Murder at the Mikado (4 page)

“If you are innocent,” said Drew, “then what does it matter if your husband or anyone knows you might briefly be a suspect? You will be cleared by the police in time, won’t you?”

“It’s just . . .” Again the dark eyes were pleading with him. “You know already, Drew, how foolish I’ve been in the past. I’m not proud of how I treated you once. I’m not proud of how I’ve treated other men.” She glanced at Madeline and then back at him. “But I’ve tried to change my ways. The police suspect me. They might even arrest me before long, but I didn’t do it. You must believe me, Drew. You must.”

Drew stared at her. Was she a murderess? He couldn’t quite imagine it of her, but he didn’t trust her either, not after
what had happened in Oxford. Her distress seemed genuine, but perhaps it would be even if she had killed Ravenswood. Maybe more so. He liked to think himself discerning, but just how good an actress was she?

He glanced at Madeline, trying to read her reaction, but her expression remained determinedly cool.

“Why did you stop seeing Mr. Ravenswood, Mrs. Landis?” Madeline asked. “Were you the one to break it off or was he?”

“I was,” Fleur said. “I had my little boy, you see. I thought what it might be like for him in a few years to know his mother was . . . well, talked about.”

“And your husband?”

She lowered her eyes. “Brent’s been nothing but good to me. No matter what. He’s why I’ve come to you now. I don’t want to hurt him more than I have already. He doesn’t deserve that. He doesn’t deserve the scandal that would surely come if I were to be accused of something like this.” She smiled wanly. “You like him, Drew. I could see you did right from the start. Everyone does, you know. Couldn’t you help me for his sake, if not for what you and I once were to each other?”

Something flickered in Madeline’s eyes at that, and Drew abruptly stood.

“We were never anything to each other, Mrs. Landis. You made that quite clear the last time we met in Oxford, and I quite agree with you.”

“But Drew—”

“I’m sorry you’re rather in a bind right now. Sorry for Landis and for your little boy more than anyone. But I think you need to find someone who can actually help you.”

She took a deep breath, and her laugh was almost soundless.
“It’s been a long time, Drew. I thought perhaps you would have forgiven me by now.”

He shrugged. “It
has
been a long time. We’ve both moved on. I’m not angry anymore, Mrs. Landis. I just haven’t anything to say to you. And there’s nothing I can do for you now.”

She looked up at Drew, still pleading with those fathomless dark eyes of hers. Then she gave Madeline a desperate look, but Madeline merely turned away from her.

Fleur slowly nodded, her expression stiff, and stood with her black-lace bag clutched in her hands. “Well, I suppose that’s it then. I’m sorry to have bothered you both.” She smoothed her already sleek hair and replaced her hat, drawing the veil once again over her face.

“I’ll see you to the door,” Drew said. He turned to Madeline. “Don’t get up, darling. I’ll be back in a moment.”

“All right,” she said. “Goodbye, Mrs. Landis.”

Fleur inclined her head, regal as a queen. “Miss Parker.”

With just the lightest touch to the back of her elbow, Drew accompanied her out of the drawing room and into the foyer.

“I take it you didn’t drive your own car here,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Shall I phone for a taxi?”

“I have one waiting,” she said, her voice also low, just as it had been when she’d tried to pretend she was a Mrs. Mallowan.

“Excellent,” he said. He touched her elbow again, meaning to see her down to the drive, but she stopped. He couldn’t see her face, yet he could tell by the angle of her head that she was looking up at him. He could feel her eyes on him.

“Will you forgive me, Drew? I know I hurt you. I knew all along, you see, that first night you took me to dinner. I knew. That’s what made the game so much fun.”

“Knew what? What game?”

Her head went down again. What was that? Regret? Shame?

“What game?” he pressed.

“My friends, the ones I was with that first night we met, they said you were a rarity. Being on the stage, of course, we were all used to proposals of one kind or another. They said you were too posh to propose marriage to somebody like me, and too much the gentleman to propose anything else. I told them I’d get one or the other from you before the week was out.”

“How proud you must have been to tell them you’d been so successful.”

“I’m not proud of it now, Drew. I know I broke your heart. I know—”

“Don’t flatter yourself. You never had my heart to break. You hurt my pride, I’ll give you that much, but maybe I was a bit too sure of myself back then anyway.”

