The Revenant Express by George Mann

Author:George Mann [Mann, George]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Steampunk
Goodreads: 16001052
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 2019-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

16

It was with some trepidation that Amelia led Petunia Wren back to her cabin. She was blatantly disregarding Newbury’s earlier instruction, but Petunia was not about to be given the slip, at least without arousing her suspicion. It was paramount that Newbury receive word of the murder as swiftly as possible, though, and so Amelia had decided to allow Petunia to tag along. She seemed harmless enough, if a little trying. Amelia only hoped Newbury would see it that way, too.

With a dry mouth, she turned the handle and ushered Petunia through Newbury’s cabin and into their suite. Newbury was sitting in his armchair, reading from a folio of papers. He looked up, about to welcome her back, but then caught sight of her visitor and gave Amelia a quizzical—and somewhat accusatory—look.

“Oh, hello,” he said, quietly. “Constance, you’ve brought a guest.” She could tell from his clipped tone that he was not impressed. Nevertheless, he leapt up from his chair, straightened his shirtfront and approached Petunia with his arm outstretched. “Sir Maurice Newbury,” he said. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh, Constance, my dear. No wonder you were keeping him locked away. Quite the handsome devil.” Petunia took his hand, clutching it in both of hers.

“This is Mrs. Petunia Wren,” said Amelia. “She’s travelling with us as far as St. Petersburg. She has a suite in the first carriage.”

“The first carriage, indeed?” said Newbury. “We are honoured. I was under the impression they reserved that carriage for royalty.”

Petunia smiled. “Well, it’s a once in a lifetime trip, so I thought I’d push the boat out a little. Anyway,” she said, positively fawning over Newbury in a way that made Amelia feel quite nauseous, “I’m so delighted to meet you. Constance here hasn’t stopped talking about you since we met.”

Amelia felt her cheeks redden. “No … well … that’s not strictly true.”

“Oh, as good as,” said Petunia, dismissively.

Newbury smiled, but Amelia could see there was something wrong; the way he’d reacted when Petunia had taken his hand, the slight tightening of his jaw. She knew him well enough now to read his mood, and this wasn’t simply consternation at an unwanted intruder. She’d have to talk to him about it later, when they’d managed to shake the woman off.

“So,” said Newbury. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Oh,” said Amelia. “Petunia and I have just overheard something in the dining car, and I thought you should hear of it immediately.”

“A murder,” interjected Petunia, in scandalised tones. “Right here on the train.”

“A murder?” said Newbury. He glanced at Amelia, and a moment of understanding passed between them.

“Yes, it’s a terrible business,” said Amelia. “A young woman came stumbling into the dining car, all in pieces. She claimed she’d seen blood seeping out from beneath the door of the neighbouring cabin. She was as white as a sheet.”

“Just think of the scandal,” said Petunia. “I wonder what happened. A lover’s tiff, perhaps? A terrible tale of revenge?”

“I think, Mrs. Wren, that perhaps you’ve indulged in one too many romance novels,” said Newbury.

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