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    It is not your place to insist upon anything in this household,"
    Beaumont roared. Not to put too fine a point on it, madam, but
    neither you nor Mister March would even be here tonight were it not for
    the fact that I was induced to repay an old favor to Lord Vale."
    I quite understand, sir," Lavinia said hastily. Indeed, it was very
    kind of you to extend the invitation to your house party. I can assure
    you that Mister March and I have enjoyed ourselves immensely.
    Everything has been most elegant. Admittedly, my bed chamber is
    rather small and inadequately furnished, but I suspect that was
    merely an oversight."
    What's this?" Beaumont's eyes bulged. Now you wish to complain
    of the size of your bed chamber?"
    Do not concern yourself, sir. I am certain that it was not your
    fault that I was removed from a perfectly satisfactory bed chamber
    on the second floor and sent upstairs to a room that is considerably

    less desirable." She waved that aside. It will do for the short time we
    are here. Now, then, regarding our theories about events tonight"
    Beaumont gripped the edge of his desk with both pudgy hands
    and leaned forward in the manner of a bull preparing to charge. It
    occurs to me, madam, that as you and March appear to be obsessed
    with your bizarre theories of foul play, you will doubtless be unable
    to enjoy the remainder of your stay here."
    It is kind of you to concern yourself with our pleasure, sir, but
    there is no need. We shall manage nicely, I'm sure."
    I don't see how that will be possible," Beaumont growled. Both of
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    you no doubt wish to return to London as soon as possible."
    No, really"
    Drum will send a maid and a footman to each of your bed chambers first thing in the morning to assist
    you in your packing. Your
    carriage will be waiting for you at nine. On second thought, let's
    make that eight-thirty. It is a long trip back to Town. I'm sure you'll
    want to set out early."
    Lavinia stared at him for a few seconds, mute with shock. And
    then outrage leaped in her eyes. Her lips parted.
    Excellent suggestion, sir," Tobias said before Lavinia could speak.
    He crossed to her side, clamped a hand around her arm, and drew
    her toward the door. Come, Misses Lake. We had best go upstairs and
    see to our travel preparations."
    For a few seconds he thought that she would not follow his lead.
    He tightened his fingers around her arm in silent warning.
    Yes, of course." She gave Beaumont a steely smile. Good night,
    sir. I do hope that there are no more accidents among your guests
    after we take our leave. Heavens, only consider the possible effects
    of another such incident. Why, you and your lady might find that
    your house parties were not quite so fashionable in the future if it
    got around that guests are inclined to suffer unexplained accidents
    while attending your affairs."
    Tobias winced, but it was too late. The damage had been done.
    Beaumont's whiskers twitched in fury. How dare you, madam? If
    you are implying for one moment that I am deliberately attempting
    to conceal an act of murder"
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    That is certainly open to question, is it not?" Lavinia shot back
    much too smoothly.
    Enough," Tobias said in her ear. He looked at Beaumont. You
    must make allowances for her, sir. I fear Fullerton's death has shattered her nerves. You are quite right.
    It is best that I take her home
    to London as soon as possible. Never fear, we will be on our way first
    thing in the morning."
    Beaumont was somewhat mollified. Misses Lake is obviously quite
    overwrought. I'm sure she will feel much more herself when she is
    back in her own home."
    Tobias sensed Lavinia preparing a scathing response to that
    observation. Fortunately, he had got her as far as the door. He
    managed to haul her through it and out into the corridor