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it?”
    “That is certainly how the gossips would have it.”
    Artemas had seen enough of her last night to know that she was a lady of formidable determination. If she had been truly desperate to end her marriage, would she have gone so far as to murder Deveridge?
    “You said Renwick Deveridge was shot before the fire was set? ”

    “According to the doctor who examined the body, yes.”
    Artemas rose and went to stand at the window. “I must tell you that last night Mrs. Deveridge displayed a certain expertise with pistols.”
    “Humph. Hardly the sort of skill that is suited to a lady.”
    Artemas smiled to himself as he gazed out into his high-walled garden. Henry held traditional views concerning female deportment. “No. Do you have anything else for me? ”
    “Mrs. Deveridge’s father was one of the very first members of the Vanzagarian Society. He held a master’s status.”
    “Yes, I know.”
    “He was considerably advanced in years before he married and fathered a daughter. It is said that after his wife’s death he doted on Madeline. Went so far as to instruct her in matters that most would not deem appropriate for a young lady.”
    “Such as the use of a pistol, it seems.”
    “Apparently. Reed had become something of a recluse in recent years. Devoted himself to his study of dead languages.”
    “I believe that he was a noted expert in the old tongue of Vanzagara,” Artemas said. “Go on.”
    “Reed died early on the morning after the fire. The scandalmongers claim that the knowledge that his daughter had gone mad and murdered her husband gave him such a shock that his heart failed him.”
    “I see.”
    Henry coughed discreetly. “As a man of business, I feel compelled to point out that, due to the series of unfortunate deaths in the family, Mrs. Deveridge is now in sole control of the inheritances of both her father and her husband.”
    “Good God, man.” Artemas turned to stare at him. “Surely you’re not about to suggest that she murdered both men in order to get her hands on their fortunes? ”
    “No, of course not.” Henry’s mouth tightened with distaste. “It is difficult to believe that any daughter could be so unnatural. I was merely pointing out the, uh, results of the untimely events.”
    “Thank you, Henry. You know that I rely on you for that sort of insightful analysis.” Artemas walked back to his desk and propped himself on the edge. “While we are on the subject of glaring facts, I cannot help but note another one.”
    “What is that, sir?”
    “Renwick Deveridge had studied Vanza. He would not have been an easy man to kill.”
    Henry blinked several times behind the lenses of his spectacles while he absorbed the implications. “1

    take your point. Difficult to believe that a female could manage the business, eh?”
    “Or a common, garden-variety housebreaker, either, for that matter.”
    Henry gave him a troubled look. “Indeed.”
    “I think,” Artemas said slowly, “that, of the two possible suspects in Deveridge’s death, his wife or an unknown footpad, I’d stake my wager on the lady.”
    Henry looked pained. “I vow, the notion of a female resorting to such violence sends a cold chill down a man’s spine, does it not?”
    “I’m not sure about the cold chill, but it certainly raises a few interesting questions.”
    Henry groaned heavily. “I was afraid of this.”
    Artemas looked at him. “What do you mean?”
    “I knew from the moment I got your message this morning that there was something amiss about this entire affair. You are far too curious about Madeline Deveridge.”
    “She presents me with a problem. I am attempting to gather information relating to that problem. You know me, Henry. I like to be in possession of all the facts before I take any action.”
    “Do not try to fob me off with such watery explanations. This is more than merely another matter of business for you, Artemas. I can tell that you are fascinated with Mrs.