“Back then?” Her laugh had a touch of derision in it, but it was soon gone. “I meant it, Drew. I’m sorry for what happened. All of it. I’d like you to forgive me if you possibly can.”

He studied her for a moment, imagining her sweet face turned up to his under that veil. Imagining her dark eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Then he saw those same eyes glittering with amusement back there in her Oxford flat, her flawless features smug and twisted as she told him she was already married, and his heart turned icy inside him.

He opened the front door. “Your cab is waiting.”

I
’m glad you turned her down.” Madeline put her arm through Drew’s when he came back and sat beside her on the parlor sofa. “I don’t like her being around you.”

He put his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You needn’t worry, darling. I was decidedly cured of her six years ago.”

He felt her laugh rather than heard it. “I’m not worried about that. I just know she’s not a pleasant memory for you, and I don’t want you to be unhappy.”

“Unhappy? You love me, don’t you, darling?”

She looked up at him, a warm softness in her eyes. “Very much.”

“Then I could never truly be unhappy.”

He put his arm around her, but she pulled back a little, her expression troubled.

“Darling?”

“Is she . . . ?” She frowned just the slightest bit. “Is she
why you’ve been so careful with me? Making sure we don’t get into any compromising situations?”

“Partly, love.”

“And the rest of it? Is it because I’m not as irresistible as she was?”

He looked deeply into her eyes. “It’s not because you’re not driving me mad every moment I’m with you, and even when I’m not. It’s just I don’t want us to have any regrets. If I resist you, it’s because I’m trying my best to do what is right, not at all because it’s easy. I’ve told you before, it’s because I love you even more than I want you. And that, Madeline, is much more than I could ever put into words.”

She tightened her hold on his hand.

“Maybe . . .” he began. “Maybe if I had loved Fleur, if I had really loved her instead of just wanting her, I wouldn’t have let things go too far.”

“And if she had cared anything for you, she would have let you alone in the first place.” There was a touch of wryness in Madeline’s expression. “Charming way for her to amuse herself.”

“She has an interesting sense of fun, does Mrs. Landis, but I realized long ago that I don’t care to play along.”

She twined her fingers into his and tilted her head to one side. “Shall we talk about something a little more pleasant, Drew?”

“Brilliant idea, darling. What did you have in mind?”

She gave him that pert look of hers. “Would you like to know who I’ve invited to come help me with the wedding plans?”

“Very much. Anyone I know? King George? Mrs. Hoover?”

“Don’t be silly. George is one of
your
friends, not mine.
And from what I hear, Mrs. Hoover is packing her things and preparing to move out of the White House.”

“Very well, that leaves us with just the population of the world minus two. How about a hint of some variety?”

“Hmm, let me see.” She pursed her lips for a moment. “Well, if I were Yum-Yum, they would be Peep-Bo and Pitti-Sing.”

“Ah, I see. ‘Three Little Maids from School,’ eh? Well, then who could it possibly be but the delightful Miss Holland and, ahem, Miss Brower.”

“And I’m sure they’re just perishing to see Adorable Drew again.”

Drew pretended to scowl. “Oh, joy unbounded.”

“You love it and you know it,” Madeline said with a giggle. “Anyway, you know Nick has been pining for Carrie for months now.”

“Has he been? Pining? I hadn’t noticed any pining.”

She shook her head, looking faintly disgusted. “You men never notice anything. All right, maybe
pining
isn’t quite the word, but they got along very well when she was here this summer, and she didn’t end up marrying any English lords before she went home, so I think that’s pretty significant.”

He laughed. “If you say so, darling. And, yes, I expect Nick will be quite pleased to see her. She seems an awfully nice girl, and I’d like Nick to find someone who suits him. At least better than Barbie Chalfont.” He pulled her a bit closer. “I’d like him to be as happy as I am, though I don’t know how he could possibly manage it.”

He brought her hand to his lips and was puzzled to see something like wariness in her eyes. In another instant it was gone and she was all smiles again.

“And what if he decides to move to America to be near her?”

