The Scottish Play Murder (A Restoration Mystery) by Rutherford Anne

Author:Rutherford, Anne [Rutherford, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-09-02T16:00:00+00:00

AT dinner that day and without preamble, Suzanne asked Daniel for the letter of introduction. She needed to pursue information.

“Daniel, my good friend, I’ve a favor to ask, if I may. I need a letter of introduction to the Dowager Countess of Larchford, if you would, please.” Her tone was casual, as if she were asking him to pass the salt.

That brought a chuckle, and she knew her attempt to put a casual face on her request wasn’t going to work. Damn. Daniel said, “And why would I give you such a thing? Furthermore, why do you think a letter from me would do you any good with her? I’ve only met the woman once, and that a year ago. I’m sure she barely knows my name. And even more to the point, what in God’s creation would you do with such a letter if you had it?”

Keeping her tone level and casual, she said, “Well, to reply in order of your inquiry, you would give me the letter because I asked and you should trust me to not ask for something I didn’t require. The letter would help me accomplish my goal, because I desire nothing more than to have a brief chat with the countess. It isn’t as if I wish to become her bosom friend and have her invite me to parties.”

“You might wish it. She puts on very nice parties.”

“I think I should find them dull, for I would know nobody she might have at them and I rather enjoy the company of my real friends. To continue my replies to your questions, lastly I would present it to her when I requested the aforementioned interview. Nothing earth-shattering, I assure you. Just a chat between women.”

“Regarding what, if I might pry?”

Suzanne rested her spoon at the side of her plate and took up her cup of wine to sip. It gave her a moment to consider her reply, then she said, “I wish to ask about her husband’s business dealings.”

“You won’t get an honest response from her. She would be mortified to have anyone know her husband was a merchant at heart.”

Even more, she would be mortified to have anyone know her husband was a pirate at heart. But Suzanne thought that line of argument would lead down a useless byway, so she said, “Nevertheless, I would like to feel her out on the subject.”

“To what purpose?”

She thought hard for a way to answer his question truthfully without letting him know she was hoping to prove Larchford had killed the pirate. But all she could think of was, “I believe there may be a connection between Larchford and the dead Spaniard.”

Daniel’s eyebrows went up. “Indeed? Of what sort?”

“I believe they did business together. I wish to ask the countess a few questions that might help us learn who murdered her husband.” True enough, though she had no theory as to who that fourth man could be.

Daniel gazed at Suzanne for a long moment while she resumed eating.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.