Murder at the Jazz Club: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery (The Kitty Worthington Mysteries Book 7) by Magda Alexander

Author:Magda Alexander [Alexander, Magda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781943321230
Publisher: Hearts Afire Publishing
Published: 2023-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

LORD ROSEWOOD’S BROTHER

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Robert arrived at the Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency in his Jeremiah Bloodsworth disguise. As he had a taxicab waiting to take us to Rosewood House, I wasted no time climbing in it along with him.

His demeanor was his usual—affable, loving, polite. So I breathed an easy sigh. Last night’s disagreement had been, if not forgotten, resolved in his mind.

Rosewood House, held by the family for generations as I’d learned from Mother, was palatial in its opulence. Almost all the gilded furnishings, in the style of King Louis XIV and the magnificent Versailles, were embellished with shining gold leaf. It was obvious the family were lovers of art. Not only did glorious paintings adorn the walls, but museum-worthy sculptures dotted the hallway that led to the drawing room.

Robert and I followed the elegant butler who, attired in a rose and gold livery, was almost as magnificent as his surroundings. Once we reached the drawing room, he announced our presence and closed the door behind us after we entered. The chamber, furnished with an array of splendid sofas, settees, chairs, and tables, all gilded with gold and upholstered in various shades of velvet, took my breath away.

Until I noticed the gentleman standing in its center.

“Miss Worthington. Welcome to Rosewood House. I’m Lord Stephen,” he said, totally ignoring Robert. He stood ramrod straight, a disapproving expression on his face. Dressed in a black cassock and clerical collar, he could not have made a starker contrast to the magnificence of his surroundings. But then maybe that was the point.

“Thank you for seeing me, Lord Stephen. I know this is a time of great sorrow. I offer my deepest condolences.”

His nod simultaneously managed to convey arrogance and superiority. Rare traits for a man of the cloth. I couldn’t imagine his congregation favoring such an attitude. Still, if I wanted his cooperation, I needed to show some approbation. If not of him, of the residence.

“That’s a glorious Titian, Lord Stephen.” I nodded toward my right where a painting depicted a nude woman reclining on a chaise lounge while her fully-clothed lover gazed fondly at her.

“My brother as well as our ancestors were avid art collectors. I prefer paintings where the subjects assume a more modest way of dress.”

It stood to reason. He was a cleric after all.

He pointed to a delicate chair, upholstered in rose velvet. “Won’t you take a seat?” He didn’t offer one to Robert. Was the man blind or simply ill-mannered? I couldn’t say anything, though, as it would be rude.

He waited until I sat before he did so himself. “I confess I’m quite confused about your visit,” he said with a sniff. “Lord Marlowe said you’re investigating my brother’s murder. I thought the man responsible for his death had been arrested.”

“Yes. But his sister—”

He stiffened at her mention.

“—Miss Gautier believes he’s innocent.”

His lip curled with derision. “Well, she would, wouldn’t she?” And then he finally cast his gaze at Robert, a suspicious one. “And this gentleman.

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