Bookclubbed to Death by V.M. Burns

Author:V.M. Burns [Burns, V.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2022-09-26T00:00:00+00:00

Lady Elizabeth, Lord James Browning, and Thompkins found themselves back in the king’s drawing room, but this time, the king had conveniently not joined. Lady Elizabeth and Lord Browning were joined by their spouses, Lord William Marsh and Lady Daphne. The group also included Lord Victor and Lady Penelope Carlston, Lady Clara, and Detective Peter Covington.

Once everyone was seated, Lady Elizabeth didn’t hesitate. “There’s been a murder, and His Royal Highness, King George, has asked for our help in solving it.”

Detective Covington hopped up. “A murder? Has Scotland Yard been called in?”

Lady Clara clasped the detective’s hand. “Darling, perhaps you should allow Aunt Elizabeth to finish so she can tell us.”

“Sorry, please continue.” The detective returned to his seat.

“The local constables are aware of the situation, as are a few divisions within . . . other branches of the government,” Lady Elizabeth said. “Due to the precarious nature of things at the moment, it was determined that the fewer people who are aware of this, the better.”

She shared everything they’d learned from the king about the situation to the group and then turned to Lord Browning and Thompkins. “Did I miss anything?”

They both shook their heads.

“Peter, I’m hoping you can get us information from the coroner,” Lady Elizabeth said to the detective. “Hopefully, the time of death and well . . . anything else they can provide.”

Detective Covington nodded.

Lady Elizabeth pulled out her knitting. She checked her stitches and then turned to her husband. “Milicent Schmidt was a reporter with the London Times. Isn’t the editor, Geoffrey Fordham-Baker, a member of your club?”

“He is. Fourth son of the Second Viscount of Lampton. I’ll pop over to the club and see if I can find the fellow. I’ll stand him a few glasses of port.” The duke chuckled. “That should loosen his lips.”

“Good, but be careful, dear. If I remember, Geoffrey is a bottomless pit where port is concerned. I don’t want your gout flaring up again.”

“Bloody awful thing, gout. Sucks the joy out of life.” Lord William puffed on his pipe and grumbled.

Lady Elizabeth stopped to concentrate on her knitting. After a brief moment, she continued. “James, do you think you could find out if there was anything in the papers found from the red box that might have been a motive for her murder?”

Lord Browning smiled. “I’ve already contacted my sources at Downing Street, and I’m going to meet with the king’s private secretary, Clive Elliott, as soon as we’re finished here. I should have something by this afternoon.”

“Wonderful.” Lady Elizabeth smiled at her nephew. “It’s so useful to have someone with your . . . connections at a time like this.” She finished a complicated stitch and then turned to her niece. “Daphne, Cousin Lucille is here. Have you seen her?”

Lady Daphne scowled. “I’ve tried not to.”

“Well, she is Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting.”

“Lucille Redding is also the biggest gossip.” Daphne sighed. “Oh, all right. If there’s any gossip to be had, she’ll know what it is. I’ll stop hiding and invite myself to tea.

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