Late for the Wedding Read Online Free PDF Page B

money." She paused.   I wonder if Lady Beaumont
    knows that sort of thing is going on in her household."
      I suspect there is a good deal of that sort of thing going on at this
    affair."
    They reached the top of the staircase and started down. Lavinia
    heard doors opening in the hall behind her. Bewildered and curious
    people began to emerge from their bed chambers to ask one another
    what had happened.
      I wonder how he came to fall from the roof," Tobias said.
      It was no doubt an accident. He was quite drunk when I saw
    him."
    More doors opened on the floor below. People in various stages of
    dress and undress appeared. Some joined Tobias and Lavinia on the
    staircase. Most chose to remain in the hall, speculating on events
    with their neighbors.
    When they reached the ground floor, Tobias led the way outside
    into the gardens. A small group had gathered around the body.
    Lord Beaumont, short, round, and bald, rushed out of a side door.
    He was partially dressed, in trousers, slippers, and a silk dressing
    gown. He stopped abruptly when he saw Tobias. Then he altered
    course to intercept him.
      March. Thank you for coming down. Vale told me that you were
    an excellent man in a crisis." Beaumont belatedly noticed Lavinia
    and bobbed his head.   Misses Lake. There is no need for you to put
    yourself through this ordeal. Please, you really must go back inside."
    She started to explain why she had come downstairs, but Tobias
    interrupted.
      Who is it?" he asked quietly.
    Beaumont glanced uneasily at the crowd around the body.   The
    footman who came to fetch me said it was Lord Fullerton."
      Have you sent for the doctor?"
      What? No. Everything has happened so quickly. I hadn't even
    considered    Beaumont broke off and made a visible attempt to
    gather his wits,   Yes, of course. The doctor. He will know what is to
    be done with the body. Certainly cannot leave it here in the garden.
    Yes, 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
    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."
    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