Always Louisa by Joanne Austen Brown

Author:Joanne Austen Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance Murder Mystery
Publisher: Joanne Austen Brown
Published: 2020-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The ball was cancelled and the guests were either turned away when they arrived or fed and housed till the next day. The local magistrate was sent for but whoever killed Alice was a total mystery. Servants and guests where questioned but no one saw or heard anything other than the commotion of the falling urn. Many of the guests chose to escape this particular house party and ball, the first chance they got. They were not convinced Louisa was the target and they believed any of them could be attacked at any moment by some mad man.

The next day Louisa spent the morning with Elspeth. Chalanor had waited in the hall while they talked. He was determined to stay close and this indeed made Louisa feel safer.

The two young ladies spent hours talking and continuing to renew the friendship they had once had. Elspeth did her best to comfort Louisa over the stress of Alice’s death, and expressed her remorse at accusing Alice of theft. Alice’s death was something Louisa could not come to terms with. She knew whoever had killed Alice did it because of her. Her pearls were still missing and this was distressing. Lord Farraday had conducted a search of the whole estate, much to Lady Farraday’s disgust, but to no avail. But even the guests didn’t mind under the circumstances.

“I had no idea all this was going on while I’m laid up here. Of course, I was concerned about the accident but could not imagine murder was a possible result.”

“Do not distress yourself, Elspeth. I am sure Chalanor and the others will find out who is doing this. You have a footman for protection and I am sure the pearls will show up.” She tried to sound convincing but, in her heart, she knew Elspeth could see through her bravado. “I am more concerned for the safety of the remainder of the staff and the other guests. This person doesn’t care for anyone or anything. He’s hurt you and killed Alice and nearly killed my father and Lord Farraday. He will stop at nothing.” Louisa breathed a sigh of pent up emotion.

“Don’t fret Louisa, please.” Elspeth begged. “I am sure you are right that Chalanor will find out who he or they are. I know you are concerned and I really wish you would not take that concern on, but your beautiful nature...” Louisa smiled at her and then lowered her eyes. Elspeth continued, “You are in love with him, are you not?”

Louisa looked at her not with shock but resignation. This was Elspeth. She never did keep her comments, thoughts or concerns to herself. She never had. She was always one to state what she thought was obvious to all around her. She loved that characteristic in her friend. And wished she could be as honest and open. Elspeth was usually right but Louisa had no intention of admitting that.

“I don’t think love has anything to do with it. Chalanor is trying to protect me as any true friend would.

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