Page 62 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)

“So we have observed,” Mr. Hargreaves concurred. “Which makes it all the more notable that we have found no trace of arsenic or any other poison in the house thus far.”

Darcy’s eyebrows rose slightly. “You expected to find such substances here?”

“In most households of this size, some form of arsenic is commonly kept for pest control,” the magistrate explained. “Rat poison, fly papers, certain powders for insects. Yet your housekeeper informs us that you use alternative methods.”

“When I became mistress of Darcy House, I reviewed all household practices,” Elizabeth confirmed. “Having read of the dangers posed by arsenical compounds, particularly to children and pets, I instructed that safer alternatives be found.”

The magistrate made a notation in his book. “A commendable practice, Mrs. Darcy, though it makes our current investigation more complex. It suggests the poison was brought into the house rather than sourced from within.”

Elizabeth felt the implications settle heavily upon her. “By a guest, you mean.”

“Or a servant with outside connections,” Mr. Hargreaves added neutrally. “We are questioning the staff thoroughly, but thus far, all appear above suspicion.”

They proceeded to the kitchen, where a similar scene unfolded.

Despite careful examination of every jar, canister, and drawer, the investigators found nothing suspicious.

Cook stood by, her arms folded defensively across her ample bosom, her expression a mixture of indignation and distress as strangers invaded her domain.

“Nothing here either,” the chief constable reported to Mr. Hargreaves. “Every foodstuff appears proper and safely stored.”

“As I assured you it would be,” Cook interjected, unable to remain silent any longer. “Thirty years I’ve served the Darcy family, and never has there been so much as a speck of dirt in my kitchen, let alone poison!”

“No one suggests otherwise, Mrs. Porter,” Darcy said soothingly. “The examination is a necessary formality.”

The search continued throughout the morning, extending to the servants’ quarters, the cellar, and even the stables.

Elizabeth accompanied the investigators to several locations, partly to provide reassurance to the staff and partly to observe the proceedings herself.

Everywhere, the pattern was the same: meticulous inspection yielded nothing suspicious.

By early afternoon, Mr. Hargreaves requested a private audience with Elizabeth and Darcy in the study. His expression was grave as he settled into the offered chair.

“I must inform you that our search has been, thus far, unsuccessful in locating any source of the poison within your household,” he began. “While this exonerates your staff to some degree, it complicates our investigation considerably.”

“How so?” Darcy inquired, seated behind his desk with Elizabeth beside him.

“It suggests premeditation of a most calculated nature,” the magistrate explained. “The poison was deliberately brought into this house, administered with precision, and the container removed afterward. This was no crime of opportunity or momentary passion, but a coldly executed murder.”

Elizabeth suppressed a shiver at this assessment. “Do you have any suspects?”

Mr. Hargreaves hesitated. “Several lines of inquiry are being pursued. Lady Catherine was a woman of strong opinions who did not hesitate to make enemies. However...” He paused, choosing his words with care.

“The connection to Lord Joseph’s death cannot be ignored.

Two victims, poisoned in identical fashion, in the same house, suggests a common factor.

Which brings me to a formal request.” He straightened in his chair.

“I must ask that you and Mrs. Darcy, as well as your household, remain in London for the duration of the investigation. No member of the family or staff should leave the city without prior notification to my office.”

Though Elizabeth had anticipated this request, hearing it stated so officially underscored the gravity of their situation. They were not merely witnesses to a tragedy; they were central to an investigation of the most serious nature.

“Of course,” Darcy agreed without hesitation. “We had no intention of departing under such circumstances.”

“We wish to see justice done,” Elizabeth added firmly. “Whatever assistance we can provide is yours.”

The magistrate nodded, appearing satisfied with their response.

“Thank you. I should inform you that I have made a similar request of all guests who were present last night. Including, of course, Miss de Bourgh; though naturally she will need to make arrangements for her mother’s funeral.

I understand Rosings is but twenty miles from London? ”

“Yes,” Darcy agreed. “You will permit my uncle and myself to attend the funeral?”

“Naturally,” Mr. Hargreaves said, “though I must ask you both to return to London immediately the business is concluded.”

After Mr. Hargreaves departed, Elizabeth remained seated beside Darcy’s desk, both of them silent as they absorbed the implications of the morning’s events. The search had yielded nothing, yet they were confined to London, their movements restricted, their household under scrutiny.

“I find myself wondering,” Elizabeth said at last, “whether we are being protected or investigated.”

Darcy reached across the desk to take her hand. “Perhaps both. Until the culprit is identified, everyone who was present must be considered.”

“Including us,” Elizabeth acknowledged softly.

“Yes.” Darcy’s grip tightened slightly. “But we know our innocence, and we will cooperate fully until the truth emerges. Whoever has brought this darkness into our home will be discovered, Elizabeth. I promise you that.”

Elizabeth nodded, drawing strength from his certainty though her own thoughts remained troubled.

Somewhere among their acquaintance moved a person capable of calculated murder, someone who had sat at their table, accepted their hospitality, and repaid it with death.

That knowledge changed everything, casting shadows over relationships she had previously accepted without question.

As she rose to check on Anne and Georgiana, Elizabeth found herself observing the familiar corridors of Darcy House with new eyes, alert to dangers that might still lurk within what should have been their sanctuary.