The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy

The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy by Regina Jeffers Page A

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Authors: Regina Jeffers
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as the man spit out half truths. Darcy grimaced as he heaved a sigh. “I made a poor assumption. Please continue.”
    Gry apparently enjoyed having the upper hand. He smiled easily. “Besnik had met the men when several gadje came to our camp to play cards and to have their fortunes told. They offered my brother promises of barvalimos, with claims that if he aided them in opening Mr. Samuel’s gravesite, they would share with him the riches they would find. If I had known, I would have forbidden Besnik’s participation. My brother held dreams of a new wagon and team for his wife and child.”
    Darcy stared at the man in disbelief. It seemed a shame for a man to lose his life for something so trivial. Darcy imagined Besnik’s wife and child would prefer the Rom’s return to a new wagon. “What would make your brother and the others believe that my cousin would be buried with some sort of treasure?”
    â€œIt was common knowledge, Mr. Darcy, that Mr. Samuel had recently acquired what the late Mr. Darcy referred to as his ‘most amazing find.’ In Dorset, men and women are known to take their talismans to their graves. Besides, a sennight following your cousin’s untimely death, someone thought to illegally enter Woodvine Hall.”
    Darcy refused to reveal any hint of his concern. “Was no one charged in that matter?”
    â€œI assume Mr. Stowbridge thought the act occurred at my family’s hand. Fortunately, Mrs. Ridgeway caught a glimpse of the intruder. She explained that the man was fair of head. And, of course, no one of that description lives among my people.”
    â€œNo one but yourself,” Darcy noted suspiciously.
    A grim expression closed over Gry’s countenance. “True, Mr. Darcy, but Mrs. Ridgeway assured the squire that I was much too tall to fit her description.”
    Darcy gave a slow shake of his head. “Was no one else questioned?” he asked warily.
    Gry’s eyes narrowed. “Even when the evidence says otherwise, a Rom is always the most likely culprit.”
    Darcy was more inclined to practice caution, especially when this interview brought more questions than answers. Needing to speak to his wife regarding these developments, he moved to end the conversation. “Is there anything else of which I should be made aware, Gry?”
    â€œOnly that my brother would never touch a dead man’s body.”
    Darcy flicked a brow upward. “And how can you be so certain? Often, the temptation of great riches has men acting unconventionally.”
    Gry shifted his weight. As if sharing a secret, he leaned forward for a second time. “The Roma, Mr. Darcy, have a deepset respect for both God’s, or Del’s, power and of Beng’s evil intentions. My brother would fear that by opening the box he would unleash ills upon the world.”
    â€œPandora’s box?” Darcy murmured.
    â€œExactly, Mr. Darcy. Besnik, like most Roma, believe in predestination. My brother had asked Tshilaba to read his fortune prior to his departure. Nothing in the cards foretold of this tragedy.” Gry stood slowly, and Darcy followed him to his feet. “I know my brother, Mr. Darcy. For money, he might dig a grave, but for no amount would he despoil a man’s body.”
    Darcy accepted the man’s assurance with a nod of his head. “May I call upon you if I have additional questions?”
    Gry turned toward the door. “Perhaps it is best if you send word, and I will join you as I did today. Most of my family remains more suspicious than ever.”
    â€œWhy not leave the area?” Darcy asked curiously.
    â€œIt is what is expected of a man who feels guilt. As I do not, I choose to remain; at least, until the May Day celebration.”
    Darcy motioned a footman forward. To Gry, he said, “If I learn of anything of importance, I will make it known to you.” To the servant, he said,

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