A look of deep questioning and concern crossed May-Jewel’s face as she also stared at Alex.
“If memory serves me,” Alex retorted, “there are many plants and trees that can cause death. Some of which are even native to India, and isn’t that where you’ve just come from?” Brushing his mussed hair from his forehead and straightening his shirt, he continued, “As you can see, Mister Craig, I’ve been in my room all evening. Where have you been?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ve been in the office checking into the estate’s affairs and its books.”
May-Jewel whispered to Katherine, “What books? We didn’t find any books.”
Katherine hushed her.
Turning to the women, Garth stated flatly, “By the way, I must tell you that according to my father’s will if, for any reason, either of you should forsake Wistmere or if you were to die, Alex and Neal Jameson would inherit the whole of it.”
“What?” May-Jewel gasped, “Mr. Jameson never mentioned that.”
“And neither did Alex,” Katherine added, scowling at him.
Alex glared at Garth. “Now is not the time to discuss such mundane matters. We have something more important than the will and the fate of Wistmere to think about at this moment. Have you forgotten about this?” He pointed to the body.
“No, I haven’t. We have only to wait for the constable to arrive. Meanwhile, Charles’ body should be taken to the ice house.”
May-Jewel was still thinking about what Garth had told them. If Alex withheld the fact that he was named heir apparent in the will and had been recently to Florida, then what else was he hiding?
“The letter,” Katherine whispered as if to read her sister’s mind. May-Jewel nodded and whispered, “I believe now that Alex has lied to me… to us all along.”
Their conversation was interrupted as Brice entered the room and announced, “The Vicar.”
David hurried to Katherine’s side, whose relief in seeing him was quite obvious.
“Katherine, Mistress Belwood, thank God you’re safe.” He took Katherine’s hand. Relief at seeing her unharmed was evident. He looked from her to May-Jewel and back again. But concern replaced relief as he saw that both women were in a frightful state. He glanced over at the form at the table and knew that he should see to the deceased. But his first concern was for the welfare of the living, especially Katherine. He then suggested, “Perhaps it would be better if you weren’t here. Can I see you to your rooms?”
“Oh, no!” May-Jewel gasped, moving behind her sister.
“Our rooms are less safe than here!” As much as Katherine tried, she failed in keeping a frightened quiver from her voice.
Overhearing the interchange between Katherine and the Vicar, Garth stepped forward. “Your rooms would be the best place for you. Perhaps both of you should remain in one room tonight. You would both be safe as long as you stay together and keep your door locked.”
“Come,” David volunteered, his arm around Katherine’s shoulder. “I’ll go up with you.”
Being usurped annoyed Garth. He hedged in between the Vicar and Katherine and asserted, “No, I’ll see my sisters to their room.”
“No, Garth,” Katherine insisted, reaching past him for David’s arm. “It would be better if you waited here for the constable. David can see us safely to our room.” Then with no more than a glance to Garth, Katherine walked out.
Biting her lip with worry and quite fearful, May-Jewel took one more look at the body and then hurried after her sister.
Garth stared after Katherine, a deep frown fixed upon his face. Then noticing the smirk on Alex’s, he turned back to the business of examining the body and waiting for the constable.
* * *
After inspecting the room and locking the windows, the vicar cautioned the women to bolt the door after him and not to open it unless it was he or Garth wanting to enter. As he was leaving, David turned, saying, “I’ll be just downstairs if you need me.”
Before closing the door, Katherine replied, “We’re most grateful, David, for your coming so quickly to our assistance.”
He smiled at her. “Now lock your door.”
It wasn’t until the bolt was slipped in place that the heiresses gave into the reality and horror of Charles’ death. Katherine’s heart finally ceased its fierce pounding. Though she had stopped shaking, the nausea she felt still lingered. The sense that their nightmare had only begun darted through her mind. Charles was dead and Selina had yet to be found.
“As long as I live,” May-Jewel said barely above a whisper, “I’ll never forget the sight of that old man’s face. Who could have done such a ghastly thing?” She paused and looked to her sister. “What are we going to do now?”
Having no answer, Katherine shook her head and stared silently into the fire, glad to be able to feel its warmth.
May-Jewel gave a heavy sigh. “I have another depressing thought. Alex admitted to being in the States and Garth came here from India. If poisons can be gotten that easily from either place, then either one can be guilty of murder.”
“Yes, but not both of them. I really wouldn’t like to think that it was either of the men. I was thinking it had to be Selina.” Katherine spoke in a nervous tone. “Let’s not talk about it anymore or I’ll never get to sleep. As it is I’ll never be able to close my eyes tonight without seeing Charles’ face before me.”
“Me neither. It was just so…” but seeing Katherine’s strained face, May-Jewel decided not to finish that sentence.
Too tense to sleep and needing something else
