A Gilded Grave (29 page)

D
eanna slept well into the morning. She and Elspeth had stayed up after Will left, proposing and discarding various plans for smoking out the killer. They had agreed to play dumb with the others about whether Swan was alive or dead, and promised to say nothing of the suicide note. Elspeth was still asleep in the dressing room with the door between them open. But as soon as Deanna pushed back the covers, Elspeth padded into the room, holding up one side of the nightgown she’d borrowed from Deanna.

“Just give me a few minutes, though I don’t know how I’m going to get to my room without people talking and asking questions.”

“You’re not going anywhere. We’ll ask one of the other maids to fetch all of your clothes and move them here.”

“That’s going to cause a stink belowstairs. They’ll think I’m acting above my station.”

“Well, too bad. We aren’t going to be here much longer. And you’re not going back to that room while we’re here. You can tell them I’m afraid to be alone.” Deanna rang for the chambermaid.

When she appeared a few minutes later with a coffee tray, Deanna gave her request. The girl looked a little reluctant.

“I will truly appreciate it.”

A flicker of understanding glinted in the maid’s eye. She would be amply rewarded. “Yes, ma’am.” The maid bobbed a curtsey and started to leave.

“Be thorough. Don’t leave anything behind.”

“No’m.”

“And what will you be wearing today?” Elspeth asked. “Is
the grenadine walking dress or the flowered muslin better for plotting and planning?”

“The yellow gauze; it’s lighter and cooler, and don’t bother with the half corset.”

“The yellow it is.” Elspeth fisted both hands at her hips. “
With
the half corset.”

Deanna stuck out her tongue at Elspeth’s retreating back.

By the time Deanna had finished dressing and Elspeth had twisted her hair into a soft knot at the top of her head, the maid returned with Elspeth’s belongings.

Deanna dropped the rest of her pin money into the girl’s hand. The maid’s eyes lit up. “Anything else, miss?”

“No, that will be all.”

“Thank you, miss.” She curtseyed and backed out the door.

As soon as she was gone, Deanna turned to Elspeth. “I wonder if everyone is at breakfast?”

“It’s late enough. Why?”

“See if you can find an empty bottle in the dressing room.”

“How big?”

Deanna held her fingers three inches apart.

“What are you up to, miss? Mr. Hennessey said not to do anything until we saw him again.”

“I’m just going to tell Mrs. Woodruff that I’ll be out this morning, and on my way out I’m going to just pop in for a minute to check on Mr. Woodruff.”

Elspeth’s eye bulged. “Not without me, you’re not.”

“Of course not. Now you find a small bottle and meet me outside Mr. Woodruff’s bedroom in five minutes.” And she went out to visit her hostess.

Mrs. Woodruff was lying on the divan in her room, looking harried and tired. Deanna just meant to stay long enough to
reassure her, but as she got up to leave, Mrs. Woodruff grasped her wrist.

“What is it, ma’am?”

“Nothing, nothing. You’re a good girl. A friend to Cassie.”

“True blue,” Deanna said.

“Run along. Have fun.”

Deanna smiled, but Mrs. Woodruff had closed her eyes. Deanna tiptoed away.

Elspeth must have been watching from the door, because as soon as Deanna left Mrs. Woodruff’s room, she came hurrying down the hall to meet her.

“Did you find something?”

Elspeth nodded and looked down to where she was clutching her skirt. “In my hand,” she whispered.

“Give it here.”

“I’m coming, too.”

“Yes, but you’re going to guard the door while I pour.”

They moved quietly down the hall, stopped outside the bedroom door, and looked both ways down the hall.

Deanna knocked softly. Waited to see if Mr. Woodruff’s man would open the door. When nothing happened, she slowly turned the knob and opened the door just wide enough to look inside. The room was empty except for Mr. Woodruff, who lay motionless on the bed.

On the side table was a pitcher of water, two small glasses, and the bottle of medicine. She stepped inside, Elspeth pushed in after her.

“Give me the vial and stay here to make sure nobody’s coming.”

Elspeth handed over the tiny bottle, then she closed the door until it was barely open, and peered out.

Deanna quickly crossed to the bed. Still no movement or sound from Mr. Woodruff. She uncapped the vial and laid it on the table while she unstopped the medicine bottle.

