Free A Fatal Waltz by TASHA ALEXANDER Page A

nothing. But I suppose you ladies are used to that, and I now feel your pain keenly. Mrs. Reynold-Plympton was the most amusing person at Highwater, and she was in such a dreadful mood I was afraid to speak to her.”
    “Really?” I asked. “I’m surprised she’s not here.”
    “As am I,” he said, lowering his voice. “What a relief to be able to gossip with you.”
    “I’m equally delighted to see you,” I said.
    His voice returned to normal. “I’ve come to ask you to walk with me,” he said. “If your friends can do without your company?”
    “Lady Ashton will be missed, but we shall bear it as best we can.” The count’s smile was rather more familiar than I would have liked. I took Jeremy’s arm and escaped with him as soon as I’d put on a coat and hat.
    “I’m more pleased to see you than you can imagine,” I said as we walked, glad to turn my back on Beaumont Towers’ multitudinous turrets and chimneys. The weather was far from fine; the air was chill, and the wind bit through my coat, but it was a relief to be cold outside, where one expected it, rather than in the house.
    “You’ve no idea how it affects me to hear you say that.” His smile was as winning as it had been when, as a little boy, he’d begged my forgiveness for any number of juvenile offenses, most of which involved frogs or snakes. “I don’t suppose you’ve decided to throw over Hargreaves.”
    “Really, Jeremy. You’re awful.”
    “Always. But a chap can hope, right?”
    “Who am I to deny you amusement? Particularly as we’ve no unattached ladies at this party with whom you can flirt.”
    “I’ve always preferred attached ones. They’re much less demanding.”
    “Oh, Jeremy, it is good to see you. I can always count on you to make me laugh.”
    “If only you knew how serious I am. I’ve every intention of making a bid for your affections the moment you’re married.”
    “And I look forward to spurning your every advance.”
    “Where’s Ivy? I thought she’s the one who dragged you here for this miserable gathering.”
    “She’s preparing to go home.”
    I had just started to explain to him what had transpired between Robert and Lord Fortescue when Flora, no coat covering her dress, tears staining her face, came running out of the house.
    “Emily, I must speak to you at once!” Her voice sounded torn as she screamed. “Something dreadful has happened!”

Chapter 6
    W hat is it?” I asked, running towards her.
    “Perhaps we should go inside,” Jeremy said, shrugging off his topcoat and putting it around Flora’s shaking shoulders.
    “Thank you, Your Grace. I’m most obliged, but I think it’s best that we speak out here.” The contrast between her formal mode of speech and her ragged voice was frightening. She clung to my arm, and I wondered if the gesture was meant to steel her or me. “There’s been a terrible accident.”
    “Tell us!” I said. “Is someone hurt?”
    She took three deep breaths. “Lord Fortescue is dead.”
    I was stunned. “Dead?” As I watched Flora’s shoulders tremble, I remembered it was probable that she was one of the dead man’s mistresses. If she cared for him, she must be crushed, but would not be able to grieve openly, and for this, I felt sorry for her. “How?”
    “I don’t know.” Her tears would not stop. “He must have been shot.”
    “Bird shot isn’t going to kill a man,” Jeremy said, handing her a handkerchief and placing a strong arm around her.
    “I don’t know what else it could have been.”
    “Did he fall ill?” I asked. “Collapse?” “No. The police are coming,” she said. “Was anyone else hurt?” I asked. “No.” The handkerchief was already soaked. “I don’t think so.”
    “Does Lady Fortescue know?” Jeremy asked.
    “No. That’s why I came to find you. The Groom of the Chambers told me the news and asked me to inform her, but I don’t think I can bear to tell her. Will you, Lady Ashton?”
    “I’m happy