Free Murder at Beechwood by Alyssa Maxwell Page B

small sloops, a yawl, and a ketch made their way toward us, so, too, did the clouds. The waves kicked up, prompting fresh speculation and additional money to exchange hands. A favorite was declared as the boats entered the course—one of the sloops pulled out ahead, followed by Uncle William’s ketch, Defender. Besides Uncle William and Neily, Defender was manned by William’s two sons and his youngest brother, Frederick. Behind them came Mrs. Astor’s son, John, in his yawl. Grace’s older brother, Orme, who was married to Carrie Astor, and several other men formed that crew. Behind them came the smaller of the two sloops, owned by Mr. Stuyvesant Fish.
    My gaze swerved back to the lead craft. “Who is in the Monroes’ sloop?”
    â€œVirgil and his brother, of course,” Grace said. “And his two sons, Lawrence and Nate. The boat is called Vigilant. ”
    â€œI don’t believe I’ve met Nate Monroe.”
    â€œNo, he’s younger than Lawrence. Sixteen or seventeen, I believe. He wasn’t at the ball last night.”
    I squinted to make out the figures on the boat. “That’s only four. Isn’t there a team of five on each boat?”
    â€œYes, you’re right. I believe the fifth is Derrick Andrews.”
    â€œDerrick?”
    Grace turned to me with a surprised look. “Do you know him?”
    â€œWe’re . . . acquainted. I didn’t know he was such a good friend of Virgil Monroe.” Once again, it struck me how much I didn’t know about Derrick Andrews.
    â€œVirgil and Derrick’s father, Lionel Andrews, go back many years. They’re heavily invested in each other’s business concerns. Virgil is invested in several major newspapers, including the Providence Sun, and Lionel is just as heavily invested in Virgil’s textile interests and his transatlantic shipping company. In fact, the families often travel abroad together. We’ve often seen them in Paris or Italy together.”
    The Monroes’ vessel cut through the water, widening the lead over the others as they approached the first turn. I searched for Derrick on board, wishing I’d thought to borrow a pair of binoculars. “Did you see them all in Europe this spring?”
    â€œOddly no. Oh, we saw Virgil and Lawrence, but Eudora, Daphne, and Nate stayed home this time. None of the Andrewses was there at all.”
    I held my hat against the wind. “Are you certain? Perhaps they merely weren’t in the same places at the same time as you.”
    Grace laughed at that. “Emma, trust me. If the Andrewses had been in Europe this spring, I’d have known about it.” She studied me a moment. “Is this idle curiosity, or does it have to do with that little matter you’re investigating?”
    Something in her tone prompted me to ask, “Did Neily tell you what I told him?”
    â€œWell . . .” She looked slightly embarrassed. “Yes, he did. I know the child is at Gull Manor. I’m sorry . . .”
    â€œNo, it’s all right.” I smiled a reassurance. “It’s nice to see that you confide in each other. As for your question . . . the truth is, I’m not sure.” Before I could elaborate, a fat raindrop splattered the grass at my feet. More followed in rapid succession. Grace let out a little squeal and grabbed my hand.
    â€œCome, let’s make a run for it!”
    Across the lawn others were scurrying for the shelter of the house. We reached the loggia and Grace kept going through a set of open doors into the ballroom. I stopped along with a small crowd of heartier individuals who huddled beneath the roof, watching the boaters who were suddenly battling the unexpected squall.
    The ocean had turned iron gray, the waves as sharp-edged as kitchen knives. Those boats were manned by seasoned sport sailors, yet I held my breath as I watched each vessel pitch and heave. The two in the rear,