Fencing for Ladies (The Archer Family Regency Romances #5) by Amy Corwin

Author:Amy Corwin [Corwin, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fireside Romance
Published: 2016-04-08T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

As Alexander expected, the coroner’s verdict was unlawful killing by person or persons unknown. His failure to name a suspect meant he could escape from the political fire that might be lit were he to name the sister of an earl as the possible murderer. The decision also encouraged Mr. Greenfield and Constable Cooke to continue their investigation and uncover enough evidence to eliminate all reasonable doubt.

Unfortunately, in addition to the button, Greenfield had revealed other troubling facts, as well, after Lady Olivia departed. The inquiry agent had searched Grantham’s rooms and discovered a journal.

“Well, what do you think?” Belcher asked as they wandered outside into the cold, fresh air.

“An interesting case,” Alexander answered absently, searching the throng of departing men. Spotting Edward Archer, he hailed him.

“Lord Milbourn. Belcher.” Archer waited for them to catch up to him. He seemed to be in a somber, thoughtful mood as he turned and began walking toward the Archer terrace. Archer’s fascination with British jurisprudence meant he understood the implications of the inquest and subsequent inquiries better than any of them. And his subdued mood indicated he knew what the evidence they’d heard might mean for his sister.

No wonder a small knot of worry had formed over the bridge of Archer’s nose.

“Well, that was certainly interesting,” Belcher said. His blue eyes flashed with curiosity as he glanced from Alexander to Archer. “That Greenfield chap seems to know his business, doesn’t he?”

The wrinkled knot between Archer’s brows grew more pronounced, but he didn’t answer. His pace increased.

Alexander grunted. Greenfield might be intelligent, but was he smart enough to continue his inquiries, or had he already made up his mind?

“What about that journal, eh?” Belcher chuckled. “I expect old Grantham had plenty to say about all of us. I don’t fancy that Greenfield chap reading about my youthful peccadillos, eh?” He laughed and nudged Alexander with his elbow. “Don’t suppose you will be any happier, either, Milbourn.”

“I don’t suppose Greenfield will be any happier reading it,” Alexander said dryly. “Assuming Grantham even mentioned us, except in passing.”

“Of course, you are correct, Milbourn,” Belcher said, looking from Alexander to Archer.

Alexander shrugged, aware of the tension building in Belcher. The man had always hated silence and would rattle on forever, just to hear the sound of a voice. Which wasn’t necessarily bad, except that he was also one of those cheerful, optimistic sorts one invariably ended up wanting to strangle.

Well, perhaps Belcher did have his uses. He might be as irritating as a flea under the collar, but he’d work himself into a lather to cheer one up, and right now, Archer seemed to need that.

Noting that Archer had strode on ahead, Alexander lengthened his stride to catch up to him, knowing Belcher would follow suit.

Alexander caught Belcher’s gaze and gave a sharp nod in Archer’s direction.

“Say, Archer, old chap, join me at the club? I could use a spot of brandy, eh? Join me?” Belcher hurried forward and slapped Archer on the shoulder.

As Archer glanced at him, his scowl deepened.

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