Murder Has No Class by Rebecca Kent Page A

her feet and examined the toes of her shoes. “So what did you make of all that?”
    “Well, it’s apparent that Howard wasn’t well liked, though it seems James was well tolerated. I think both the housekeeper and the maid were shocked that he had been convicted of the murder. What really intrigues me, however, is the possible presence of another person in the house that night.”
    Essie leaned forward. “Do you think there really was someone else in the house when Lord Stalham was shot?”
    “I don’t know what to think.” Meredith smothered a yawn with her hand. “Smithers testified to the opposite. I’d like to hear his side of the story but he’s unlikely to tell me.” She gave Essie a meaningful look. “On the other hand . . .”
    Essie drew back. “Oh, no. Not me. This Smithers person sounds quite intimidating. I just couldn’t.”
    “Oh, bosh, Essie.” Felicity leaned over and patted her arm. “Of course you can. You have done it plenty of times before when Meredith has needed information. Looking the way you do, you can wheedle the darkest secrets from the strongest of men. For some strange reason, men simply cannot resist a petite, blond-haired, blue-eyed woman.”
    A pink glow colored Essie’s cheeks. “I’m glad you think I can be of some use.”
    Felicity laughed. “Oh, come now, Essie. Why so modest? You have a wonderful precious personality that men adore. If you can use it to your advantage, why not?”
    Sensing Essie’s discomfort, Meredith intervened. “Essie, my dear, Felicity means to compliment you, that’s all.”
    Essie shrugged. “I’m not nearly as clever as you and Felicity in ferreting out the truth.”
    Meredith smiled. “Essie dear, if it hadn’t been for you, I would never have been able to solve anything. You are, indeed, a great help.”
    “Very well then, if you insist, I shall attempt to talk to the butler.” Essie looked down at her hands. “Though I can’t guarantee a successful outcome.”
    “Just as long as you try. That’s all I ask.” Meredith yawned again. “Dear me. I do believe it’s past my bedtime.”
    “Mine, too.” Felicity got to her feet and bent her elbows to stretch her back. “When do you plan to visit the estate again?”
    “Tomorrow afternoon, after classes.” Meredith tucked her knitting bag back in the drawer and stood. “We can leave Sylvia in charge. I’ll tell her we have been invited to a friend’s house for a meal.”
    Essie gasped. “But that means we’ll have to go without supper!”
    “I’ll have a word with Mrs. Wilkins. I’m sure she can arrange something for all of us.” Meredith looked at Felicity. “Will that suit you?”
    Felicity feigned surprise. “Oh, you want me to come with you?”
    “Of course.” Meredith crossed to the door. “You surely didn’t think I would leave you behind?” She paused and looked back at her. “Of course, you might prefer to stay out of this investigation.”
    “Oh, I might as well come along. Just to see that the two of you don’t end up in trouble.”
    “Well, then, that’s settled.” Well pleased, Meredith left the room and headed down the hallway.
    Once inside her room, she wasted no time in climbing into bed. As usual, Mrs. Wilkins had left a hot water bottle under the covers, and it was still warm enough to take the chill out of her toes.
    Snuggling down under the blankets, Meredith went over the events of the day in her mind. There were still so many unanswered questions. Did Smithers lie on the stand, and if so, why? Was someone else there that night? Was Smithers protecting someone? If so, who? Thinking about it all gave her a headache.
    She turned over on her side and pulled the covers up to her chin. As she did so, she thought she saw something move over by the window. Instantly wide awake, she raised her head.
    A cold blast of air seemed to wrap itself around her neck.
    At the same instant, the pink mist appeared, growing at an alarming rate until it