came to and ound it locked. Prob-

ably a broom closet or storage room o some sort. The next led


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31

to an austere passageway that looked as i it might end up in the

kitchens. She might have to come back to that one i she didnt

nd anything more promising arther on. Finally she pushedopen the door at the very end.

Madeline, dear, do come in.

Uncle Mason!

Madeline ound hersel in a small study with a lovely vaulted

ceiling and arched windows. Her uncle sat behind an untidy old

desk ornamented with intricate carvings and stacked with ledger

books and a jumble o papers weighted with an ivory-handled

letter opener with a gleaming blade. In the overstued chair

across rom him sat a grandatherly looking man in expensive

but rumpled eveningwear. Both men stood to greet her.

Come in, come in, Mason repeated, smiling. Shut the

door or we shall never be able to hear ourselves over the music.

Madeline did as he asked and then drew a startled breath torealize a third man was standing with his back to her, searching

through a book that lay open on a side table.

Mr. Lincoln, I

The man turned to ace her. He wasnt Lincoln ater all.

I beg your pardon, Madeline stammered, one hand over

her heart, but I thought

The two older men laughed between themselves.Come here, my dear, and let me introduce you, Mason

said, and then he nodded toward the older man across the desk

rom him. This is Mr. Rushord, one o my business partners.

Mr. Rushord, my niece, Madeline.

Mr. Rushord squinted as i his glasses were not strong enough

to give him a very clear look at her, but his expression was kind.

How do you do, Miss Parker?

Very well, thank you, Mr. Rushord. I am sorry to have

interrupted your business meeting.


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32

Not at all. Not at all. Such a lovely interruption is more

than welcome.

And, Mason continued, this is my new secretary, MertonClarke.

The secretary, the man she had mistaken or Lincoln, closed

the book he was looking through and made a slight bow. Good

evening, miss.

She managed a smile. Forgive me or staring, Mr. Clarke,

but rom the back you looked so much like

Her uncle nudged his partner. I told you as much.

Oh, I dont know. Rushord squinted at the secretary. I

suppose theres a bit o a resemblance. Whats it matter any-

way? The mans competent, isnt he? So long as Lincoln didnt

recommend him just or one o his pranks, whats it matter?

Having a good time tonight, my dear? Mason asked. You

seemed quite popular with the young gentlemen on the danceoor.

Maybe a little too popular, Madeline said with a rueul

laugh.

Ah, so thats why you ducked in here. And who is it youre

running rom? Anyone I know? Ill have a word with him, o

course.

Madeline squeezed his arm, grateul or his kindness. Now,nothing so serious as that. I just thought Id take a minute and

see some o the rest o the house. A green marble clock, French

by its look, ticked on the carved stone mantel. She couldnt help

touching one nger to the gure that ornamented it: a loung-

ing bronze lute player in the dress o an Elizabethan Romeo.

Everything is so beautiul.

You stay with us as long as you like, Miss Parker, Rushord

told her. So long as you dont mind the company o a couple

o crusty old badgers and one industrious little mole.


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33

The others laughed, but Clarke merely blinked his pale eyes

and did not protest the description. In evening dress and with

his blond hair oiled and slicked back as it was, it was easy tosee why, rom behind, she had thought he was Lincoln. But his

pasty complexion and almost nonexistent chin, oddly dimpled

on one side, immediately put an end to the likeness. His stylishly

thin mustache did little to improve things and only somewhat

concealed the scar over his upper lip.

Madeline gave him her prettiest smile. I understand youre

leaving or Canada. Wont you tell me what youre working on,

Mr. Clarke?

His pale ace turned pink, and he stammered something about

pumping stations and pressure gauges until his commentary

was interrupted by a knock on the door. Beore anyone could

respond, the door opened and Drew Farthering popped his head

into the room.Ah, there you are, Miss Parker. Weve been wondering where

youd gone o to.

Seeing him, Madeline elt her own ace ush with pleasure.

Uncle Mason and his riends have been telling me about Far-

linord Processing and the new system theyre working on.

Drew put one gloved hand dramatically over his heart. Good

thing Ive come to rescue you just in time. He nodded to thegentlemen in the room. Good evening, sir. And to you, Mr.

Rushord. And I dont believe weve met.

He oered his hand to the third man, who shook it briey.

