Free As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber Page B

first I thought she might have tripped and fallen, striking her head. But there were no stones or other hard objects near enough to where she lay. And . . . the fabric on her shoulder was torn. Ripped,” she clarified.
    â€œOh.” The word left me on an exhale. I had not considered the possibility that the girl might have suffered another crime. One she might have lived through, for a short time anyway.
    Reverend Mother’s expression had grown grimmer as we talked, her face pale from the strain, but she never flinched from the truth. “From what I could see, I don’t believe it was taken that far. I asked Sister Mary Bernard to see if she could tell anything further, though I don’t know that she knew what to make of her observations. You might be able to draw a more decisive conclusion from the things she has to share.”
    â€œOf course.” I hoped she was correct. That the girl, at least, had not suffered that pain and indignity.
    Her eyes appealed to Gage. “But you understand why I felt compelled to think this wasn’t merely an accident? That someone had harmed Miss Lennox?”
    â€œI do,” Gage replied solemnly. “Based on what you’ve been able to tell us, I’m inclined to agree. But until we’ve investigated the matter thoroughly, we can’t accurately speculate on what happened.”
    â€œYou must do what you think is best in order to get to the truth. It is why I wrote to the duke.” Her perfectly straight back somehow straightened further. “I only ask that you proceed with kindness and fairness. Many of our sisters, students, and staff are deeply troubled by what has happened. They do not know any better but to cower from harsh questions.”
    I couldn’t help but wonder how unpleasant and severe the local constabulary had been to make this woman feel like she had to warn us.
    Gage’s voice warmed with reassurance. “We will do our best not to unduly upset anyone. That is never our intention. But murder is a nasty business, and by its very nature disturbing. I’m afraid we cannot avoid distressing people entirely.”
    â€œI understand.” She inhaled wearily. “Then, would you like to begin tomorrow? You should speak with Sister Mary Bernard, and I also think you should talk to Mother Mary Fidelis. She is our mistress of postulants, and would have acted as an advisor to Miss Lennox. If anyone would have known about something that might have been worrying Miss Lennox, it would be her.”
    â€œThank you.” I turned toward Mother Paul, who had observed our conversation in silence. “Would it be possible to speak with Mother Mary Paul as well?”
    Reverend Mother turned to glance at the other woman, who only looked mildly surprised. “Of course. You must speak to whomever you like. Our abbey is open to you, Lady Darby.”
    â€œPlease, call me Mrs. Gage.” I smiled. “At least in private, if you’re not comfortable doing so elsewhere. I know you are simply extending me courtesy, but I would prefer it if you called me by my newly married name.”
    â€œCertainly,” she replied, her eyes traveling between Gage and me, reconsidering whatever she had already decided about us. “It was only how His Grace referred to you, so I assumed.”
    â€œI know. It’s one of those perplexing rules of society that I don’t entirely understand.”
    â€œOf course. But, Mr. Gage, I’m afraid I shall have to ask you to venture no further than this parlor when you return,” Reverend Mother cautioned. “You understand? This is a convent and a girls’ boarding school. It would not do to allow a man to wander about the building, no matter how good his intentions.”
    He nodded in easy acceptance. “May I be allowed to view the orchard through which Miss Lennox walked to reach the gap in the wall?”
    â€œYou may visit any part of the