MURDER AT HAWTHORNE HALL: A 1920's Historical Cozy Mystery (A Lady Elizabeth Hawthorne Mystery Book 7) by Olivia Rose

Author:Olivia Rose [ROSE, OLIVIA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2026-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Aunt Beatrice, arrested ? Elizabeth gripped the bedpost, the floor unsteady beneath her feet. There had to be some mistake.

“I’m sorry, Inspector, but I think I might have misheard.”

Aunt Beatrice sank down onto the dressing table stool, the colour draining from her cheeks.

“I assure you, Lady Elizabeth, this gives me no pleasure, but …” His gaze flicked from the wastepaper basket in the constable’s hand to Aunt Beatrice. “My hands are tied. All the evidence–”

“Evidence?” Gerald’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief as he moved between the Inspector and Beatrice. “It’s speculation at best, man.”

“With all due respect, Mr Redmayne.” The Inspector shifted his weight. “I understand your concern, but the facts are clear. We know Lady Hawthorne takes calcium carbonate for her heart condition. We also know Mr Hawthorne suffered a severe reaction to whelks as a child and was extremely cautious about shellfish, which makes the levels found in his stomach very unusual.” He paused, his expression grave. “I believe the quinine powder in Mr Hawthorne’s capsules was removed and replaced with calcium carbonate. When Dr Jarvis tests the remaining capsules in the bottle Constable Talbot found, I’m confident he’ll confirm it.”

Gerald’s fists balled at his sides. “Inspector, this is utterly preposterous. Lady Beatrice has been nothing but cooperative throughout your investigation. To suggest that she would–”

“You’re forgetting that we also have an eyewitness who is prepared to testify under oath that she saw Lady Hawthorne leave Mr Hawthorne’s room shortly after midnight. Not to mention a very credible motive in the deceased’s legal challenge.”

“Inspector Sparrow, you have known my aunt for how long? A decade or more, perhaps? You’ve served on numerous charitable committees with her. You cannot seriously believe her capable of murder.”

“My personal opinion is irrelevant, Lady Elizabeth. You, of all people know I must follow the evidence wherever it takes me.”

He was right, of course. A good detective never allows themself to be swayed by personal feelings, even when the evidence leads them in an uncomfortable direction.

“This is completely unacceptable, Inspector.” Gerald rubbed the palm of his hand against the back of his neck. “If you insist on pursuing this … this ridiculous charade, then I’ll have little choice but–”

“Gerald.” Aunt Beatrice rose from her seat, placing a hand on Gerald’s arm. “The Inspector is simply doing his duty.”

Gerald’s hand covered hers briefly, his expression unreadable.

“Lady Hawthorne, I’m afraid you’ll need to come with me to the station.”

“Inspector, surely this is unnecessary–” Elizabeth began.

“I’m sorry, Lady Elizabeth, but I cannot be seen to give Lady Hawthorne special treatment because of her position. The law applies equally to all.”

“Then might I drive my aunt to the station myself? I’d rather she not be subjected to the spectacle of arriving in a police vehicle.”

Inspector Sparrow nodded. “Of course, Lady Elizabeth. If you prefer, I could leave ahead of you to avoid any unnecessary attention from the household staff.”

Aunt Beatrice lifted her chin, her spine rigid. “That won’t be necessary, Inspector. I have nothing to hide.”

Inspector Sparrow

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