Mr. Clarke is my new secretary, Mason explained. Clarke,

this is my stepson, Mr. Farthering.

Pleased to meet you, sir.

Likewise, Drew said, and then he turned to Mason once

more. But what happened to old Vickers? Hes been with you

just ages.


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34

Vickers suddenly decided to retire, so Ive taken on Clarke.

Hes o to Edmonton, by the way, to see to some things there

or me. I havent told them hes coming. Mason winked. Seeyou manage a bit o work now and again, Clarke, when youre

not y-shing.

Only on the weekends, to be sure, Clarke told him, turn-

ing a bit pink.

Ah. Well, best o luck to you, Clarke, Drew said. Mind

you keep your hand out o the till.

The other men chuckled, and the secretarys ace went rom

pink to scarlet. See here, Mr. Farthering, I would never

Now, now, hold steady there, Clarke, Drew soothed. Dont

you mind me. Miss Parker will tell you I never say anything

meant to be taken seriously. He gave Madeline a sly grin. And

she doubtless keeps a catalog o my aults close at hand lest any

o them be orgotten.Oh, no, Madeline replied, all wide-eyed innocence. I dont

see any reason to keep a personal record o anything so well-

documented and widely known.

And that, Miss Parker, is why youre so desperately needed

at the party. Drew tucked her arm under his. Do you know,

some o our guests, most notably your Miss Brower, are actually

starting to believe Im a charming ellow.No!

Yes! Drew assured her, his ace all earnest concern. Its

an absolute scandal, and theres no one but you to disabuse

them o the notion. Now come along. Theres someone I want

you to meet.


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35

Thr

Mother, this is Miss Madeline Parker, your niece.

Drew presented Madeline to a stylish work o cos-

metic art with chignon o platinum blond hair nearly

as brilliant as the diamonds at her wrists and throat, a dazzlingbird o paradise in black silk with plumes o electric blue.

How are you, my dear? Constance said, kissing the air some-

where near Madelines cheek. Masons talked o nothing else

since you wrote you were coming. Are you having a pleasant time?

Everythings wonderul, Madeline said. And its so nice

to nally get to meet you. Id love to

You must come and have a chat with me tomorrow ater-noon, Constance said, but Madeline could tell she was dis-

tracted, searching or someone in the crowd.

Drew cleared his throat. Mother, Miss Parker

Go get me a stinger, pet.

But, Mother

Shoo, shoo, shoo, she said, waving him away, and tell

Nelson to be sparing with the crme de menthe.

Drew made a dutiul bow. Yes, Mother. Pardon me, Miss

Parker.


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36

Once he had gone, Constance grabbed Madelines arm. I

saw you dancing with him.

What?I saw you dancing with him. David Lincoln. Constances

eyes were hard, a little rantic. Youll stay away rom him i

youre a smart girl.

Y-yes, Madeline stammered. O course. I wouldnt

And then o course theres Mrs. Benningtons or hats,

Constance said as Uncle Mason came up to them.

Ah, Im glad to see the two o you have met. He kissed

Constances cheek. Would you care to dance, my dear?

Constances mouth tightened, but she managed a smile. Not

just now, Mason. I met the child only this very moment.

Mason chuckled. And you were discussing hats. I should have

known to keep my distance. Ah, theres Drew. Better warn him

o.No, thats all right. Im sure our dear Madeline will come

talk to me later i she wants to know more, though Ill trust

shell rely on my advice. Constances smile turned even more

brittle. About hats.

Your drink, Drew said as he came up to them, and he

handed Constance a milky beverage in a crystal glass. Now,

Mother, as I was saying, Miss ParkerOh, no, Ellison. Constance shook her head. I really cant

hear to talk over this music, and my heads a positive torture. I

think Madeline and I have a lovely understanding or the mo-

ment. You really should take her round to meet some o the

other young people.

Sorry about that, Drew said when they got to the other side

o the room. Nights like this, Mothers always got something

going on.

Madeline smiled. Yes, it seems she does.


35/46

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37

They watched Nick in fawless evening dress and Carrie in

her stylish ice-blue gown whirl by on the dance oor.

Drew made a slight bow. I think it time, Miss Parker, thatyou honored me with a dance or joined me in a Bucks Fizz.

Madeline smiled again. A Bucks Fizz?

