Read Quick, Amanda for Free Online Page B

knew why she had been summarily shifted upstairs to that
    unpleasant little room at the end of the hall. The housekeeper and
    butler had conspired to give her comfortable chamber on this floor
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    to Aspasia Gray.
    Beaumont came to a halt in front of a door.
    This was Fullerton's bed chamber," he announced.
    Tobias entered first. He lit a candle and surveyed the space. Then
    he crossed to the window and drew aside the curtains.
    Moonlight flooded into the chamber, adding to the weak illumination of the candle.
    Lavinia stepped in and looked around. The bed chamber was as
    large as the one Tobias had been given. The wide, heavily draped
    bed had been turned down in preparation for sleep. It was obvious
    that no one had used it. The sheets and pillows were still neatly
    arranged. The handle of a warming pan projected from beneath the
    edge of the quilt.
    He asked her why they could not use his bed," she murmured to
    Tobias. He told her that it had been nicely warmed."
    Tobias was busy opening and closing the drawers of the dressing
    table in a brisk, methodical fashion. He did not look up from his
    task. What else did he say?"
    He asked the maid why it was necessary to go all the way up to
    the roof."
    Beaumont scowled from the doorway. What's this about a maid?"
    When I saw Lord Fullerton earlier this evening," Lavinia said, he
    was in the company of a tall, blond maid. I gained the clear impression that they were on the way to the
    roof for some dalliance."
    Nonsense." Beaumont's whiskers bristled in genuine indignation.
    Everyone in this household is aware that inappropriate intimacies
    between staff and guests are strictly forbidden. Lady Beaumont
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    does not countenance that sort of thing."
    Lavinia stopped in front of the night table and studied the assort
    ment of small items arrayed on the polished wooden surface. This
    maid seemed to be quite eager to oblige Fullerton. She was the one
    who suggested that they go upstairs to the roof rather than use his
    bed chamber."
    Rest assured, I shall have my butler look into the matter."
    Beaumont broke off with a quizzical expression. A tall, blond
    woman, you say? I don't recall anyone on my staff who fits that
    description. Probably one of the local village girls taken on for the
    week. With so many guests in the house, extra maids are required."
    I see." There was nothing unusual about the collection of items on
    the night table, Lavinia thought. She saw a candlestick, a pair of
    spectacles, and a ring.
    She went to the wardrobe and opened it. Tobias came to stand
    behind her with the candle. Together they surveyed the array of
    expensively cut garments.
    I want to speak with the blond maid." Tobias opened the drawers
    of the wardrobe, glancing briefly at carefully folded handkerchiefs
    and small clothes. Will you ask your butler to locate her, sir?"
    If you feel it is necessary." Beaumont took a step back and then
    hesitated uncertainly. What is it that concerns you about this situ
    ation, March?"
    I would like to find out if Fullerton was still in the company of
    the maid when he fell to his death." Tobias turned away from the
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    wardrobe and went to the night table. He stood looking down at the
    objects on the surface. Perhaps she can describe precisely what
    occurred."
    Very well, I shall go and have a word with Drum." Beaumont
    swung around and disappeared down the hall, seemingly relieved to
    have another clear goal.
    Lavinia opened a trunk and looked inside. It was empty. All of the
    items that had been packed in it were no doubt hanging in the
    wardrobe. She closed the lid and looked at Tobias, who was in the
    process of going down on one knee to peer beneath the bed.
    She saw his jaw tighten when he shifted his weight to his left leg,
    but