A Death in the Wedding Party (24 page)

‘Moreover, as all those involved are present here, I think it is time to announce some changes. Euphemia St John, I hereby give you notice that your services are no longer required. I will not have my household disrupted by your foolish and headstrong ideas any longer. Any foolish attempts to spread rumours about myself or my family will be met with my word of the unsavouriness of your character and your propensity to throw yourself at the men around you.’ Any case that I might have made was somewhat undermined by both Bertram and Rory shouting in my defence.

‘Merry,’ said Richard, raising his voice about theirs, ‘as chief maid, will suffice to head the female staff as I am shutting up Stapleford Hall to be in town, while Rory is lent to the Earl to head up his staff.’

‘You never said I was to replace Euphemia,’ wailed Merry. ‘You only said I would be head maid.’

‘As my brother currently does not have a household, his property, as I understand it, being mostly under the Fens, you are now a person of no abode and no position, Euphemia, and as such I must ask you to vacate this house.’

I felt nothing; no anger, only shock that it would end this way with Richard winning. I had no doubt in my mind that he had killed Lady Stapleford and arranged Tipton’s so-called suicide. As I looked into his eyes, I shivered: here was a man who was getting a liking for killing. But who would ever believe me?

‘Of course, anyone who continues to associate with Euphemia will have no place on my staff or in my home.’ He came towards his sister. ‘I am planning on hiring a place in the city for a while. There, my dear sister, I hope you will be able to forget this sordid episode and move on with your life.’

‘That’s what is to happen to me, is it?’ said Richenda. ‘You’ve decided none of us will stay at Stapleford Hall – you’ve decided … ‘She inhaled deeply, gritted her teeth, and said, ‘Can you get it through your thick head, Richard, that you do not control either Bertram or me. We have every right to stay at the Hall if we wish.’

Bertram, who had been standing with his mouth hanging open, rather like a fish that has just been told fishermen exist, said, ‘I don’t want to be there.’

‘Yes, I imagine I have just rid the place of one of its primary attractions for you,’ sneered Richard.

‘Richard,’ said Richenda, and this time her voice snapped like a whip, ‘do not think for one moment I believe any of the lies you have told here. As for throwing Euphemia out, let me tell you: she has a new position with me. She will be my companion.’

‘What do you need one of them for?’ laughed Richard.

‘Because,’ said Richenda, ‘I am going to stay with the Muller family while I recover from this tragedy. You remember the Mullers? Your main banking rivals? This is my little birthday present to myself. Had you forgotten, dear brother, it’s our birthday today, and while I may have no husband I finally have my inheritance. Come, Euphemia! We have much to discuss!’

Bertram was still speechless. Rory couldn’t look me in the eye and Merry was crying silently. Richard had done his best to strip me of my allies, and in so doing had made me his sister’s best weapon. I trusted Richenda no further than I could throw her (which wouldn’t be very far, as I have said she is rather a large lady), but now she was all that stood between my family and my destitution. With tears in my eyes, I took one final look at my old friends, standing powerless before my worst enemy, and then I turned and followed Richenda silently from the room.

I did not look back.

Epilogue

I know that in my writings I have often amused my readers both intentionally and unintentionally. I feel guilty for ending this story on such a sour note, but it was a terrible time in my life and the effects of these murders changed many lives. However, it is not the end of my story nor the end of my fight. You can read about my next adventure ….

NOT THE END …

The Euphemia Martin Mysteries
by Caroline Dunford