My girl! You cannot tell me youve never tasted a really ne

Bucks Fizz! I believe they call it a mimosa in the States. Cham-

pagne and orange juice.

Madeline looked up at him, keeping her expression playul.

You realize that stu is illegal at home, dont you?

I have heard mention o such things, Drew said, his tone

very wise and knowing. Do you think theyll send a policeman

round to take you away?

Ill trust you to protect me.

Does that mean youll try one?

All right, but just a taste, Madeline said. Im not mucho a drinker really.

Drew beamed at her. Neither am I, to say truth. No use

putting on a grand show like this and then not remembering

it the next day, eh? All right now, just a taste o Bucks Fizz

coming up.

Madeline smiled as he disappeared into the crowd, and then

spent a moment watching Carrie and Nick still dancing, admir-ing the sot cloud o red re that crowned Carries lovely head,

set o to perection by the ice blue o her dress.

Thank you or waiting or me.

Madeline turned to see David Lincoln standing close beside

her, something dangerous in the smile on his ace and the touch

o sarcasm in his voice. She took a step away rom him and

ound her bare back against the paneled wall.

Since you obviously didnt care to dance with me again,

he said, I thought Id bring your drink here.


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38

That was very nice o you, Mr. Lincoln, but I really never

drink much.

I thought that might be the case with a violet like you, hesaid, his mouth curling up on one side, so I brought you some

water. Just to help you cool o.

Her mouth did eel dry all o a sudden, so she accepted the

glass. Thank you.

Perhaps Im not such a bad ellow ater all.

I never said you were.

Perhaps you didnt need to say it. He moved closer to her,

bracing one hand against the wall behind her, putting his well-

built rame between her and the rest o the crowd. Theres

no reason we couldnt be good riends, is there, Madeline? I

something were to happen to me, youd be sorry you werent a

little nicer, wouldnt you?

She had no room to back away, so she lited her chin andlooked him in the eye. Ive been told, Mr. Lincoln, that a gentle-

man does not call a lady by her Christian name unless he has

asked or and been granted that privilege.

His ace was a little ushed, whether rom drink or anger she

did not know, but he managed still to smile. Then he braced

his other hand against the wall, trapping her there between his

muscular arms.Perhaps i you got to know me better, Madeline, there would

be a number o privileges youd grant me.

Ah! I see youve met Miss Parker rom America.

Drew set down the drinks he had brought with him and

grasped Lincolns hand, ostensibly in greeting, turning Lincoln

away rom her. Madeline breathed a sigh o relie, glad to see

him and glad to see Nick and Carrie had nished their dance.

You must come and meet some o our other guests, as well,

Drew continued. I dont believe you were ever properly intro-


37/46

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39

duced to Nick Dennison here, what with all the conusion last

night.

How do you do? Nick also shook Lincolns hand, turninghim even urther rom Madeline. Grand bash this, isnt it? I

hope Dad got you nicely settled into your new room.

Lincolns heavy brows came together. Dad?

Yes, Dad, Nick said sunnily. Im sure you remember him,

rather stodgy-looking older gentleman, very proper, very Vic-

torian and that. Took your coat at the door, showed you into

the drawing room when you arrived, moved your things or you

when you changed rooms.

Dennison?

Precisely. John Hanover Dennison, butler and proud ather.

See here, Farthering, Lincoln protested. This man says

his ather is your butler!

Drew shrugged. Well, he would know, wouldnt he?Madeline and Carrie giggled at the indignation on Lincolns

ace.

You see, Drew added as he picked up one o the glasses he

had just brought, Mr. Dennison is the son o a gentlemans

gentleman, which is much better, my dear Mr. Lincoln, than

being, as you are, merely a son o a he took a slow sip o

his Bucks Fizzgentleman.Nick choked back a chuckle.

You dare allow him into a society party, Lincoln sputtered,

knowing hes o the working class?

Why, hes not working now, are you, Nick, old man?

Nick looked about or a moment and then shook his head

in wide-eyed innocence. Dont seem to be now, guv, he said,

putting on a broad Cockney accent. No, most denitely not.

This time Madeline laughed aloud, and Lincoln stiened.

Ill make sure everyone here knows about this.


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My riends already know, Drew told him, his expression

cool. And I havent a care what anyone else thinks.

