The Many Sins of Cris De Feaux by Louise Allen

Author:Louise Allen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2016-05-31T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

‘Murdered?’ Foxy backed as Tamsyn’s hands clenched on the reins. ‘How? When?’

‘Last night, in Cat’s Nose Bay. He was shot in the back,’ the rider in uniform said harshly. ‘I am Captain Sutherland of His Majesty’s Revenue Service.’

‘That is appalling news indeed,’ Cris said before she could do more than gasp. ‘But might I ask why you accost these ladies here with such a tale, told so brutally?’

‘I will be holding the inquest on the body of Lieutenant Ritchie. I require the attendance of Mrs Perowne to give evidence and to answer questions.’ Sir James narrowed his eyes at the two men so protectively close to the women. ‘I do not believe I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance, gentlemen. Sir James Trelawney, Coroner for this district, at your service.’

‘Crispin Defoe, of London and Kent. My friend, Gabriel Stone, of London. Your servants, sir.’ Cris, his voice perfectly civil, managed to make the polite introduction sound like a declaration of war, without one word out of place.

From horseback Gabriel bowed. As he straightened his hand lay lightly on the pommel of his sword. The two chairmen lumbered to their feet, pewter tankards tight in their massive fists.

‘The inquest will be held in two days’ time. I require Mrs Perowne to reside at my house, chaperoned, naturally, by my wife, until then.’

‘You are arresting me?’

‘You have a warrant?’ Cris no longer sounded civil.

‘I have not. Nor am I arresting Mrs Perowne. This is for her own protection.’ The coroner was icy. Beside him the Revenue Officer was glaring at Cris, and Squire Penwith was flushed with anger, or excitement, Tamsyn thought, wondering why she did not feel more frightened. Sick, yes, but not as terrified as she ought to be. But Cris was there, of course. It was time she stood up for herself.

‘Against what am I being protected?’ she enquired.

‘Against the members of the gang responsible for this outrage,’ Trelawney snapped. ‘They will not want you giving evidence, I’ll warrant.’

‘The implications of that statement are insulting, Sir James.’ Cris cut across her furious reply. ‘To say nothing of prejudicial to a fair hearing. I see you are escorted by the militia. If you are fearful for Mrs Perowne’s safety, then I suggest that stationing them outside her house on guard will be more than adequate. It might also persuade the lady not to take a civil action for wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, kidnapping and defamation of character.’

‘Defamation?’ Penwith spluttered. ‘A smuggler’s moll has no character to be defamed, sir!’

Cris jerked his head at Gabriel, who circled his horse and brought it in on Foxy’s other side. As soon as he was in position Cris walked Jackdaw forward until the big black was nose to nose with Penwith’s horse.

‘On the last occasion we met, sir, I suggested a meeting in a field. At dawn. That still seems to me to be an admirable idea.’

‘Duelling is illegal,’ Penwith said. His horse began to back up; Jackdaw pressed in closer.

‘So it is,’ Cris said silkily.

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