Then she carefully poured a small amount of the medicine in the vial. When the bottle was returned to the table and the vial was in her skirt pocket, she took a minute to look at the recumbent man.

It was shocking. The normally robust, fun-loving man looked like he was already gone, his face almost as white as the bedclothes. Deanna didn’t hold out much hope of a good outcome.

She sighed and joined Elspeth at the door. Fortunately, the hallway was empty, and they hurried back to Deanna’s room. Just as they reached the door, a maid came out of the opposite room.

“Good morning, miss. Let me get the door for you.”

“Go-good morning,” Deanna stuttered, and waited impatiently for the maid to put down her bundle and open the bedroom door.

As soon as they were inside, they both let out huge breaths.

“I can’t believe we did it,” Elspeth said.

“Nor I, or that my hands managed to pour the liquid without spilling a jot. They were shaking like anything.”

“You know, if we had been a minute later, we might have run right into that maid as we came out of Mr. Woodruff’s door.”

“I know,” Deanna said quietly. And she knew Elspeth was thinking the same thing. Is that what had happened to Daisy? Just a chance encounter that had led to murder?

“Now what?” Elspeth asked, breaking the spell.

“Now you’re going down to the kitchen for something to eat, I’m going to join the others for breakfast, and then we’re going to Gran Gwen’s to confer with Will about catching a killer.”

“Y
ou slept late,” Cassie said, waving a piece of toast at Deanna as she stepped into the breakfast room. “Maddie and I are dying to hear what happened last night. Maddie’s so worried about Swan. Lord David left earlier to visit the police station, but he hasn’t returned. No one told them last night that Swan had taken sick.”

Madeline looked like she hadn’t slept well, and Deanna felt a momentary pang at their thoughtlessness. But only for a moment.

Deanna took a plate and studied the contents of the chafing dishes. She took her time; chose a piece of ham, some eggs, and braised tomatoes; passed on the kippers; and took her place at the table.

“Well?”

Neville entered and poured her a cup of coffee. “Thank you, Neville; you can leave the pot.”

“Yes, miss.”

As soon as he was gone, Cassie and Maddie both leaned forward.

“Well,” Deanna said between bits of food, “Elspeth was so frightened last night that I made her sleep in my dressing room.”

“We wondered,” Cassie said. “We stayed up waiting to find out what was happening, but Will Hennessey must have left without talking to mother.”

“Perhaps he didn’t want to bother the family, considering your father’s illness.”

“Oh, that must be it,” Cassie said, frowning slightly. “So, what did happen?”

“All I know is that Swan got really sick and they called for an ambulance. I guess Will was on duty and came along with the others.”

“Did they say what’s wrong with him?” Maddie asked. “We’re so worried about him. We didn’t even know that he’d been sent to the hospital until this morning.”

“I suppose we’ll have to wait for Lord David to tell us. Because I certainly don’t know.”

“Elspeth didn’t say anything more?” Cassie stuck out her lip. “The maids were talking that she stuck her fingers down his throat and made him—” She shuddered. “You know.”

“Was it a stomach complaint?” Maddie asked. “Something he ate? Is he going to be all right?”

“I have no idea. But Elspeth said he looked awfully bad and he was barely breathing.” Deanna took a bite of ham. She was feeling distinctly queasy just thinking about Elspeth’s heroics.

“Did they find anything?” Madeline asked.

Deanna stopped. “Like what?”

“Like something he’d drunk or eaten?” Cassie said. “None of the other servants are sick.”

“I don’t know. Elspeth didn’t say. Though I suppose if they had found something, she would have told me.”

Madeline’s face grew even paler.

“Madeline, are you feeling all right?” Deanna asked.

Madeline nodded. “It’s just all so terrible. Swan has been with us for a long time. Things like this don’t happen in Barbados.”

“Food poisoning?” Deanna asked innocently.

“Or murder.”

“Really? How amazing. I thought every place had murders . . . and murderers.”

“Not where we live. Well, maybe the natives do, but I never hear about it. As soon as Swan recovers, I’m going to make David take me back home.”

“Oh no. Not so soon. The season is just beginning,” Cassie said. Deanna added her halfhearted pleas to Cassie’s. But when Cassie began to enumerate all the parties and events they were invited to, Deanna pushed her chair back.