Then I see I am the one out o place here, Lincoln saidwith grave condescension.

I would say you are, Drew agreed. And I would suggest you

turn your attentions toward those who might welcome them.

Lincoln sneered. Quite right. Perhaps I should go spend

some time with your mother.

Drews gray eyes ashed, but beore he could respond, Mad-

eline draped her arm across Lincolns shoulders and smiled into

his eyes, all demure innocence, still holding the drink he had

brought her.

Now, I think thats a lovely idea, Mr. Lincoln. I believe Aunt

Constance is right over there.

She turned as she said it, indicating the place, and just hap-

pened to empty her glass down his immaculate shirtront.Lincolns outraged oath could be heard over the music.

Merely a slight mishap, Drew assured the startled onlook-

ers as Lincoln stood there gasping.

Madeline put one hand over her mouth, covering a smile. Oh

dear, Mr. Lincoln! Now you see why I really shouldnt drink.

Nick took a dry serviette rom the tray and stued it into the

ront o Lincolns sodden waistcoat. Id help you clean up, oldman, but I wouldnt want you to think I was working or anything.

Pued up like an angry cat, Lincoln stalked o.

I hope he didnt hurt your eelings, Mr. Dennison, Mad-

eline said once he had gone, but Nick only laughed in answer.

Nonsense, Drew assured her. Hes been oending the

upper classes or years now. Its his avorite hobby.

He smiled as he said it, but there was still discernible anger

in his taut ace as he watched Lincoln make his way through the

dancers and straight to Constance. Constance took Lincolns


39/46

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41

arm, said something urgent in his ear, and the two o them went

out the side door.

Madeline slipped her arm through Drews. I never did getto taste that Bucks Fizz.

Ah, well, we cant have that, can we? he said, and his smile

was a little more genuine as he handed her a champagne ute

lled with the bubbly orange beverage.

Would you care to try one, Miss Holland? Nick asked. Or

shall we have another dance?

Ive never been one to turn down a dance, Carrie said,

and the two o them disappeared once again into the throng

out on the oor.

All right now, Miss Parker, Drew said, raising his glass. I

would like to propose a toast to your lovely eyes, your etching

green rock, and your most subtle way o dealing with a cad.

She laughed. Its not green. Not really.No?

According to Madame Giselle, its eau de nil.

Ah, water o the Nile. Well, Im certain Cleopatra hersel

could not have done it more credit.

He touched his glass to hers and then waited as she took a sip.

And?

It sort o spoils the taste o the juice, doesnt it? she said,handing the glass back to him.

He laughed heartily. I expect it rather does. Well then, would

you care or a dance?

She listened or a moment, hearing the words in the smoky,

mesmerizing tune: Mad about the boy . . . Perhaps this wasnt

the song to choose or a rst dance with a man as attractive as

Drew Farthering.

Or shall we go out into the garden or a bit? he asked. Were

to have reworks on the ront lawn shortly, i youd preer that.


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Id love to get away rom the crowd awhile. Id better tell

Carrie and Muriel where Ill be.

Oh, theyre all right, arent they? Look. Nicks looking aterMiss Holland, and as or your Miss Brower . . . He took a quick

look around. I she calls me Adorable Drew just once more

Madeline laughed. Why dont you show me the garden?

They strolled out onto the back lawn. The windswept night

was made or sweet talk and stolen kisses, and Drew realized he

wasnt immune to it. As they stood or a moment sheltered in

the low-limbed wisteria, the music and the other guests seemed

ar away, not a part o their world at all.

I love the smell o night, he murmured, breathing in the

ragrance o the wisteria blossoms.

Its beautiul, she said, and seeing her standing there, nym-phlike in her diaphanous eau-de-nil gown, he could only echo

what she had said.

Beautiul.

She smiled and took his arm. I was wondering, Mr. Farther-

ing, i I could ask a avor o you?

Certainly, he said, putting his ree hand over hers as they

began to walk. I it is in my power.I know we met just today, but we are amily in a roundabout

way.

Yes. I suppose we are.

Anyway, I was hoping you would start calling me Madeline.

There was sweet appeal in her hal smile and in her periwinkle

eyes. I you dont think thats too brazen o me.

Not at all. Not at all. And Ill expect you to call me Drew,

as well.

