Read Quick, Amanda for Free Online

yes, I shall summon him immediately. Excellent notion, March."
    Obviously relieved to have a specific goal, Beaumont turned and
    beckoned frantically to a footman.
    I want to take a closer look," Tobias said softly to Lavinia. Are you
    certain you wish to do this?"
    Yes."
    They walked to where Fullerton lay on the damp grass. Lavinia
    was not in the least surprised when the cluster of people gathered
    around the body parted to make way for Tobias. He often had that
    effect on others.
    A thin man was on his knees beside Fullerton. Hands clasped, he
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    rocked back and forth, moaning.
    Disaster," he muttered. Disaster. What am I to do? This is a disaster."
    Tobias glanced at Lavinia. Are you all right?"
    Yes."
    It was not the first time she had found herself in the proximity of
    violent death, but she knew that she would never grow accustomed
    to the sight. In this case there was no blood, but Fullerton's neck
    was twisted at an unnatural angle that caused her stomach to
    churn. For a few terrible seconds she was afraid she might be ill.
    She forced herself to concentrate on details and immediately
    recognized the bald head, the plum-colored coat, and the elaborately
    tied cravat. This was, indeed, the man she had seen going down the
    hall with the blond maid a short time ago.
    Well?" Tobias prompted softly.
    Yes, that is the man I noticed earlier," Lavinia said.
    The thin man continued to rock and moan. Disaster. What will I
    do?"
    Odd." Tobias studied the body. He is fully dressed."
    I beg your pardon?"
    You said that he and the maid were evidently intent on a rooftop
    tryst, but he is still entirely clothed. His breeches and shirt are
    fastened and his neckcloth is knotted."
    Oh, yes, I see what you mean." She considered that for a few
    seconds. Perhaps they, uh, did not have time to pursue their plans
    before he fell."
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    Tobias shook his head once, coldly certain now. He was up there
    for some time. Plenty of time to get his breeches open, at least."
    She looked up quickly. Are you implying what I think you are
    implying?"
    I'm not sure yet." Tobias raised his voice and spoke to the keen
    ing man. Who are you?"
    The thin man regarded him with a dazed expression. Burns, sir.
    His lordship's valet. That is to say, I was his valet. It was an excellent position. We had just finished
    placing an order for several new
    coats and a dressing gown. His lordship was to be wed, you see. He
    wanted to appear in the first stare of fashion for his new bride. I
    wonder what will become of all his fine clothes?"
    You will pack them up and return them to his family, of course,"
    Lavinia said.
    Oh, no, madam, I shall not do any such thing." Burns scrambled
    to his feet and took a step back. There is no one to pay me now. I
    must find a new position."
    When did you last see his lordship alive?" Tobias asked.
    This evening, when he went downstairs to the costume ball. He
    looked his best tonight, I saw to that. He was very pleased with the
    knot in his cravat. I invented it and named it for him, you know."
    You did not see him after that?" Tobias pressed.
    No. He instructed me not to wait up for him."
    Was that unusual?"
    No, sir. His lordship was fond of a bit of sport with a willing
    wench before he went to sleep. He did not like me to be in the way."
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    Come." Tobias tightened his grasp on Lavinia's arm and steered
    her away from the scene.
    Where are we going?" she asked.
    I want to take a look at Fullerton's bed chamber."
    Why? What do you expect to find?"
    I have no notion."
    Tobias stopped the partially dressed butler and asked him which
    room had been assigned to Lord Fullerton. The man gave him directions. Lord Beaumont, still quite
    agitated, trotted forward.
    What is it, March?" he asked. Has something else