Free Quick, Amanda by The River Knows

the answer. She had no personal curiosity about the woman Anthony had chosen for his
    bride.

    “Yes, indeed,” Emma said. “The Risby fortune is quite substantial. The fact that Fiona was an heiress
    would certainly have gone some distance toward easing her plight. There were bound to be other suitors.
    Also, she was very lovely. A charming young lady, indeed. I’m sure her father could have found another
    eligible gentleman for her. Nevertheless, the experience of being cast aside by Stalbridge would have
    caused enormous distress for her and her family.”

    “I see.”

    Of course Fiona Risby had been rich, beautiful, and charming. What else? Louisa picked up a pen and
    did a little staccato on the desktop.
    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

    “The marriage was considered an excellent match,” Emma continued. “Both families were exceedingly
    pleased. The Stalbridges and the Risbys have been close friends for years. Their estates in the North
    march side by side.”

    “I see,” Louisa repeated. She realized she was tapping the pen tip with such force now that she was
    leaving little marks on the blotter. She made herself put the writing instrument down.

    “I should mention that there were other rumors last year,” Emma continued somberly. “Rumors that
    were far worse than those concerning a broken engagement.”

    Shocked, Louisa straightened. She did not take her eyes off Emma’s face. “Surely no one suggested that
    Mr. Stalbridge actually murdered Fiona Risby.”

    “I’m sorry to say that there was some speculation to that effect.”

    “What? Why would he do such a thing? What possible motive could he have had?”

    Emma looked at her very directly. “There was talk that Mr. Stalbridge discovered Fiona in the arms of
    another man.”

    A little shiver went through Louisa. “Surely you didn’t believe he murdered her?”

    “My dear, if there is one thing that I learned in the course of my travels, it is that any man or woman,
    regardless of social background or degree of civilization, may be driven to murder under certain
    circumstances.” Emma met her eyes in a very somber look. “The only question is which circumstances
    will motivate a particular individual.”

    Louisa swallowed hard. “I cannot quarrel with you regarding that conclusion.”

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    Emma’s face softened. “My apologies. I never meant—”

    “There is no need to apologize. You are right, Emma. Nevertheless, I think it is safe to say that Mr.
    Stalbridge did not murder Fiona Risby.”

    “What makes you so sure of that?” Emma sounded genuinely curious.

    “Surely if he had killed her he would not be searching for the real murderer.”

    “It has been a little over a year since he lost his fiancée,” Emma said quietly. “Mr. Stalbridge is no doubt
    in the market for a new one, but the old gossip will likely complicate the business. Under normal
    circumstances, he could look for a bride among the most distinguished families in Society. As I told you,
    the Stalbridges can claim a very distinguished lineage, and now that their fortunes have been repaired they
    hold an unassailable position in Society. However—”

    Emma stopped and gave a tiny shrug.

    Louisa got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. “I understand what you are saying. Many of the
    best families will surely hesitate before marrying off a daughter to a gentleman who is rumored to have
    murdered a woman.”

    “Even if they don’t believe that gossip, they will be quite hesitant to allow a daughter to become engaged
    to a gentleman who is said to have jilted his first fiancée. What if he does it again? Concerned parents will
    be wary of subjecting a daughter to that sort of social humiliation.”

    “In other words, whether he is guilty of jilting Fiona or of killing her, he has a strong incentive to make it
    appear