“I have some errands to run this morning,” she told them. “I won’t need a carriage. I’ll walk. I’ll take Elspeth with me. I think she could use some fresh air, poor thing.”

“Oh, yes, poor thing,” Cassie said. “Perhaps she’d feel better in one of the open carriages. No one is using the gig this morning.”

“Thank you, but I need the exercise, even if Elspeth doesn’t.”

“Well, don’t be long. We were going to Bailey’s this morning, but what with everything, Maddie decided she should stay here and wait for Lord David.”

Deanna nodded sympathetically.

“Couldn’t you stay here with us? Can’t your errands wait?”

“No, I’m sorry, they can’t.” Deanna stood. “And now I must
rush if I’m to be back in time to dress for tea. Is tonight the night of Mrs. Howe’s musical soiree?”

“Yes, and don’t forget, tomorrow night is Gran Gwen’s mysterious fete.”

“Oh, I won’t.” Deanna turned to Maddie. “Gran Gwen always has the most amusing gatherings. It will be such fun. And don’t worry, Madeline. I’m sure Swan will be better directly.”

She didn’t wait for a response, and as she left, she heard Cassie still cajoling Madeline to stay for the season.

Deanna and Elspeth set off down the cliff walk toward Bonheur.

“What if she isn’t at home?” Elspeth asked, puffing to keep up with Deanna’s long strides.

“Carlisle will let us in to use the telephone, then Cook will ply us both with tea and something she’s just baked. And we’ll get to eat in the kitchen because there’ll be no one there to tell on us. And it will be just like the old days.”

Elspeth frowned.

“Don’t be a sourpuss.”

It was a sunny day and there was a slight breeze, so the walk was pleasant. When they arrived at Bonheur, Deanna led Elspeth around to the kitchen door and knocked.

“Lord, Miss Deanna, what are you up to this time?” Cook asked. She was a dumpling of a woman. All the Ballard cooks were hefty women. Gran Gwen insisted that women cooked as well as any man, and without nearly the same amount of drama.

“Is Gran Gwen at home?”

“She is, which you would know if you went to the front door as is proper.”

Deanna looked chastised. “We thought you would at least give us a cup of tea.”

Cook picked up a wooden spoon and tapped a tattoo in the air. “Up to your old tricks are you? And you almost a grown woman.”

“Ugh. Don’t remind me.”

“Well, you’re in luck; the kettle is already on the boil and I baked these this morning.” She opened the larder door and came out with a tray of fragile tea cakes. “You can each have two. The rest are for the guests tomorrow night.”

Deanna took two for herself, and when Elspeth hesitated, she took two more and handed them to her. Elspeth glanced at Cook.

“Egalitarian is what you’ll get in this house,” Cook said, turning her spoon to Elspeth. “Just be sure not to overstep.”

Elspeth glanced sideways at Deanna.

“She just means we all get tea cakes when we want them.” Deanna wiggled the tea cakes at her.

Elspeth took them and bit into one, sighing with delight. Deanna followed her example, and both ate enthusiastically as they waited for the tea to brew.

Cook filled the teapot, then went over to a wall panel holding two rows of buttons. She pressed one, and after a few minutes, Carlisle appeared.

He barely registered surprise at finding Deanna in the kitchen, well trained as he was. “Good morning, Miss Deanna.”

“Good morning, Carlisle. We need to see Gran Gwen.” She looked toward Elspeth. “
Both
of us need to see her.”

“You’ll have your tea first,” Cook said.

“I’ll tell her you’re here.” Carlisle made a dignified exit, though Deanna did see him glance at the tea cakes as he passed.

Cook was just pouring the tea when Gran Gwen swept into the kitchen. “Is this a private party?”

Elspeth jumped up, nearly upsetting her cup.

Cook quickly wiped her hands on her apron. “Would you like a cup, madam?”

“Yes, please, and, Elspeth, please sit down and relax. I often take tea in the kitchen.” Under Elspeth’s startled gaze and Deanna’s amused one, Gran Gwen sat down at the table. “Oh, dear,” she said. “Have I scandalized you, Elspeth?”

“No, ma’am.”

