Free Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

Stratford tomorrow?”
    “Yes. Romeo and Juliet . We’ve had the tickets for weeks now, and Madeline’s wanted to see the town and all the attendant tourist attractions. And then, of course, the play, though she was disappointed to realize that the Globe Theater of Shakespeare’s day was in London and not Stratford. Anyway, I’m not sure now if Romeo and Juliet was the best choice.”
    “What?” Nick said. “It’s one of the most romantic plays ever written. What better for a bride- and groom-to-be?”
    “I just wish there’d been a happier end to their story,” Drew said. “I wouldn’t want any of that tragedy to rub off, you know.”
    “Oh, no, no. I’m certain there won’t be any of that.” Nick grinned. “Provided you refrain from provoking the bride.”
    “Heaven forbid.”
    “Which brings us back to The Mystery of the Actor and the Femme Fatale .”
    Drew shook his head. “No need to worry about that. I’ll just poke about a bit, ask a few questions, and see if I can’t clear Mrs. Landis. After that, I’ll carry on preparing to marry the finest girl in the world. Madeline can hardly object to that, can she?”
    Nick gave him only a shrug and another grin, neither of which was the least bit reassuring.

Five
    T hree days had passed since Monday, when Drew had promised to look into the Ravenswood case. He’d spent Tuesday in Stratford with Madeline, happy to see her happy, and glad to have nothing but her on his mind. Wednesday was the final fitting of his wedding attire: a black, gray, and white ascot tie, morning coat, pearl-gray waistcoat, slim-cut striped trousers, and handmade button boots.
    “One cannot be too careful with the fitting of a body coat,” Drew told Madeline as he escorted her downstairs to lunch. “And if I hadn’t been aware of this before, I certainly am now.”
    She made an effort to look serious. “I imagine with Denny and Plumfield both accompanying you, you had to have appreciated the gravity of the situation.”
    “Well, Denny had to come to make certain his standards were upheld, and then of course Plumfield had to come along, as well. Everyone in Farthering St. John knows he’s been looking after me the past little while. A misstep at so critical a juncture would ruin him for life.”
    Madeline took his arm. “You know, Drew, it’s very good of you to take on Plumfield. Uncle Mason would be pleased to know he is still here at Farthering Place.”
    “I wasn’t sure I wanted a valet, you know. I think Denny is still a trifle offended to be replaced in that area, but that was never properly his job anyway. It’s been a local scandal since I came back from Oxford that I haven’t had a gentleman’s gentleman.”
    “The lord of the manor must keep up appearances.”
    He wagged one finger at her. “You needn’t be so amused, Miss Parker. When we’re married, you simply must have a lady’s maid or people will talk. Mrs. Farthering could never do without one.”
    “Yes, yes, I know. Beryl’s already been helping me dress for when we have company. She’s really very good with the hair, too. I suppose I’ll keep her.”
    “My mother never had any complaints about her, which says quite a lot. And it’s kind of you to keep her on. No need to send the poor thing looking for work when she’s done so well here.”
    “I agree completely,” she said.
    He didn’t say anything else for a few moments, until finally she narrowed her eyes at him. “What is it?”
    “What is what, darling?”
    “What’s on your mind, and don’t tell me nothing. I know that look.”
    “Already?” He sighed melodramatically. “How ever will I keep things from you when we’ve been twenty years married?”
    “Drew . . .”
    “It’s just that I need to tell you something, and what with one thing or another, I haven’t had the opportunity.”
    “I’m not going to like it, am I?”
    They were at the top of the stairs now, where he leaned against the rail and drew her