She laughed all o a sudden. That was partly why I poured


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43

my drink down Mr. Lincolns ront. He was being awully a-

miliar and pushy, calling me Madeline when I had hardly had

three words with him and hoped to never have three more.I hope you and I shall have a great many words, he told

her. And dancing and dining and

With a thundering boom, a burst o white sparks illuminated

the clouded sky.

And reworks! she cried, throwing her hands up in joyous

abandon, making him want to romp through the grass along-

side her.

He caught her hand, and her ngers squeezed his at the next

explosion, a shower o red, white, and blue. Ater our more red

bursts, each more impressive than the last, Drew gestured toward

a stone bench a little way ahead o them, and they sat down.

Having un? he asked.

Oh, yes. Its been quite an exciting night.Sorry about that unpleasantness with Lincoln earlier. I

should have warned you about him.

Ive already been The blast o another round o reworks

overpowered her words and rattled the panes in the greenhouse

standing about thirty yards away.

That was loud enough or them to hear in London, he said

once the echoing boom had died away. Must have been two orthree at once.

We used to have this sort o thing all the time when we still

had our house on Lake Michigan. The reection o the reworks

on the water was the most beautiul thing.

You dont still have the house?

She shook her head. When Mother and Daddy died, there

was evidently a lot o debt to be paid, and the house went or

that. I was ten, so I didnt know much about it. Im just thank-

ul Uncle Mason made sure I was taken care o. Hes taken very


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44

good care o me since then, even i some o Mothers people

thought he was a bit too extravagant.

He chuckled. Protestant work ethic and all that, eh?Something like that. Dont sco now. Theres a lot o wis-

dom in that school o thought.

I wouldnt dream o scofng, he assured her. There must

be something right in it i it produces such unaectedly lovely

creatures as you.

With a hiss and a boom, another rocket exploded over them,

bathing them in red light. When it aded, there was still a be-

coming pink tint to her cheeks.

And what about your Protestant work ethic? she asked,

a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Or perhaps the Church o

England has its very own work ethic.

I daresay it does, he replied. I dont know how much its

rubbed o on me, though. I was raised in the aith, mind you,but you know how it is. One gets a bit old to be playing church.

The sparkle in her eyes aded, just slightly, and he hastened to

add, O course, lord o the manor and all, I still attend services

most times. Funny old Bartlett, the vicar. His homilies never

have a thing to do with the texts he chooses.

She smiled. As long as he reads the text, I think its a good

start. No one can really listen to those words and not eel theminside.

Perhaps thats so. Once my ather passed on, though, none

o it seemed quite the same to me anymore. He shrugged and

looked down, not wanting her to see into his eyes just then.

You loved him very much.

He loved me, Drew replied with swit certainty. And I

never saw him do an unkind or dishonest thing all my lie. He

smiled a little wistully. As Hamlet said o his own ather, I

shall not look upon his like again.


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45

She smiled, too. My ather was like that. I suppose every

child o a loving ather makes him into a bit o an idol.

That may be so. At least you had your uncle to look ateryou. Losing my dadI guess Ive been rather at loose ends

ever since.

Uncle Mason has been awully good to me. My aith meant

a great deal to me too ater I was let an orphan.

I can understand how you elt. He looked up again, mak-

ing his expression exaggeratedly sincere. At the tender age o

nine, I was let an orphan.

You were not, she said with a giggle.

I was, he insisted. But, being so young, I hadnt a clue

what to do with it, so I sent it back.

Her laughter was covered by the reworks grand nale,

a last salvo o green and red and blue, hissing and booming,

answered by thunder rom the clouded sky. Then, save the aintsounds o music and laughter rom the house, there was silence.

They sat or a ew minutes not saying anything, and Drew elt

as i he could stay there with her or a very long while indeed.

Hed never elt quite this way about any girl beore, especially

not so suddenly. But did she?

Madeline? he asked, trying to keep his tone light and

conversational.Yes?

I think . . . He reached over and took her hand. I know

weve only just met, but Ive already grown terribly ond o

you.

He waited expectantly, but she said nothing. She didnt even

look at him.

You havent told me how you eel, he pressed ater a mo-

ment, and she turned her ace nearer to his, until their lips almost

touched.


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46

Do I have to put it into words? she asked, her voice low

and languid, her eyes inviting.