“You did, Gran Gwen. She’s such a stickler,” Deanna said, shooting Elspeth a smug look.

“And to what to I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“We wanted to use your telephone.”

Gran Gwen frowned at Deanna. “Is the one at Seacrest broken?”

Deanna shook her head. “Nor the one at home. But we wanted to come here.”

“Ah, tea cakes.”

“They’re for the party tomorrow night,” Cook said. “You can only have two.”

Gran Gwen took a handful from the tray.

“I hope it’s all right,” Deanna said as they munched cookies, “but I asked Will Hennessey to meet us here. I told him I would telephone the station when we arrived. And . . . and I wondered if you had heard from Joe?”

“You’re in luck. Joseph sent Orrin round this morning with a message.” Gran Gwen shook her head. “Joseph’s head is already living in the twentieth century, yet he doesn’t own a telephone.”

“We don’t have a lot of telephones down in the Fifth,” Elspeth said.

“I know, dear. But that will change in time. Anyway, he
said they are both coming for lunch. Until that time, why don’t you fill me in on the goings-on at Seacrest.”

By the time Joe and Will arrived, Gran Gwen had been brought up to date on all the “goings-on” at Seacrest, the tea cakes were gone, and Cook had started a new batch.

I
t was several hours later when Gran Gwen sent Deanna and Elspeth back to Seacrest in the family carriage. Their planning meeting had gone so long that Deanna had to hurry to change clothes in time for tea.

Mrs. Woodruff even came down to pour. She looked resigned but rested.

Deanna hadn’t expected Lord David to be back from his vigil at the hospital, so she was surprised but glad when he and Charles came down the steps together. She had plenty of questions she wanted to ask.

“How is your poor manservant?” Mrs. Woodruff asked.

Lord David shot the crease of his white linen trousers and sat down across from her. “Alas, not well. I wasn’t even allowed to see him. They said he barely clings to life and cannot be disturbed.”

“How awful!” Mrs. Woodruff said, sympathetically.

Lord David shrugged slightly. “We can but hope for the best. He was a good worker. Took very good care of me and my wardrobe.”

She handed him a cup of tea. “Well, I’m sure Neville can find you a replacement. Until he’s better of course. He might not be as unique as Swan, but he should suffice until you can make other arrangements, or . . .”

She trailed off and looked over to where Charles stood
separated from the others, his hand resting on the fireplace mantel. “Charles, do you care for tea?”

“Hmm? No, Mama, I do not care for tea. Manchester, where is your sister?”

“I’m here,” Madeline announced floating into the room, the skirts of her tea gown floating behind her. “Mrs. Woodruff, please forgive me for being so late to tea.” She sniffed daintily. “It’s all been just a bit much for me.”

Deanna was tempted to roll her eyes. The few times she’d seen Madeline and Swan together, Madeline hadn’t been very nice to him, and she’d called his magic tricks boring. Though Deanna supposed that it might get boring if Lord David was constantly pulling him out to perform for their friends. And it was true that some things and people aren’t missed until they’re gone.

“We’re so sorry, dear, that this has happened while you were here. Nothing like it has ever happened before, I assure you. Come sit here on the settee by me.”

Madeline did as she was bid and accepted a cup of tea but none of the sweets from the three-tiered tea tray.

Deanna tried to join in the conversation, but she could hardly look Mrs. Woodruff in the eye. She felt so guilty for filching some of her husband’s medicine and for even momentarily wondering if this woman could be poisoning her husband.

Cassie kept looking at Deanna with a confused and worried countenance, and Deanna breathed a sigh of relief when she was finally back upstairs in her own room.

“I don’t think I can stand it until tomorrow night,” she told Elspeth as she changed out of her dress. She jumped up on the bed and lay down, arms stretched out to the side. “Oh.” She sat straight up.

“What, miss? Did something pinch you?”

“No. But Elspeth, what if Mama hears that I’ve gone to a party at Gran Gwen’s? Especially without her. She will not be happy. You know how she feels about the Ballards.”

“Well, by the time she does, it will be too late to stop you.”

“True. And even if she gives me one of her lectures, it will be worth it if we can catch a killer.”

Dinner was a quiet affair. Madeline and Charles were both brooding; Lord David kept the conversation going, though Deanna could tell he was only half paying attention.