Page 143 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

Levi’s eyes narrowed. “It will already be in motion by the time he’s released from prison.”

“You are assuming we’re going to uncover the identity of Miss Drummond’s killer.” Roxburghe led them into the ballroom, where a small group of people gathered in the far corner.

“How long must we be held captive, Mr. Hughes?” Mrs. Creasey’s irritation rolled toward them.

“Until I confirm your daughter didn’t push Miss Drummond over the banister,” Mr. Hughes snapped, rubbing his creased forehead.

“That’s the issue,” Mr. Venning said, keeping his voice soft. “It’s impossible to match the lace to the gown as all three young ladies used the same modiste.”

Miss Braddock glanced at Levi, her eyes lighting. “I may have a solution. Announce that a ledger recording the money Miss Drummond received in exchange for silence was discovered in her chamber and that we’re going to decipher the scribbles in the study. Whoever attempts to stop us will be the killer.”

“And if nobody does?” Mr. Venning asked, stepping in front of Levi and stopping them halfway across the floor. “This crime cannot remain a mystery.”

“Have you an alternate idea?” Levi asked, his empathy for Mr. Venning’s situation spiking.

“I suppose not.” Mr. Venning sighed, straightened his jacket, then strode with purpose toward the small group, announcing, “We’ve discovered new evidence.”

Face pinching, Mr. Hughes pushed through the people surrounding him and met Mr. Venning before he reached the corner of the ballroom. “What did you find?”

“A ledger,” Mr. Venning boomed, “in my niece’s hand, filled with names, dates, and amounts of money received, was uncovered in her chamber by my daughter.”

Mr. Hughes’ face remained neutral. “Do any of the ladies’ names behind me appear?”

“We need time to interpret Miss Drummond’s notes,” Mr. Venning replied, glancing at Levi. “Arabella couldn’t understand what was written.”

He’d said that to protect his daughter, a strategic move Levi wholly understood because if the ruse didn’t work, Miss Venning might become the killer’s next victim.

“Show me this book,” Mr. Hughes said, pointing toward the exit. “We’ll look it over in your study.”

He and Mr. Venning departed the ballroom, with Mr. Venning leaning in and murmuring low phrases as they exited through the doorway.

Mrs. Creasey released a dramatic sigh. “Thankfully, this ordeal will soon be over.”

“Are you certain Miss Creasey’s name isn’t written?” Mrs. Wilmington asked, her arm wrapped around her daughter’s shoulders.

Eyes narrowing, Mrs. Creasey stepped forward. “And you’re wholly certain that Miss Wilmington’s name doesn’t appear?”

“Of course,” Mrs. Wilmington said, tightening her hold. “Caroline has no secrets.”

Mrs. Creasey snorted. “All ladies possess secrets.”

“Miss Braddock?” Miss Sinclair’s soft voice startled both Miss Braddock and Levi, who hadn’t noticed her silent approach. “May I have a word with you?”

“Certainly.” Miss Braddock strayed a few steps away from him, hovering just outside his reach.

Chewing on her lip, Miss Sinclair nodded toward Levi. “I’d like the Duke of Lennox to hear my confession as well.”

“What did you do?” breathed Miss Braddock, her eyes rounding.

“You know that my mother disapproved of our connection,” Miss Sinclair said, winding her fingers into knots. “A sentiment she shared with Miss Drummond and Miss Venning when they called upon us the day the first article was published about you.”

Realization crossed Miss Braddock’s face, and she reached out, placing a hand on Miss Sinclair’s trembling shoulder. “Did Miss Drummond inform your mother that you’d visited me?”

Miss Sinclair nodded. “She’d seen me at the game night and, while my mother and Miss Venning were occupied, requested a large sum of money for her silence.”

“Did you pay her?” Levi asked, his gaze sliding over a discolored portion of Miss Sinclair’s face.

“I did.” Her gaze met his. “My mother doesn’t believe in mercy for transgressions.”