He could eel the rush o blood in his veins. Yes.She moved even closer and then gave him a quick, childish

peck on the cheek. I think youre cute.

She jumped to her eet and stood looking down at him with

a pixie grin. Ater a stunned moment, he stood beside her, glad

or the darkness that covered his ushed ace.

I see.

She kissed the tip o one nger and pressed it to his lips. I

think youre awully handsome, and Ive never been attracted

to anyone hal so much, but that may be nothing but moonlight

and Bucks Fizz.

Laughing sotly, he shook his head and sat down again. Fair

enough.

Well, I am a tease, she admitted, and so are you, i youwant the truth. Bringing me out here into this lovely garden and

not even trying to kiss me. And looking at me through those

long lashes. You should be ashamed.

He laughed again. And i I had tried to kiss you?

She put her hands behind her back, a coy little gesture that

made her all the more enticing. I might have let you.

Or poured a drink down my shirt.She grinned at him still. You can never be too sure.

He drew one o her hands into his own and pressed it with a

light kiss. I thank you, mademoiselle, or returning me to my

senses. Looking up at her, he kissed her hand again, this time with

tantalizing deliberation. Well talk about this again one day.

With a ash o lightning and a rattling clap o thunder, the

sky ripped open, releasing a torrent o rain.

Quick!

He grabbed her hand and ran toward the greenhouse. It wasnt


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47

ar away, but by the time they reached shelter they were both

soaked through with cold rain and warmed with running and

laughter. The smell o earthy decay inside the greenhouse seemedstronger than usual. There was also the aint odor o resh paint

and another nasty smell too, but rain did that sometimes. He

hunted down a lantern and a dry match, and soon they had a

small circle o light.

Im araid your lovely dress is spoilt, he said, plucking at

her rain-spotted sleeve.

She laughed. Youre not much better. She pushed a lock

o hair rom his orehead and wiped away the little rivulet o

water that had run down rom it onto his nose.

We shall look a sight, the pair o us, going back into the house

like this. He dared her with a smile. We could stay out here

and create a scandal. Or, I should say, have one invented or us.

She pursed her Cupids bow lips and leaned conspiratoriallycloser, clinging more tightly to his arm. You mean when they

nd us out here rozen to death?

Oh, I say, what an idiot I am. O course youre cold.

He began struggling out o his sodden dinner jacket, but she

stopped him.

No, thank you. Im drenched enough as it is.

Well He held up the lantern, shining its eeble lightaround the greenhouse. Ah, just the thing. Come along.

He marched her over to a pile o mackintoshes tossed in the

corner.

We mustnt have you catch your death. It simply isnt done.

He picked up the coat on top o the pile and held it up or

her to put on, but she wrinkled her nose, shrinking back. The

nasty smell was stronger than ever now.

It doesnt look entirely clean, does it? he admitted, a bit

embarrassed.


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She took the lantern and examined the next one down. This

ones worse, I think. Smells sort o sickening.

Hold that closer, he said, puzzling over the dark stain.Something had spilled or soaked over the coat, and he pulled

it back to see i the rest o the pile were in the same state. Mad-

eline gave a sudden, stied cry, and he grabbed the lantern and

set it down beore she could let it crash to the oor. She didnt

make another sound, but she clutched his shoulder painully

hard, her breath coming in little smothered gasps.

He fung the coat back into place and stood up, as shaken

as she.

Come on. Lets go back inside.

Drew, thats

Come on, he urged, and he led her back to the house,

through the kitchen door, and into the chair nearest the re.

Are you all right? he asked, dropping to one knee on thestone oor beside her. Here, give me that, i you please.

He snatched a drink rom the tray Anna was taking to the

guests and pressed Madelines hands around it.

Drink that down. You all right?

I dont

Drink it, he insisted, and she managed a sip.

Is the young lady ill, sir? Anna asked.Drew looked up, distracted. No. Yes. Go and get Mr. Parker

straightaway, i you would, please.

Yes, sir. She bobbed a tiny curtsy and disappeared through

the kitchens swinging doors. A moment later, the doors swung

again and Mason came into the kitchen.

Drew? Madeline, my dear, what is the matter?

Drew got to his eet. We just ound Lincoln in the green-

house. Im araid hes taken a load o buckshot to the head.

Rules of Murder

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Transcript of Rules of Murder