Drew’s eyes widened. “Nick? In America? For good?” He shook his head. “No, no. That would never do. That wouldn’t do at all.”

“My father did it. He was English, but he seemed pretty happy living in America.”

Drew looked at her, incredulous. “My girl, your father was not heir presumptive to the office of Estate Manager of Farthering Place. Nick is as much a part of Farthering as . . . as Denny! If he decides he cannot manage without Miss Holland, then she shall simply have to come here. We’ve plenty of room and a perfectly good auntie to chaperone until they decide whether or not to marry.”

Madeline laughed. “You know Aunt Ruth isn’t going to live here, either. Not permanently.”

“Why not? The more the merrier, I say. We have acres of room for everyone.”

“The next thing you’ll suggest is that we marry
her
off.”

Drew made a great show of considering this. “You know, that’s not a half-bad idea.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Aunt Ruth?”

“Why not? Just because she’s reached a certain age, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t still have a heart. Don’t you think she’s been alone long enough?” He sat up a little. “Oh, I know. We could have a double wedding. You and me and Aunt Ruth and her long-awaited love. No, wait, there’s Nick and Miss Holland, as well. A triple wedding! Won’t it be jolly?”

She crossed her arms. “Now you’re just being silly. And who exactly is going to walk me down the aisle? Neither of
us has any family to speak of, and my uncle Calvin isn’t really up to making such a long trip.”

“We’ll think of something, darling. The doctor perhaps. Or the vet.” He grinned at her. “So when are the other two little maids meant to arrive from school?”

“Carrie and Muriel won’t be here until a week before the wedding. Carrie’s father was absolutely against her coming back so soon, but since it
is
for the wedding, he finally gave in.”

“What about Miss Brower? I never heard about her family when she was here before. Do they also object?”

“She’s practically an orphan, too,” Madeline told him. “Her great-aunt raised her and pretty much lets her do as she pleases about most things.”

“Ah,” Drew said, “this explains a great deal.”

Madeline shook her head. “Muriel’s a good sort. Just a little brassy at times.”

“Like a euphonium.”

“But you like Carrie, don’t you?”

“Miss Holland is a delight, and I have yet to meet anyone who seems more appropriate for Nick. I’m glad she’s coming back for a while. It will give them a chance to get better acquainted.”

“Give who a chance to get better acquainted?” Nick asked as he came into the room.

“You, my good fellow,” Drew said. “We’ve decided to marry you off, as well.”

“Oh, all right.” Nick considered for a moment. “Anyone I know?”

“You remember Miss Holland who came to visit with my Madeline this past summer, don’t you?” Drew asked.

Nick’s eyes lit. “Oh, I should say I do.”

“Well, she’s coming to Farthering Place.”

Madeline nodded. “She and Muriel are coming to stay for a week before the wedding. Won’t that be fun?”

“Oh, capital! I didn’t think she’d be back over so soon. She never mentioned it in her letters.”

Drew gave him a knowing look. “You’ve exchanged letters, have you?”

“A few,” Nick said. “You know, just keeping in touch.”

“I see you were right after all, darling,” Drew said. “Young Mr. Dennison has been pining.”

“Pining?” Nick asked. “Me? It’s a monstrous lie.”

“Thinking fondly?” Drew suggested, and Nick smiled.

“Well, perhaps that. She was jolly nice to have around, and I shouldn’t be unhappy to have her back again.”

“You don’t think Barbie will mind, old man?”

Nick made a face. “Barbie and I are on the outs again just now.”

“Carrie suits you better anyway,” Madeline said.

Dennison stepped into the room, clearing his throat with utter correctness. “Pardon me, sir, but Miss Madeline’s dressmaker is here.”

“Oh.” Madeline glanced at her watch and then touched her lips to Drew’s cheek. “I didn’t realize it was so late. You boys try to behave.”

She hurried out, and still Dennison stood there, lips pursed. “And you, Nicholas. Haven’t you any business to attend to?”

“That’s what I came in here for, Dad.”

“We’re just seeing to it,” Drew added. “Thank you, Denny.”

Dennison bowed. “Very good, sir.”

Drew laughed softly once the butler had gone. “You’d think you were working for him and not me.”

“Good old Dad.” Nick chuckled. “He’s always afraid I’ll overstep my place.”

