Death Comes to Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd Page B

across from Mrs. Fairfax, who was nibbling halfheartedly at a piece of toast.
    â€œMiss Chingford is coping remarkably well. Dorothea is still very upset.”
    Mrs. Green nodded. “She seemed to be at odds with her mother before she died. It is always a shock when one realizes it is too late to make amends or apologize.”
    Robert knew that all too well. He’d lost many friends in battle, men he’d joked with and shared billets with, dead by the end of the same day, never to return. It hadn’t made him walk around, telling everyone he loved them, but he’d felt their loss all the same.
    Miss Harrington accepted a cup of coffee and leaned toward him. “Was there something in particular you wanted to speak to me about, Major?”
    â€œYes. I decided it would be a good idea if you were present when Foley mentioned the locket to my guests. You are far better at reading faces than I will ever be.”
    â€œI developed that ability when dealing with my younger siblings.” Miss Harrington sipped her coffee. “Dorothea Chingford accosted poor Mr. Fairfax at the rectory and insisted that Mrs. Fairfax should leave Kurland St. Mary immediately.”
    â€œWhy would she do that?”
    â€œI think she knows more about this matter than she has admitted so far. I intend to question her closely when I return home.”
    â€œPerhaps Mrs. Fairfax saw Dorothea push her mother down the stairs.”
    â€œIt’s possible.” Miss Harrington sighed. “I suppose the locket could be Dorothea’s. Mayhap she has a secret lover who gave it to her as a gift. Although, according to her mother, she was in love with Mr. Stanford.”
    â€œWhat is it about Andrew that attracts such feminine adoration?”
    She raised an eyebrow. “It’s quite simple. He is a pleasant, well-mannered, and charming gentleman.”
    â€œUnlike me, you mean.”
    â€œYou have the ability to be all those things, Major, but you don’t often choose to do so.”
    Robert snorted. “When I attempt those things, Miss Harrington, you look at me as if I have magically become a toad.”
    Her color heightened. “Perhaps I have become too used to your . . . uncivil behavior.”
    â€œAnd it is far easier to dislike me and keep me at bay if you continue to provoke me into behaving that way.”
    â€œI do not dislike you. I—” She met his gaze. “This is an extremely improper conversation to be having at the breakfast table.”
    â€œThen perhaps we should pursue it when we are more at liberty to discuss such issues privately.” Robert glanced at the door, where Foley had appeared. “I think we are about to be interrupted, anyway.”
    Foley came over to stand beside Robert’s chair and, after a nod from his employer, loudly cleared his throat. “Good morning to you all.” He bowed very slowly and held up the locket Robert had given to him. “One of the maids found this in the laundry. Do any of you recognize it?”
    No one said anything, and after a long pause, Robert took the locket from Foley. “If any of you realize it is your property, please come and find me, and I will return it to you immediately.” He put the locket in his waistcoat pocket. “Now, shall we discuss our plan to visit Saffron Walden this afternoon? I understand the weather is expected to stay sunny.”
    He turned back to Miss Harrington, who appeared rather troubled. “Will you extend the invitation to the Chingford ladies and your sister?”
    â€œI will do that, Major. Will you make sure Mrs. Fairfax comes?”
    â€œI’ll do my best. Do you wish to speak to her? Maybe I should attempt that. She seems rather afraid of you.”
    â€œAnd she will wrap you around her little finger.”
    â€œOne can’t help but feel sorry for her being widowed so young and left with all those responsibilities.”
    Miss Harrington gave