Fencing for Ladies (The Archer Family Regency Romances #5) by Amy Corwin

sent that note to Grantham to arrange a meeting with him.
    “It certainly appears, sir, as if the poor man got that note all unsuspecting and met someone in that office,” Constable Cooke interjected his opinion, watching Olivia all the while with a knowing grin. “He must have forgot himself, them being alone and all. And that unknown person hit him on the head with that marble statue. And when she saw what happened, she shoved him into that cupboard, along with the weapon, before she was interrupted by her brother. Or some such.” He rocked back on his heels and then forward again to his toes, hands clasped behind his back. “And she never noticed she left her shoeprints in his blood, fresh blood, mind you, as was still flowing as it were. Or that her note was still in his pocket.”
    “Thank you, Constable Cooke,” Mr. Greenfield said, never glancing at his associate. “The circumstances are indeed clear to see. Now, the note, Lady Olivia? Have you an explanation?”
    “I cannot enlighten you, Mr. Greenfield,” she replied coolly. “I imagine anyone could have picked it up from my desk after I wrote it Monday morning.” She smiled at him. “It complicates matters, of course, and inquiries will have to be made. I am sorry I can’t offer more assistance.”
    “Did you have a great many visitors Monday and Tuesday, Lady Olivia?” Mr. Greenfield persisted.
    “There are always a great many visitors when we are in town, Mr. Greenfield. You might ask our butler, Latimore, for a list. If he remembers.”
    “How many guests would you have entertained those days?” Once again, Mr. Greenfield seemed intent on maneuvering her into a corner.
    She lifted one hand in a vague gesture. “A few, certainly. We generally use this drawing room. However, anyone may have come up here — visitors often enjoy coming up to the second floor to admire the paintings along the gallery, even briefly while waiting to be announced. Anyone could have come in here and seen the note. I am afraid it may not be easy to trace the path that missive took on its way to Mr. Grantham’s pocket.”
    Mr. Greenfield studied her for a minute before opening his little book to write something in pencil on one of the pages. “Did any of your visitors have any reason to harm Mr. Grantham?”
    “I am unware of any reason to harm Mr. Grantham. None of us argued with him. He has long been a friend of our family,” she stated firmly, feeling more confident. They couldn’t possibly think she had a reason to murder such an old and dear friend. The idea was ludicrous, and once they interviewed other members of the family and servants, they would understand just how ridiculous their suspicions were.
    At least, she hoped so.
    Her thoughts fluttered around the image of Mr. Underwood again. Apparently, he’d had reason to be upset with Mr. Grantham. Had Edward already spoken to Mr. Greenfield about it? Should she say anything?
    No. Best to let her brother handle that matter. She didn’t know the context or content of the discussion between Mr. Underwood and Edward, so she couldn’t really give them a full report, only her impressions.
    Mr. Greenfield’s thoughtful expression suggested he was unconvinced. “You had no argument with him?”
    “No,” Olivia replied impatiently. “As I stated, I had absolutely no reason to wish him ill. No one in this family had any reason to have wanted such a terrible thing to befall him.” She stood. When Lord Milbourn followed suit, she nodded at the corner of the room. “Would you be so good as to ring for Latimore, Lord Milbourn? I believe we have answered all of Mr. Greenfield’s questions, have we not?” She stared at him, daring him to disagree.
    “Very good, my lady.” Mr. Greenfield tucked his notebook back into his pocket and bowed. “Any additional information we require may be obtained at the inquest. Thank you for your patience with us, Lady Olivia. We are in your debt.” He bowed again and began the