The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy Read Online Free Page A

with those who annually visit Derby is the Roma live by a different code.” Mr. Stalling must have considered the possible threat, for the horses’ speed increased. “I wonder how long this particular group has been in the area.” Darcy turned to see the men standing in the road as the carriage maneuvered its way around a curve at a quickened pace.
    Elizabeth caught the strap to steady herself. She said intuitively, “What you are asking, my husband, is whether the gypsies could have played a part in your cousin’s death.”

Chapter 2
    â€œMr. Darcy.” A smiling, elderly man entered the room, his hand extended in greeting. “I am very pleased to have your acquaintance, Sir. Over the years and on multiple occasions, your cousin has sung your praises.”
    Darcy accepted the man’s hand. Directing Stowbridge’s attention to Elizabeth, he said, “Permit me to present my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”
    Stowbridge executed a correct bow. “Ah, Mrs. Darcy, I cannot begin to speak of Samuel Darcy’s elation with the news of your marriage to George Darcy’s son. Samuel predicted that you would be quite beautiful—said a Darcy man recognizes a woman worthy of his attentions. I have always been of the persuasion that a man requires a beautiful bauble on his arm.” Darcy felt Elizabeth’s body stiffen with the condescending remark, and he cupped her hand with his free one to warn away her expected protest. Unaware of his affront, Stowbridge gestured to nearby chairs before continuing, “Listen to me, speaking so familiarly. It is only from the purest excitement at having your acquaintance. I am only sorry our dear Samuel could not celebrate with us.” The man turned to Darcy. “Were you aware that Samuel had planned to journey to your home in Derbyshire? In June, your cousin had said of late.”
    Darcy assisted Elizabeth to her seat. “I have not heard from Cousin Samuel since he sent his congratulations on my joining with Mrs. Darcy.” Darcy sat beside his wife on a narrow settee. He studied Stowbridge as the man rang for tea before joining them. The man had dark skin and eyes and was likely of European heritage, perhaps sixty years of age. Louis Stowbridge’s wrinkles did nothing to dampen the animation crossing the man’s countenance. Yet, despite Stowbridge’s apparent joviality, the squire had yet to meet Darcy’s eyes, a fact that caused Darcy instinctively to question the man’s honesty. Looking a man in the eyes was a defining characteristic, the importance of which Darcy’s father had drummed into his son’s head. George Darcy had been quick to point out the necessity of doing so, especially when conducting business. Brushed to a fine gloss, the man’s hair was thinning and peppered with gray, but by all appearances Stowbridge was a fit gentleman. Darcy continued, “Mrs. Darcy and I called at Samuel’s home to inform the staff of our arrival in Wimborne. Mrs. Ridgeway suggested that we seek your knowledge of the events leading up to and those following Cousin Samuel’s death.”
    Immediately, the benevolent smile disappeared from the squire’s lips. “That old tabby,” Stowbridge grumbled. “The lady does not know her place. She should have stood solidly by her husband rather than seeking her independence. Samuel should have pensioned off the woman years ago.” Darcy thought it odd that the man spoke so bluntly about Samuel’s housekeeper. Darcy was not privy to the woman’s history, but he understood her to be a widow, which caused him to question what the magistrate meant by the lady standing “solidly beside her husband.” Perhaps the woman and the late Mr. Ridgeway had gone their separate ways long before the man’s passing. Such circumstances were commonplace among the aristocracy. Why should such difficulties not be so for the working