Free Late for the Wedding by Amanda Quick

experience in this sort of thing and—”
    Beaumont reacted very much as Tobias had anticipated. His lordship exploded.
    “You insist?” Beaumont’s round face turned an unsightly shade of purple. “You
insist,
Mrs. Lake? Who do you think you are, madam?”
    Tobias exhaled deeply and prepared himself for the inevitable. And she had the nerve to accuse him of not being sufficiently diplomatic with clients, he thought.
    “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 Mr. 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 Mr. March and I have enjoyed ourselves immensely. Everything has been most elegant. Admittedly, my bedchamber 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 bedchamber?”
    “Do not concern yourself, sir. I am certain that it was not your fault that I was removed from a perfectly satisfactory bedchamber 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 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 bedchambers 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, Mrs. 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—”
    “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