Just Make Believe by Maggie Robinson

Author:Maggie Robinson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2020-04-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Tuesday evening

When she got back from Broughton Park, Bob told her she could leave tomorrow, and Addie held onto that plan like a bright and shining beacon. She skipped drinks in the drawing room, not looking forward to making more irrelevant small talk, or worse, the kind of existential maunderings death always unearthed. One became obsessed with one’s own mortality, wondering if one would even be mourned when the Grim Reaper arrived.

No matter how well-lubricated the other guests got beforehand, dinner was another awkward affair. Hugh joined them tonight, resplendent in his dinner jacket. Evelyn, in black velvet this time, had dug into her pearls, and was modestly accessorized. Addie eschewed her green gown for the purple dress she meant to wear Sunday night, along with her amethysts. The twins gleamed under the lights as usual; Iris Temple was distinguished in trailing dark gray chiffon; and the gentlemen were suitably attired. If one dropped in from Mars, one wouldn’t have any inkling the party’s hostess died two days ago.

There was one unexpected face at the table: Juliet Barlow, who wore a severe black jersey dress with a diamanté clip at the shoulder. Hugh asked her to join them to even out the numbers. Unfortunately, Lucas was still missing, so they were still odd.

The elephant in the room. No one said anything about his absence, which made it worse somehow. The murderer was breathing a sigh of relief, since all fingers pointed to the vanished viscount.

She was alliterative again, but there was a certain ring to the appellation. It would make a good mystery title, wouldn’t it? The Vanished Viscount. Or The Viscount Vanishes? Maybe when this was all over, Addie would try her hand at writing the sort of book one could curl up with in bed, a mug of tea on the bedside table, and a dog at one’s feet. The heroine would be a nearsighted duke’s daughter with a naughty Airedale. Might as well elevate her consequence while she was at it. Enlarge experiences all around.

There would be no ghosts.

“You’re smiling, Lady Adelaide. It can’t be from the convivial company—the house is like a morgue,” Captain Clifford said quietly.

“I just had a silly thought. I’m sorry I’m not holding up my end of the conversation.” Margie was on her left, busy competing with her sister across the table to capture Owen Bradbury’s regard. Why should the girl bother talking with another woman? An older one at that.

Addie had been measured and found wanting.

“I don’t mind. It’s hard to fathom why they’re going through the motions—the Fernalds, that is. I’d be as happy with a toasted cheese in my room. More comfortable too, out of my monkey suit. Even my uniform is less irritating.”

“This isn’t a very cheerful going-away party for you, is it?”

Clifford took a sip of wine. “It doesn’t matter about me. It’s Hugh I worry about.”

Addie glanced down the table. Juliet had been seated between the captain and their host, who was at the head, Bradbury opposite at the other end.

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