“Couldn’t be done, old man. Couldn’t be done. What, after all, would I do without my Watson?”

There was a little glint in Nick’s eye as he sat down next to Drew. “That, actually, is what I came to talk to you about. Don’t say anything to Dad.”

Drew nodded, suddenly grim. “You noticed our visitor earlier, I take it.”

“The Black Widow. Yes, I did. Who was it? More important, what was it and do you have another case?”

“No case this time. Well, to be precise, yes, there is a case, but no, I will not be looking into it.”

“No? What case? And who was the woman?”

“Did you read about that actor who was murdered last night? Ravenswood?”

Nick nodded.

“That’s the case,” Drew said. “And the woman was Mrs. Landis.”

He quickly filled in the details of the case, Fleur’s involvement in it, and what she had asked of him. When he was done, Nick shook his head.

“She always was bold. What about Landis?”

Drew frowned. “I feel rather bad about him. No doubt our chief inspector has already been to see him about the case.”

“But you’re not going to look into it?”

“Afraid not, old man. My bride-to-be has expressed her extreme displeasure at the very notion, and to be frank, the
idea of being around Fleur again doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest.”

“After what happened in Oxford, no doubt.” Nick gave him a wry grin. “Those bad pennies. Always turning up, eh?”

Drew shrugged. “So, no, I will not be investigating this case. I will merely enjoy the preparation for my upcoming nuptials, and you can pursue Miss Holland unimpeded.”

“I rather like that idea. This thing with Barbie’s a bust anyway.”

“What is it now?” Drew asked. With Barbie it was always something.

Nick said, “I ought to have known better. She’s one of your crowd, not mine.”

“Nonsense. You’ve been running with my set most of your life. Barbie’s never minded before.”

“Well, I suppose she likes me well enough. I mean, for myself.”

“Of course she does.”

“But now we’ve gotten down to serious matters,” Nick added, “and I can see it’s never likely to work.”

“Serious?” Drew hadn’t thought Nick and Barbie were that keen on each other. “You don’t mean . . . ?”

“Oh, yes, very serious. She’s come to realize I can’t afford to take her to the posh places she likes, not often anyhow, and that I won’t let her pay. Not even under the table.”

“No,” Drew said. “That simply isn’t done.”

“Well, when the Right Honorable Sir Giles Nincompoop or Lord Tommyrot ask her to those places without a thought, what’s a chap to do?”

“Sorry, old man.”

Drew wouldn’t insult his friend by offering him money either, but it was a rotten spot for Nick to be in.

Nick shrugged it off. “I expect, to the right girl, it won’t matter, and there’s no use getting tangled up with a wrong one. What’s that Scripture verse? Something about if you take fire into your lap, you can expect to be burnt?”

“Something like that.”

Nick was thoughtful for a moment. “You will be careful around Fleur, won’t you?”

“I’m not eighteen anymore, and if she taught me anything, it was to be wary of women like her.” Drew stood and gave him a friendly swat on the shoulder. “Now, off to work before Denny sees you loitering and reports you to Mr. Padgett.”

“Don’t think he won’t,” Nick said, standing. “Guess I’d best get at it then.”

“Unless . . .” Drew gave him the smallest hint of a grin. “Unless you’d care to pop up to Farlinford with me for a moment while Madeline’s busy with her fitting.”

“To do what?” Nick asked, eyes wary. “To
not
talk to Landis about the case?”

Drew nodded. “I suppose I would like to know what the police said to him. Maybe I could give him a few pointers on how to deal with old Birdsong. What do you think?”

“What about Madeline?”

“She doesn’t have to know about it at all. It’s not as if I’d actually be looking into the case, and I certainly wouldn’t be seeing Fleur. Well, what do you say?”

Nick glanced furtively at the door, where his father had just been standing. “Better hurry, if we’re going to go at all. Dad will no doubt see this as dereliction of duty and have me up on charges if he catches me at it.”

“Right then.” Drew motioned toward the open French doors overlooking the lawn. “This way, and don’t dawdle.”

Landis hurried out of his office, hand outstretched. “Good afternoon, Mr. Farthering. Mr. Dennison.”

There were handshakes all around.