Murder at the Hunt Ball by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Lost and found and lost again

The great hall

Hillsboro Lodge

Relief swept through Evie when she saw Tom returning from talking with the chauffeurs. Evie tried to read his expression but he did a splendid job of hiding his thoughts as he wove his way toward her smiling and greeting people so she had no way of telling if he brought good news or bad news.

Along the way, he picked up a couple of champagne glasses. He handed Evie a glass and stood by watching the guests as he took a sip of his drink. His tactic tested Evie’s patience. Finally, he said, “All the motor cars are still here. No one’s left yet.”

Where could they have gone? “Everyone who’d returned has disappeared again. Do you think they’re having a private meeting somewhere?” Evie looked past Tom’s shoulder. Sterling Wright stood with a group of guests chatting and laughing.

Everyone continued to enjoy themselves. Lively music wafted from the ballroom. “We must be making too big a deal of it. Either that or there is something strange going on right under our noses.”

Tom cast his gaze around the gathering. “There’s definitely something wrong here.”

“It’s possible they just went wandering around the house. Whenever I’m a guest in a new house, I like to explore the picture galleries.” Although, that didn’t explain Marjorie Devon’s absence earlier.

Tom grinned. “You mean, you like to snoop.”

Putting on a haughty tone, Evie lifted her chin. “I like to admire and appreciate. That’s the reason why people have so many works of art and fine furniture on display. Besides, I’m not the only one. Henrietta and Sara also enjoy wandering around.”

“They did that because they were following the Prentiss couple. Actually, where are the others?”

“They went exploring. At least, that’s the excuse they’ll give if anyone asks.”

“I suppose the dowagers and Toodles will look less suspicious.” He raised his glass to his lips. “And I’m sure Caro can talk her way out of anything. If you change your mind about becoming a lady detective, you could turn your attention to becoming a society thief. You already have your band of adventure seeking would-be thieves.”

“Mr. Winchester, I’m shocked that you would even propose such a venture.”

“Are you?”

Evie shifted and smiled. “Actually, I’m not at all surprised by the suggestion or the fact that I spent a moment entertaining the idea. Of course, it would never work. We simply don’t have it in us.”

He gave a pensive nod. “Lotte didn’t exactly come straight out and say it, but I believe you need a creative mind for the job at hand.”

“Are you trying to distract me?”

“Yes, you’re fixating. I thought you might help to think about something else.”

Evie hummed under her breath. “No, I can’t quite see myself walking around in disguise.”

He lifted an eyebrow and teased her, “Really? I think you would have no trouble disguising yourself as an indigent, half-crazed woman.”

Evie gave him a measuring look. “And I think you would do just fine playing the role of my husband.

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