Murder at the Crown and Anchor by C.J. Archer

Author:C.J. Archer [Archer, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.J. Archer

That evening’s ball was like all the rest I’d attended. Young women tried to catch the attention of the young men, who were scarcer in number. Wealthy eligible gentlemen vied to place their names on the dance cards of the prettiest girls. Impoverished gentlemen courted the heiresses. Chaperones gossiped while peering through their lorgnettes at their charges. Older gentlemen discussed politics or sporting pursuits while waiting for the refreshments to be served.

Even the decorations were the same. Lights blazed out the front, welcoming guests deposited by their gleaming black carriages. Floral garlands wrapped around the staircase railing and hung above the doors. More flowers spilled out of vases. Their color changed, depending on the hostess’s preference, but otherwise they were the same at each ball. At some point in the night, I realized I’d stopped noticing the jewelry; when you saw rubies, sapphires and diamonds regularly, they ceased to become special.

The only difference was that I was no longer the new girl. My shine had dimmed. I was neither an heiress nor a beauty. In fact, I was that rare but undesirable species—an educated woman. The disinterest of my fellow guests suited me well. I was asked to dance enough times that I never felt entirely left out, but not too often that my feet became sore. I was able to stand with the wallflowers and observe proceedings.

There were always subtle goings-on at these events, and tonight was no different. Reputations had been ruined at the end of my last investigation and secrets revealed. This was the first time some had been able to revel in the salacious details with their acquaintances. It wasn’t the gossip which intrigued me now, however. It was Hyacinthe Massie.

The Salt King’s daughter had danced three times with Jonathon before the clock struck midnight. When she wasn’t dancing, he sought her out and engaged her in conversation. At first, she seemed agreeable. But as the evening wore on, whenever she saw him approach, she walked off in the other direction or joined a group of friends. She was not in love with him.

Flossy and Miss Hessing both came off the dance floor at the same time and joined me. Flossy seemed to be in a flat mood, but Miss Hessing’s steps were bouncy. She’d already danced four times with Mr. Liddicoat and even now, she couldn’t keep her gaze off him.

“Will this night never end?” Flossy whined. “All the interesting gentlemen are dancing with other girls, and I’m left with the bucked teeth and two left feet brigade.”

“Your dance partners have not been that bad,” I told her.

“That’s easy for you to say. You’re not expected to choose a husband from amongst them.” She sighed. “Perhaps Jonathon was right. Perhaps I’m too fat.”

I rounded on her. “Don’t listen to that cad. You’re one of the prettiest girls here.”

“I am on the larger side.”

“Your figure is perfect the way it is. I wish I had your…attributes.”

That produced a giggle from her.

Miss Hessing took her hand. “There is a gentleman out there for you, Miss Bainbridge.

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